Tuesday's Class 4A Regionals Difference-Makers

As district play continues to roll on, Tuesday night gave us some incredible performances. With featured matchups across the state, many different games showed just how slim the fine line between winning and losing can be this time of year. We are excited to breakdown some of the biggest "difference makers" Tuesday evening. From under the radar players to prime-timer performers, this list has a little bit of everything. One thing is for certain, these guys delivered when they were needed the most.    It was a sloppy first quarter for the Cougars against McLoud. Ada continually turned the ball over and had two offensive fouls called against them. However, Morris kept his team in the game, trailing just 10-9 at the end of one. The junior was efficient around the rim, converting both of his chances inside. Defensively, he was able to wall up and utilize his good feet to stay in front of the McLoud post players. His ability to control the defensive glass was also crucial, as he finished as the leading rebounder for his club. In the second quarter, Morris grabbed a one-handed offensive rebound and was on the floor for every second of a 14-0 team run. Another key stick back inside helped his team continue to gain momentum. With the lead cut to just three points and under a minute remaining, Grayson forced a turnover as he blanketed a McLoud guard from a baseline out-of-bounds situation. The Cougars were able to seal it from there from the free throw stripe.     While it did not go the way they wanted, Bethany got some really good minutes from Kiefer. The junior had been out the entire season due to an injury sustained from football in the fall. His physical play was felt immediately. The Bronchos were bullied at times by the Saints but Wyatt kept strong positioning on defense to help combat the physicality. Kiefer finished with six points as well, as he battled through foul trouble at times. As it is now "win or go home" for his squad, he could provide a positive boost moving forward. With more minutes seemingly coming his way, the extra scoring and added defense on the perimeter is something that can continue to greatly impact the Bronchos.     Williams had a very productive game for the Redskins. He complimented [player_tooltip player_id='2140739' first='Edan' last='Litherland'] well on the offensive end. The senior grabbed multiple offensive rebounds and showed an ability to finish through contact around the rim. Whether it was a putback or a coast-to-coast finish, "DaeDae" played very aggressively against Ada. A fastbreak hoop with the harm cut the Cougar lead to just five in the fourth quarter. This was followed by another tough layup from Williams after a steal in the backcourt. Look for his activity to set the tone as McLoud looks to advance through the single-elimination consolation side of the bracket.     You knew Wilson would have to play well heading into the matchup with [player_tooltip player_id='2140743' first='Greydon' last='Howell'] and the Savages. The senior more than held his own, hitting some big shots throughout the game. His outside shooting paired with his quickness made himself a tough cover in this one. The senior set the tone early, propelling Muldrow out in front with a right wing 3-pointer and a pair of finishes in the paint. Wilson handled ball pressure well throughout the game and initiated the offense for his club. The ball and player movement shown from the Bulldogs was elite in the second half. When the Savages were not disciplined or went for steals, they were burned time and time again.     With all the focus on Caden Thompson, and rightfully so, Helling had the best performance of anyone else in the tilt with Holland Hall. the senior finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds. The ability of Helling to consistently rebound on both ends both limits chances for the opposition and also creates second chances for scorers like Thompson and Travis Weast. Complimenting his physicality inside the paint, the forward can also step out, handle the ball and shoot from 3-point land. Helling nailed two from long range on Tuesday night.

As district play continues to roll on, Tuesday night gave us some incredible performances. With featured matchups across the state, many different games showed just how slim the fine line between winning and losing can be this time of year. We are excited to breakdown some of the biggest "difference makers" Tuesday evening. From under the radar players to prime-timer performers, this list has a little bit of everything. One thing is for certain, these guys delivered when they were needed the most.