Top 5 Secret Weapons in the City League 1st Round

The table is set as brackets are locked, matchups official, and now it's go time. Tuesday kicks off the first round in the city league, and the energy is different this year. Some teams are seeing each other for the first time, while others are running it back for a third showdown with everything on the line. New storylines, old rivalries, and plenty to prove. Before the ball tips, here are five secret weapons you need to know about.   1st Round Matchups   Rangeview vs. CG   George Washington vs. Northfield   Denver South vs. Denver West   Regis Groff vs. Denver East    Kramer makes his long-awaited return, and while we did not think he was going to play this year, and it is a reason for him dropping in the rankings, he's quickly reminded us as to why that's a mistake. He's jumped right in with Regis Groff, and in 4 games, he's been a major difference-maker on both ends of the floor. He's a boxsheet stuffer who is putting up an impressive 9.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.5 rebounds a game. If that wasn't enough, he's also averaging 5.8 steals a game, and that is where this matchup will need an X-factor like him. Against East, he will be asked to be himself. A fearless defender who impacts that game, plays with defensive aggression, and is the defensive anchor. He's a player we'll be keyed in on as he could swing the game.     Ellison is a player that not many know about, but that changes in their game against East. He's so smooth. He's a three-level scorer who the game comes easily to. He gets to his spots, he finds mismatches and attacks them, and is a two-way standout. Ellison is a perfect complementary piece for this Regis Groff team and fits with their tenacity and intensity. He's poised with the ball in his hands, he makes the extra pass when it's needed, and he can score in bunches. He's a microwave scorer who can get going at any time and will be the biggest secret weapon in this game, as there is not too much film on him, and this is the first time seeing him in this setting. This is our first time writing about him, but we expect that to change moving forward.     Let's not sugarcoat this: this Conservatory Green school has never seen a team as loaded as this Rangeview squad, and they will be in over their head for sure. But if you want to take down Goliath, it starts with your best player. Bradford has been on a tear this year. He's made a huge leap in just a year as he's doubled up his points, he's one of the top scorers in the conference at 18.3 points a game, and he competes on every possession. How he handles the press and pressure will say a lot about how the game will go. They will throw length and size at him, Rangeview will run on makes and misses, and it's going to take a special day for him to compete. His 3-ball will have to be on, he'll have to be decisive, and he'll have to trust in teammates. This can be a coming-out party for him to showcase what he looks like on the big stage before CG goes on a playoff run. It's a great day to have a great day for Bradford.     Northfield is 0-2 on the season against GW, but maybe the 3rd time is the one they finally beat them. Northfield will have to play connected against the Patriots if they want to have a chance, and in their last game, it was Austin who stepped in to help Michaels with the scoring. With as much attention goes to the other players, Austin is a prospect who can make his mark. We've seen him have big days from deep, and that is the difference maker. If he's able to get hot from beyond the arc, he can be the difference in the game. He has to handle pressure, space the floor, and remain aggressive. This is a game where size matters for Northfield, and they have a wing who checks off the boxes as a scorer who gets to his spots. He's a secret weapon who I believe is due for a big game.     Denver West is sitting at a perfect 20-0 on the season and is still not getting the respect that they deserve, as people believe they have not been tested. Well, they can silence the critics with a win against a pesky and battle-tested South squad that is moving in the right direction. A player who I believe will be one of the bigger standouts in the game is combo guard Tiden. Tiden has shown up against top guards in the state, he uses his athleticism and speed to get downhill, he counters guards playing him close with a mean crossover and a go-to move he shoots off of, and he also plays team ball. In a talented and crowded backcourt, he's putting 10.8 points and just under 3 assists a game. He can play both on and off ball, he's pesky on defense, and plays off instinct. This will be a game that the Cowboys will be up for, and they can prove that they not only belong but are one of the top teams in the state. This will secretly be one of the top matchups on the day and he's their secret weapon.

The table is set as brackets are locked, matchups official, and now it's go time. Tuesday kicks off the first round in the city league, and the energy is different this year. Some teams are seeing each other for the first time, while others are running it back for a third showdown with everything on the line. New storylines, old rivalries, and plenty to prove. Before the ball tips, here are five secret weapons you need to know about.