5A Players Ready To Take Over Round 1

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.   Discovery Canyon vs Glenwood Springs    Discovery Canyon's postseason hopes will lean heavily on Tarpenning. Their interior anchor averaged 12.4 points and a strong 11 rebounds per game, bringing double double energy every night. He's tough on the block, finishes through contact and battles for position on both ends. In playoff basketball where physicality rises, his rebounding and paint presence can control possessions and wear opponents down. If he establishes himself early inside, Discovery Canyon gains a steady force to build a potential run around     Parrington has been a steady force all season for Glenwood Springs as a sophomore, averaging 11.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He's found another level lately, scoring in double figures in 12 of their last 13 games. He pushes the pace, gets to his spots with confidence and keeps constant pressure on defenses. On the other end he cleans up the glass and limits second chances. His consistency and energy make him a key piece heading into the postseason    Pueblo East vs Dakota Ridge    Pueblo East has thrived behind Pecoraro and his all around production this season. The guard is averaging 11.3 points, 4.2 assists and 8.7 rebounds while consistently creating extra possessions with his 4.2 steals per game. His 12 double doubles highlight just how much he impacts the game on both ends. He fills the stat sheet, pushes the tempo and sets the tone with his energy. When he's attacking, facilitating and crashing the glass, Pueblo East becomes a much more dangerous team     Pueblo East will need Herring and his shooting to stay hot if they want to advance. Averaging 10.6 points per game, he's proven he can erupt, scoring 20 or more in two of their final three contests. Deadly from deep he stretches defenses and can flip momentum in a matter of minutes. He moves well without the ball, gets to his spots and thrives coming off screens. If he finds early rhythm, he can open everything up for Pueblo East     Dakota Ridge will look to Dixon to keep his scorching season rolling into the playoffs. Averaging 16.3 points and scoring in double figures in all but two games, he's been a model of consistency. He isn't shy about letting it fly from deep, and once he finds rhythm, he becomes an instant problem. As a true three level scorer, he gets to his spots, attacks closeouts and finishes at the rim. His confidence and shot making can completely shift momentum and put pressure on any defense

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.