4A/3A Quarterfinals: Role Players Stepping Up

This time of the year, it takes everyone stepping up to contribute in order to make a deep run in the state tournaments. Here are nine role players who stepped up in a big way during yesterday's quarterfinal matchups.    13 pts 3 asts 5/9 FG   Ziklik has a case as the player of the game for the Kangs. He accounted for all 13 of their bench points and was the most efficient scorer for them, while also coming through at the foul line. He was aggressive to the hoop the moment he entered the game and did a good job fighting through screens on the defensive end.     10 pts 5 rebs 5 asts   Hill was being very aggressive from the jump, looking to attack downhill, and did well to mix up the timing of his shots on drives. He also brought the energy in transition, and his pace helped him set up teammates off his penetration.     13 pts 3/5 3PT   Whitfield has been one of the better 3-point shooters at the tournament, and he came through with a couple of big shots late in this one. He's got a very smooth set shot, and his teammates do a great job looking for him when the defense collapses inside.     3 pts 4 rebs 4 asts 5 stls   Looker put up a great fight on the defensive end, defending back cuts, chasing down shots, and showcasing his awareness and ability to recover. He really impacted the game in a number of ways defensively while also contributing four assists.     2 pts 17 rebs 3 asts   Mott made his impact on the glass with 17 big rebounds. His presence on the glass can't be understated in a game where the importance of each possession felt magnified.     14 pts   Walsh came in off the bench and gave the Crusaders big minutes, and ended up leading them in scoring in the win. He's a kid who can shoot the three, and while he hit two in the game, he also made a couple of great follows and putbacks that helped Eastside Catholic build their lead into the second half.     16 pts 6/11 FG   Lillie is another Lincoln Abe who has been playing well as of late, and he's also improved his shot outside. He's an incredibly athletic player, and his ability to knock down some corner threes has expanded his impact. It showed up in a big way with 16 points in the quarterfinal victory.     12 pts 4/5 3PT   Stevenson came in clutch from 3-point range, converting four of the Lions' seven makes from outside. They have a few posts who can work inside, and his ability to be a consistent catch-and-shoot threat gave them some critical offensive balance.     14 pts 4/7 FG 6/8 FT   Johnston has been on a nice little run over the past two games, making an impact for the Lions on both ends of the floor. With [player_tooltip player_id='2827909' first='Ben' last='Heisel'] shifting to a more on-ball, perimeter role since the loss of [player_tooltip player_id='2140834' first='Kade' last='Price'], Johnston has expanded his front-court role and been key in their last two wins. His stout low-post defense and efficient offense have helped Bellarmine make their way to the semifinals of the 3A tournament.

This time of the year, it takes everyone stepping up to contribute in order to make a deep run in the state tournaments. Here are nine role players who stepped up in a big way during yesterday's quarterfinal matchups.