5A 1st Round Shooters Ready To Take Off

The first round of the 2026 Colorado State Basketball Tournament tips off tomorrow, and the stakes are already sky high. In the 5A bracket, every possession matters, and a few standout players could be the difference between an early exit and a deep playoff run. From high flying forwards to sharpshooting guards, these are the athletes who can swing momentum, ignite their teams and carry them toward an unforgettable tournament run.   Pueblo Central vs Grand Junction Central    Pueblo Central will lean on Davis to lead the way inside in the first round. Averaging 15 points and 9.3 rebounds with nine double doubles this season, he's been a matchup nightmare on both ends of the floor. Capable of erupting for huge games he dropped a season high 32. Davis can dominate the paint, set the tone defensively, has a smooth jumpers and spark fast break opportunities. His physicality and skill force opponents to adjust, creating space for teammates. When he's rolling, Davis not only controls the boards but can completely swing momentum in Pueblo Central's favor     Grand Junction Central will look to Rooks to carry momentum in the first round. Averaging 13.8 points per game, he's been red hot lately, scoring 22 in each of his last two games. Quick and aggressive he attacks the rim with confidence and stretches defenses with his shooting. Rooks crashes the boards creating extra possessions and sparking fast break opportunities. His speed, confidence and all around impact make him a key player who can turn the tide for Grand Junction Central in a high stakes playoff matchup    Palmer vs Montbello    Palmer will rely on sophomore Phipps to lead the way in the playoffs. Averaging 11.8 points, he's a threat around the rim with his attacking style and ability to finish through contact. His quick release makes him tough to guard and as a high percentage three point shooter, he can stretch defenses and swing momentum in an instant. Young and hungry Phipps combines skill and confidence, giving Palmer a versatile scorer who can create his own shot and make big plays when it matters most     Palmer will lean on freshman Pecic, who has grown into a key contributor over the season. Averaging 11.5 points and reaching a season high 29, he's been playing some of his best basketball down the stretch. Confident and aggressive he isn't shy from deep, shooting an impressive 40% from beyond the arc. Pecic can score in multiple ways whether off the dribble, off screens or spotting up which makes him tough to guard. His poise and late season momentum give Palmer Ridge a reliable scoring threat who can shift the game and provide a spark in crucial moments     Montbello will look to freshman Whiteside as the engine that goes heading into the first round. Averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, he's the steady playmaker who controls tempo and keeps teammates involved. Consistently scoring in double figures, he can take over as needed or create easy looks for others. As the lead ball handler his decision making and poise under pressure will be critical. If he dictates pace and finds his rhythm early, Montbello becomes a tough out

The first round of the 2026 Colorado State Basketball Tournament tips off tomorrow, and the stakes are already sky high. In the 5A bracket, every possession matters, and a few standout players could be the difference between an early exit and a deep playoff run. From high flying forwards to sharpshooting guards, these are the athletes who can swing momentum, ignite their teams and carry them toward an unforgettable tournament run.