6A Great 8 Recap: Rangeview Dismantles ThunderRidge

Both Rangeview and ThunderRidge are immensely talented squads that have come a long way, ranking as top 15 seeds in the box state. Rangeview has been on a roll throughout the entire season, and that same narrative remained constant in this high-stakes Great 8 showdown. The final was 84-63, with Rangeview making a statement win to advance them to the Final Four. Several players had monstrous games, playing a pivotal role in their team's success. Let's talk about it.    Archie Weatherspoon has been on an absolute terror all season long, embarrassing his defender and leaving opponents in a constant state of confusion. Featuring a lights-out jumper and unstrippable handles, Weatherspoon has his eyes set on the basket from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer. Adding 23 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals to the box score, Weatherspoon continues to showcase why he's the best player in the class of 2027. His focus and dedication to his craft are inspirational, as he's elevated himself and his teammates since he started his high school campaign 2 years ago. Weatherspoon's progress has been exponential, and I guarantee you he's not slowing down ANYTIME soon.     [player_tooltip player_id='2418490' first='Marceles' last='Duncan'] is a different caliber of hooper who's constantly redefining his play style and proving to be one of Rangeview's most important players. Duncan was able to accumulate a shell-shocking 24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal, and a block. At 6'5, good luck to any defender with the assigned task of guarding him. Duncan is shifty with the rock with lethal acceleration that he uses to create space for himself across all three levels of the floor on offense. Hustling for each loose ball and focused, there's no question that Duncan will be a pivotal player to keep your eyes on in the Final Four.     [player_tooltip player_id='2393528' first='Anthony' last='Andrew'] was consistent from the field, knocking down 67% of his looks from the field while going 1/3 from beyond the arc. Totalling 13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, Andrew put his all-around game on full blast against the Grizzlies. The 6'2 senior can attack the paint ruthlessly, with a hyperfocus on intentional footwork that allows him to get off any look he wants. It's clear he's taken what he's learned from the previous summer with the Miners and translated it to improve his game further with the Raiders. The #11 forward in the senior class is highly driven to finalize his campaign with a state title.     [player_tooltip player_id='1799811' first='Aidan' last='Perez'] provides Rangeview with massive bursts of energy that elevate the play of everyone around him. Getting out in transition and detonating above the rim, the 6'6 forward utilizes his height to dominate opposing defenses. Not only can he attack the rim at will, but Perez has also developed a lethal jumpshot that the Raiders can count on. Despite a slower scoring night for Perez, he added a plethora of shot-contesting and communication on both ends of the floor that proved to be essential in defeating the Grizzlies. Watch out for Perez Airways in the Final Four, because he's determined to win it all.     [player_tooltip player_id='2381957' first='Dario' last='Washington'] established his defensive presence and ball control in Rangeview's crucial victory over ThunderRidge. Washington was able to contribute 4 assists and 2 steals, which were essential for the Raiders' transition game. Utilizing his time on the hardwood, Washington was able to locate his guys often, resulting in a consistent flow of offense that the Grizzlies couldn't find an answer to. Moving forward into the final stretch of this years electric playoffs, expect Washington to be a massive sleeper who's about to awaken everybody.

Both Rangeview and ThunderRidge are immensely talented squads that have come a long way, ranking as top 15 seeds in the box state. Rangeview has been on a roll throughout the entire season, and that same narrative remained constant in this high-stakes Great 8 showdown. The final was 84-63, with Rangeview making a statement win to advance them to the Final Four. Several players had monstrous games, playing a pivotal role in their team's success. Let's talk about it.