Quadrant 3: 5A Round 2 Stars To Watch

The 5A playoffs resume Friday with the second round, and these teams are entering fresh off first round byes, rested and ready to make a statement. Everyone should be watching these standout players whose clutch performances can shift momentum in an instant. Here are the stars their teams will rely on to spark big runs, deliver in key moments and carry their squads all the way into the Sweet 16.   Grand Junction    Schmalz is vital to Grand Junction because he thrives in the little things that win games. He plays tough, physical defense, battles on the glass against bigger opponents and isn't afraid to step up and hit a crucial shot. Averaging 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds, he can also take over offensively when needed. Schmalz's grit, versatility and timely scoring make him a difference maker and a key piece to Grand Junction's postseason success    Longmont    Gaddis could be the spark that carries Longmont in the postseason. A key piece of the offense, his ball handling and big play ability give the team another dynamic option in crucial moments. While he averaged 7.3 points on the season, he's hitting his stride at the right time, scoring in double figures in three of the last four games. If Gaddis continues this surge, his confidence and playmaking could elevate Longmont when it matters most    Golden    Orser is the key for Golden. Averaging 15.3 points and 4.1 rebounds, he has a deep scoring arsenal and the ability to completely take over a game. He can blow by defenders off the dribble, finish at the rim, rise up for a tough fall away or bury a three from deep. Orser plays fast and electric, putting constant pressure on defenses. He also has double double potential, crashing the glass and cleaning up rebounds on both ends which could carry Golden far in the tournament    Rampart    Kirch has been the force behind Rampart all season, stuffing the stat sheet with 16.6 points, 4 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game. He truly does it all. A super smart player, Kirch never forces the action and he's quick, decisive and always under control. Coming off a season best 34 point performance, he's peaking at the right time. As a three level scorer, he demands attention on every possession and is a matchup problem teams must account for from start to finish    Lutheran    Speckman may be the most important player in this class for Lutheran. Since his return the team has gone 11-3, and he's been dominant in the paint. Averaging 18.9 points and 10.9 rebounds, Speckman is a double double machine who controls the game down low. He's coming off a monster 42 point, 20 rebound performance, showing just how unstoppable he can be. At 6'9”, his size and physical presence create major matchup problems that few playoff opponents can handle    Montrose    Oberg will be crucial to Montrose's success. The true freshman burst onto the scene with 10 straight double digit scoring games to start the season, immediately proving he belonged. Though he cooled off at times, he's heating back up, coming off an 18 point, 9 rebound performance. At 6'7”, Oberg is a massive interior presence who can alter possessions, control the glass and swing momentum in a hurry which is exactly what Montrose will need in the playoffs

The 5A playoffs resume Friday with the second round, and these teams are entering fresh off first round byes, rested and ready to make a statement. Everyone should be watching these standout players whose clutch performances can shift momentum in an instant. Here are the stars their teams will rely on to spark big runs, deliver in key moments and carry their squads all the way into the Sweet 16.