Quadrant 4: 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.   Severence    Powell and his 18.5 points per game will be vital for Severance in the tournament's toughest quadrant. A consistent double digit scorer, he's a natural three level threat with excellent handles and advanced ball skills. Coming off a school record 41 point performance, he's proven he can take over against anyone. In the playoffs, his ability to create offense when possessions tighten up will be crucial. Powell's poise, shot making and decision making make him the player Severance will rely on to carry them through high pressure moments    Green Mountain    Mielenz will have to be at his best for Green Mountain to make a deep run. Averaging 23.8 points per game, he's a proven scorer who can flip the momentum of a game in a hurry. His smooth shooting stroke and ability to get to his spots make him dangerous from all three levels, and he's comfortable taking and making big shots. Just as important he plays under control, reads defenses well, and keeps teammates involved. In tight playoff games, that balance of scoring and poise will be everything    Mullen    Bonner has delivered a season for the ages at Mullen, pouring in 24 points and grabbing 14.5 rebounds per game while posting double doubles in 21 of 23 contests. His consistency is rare, and his impact is constant. Bonner's quickness and strong handle allow him to attack downhill and put defenders on their heels, and once he gets to his spots, he scores at will. He dominates the glass, creates second chance opportunities and controls the paint. Night after night, he sets the tone and overwhelms opponents with his physicality and skill which makes him an unstoppable force for Mullen in the playoffs    Regis Groff    Smith has been the driving force behind Regis Groff's surge, averaging 19.1 points and 6.9 assists while scoring in double figures every game. He's a complete offensive weapon and able to knock down the three, attack off the dribble or rise for a pull up jumper. Just as important is his vision, always keeping his head on a swivel to find open teammates. In the playoffs, his ability to control tempo, create in tight moments, and make the right read under pressure will be critical to Regis Groff's success    Windsor    Smiley has propelled the defending champions to another dominant season, and if they want to repeat, he'll need to continue doing what he's done all year. Averaging 23.9 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 41% from deep, Smiley is the ultimate offensive weapon. He can stretch the floor, attack the rim and control the glass. His scoring efficiency and big game ability make him the tone setter and the player defenses must stop if they hope to slow down the champs    Standley Lake    Serlen has been steady and efficient for Stanley Lake all season, averaging 18.8 points and 6.4 rebounds, but he's elevated his game down the stretch. With 20 or more points in four of the last five contests, he's peaking at the right time. Serlen plays under control, finishes through contact and crashes the glass with purpose. He doesn't waste possessions and consistently makes smart decisions. If he maintains this rhythm, Stanley Lake will have a dependable scorer and rebounder to lean on in tight playoff battles

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.