3A Players You Must Game Plan For Heading Into Great 8

The 3A playoffs have been full of excitement with big performances and a few upset wins along the way. Players across the bracket have stepped up in big moments to help keep their teams' seasons alive. With the competition heating up and the Great 8 set for this week, let's take a look at some of the players who have stood out the most so far in the 3A playoff run.    Cota-Cordova has been a driving force for Colorado Springs Christian in the playoffs, delivering big performances when his team has needed them most. In the first round against North Fork, he put together a dominant all around effort with 26 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, along with 3 steals and 3 blocks, controlling the game on both ends of the floor. He attacked the paint with confidence, finished through contact and made his presence felt on the glass and defensively. He followed that performance with another strong outing in Round 2, leading Colorado Springs Christian to an upset win over Yuma with 21 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Cota-Cordova's ability to score, rebound and create for teammates has made him a difference maker and a key reason his team continues its playoff run     Lewis was a major catalyst in St. Mary's upset victory over Peyton, delivering a complete performance that impacted every part of the game. He finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, doing a little bit of everything to help lift his team. Lewis was aggressive offensively, attacking the rim and knocking down key shots when St. Mary's needed them most. He also controlled the glass and created opportunities for teammates with his playmaking. Defensively his active hands led to steals that shifted momentum and sparked transition chances. Lewis' energy, toughness, and all around effort played a huge role in St. Mary's pulling off the upset     Glatfelter put together a dominant all around performance to lead Strasburg in their Round 1 matchup against Salida. He finished with 18 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks, impacting nearly every possession. From the start Glatfelter played with aggression and confidence, controlling the paint on both ends of the floor. He attacked the glass relentlessly, creating second chance opportunities while limiting Salida's looks inside. Offensively he stayed composed, scoring when needed and finding teammates with smart passes. Defensively his length and timing disrupted plays and protected the rim. It was a powerful, in control performance that set the tone and powered Strasburg to the win     Hopwood had a monster performance in the second round against Highland, putting together one of the most dominant outings of the playoffs. He finished with 37 points and 13 rebounds, completely taking control of the game from start to finish. Hopwood consistently got to his spots offensively, showing patience and confidence every time he touched the ball. As a true three level scorer, he was able to hurt the defense from everywhere, whether it was attacking the rim, knocking down mid range shots and stretching the floor from deep. On top of the scoring, he battled on the glass and created extra opportunities for his team. It was a commanding performance for Strasburg that showcased his ability to take over when the moment calls for it     Lebron has been the heartbeat of Banning Lewis all season, and when his team needed him most, he delivered in a huge way. In a thrilling Round 2 matchup against Skyview that needed overtime to decide it, Lebron put together a legendary performance, pouring in 44 points and carrying the offensive load throughout the night. He consistently found ways to score, attacking the rim, knocking down tough shots and keeping his team within striking distance every time Skyview made a push. Then came the moment everyone will remember with the clock winding down in overtime, Lebron rose up from the corner and buried the game winning shot as time expired, sealing the dramatic victory and one of the most memorable performances of the playoffs

The 3A playoffs have been full of excitement with big performances and a few upset wins along the way. Players across the bracket have stepped up in big moments to help keep their teams' seasons alive. With the competition heating up and the Great 8 set for this week, let's take a look at some of the players who have stood out the most so far in the 3A playoff run.