6A Round 1 Game Changers

Today, we're giving you the rundown on who to look out for in the first opening games of the playoffs. It's that time of year when greats are established, and players have the biggest opportunity to shine on the brightest stage. We'll be taking a closer look at clutch hoopers from a wide variety of 6A playoff teams built to withstand the toughest opponents. Let's talk about it.    [player_tooltip player_id='2395400' first='Faya' last='Tolno'] is a lockdown 2-way guard who takes immense pride in his perimeter defense. Leaking in between passing lanes while communicating hedges and screens coming his way, Tolno is constantly prepared for the moment, no matter how big or small it is. Being Centaurus's catalyst, Tolno's court vision and IQ make him a lethal threat with the rock, so stay tuned for the junior to take over. At 6'2, Tolno can attack any defender and bring his A game, which should be pivotal against tougher matchups for Centaurus.     [player_tooltip player_id='2506136' first='Devan' last='Kirchhevel']'s shot selection is implemented with great attention to detail, making him an all-around center to have on your roster. At 6'1, Kirchhevel has no problem shooting over defenders while boxing out opponents with ease inside the paint. Always looking to score, Kirchhevel's head is on a swivel, seeking out new opportunities to put the ball in the bucket. Earning a plethora of trips to the foul stripe, he fights hard for each point, which makes him that much more valuable in the playoffs for Legacy.     [player_tooltip player_id='2418574' first='Jake' last='Genschaw'] is a dominant 6'4 center who utilizes his physicality and footwork to have his way in the paint. A proven rebounder and lockdown defender, Genschaw's intensity makes him a legitimate threat at all times. What distinguishes Genschaw from other centers in the box state is his composure and ability to get his teammates involved with precision passing. A big man who can pass in invaluable in today's game, and I see this propelling Fairview quite far, not to mention Genschaw is a senior and looking to cap his high school career off with a state chip.     [player_tooltip player_id='2395587' first='Tyler' last='Firebaugh'] is a dynamic point guard who gets to his spot easily while creating space and separation from his defender from all three levels on the hardwood. At 5'9, Firebaugh's acceleration leaves his assignment searching for answers, attacking the paint with the rock in his hands. At the foul stripe, Firebaugh is as solid as it gets, having knocked down 75% of his looks in Erie's recent close loss against Brighton. If he can stream together momentum and continue letting it fly without hesitation, the junior is on track for an electric start to the playoffs.     Eli Tiatia-Lewis is a shifty 5'8 combo guard who facilitates opportunities within an effective Fountain-Fort Carson system where everybody gets a slice of success. Distributing the ball confidently and protecting the ball downhill, Tiatia-Lewis' unpredictability makes him a problem to guard. As a sophomore, his confidence has taken a massive leap, unafraid to pull the trigger from deep. Expect Tiatia-Lewis to make a strong first impression for the Trojans' playoff run.

Today, we're giving you the rundown on who to look out for in the first opening games of the playoffs. It's that time of year when greats are established, and players have the biggest opportunity to shine on the brightest stage. We'll be taking a closer look at clutch hoopers from a wide variety of 6A playoff teams built to withstand the toughest opponents. Let's talk about it.