5A Players That Can Catch Fire In 1st Round Of Playoffs

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 County vs Aurora Central    Pueblo County goes as Kirkland goes. The senior leader has been phenomenal and has his fingerprints on every part of the game. Averaging 18.1 points per night, he sets the tone offensively, but it's everything else that makes him invaluable. He rebounds in traffic, facilitates for teammates and plays relentless on ball defense. His poise and experience steady the group in big moments, and if he controls the tempo, Pueblo County becomes a dangerous out in the postseason     Pueblo County will look to Morrisey to be a major X factor in the first round. Averaging 8.6 points per game, his impact goes beyond the numbers. As their three point specialist, he can flip momentum in a matter of possessions and force defenses to stretch. If opponents close out too hard, his quick first step allows him to attack off the bounce and create plays. In a playoff setting where every run matters, his shot making and spacing could be the difference     Aurora Central will lean heavily on Davis Jr. in Round 1. At 6'5”, he's been a matchup nightmare all season with his length and wingspan disrupting everything defensively. Averaging 14.1 points and 9.3 rebounds with 10 double digit rebounding games, he controls the glass and creates second chance opportunities. He runs the floor, plays above the rim, and brings energy that shifts momentum quickly. If he establishes himself early inside and in transition, Aurora Central becomes a tough team to knock out    Evergreen vs Mountain View    Evergreen has leaned on Spungin all season, and he's delivered in a big way. Averaging 16 points and 9.7 rebounds, he's a nightly double double threat who brings consistency every time he steps on the floor. His size and strength allow him to dominate inside, finishing through contact and owning the paint on both ends. If he controls the glass and establishes position early, Evergreen gains a physical edge that can wear opponents down over four quarters     Evergreen will rely heavily on McCanna and his 6'8” presence in the first round. Averaging 14.9 points and 9 rebounds per game, he gives them a steady interior force on both ends of the floor. His size creates matchup problems, whether he's finishing around the rim, cleaning up second chance opportunities or protecting the paint defensively. In playoff basketball where possessions matter, his rebounding and inside scoring can control tempo and give Evergreen a strong foundation to build on     Mountain View has ridden Tonniges all season, and for good reason. Averaging 20.1 points and 8.1 rebounds, he's the engine behind their success. A true three level scorer, he can hurt you from deep, in the mid range, or attacking the rim, forcing defenders to pick their poison. His ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor opens everything up for his teammates. If he finds an early rhythm, Mountain View becomes incredibly tough to contain

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.