5A Great 8 Preview: Lewis-Palmer vs Palisade

Lewis-Palmer takes on Palisade in the Great 8, a clash of momentum and poise. The Rangers rely on their inside scoring and three point shooting, while Palisade leans on [player_tooltip player_id='2410534' first='Hunter' last='Howard'] and disciplined, possession by possession play. Expect a physical, high stakes battle where controlling tempo and hitting key shots will decide who advances   Palisade   Season overview:   Palisade put together a tremendous season, finishing 21–2 and proving themselves as one of the most consistent teams all year. They collected impressive wins along the way, including statement victories over Lutheran and Fruita Monument, showing they could compete with some of the top programs in the state. Their only two losses came at the hands of Great 8 qualifier Grand Junction, a testament to just how strong their schedule and competition were. Night after night, Palisade played with discipline, toughness, and confidence, building a season that showcased their growth, talent, and ability to compete with anyone   How they got here:   After earning a first round bye, Palisade was immediately tested in the second round by a tough Pueblo County squad. It turned into a grind that came down to the final moments, where Palisade calmly knocked down key free throws to escape with a narrow two point victory. That battle tested win carried momentum into the Sweet 16, where they showed their poise again. In a competitive matchup with Frederick, Palisade stayed composed down the stretch, making the right plays late to pull away and secure their spot in the next round   Key to victory:   For Palisade to come out on top, they'll need to stick to their identity and grind out every possession. Their success has come from playing disciplined basketball, staying patient on offense, and refusing to get rattled when the pace picks up. If they can control the tempo, knock down their open shots, and avoid giving up big scoring runs, they put themselves in a strong position. Limiting momentum swings and valuing each possession will be key as the pressure rises and every play becomes magnified   Player to watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='2410534' first='Hunter' last='Howard'] will need to be the player he's been all season if Palisade wants to keep its run going. Coming off a strong double double against Frederick, he showed just how much he can impact the game on both ends. Howard plays with pace and purpose, attacking downhill and putting pressure on defenses every time he touches the ball. What makes him so effective is his shot selection as he doesn't force the action and consistently finds quality looks. When he's aggressive and under control, he gives Palisade a player capable of carrying the load   Lewis-Palmer   Season overview:   Lewis-Palmer wrapped up the season at 15–8, a record shaped by one of the tougher schedules around. Early tests helped battle harden the group, and by the time the postseason arrived, they were playing their best basketball. The Rangers caught fire down the stretch, finding rhythm on both ends of the floor and building confidence with each game. Their ability to grow through adversity and peak at the right time turned them into a dangerous team late in the season and a tough matchup for anyone in their path   How they got here:   The playoffs haven't truly tested Lewis-Palmer so far. In both matchups, the Rangers maintained control from start to finish, showing confidence and composure under postseason pressure. They handled Evergreen with poise and followed it up with another strong performance against Pueblo South, dictating the tempo and never allowing either game to slip away. Their ability to stay disciplined and execute on both ends has allowed them to avoid late game drama. Through two rounds, Lewis-Palmer has looked sharp, focused, and fully in command of its postseason path   Key to victory:   For Lewis-Palmer to keep advancing, they need to play at their pace and stick to what has worked all season. They are physical and effective scoring inside, using their strength to create high percentage looks around the basket. When they establish that presence in the paint, it opens everything else up offensively. The other key will be their three point shooting. If they find a rhythm from beyond the arc and start knocking down outside shots, it makes their offense far more difficult to defend. If both pieces come together, Lewis-Palmer becomes a very dangerous team   Player to watch:   [player_tooltip player_id='1764300' first='Jonas' last='Miller'] has been the heartbeat of the team all season and has earned the role as their MVP. Even in his latest outing where he finished with 14 points, his impact went far beyond the numbers. Miller plays with relentless intensity, attacking every possession and refusing to take plays off. His presence alone commands the attention of defenders, often drawing extra pressure and creating opportunities for teammates. Whether he's scoring, battling on the glass, or setting the tone with his energy, Miller consistently drives the team forward

Lewis-Palmer takes on Palisade in the Great 8, a clash of momentum and poise. The Rangers rely on their inside scoring and three point shooting, while Palisade leans on Hunter Howard Hunter Howard 5'9" | CG Palisade | 2026 State CO and disciplined, possession by possession play. Expect a physical, high stakes battle where controlling tempo and hitting key shots will decide who advances