Class 6A Semifinals: Underclassman who made giant leaps

With the championship in sight these six underclassman stole the show during the class 6A semifinal games Thursday at The Denver Coliseum. They continually made huge plays keeping their teams in the game, and in some cases putting them over the top for the victory.    You can really feel something special when Kris is on the court. He's been the spark off the bench for the Raptors all season and played an integral role in getting them to the championship game. He finished with the game with 17 points, but it's the little things he does that make him stand out. Kris is everywhere-on offense and defense, he's always in the right spot to make a play. His speed makes him a threat in the half-court set, but he's also dangerous attacking the basket in transition. What really stands out, though, is his defense. His footwork is on point, and he has a knack for reading the offensive player, always staying one step ahead to either make a play or keep the shooter in check.     Rooney does everything you want from your guard. His handles are solid when he's bringing the ball up, and he works hard to get open off the ball. He's got a great ability to create his own shot too. Hudson's got a quick first step that lets him blow by defenders and get to the basket. The thing that sets him apart and stands out the most about his game is the unselfishness Hudson plays with. While driving- he's always keeping his eyes up court looking to dish it out to a teammate for an easy shot. And when the time's right, he's not shy about finishing at the hoop himself.       Aidan is the perfect player to come off the bench- he's definitely gonna be a force in the starting lineup next season. He brings a ton of energy to the court, and it always feels like the ball just finds him when it's time to make a big play. He's got a real knack for scoring, dropping 5 quick points off the bench. His long arms help him work the inside out game on offense- and on defense he's always disrupting passing lanes. The biggest takeaway from watching him play is his ability to put himself in the right position on the court to be involved in the action.       It's pretty wild that Marceles is only a freshman. His performance was probably the most impressive of the day. His 6'5" frame allowed him to shine on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Duncan has great spacing on offense- gets open and makes big shots and plays. His size is special on defense- especially when he was guarding pick-and-rolls at the top of the key. Duncan has great positioning- his quick hands forced 3 turnovers, which led to 2 huge dunks. His full range of athleticism was on display when he threw those down. The thing that stands out the most is the trust his coaches and teammates put in him when he's on the court.       Weatherspoon is a classic combo guard that you love to watch. He can take the defender off the bounce and go both directions to the hoop to score. Archie runs the point effortlessly and flawlessly- when left with any separation, his quick release allows him to get his shot off before the defender can plant his feet. His ability to find open teammates makes him extremely dangerous- you never know if he's going to take the shot or pass it off. The most impressive thing about Archie is the way he handles the ball, mixed with vision allows him to always make the right play.       Stevens is exciting to watch for the pure joy of his motor and that he keeps moving all around the court. Grant's goes all out on both ends of the floor. He finds ways to run off screens and get open- his athleticism and speed allows him to create a play and go to the hole. His long arms also allow for him to get a shot off over the defender- while he has a quick release to do so. On defense his length helps him contest a shot or keep his opponent from driving around him. Grants game really shines as he is the glue that keeps his team together- that unselfishness player who does it all on both ends of the floor.

With the championship in sight these six underclassman stole the show during the class 6A semifinal games Thursday at The Denver Coliseum. They continually made huge plays keeping their teams in the game, and in some cases putting them over the top for the victory.