6A Round 2: Storylines to watch in Quadrant 1

Round 1 & the season gave us answers, but it also created questions as the 6A bracket tightens. In Quadrant 1, 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 1.   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.   Chaparral/Fairview    Will [player_tooltip player_id='2388656' first='Ty' last='Weber'] be a core piece?    Chaparral is the No.1 team in the state, and what you see is what you get. They're the most complete team in the state with a core that gives them a chance. But they will need a bit more than that to spell those moments when their core is not on the floor. Pencil in [player_tooltip player_id='2388656' first='Ty' last='Weber']. He's been a low-maintenance, high-impact player who you throw out there, and he can make his mark in games because you know what you're getting out of him. He takes care of the ball, he takes open shots and shots he needs to take, he isn't signed out and hunted on defense, and he knows who he is at the end of the day. That goes a long way for a young player trying to find his way. It's not about the stats, but can he be trusted in the pressure cooker, and I feel like the answer is yes when it comes to [player_tooltip player_id='2388656' first='Ty' last='Weber']. The 2029 freshman should get some minutes in this game, and I bet that they keep a lead with him playing that way. That matters.   Is Luke Mangine underrated?    Simple answer: yes. Mangine hasn't been ranked despite being a piece to the Knights for the past two seasons. This year, he's been the team's 2nd best scorer. Mangine is averaging 9.2 points a game and scored double-digits in 5 of the 6 games in February. He's shot the ball well from deep as of late, has attacked the rim and got to the FT line, and is a player who excels both on and off-ball. Mangine has turned heads this season and has been part of the scouting report, and against the No.1 team in the state will have to play his best game of his career of they have a chance. Regardless, big season for him where he showed that he belongs.   Brighton/Chatfield    For Brighton    Who else steps up?    Brighton has a 22-1 record and comes in as the 16th seed. This will be about proving a point, and they're up against a talented Chatfield team that has moments that look unstoppable, and others where they've not played with the same intensity. The game plan is simple: slow down [player_tooltip player_id='2048128' first='Aiden' last='Wanrow'], who is averaging a double-double of 19.9 points and 11.7 rebounds a game. He's been in a groove and scoring with ease and a force down low.   [player_tooltip player_id='1799814' first='Austin' last='Sickler'] is a player who we expected to step up this year, as he had a monster year but what he's done is so underrated. The dual sport athlete is averaging 17.3 points again for the 2nd straight season and contributing in various ways. He's up to 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists a game and will be the X-factor who could be the difference in the game.   For Chatfield    Get out and running   Chatfield is an offensive team that overwhelms opposing teams with their pace. They're one of the highest scoring teams in the state, and in games where they were able to score 65 points or more, they only have one loss. They have a two-headed monster of [player_tooltip player_id='2893628' first='Nolan' last='Feddersen'] (17.2 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2506168' first='London' last='Bright'] (12.5 ppg), and they will desperately need both of those prospects to be able to score it. But also It will be on X-factors, Taylor Strange, who had 22 points in his last outing, and sophomore standout Brigham Jones, who had 14 points in his last outing. Those will be the players who have to up their game for Chatfield to get the win.   Mountain Vista/Broomfield   Can [player_tooltip player_id='2506227' first='Ryan' last='Vervaet'] be a playoff difference-maker?   All season long, Vervaet is a player who has stood out to me when watching this team, as he just offers something that they do not have. A pace changer who can control tempo, squeeze out of tight spots, and push the pace. He's done that all season long, as he's putting up 7 points a game as a secondary piece, but they're going to need him for those momentum plays. When they're in a tight half-court offense or the zone comes, they'll need someone to get into the teeth of the defense, shoot the ball when given an open look and can make a team pay, and I feel that Vervaet does that. He's a player who I feel gets a bit overlooked at times with his play, but he's a confident guard who gives them some flexibility, and they will look for that in this playoff push, as I feel they're the dark-horse team that has a real chance to win it all. Broomfield will have their hands full here.   How good is [player_tooltip player_id='3488457' first='Kolt' last='Smith']?   [player_tooltip player_id='3488457' first='Kolt' last='Smith'] has finally arrived on the scene and has turned heads. The junior do-it-all forward uses all of his 6'5 size and length and has been the biggest reason that Broomfield is at this point. He averaged 11 points and 5.8 rebounds a game and has really started to come into his own. He's been scoring in various ways; he gets downhill and finishes at the basket, and has a high IQ, which gets him better and smarter shots. His work on the boards lately is what separates him and what he will need to be in this game. He's going against arguably the top big man in the state; he will have to corral him and make life difficult for him while also getting his own. He's finally jumped onto our radar, and we hope to see more of him this summer and Fall, but right now, go and make a name for yourself.   Fruita Monument/Northfield    For Fruita Monument   Which [player_tooltip player_id='2772119' first='Josh' last='Huskey'] are we getting?   The gameplay is simple: stop [player_tooltip player_id='1622346' first='Judah' last='Michael']. He's a mean, green, scoring machine at 24 points a game. He has a patient game where he shoots the mid-range, has excellent footwork, and does not shy away from contact. So, will we get an aggressive [player_tooltip player_id='2772119' first='Josh' last='Huskey'] who takes on the defensive matchup? Huskey is putting up 11.8 points and 5.7 boards a game. He forces defenders into tough shots, he keeps plays alive with his efforts on the boards, and he competes. But he hasn't seen an opposing big man who is as skilled as him this season who scores it at this clip. He can take advantage of this matchup as a scorer, and he has to make life difficult.   For Northfield    [player_tooltip player_id='2048138' first='Evo' last='Montoya'] has to be assertive   We know what Michael will bring to the table, and we expect him to be ready to score it or go out with a bang. But if we get the Evo that we saw this summer and Fall, Northfield can get the upset. They're playing against a battle-tested squad that understands who they are and plays together. The guard matchup will tell the story, and it needs to be with Eva Montoya being more than his season averages. He can control the game more with the ball in his hands. He'll have to set the table and trust in teammates and pass them into the right situation. Evo has to take care of the ball while also looking like the 3rd best player on the floor. The entire season comes down to him. I'm expecting a big performance from him because his team will need it.

Round 1 & the season gave us answers, but it also created questions as the 6A bracket tightens. In Quadrant 1, 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 1.