6A Rd 2 Primer: Storylines to watch in Quadrant 3

Round 1 & the season gave us answers, but it also created questions as the 6A bracket tightens. In Quadrant 3, matchups get tougher, rotations shrink, and stars are expected to rise. Here's what I'm watching closely, and who could swing momentum heading into Round 2. Here's a breakdown of Quadrant 3.     Use code dev30 for 30% off and secure access as we're finally in the postseason, so you don't miss any of our scouting.    Ralston Valley/Heritage   [player_tooltip player_id='2532277' first='Quentin' last='Hansen'], the difference maker   Hansen allows versatility and is a breath of fresh air for this Ralston Valley team. He's who brings the ball up the court, he gets them in their sets, and he's able to break the press. He is always under control and is a poised guard who finds teammates, he settles them down, and can be relied upon. This was a season where he kept the team connected and added to his game. He finished 3's, put the ball on the floor and an underrated aspect of his game is his progress as an entry passer, which every team needs. He's the difference-maker for the team. I expect that to continue.    Is [player_tooltip player_id='2496100' first='Cruz' last='Johnson'] better than we think?    It sure seems like it. He's been a spark plug for Heritage with great energy; he's a microwave scorer and rebounds well for his size. Cruz is putting up 7.9 points and 5.7 rebounds a game for the season. He's had some ups and downs with his scoring, but right now he's found other ways to be impactful. He crashes the boards and resets the offense, he sets hard screens and rolls, and he works hard off-ball to free himself. He's an unselfish player who is the team's playmaker at times, and he allows the team to be creative in how they use him. He's a player we're excited to see more of, and Heritage hopes he has his best game of the season.    Denver South/Regis Jesuit    [player_tooltip player_id='2827680' first='Isaiah' last='Clark'] the X Factor   Clark is a player who was the starter for the season, but is now coming off of the bench. With that, it is about creating a spark, impacting the game as soon as he gets in, and with him, there is the upside. He's been there, he's a senior, and he has had moments of being the guy. It will be important for him to be able to score and hold his own defensively. How South battles against Fiedler is going to be important, but just as important is whether they can keep up. The pace will be pushed, each possession matters, and they will need a veteran presence to settle them down. Clark can be that, so I believe he will play an important role.    [player_tooltip player_id='2403248' first='Michael' last='Price'] has arrived    Junior guard, [player_tooltip player_id='2403248' first='Michael' last='Price'], made his return to start out the new year, and he's undoubtedly been Regis's 2nd best player and a welcome addition. Plenty of attention will go to Eric Fielder and for good reason. Regis is not a team that I would want to start my playoff run against, but with Price playing how he has been, I surely wouldn't. He's averaging 9.4 points a game on the season and has been strong as a rebounder as well at 4.5 boards a game. More importantly, he has the trust of teammates and takes the shots he wants, which alleviates pressure. In February, he's upped his scoring and is putting up 12.5 points a game, looks more assertive and will have a size advantage as well. If he's able to continue his strong play, he can be a reason that Regis advances. This will be a fun one!    Horizon/Columbine    [player_tooltip player_id='2048130' first='Boaz' last='Wisne'] will be tested    This is Wisne's moment to make a name for himself. He's already regarded as one of the best players in the class and has been one of the most complete players in the state on the season. He's averaging 15.3 points and 6.5 boards a game.  He checks off plenty of boxes as a go-to scorer, a solid rebounder, and he brings up the ball and gets to his spots. He's very decisive as a playmaker and makes this Horizon team as dynamic as they are, and now he gets to prove himself against one of the other best duos in the state. His work defensively will be on full display as he'll be up against two other wings who checks off all of those same boxes and match him in size. He'll have to step up to the challenge and be even more locked in, elevate his game defensively, and show just how elite of a player he is. I cannot wait for this game!    Who else steps up?   Everyone knows what you'll get out of this one. Plenty of the Boykins brothers and they will determine if Columbine can pull off the upset. But, as we know, upsets are where legends are born. The game plan will be simple: to slow down Cash and Dyson.  But can another player get hot as well? [player_tooltip player_id='3483025' first='Quinn' last='Mooney'] has to be the guy who steps up. He'll be able to be a secret weapon as he's been all season long, but that is where he hurts teams. He's been overlooked in the scouting report and has been impactful as a guy who battles on the glass, takes on the challenge defensively, and stars in his role. A big game by him could take Horizon by surprise and could be the difference in the season continuing.    GW/Doherty   Can [player_tooltip player_id='3525496' first='Dorian' last='Johanson'] continue his hot streak?    Johanson is a freshman guard who plays with control, a change of pace, and spaces the floor with his 3-point shooting. He's shooting over 40% from beyond the arc, spaces the floor with his gravity, but also puts the ball on the floor and is decisive. This season will only make him better, and Doherty has some very solid young guards. They're up against a GW team that has been shaky at times, and aggressive guard play has been their kryptonite. If Johanson can knock down his 3-pointers, take care of the ball, and be a defensive menace, he can be the X-factor in this game. Doherty has a chance if he shows out.

Round 1 & the season gave us answers, but it also created questions as the 6A bracket tightens. In Quadrant 3, matchups get tougher, rotations shrink, and stars are expected to rise. Here's what I'm watching closely, and who could swing momentum heading into Round 2. Here's a breakdown of Quadrant 3.