5A Playoffs: Thriller Loading, Olympus vs. Springville

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The anticipation is high as Olympus and Springville prepare to square off in a crucial 5A playoff matchup. Their previous encounter, a New Year's Eve thriller, saw Olympus emerge victorious with a nail-biting 72-69 win. A remarkable 26-point fourth-quarter surge sealed the deal for Olympus. However, much has likely changed since then. Individual player performances, team strategies, and overall team chemistry could have all evolved. Key players to watch will be those who have stepped up their games, demonstrating improved skills and leadership. This game promises to be an exciting showdown, full of intriguing storylines and potential upsets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who is Playing Well</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1278439"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699c7d7031f2c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sondrup has shown impressive form recently, with only one instance of single-digit scoring in his recent performances. His presence in double figures will be crucial. Given his significant height advantage, he has the potential to deliver a double-double, and such a performance would be crucial if he aims to make a significant contribution to his team's success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1278502"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699c7d7031f8f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1278502' first='Gavin' last='Lowe'] consistently elevates his game in high-stakes situations. In their previous matchup, he exploded for 32 points, displaying exceptional all-around performance. He remains a force defensively, grabbing rebounds, and his relentless energy is unmatched. Anticipate another strong performance, with a 20+ point outing likely as he helps the Titans maintain their competitive edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who Will Need to Step Up</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1724356' first='Davian' last='Lazarus'], Olympus</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1724356' first='Davian' last='Lazarus'] from Olympus possesses the length and versatility to be a valuable player in this game. His quickness allows him to get past defenders off the dribble, and his shooting ability makes him a dangerous pick-and-pop threat, helping to open up the floor. If Lazarus can manage his fouls effectively and contribute as a floor spacer and rebounder, he could be the key player to step up and make a difference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1724426' first='Swift' last='Hall'], Springville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hall was a game-changer in the first matchup, and if he can replicate that performance, he'll significantly boost his team's chances of advancing. A skilled and explosive scorer, Hall possesses the ability to take over games. In the previous encounter, he tallied 23 points. If he can find his range from beyond the arc, he will be incredibly difficult to contain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Impact Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2400690' first='Sam' last='Nadauld'], Springville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2400690' first='Sam' last='Nadauld'] is a valuable offensive player for Springville. He excels as a ball mover, adept at finding open teammates. However, he also possesses the ability to step up in crucial moments, showcasing his clutch shooting skills from beyond the arc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2978706' first='Oliver' last='Clarke'], Olympus</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2978706' first='Oliver' last='Clarke'] brings a significant presence to the court, especially when facing top-tier big men. His 6'7" frame provides a valuable advantage. If Clarke can maintain a strong presence inside, alter shots, and effectively rebound, he will become another crucial piece for Olympus, significantly contributing to their chances of winning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Changers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1278449' first='Mason' last='Hansen'], Springville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hansen was impressive in the first game, scoring 28 points. Frankly, Hansen has been impressive all year long. In six of his last seven games, he has averaged over 20 points per game, and that's what they will need from him in this game, along with some key stops and rebounds. If Hansen can play his game they will be tough to beat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1278511' first='Adam' last='Bywater'], Olympus</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1278511' first='Adam' last='Bywater'] embodies a selfless role player, prioritizing defense, rebounding, and facilitating the offense over personal scoring. If he can execute this role effectively and provide solid defense, he will give Olympus another significant size presence to utilize against Springville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While this game is being played on a neutral court, Olympus has a lot of experience playing there. This game is still a 50/50 split. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->