6A Great 8 Showdown: Ralston Valley Sneaks Past George Washington

In a nerve-wracking 54-53 last-second Great 8 contest, Ralston Valley showed why they're the second seed in the 6A playoffs, taking home the win over #7 ranked George Washington. There were several key difference makers on both sides of this one, ranging from elite defense to lights-out shooting. It's time to give both teams their flowers in this hard-fought playoff battle. Let's talk about it.    [player_tooltip player_id='2460832' first='Zeke' last='Andrews'] helped contribute 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks, alongside shooting 9/10 from the foul stripe and 50% from the field, giving Ralston Valley the edge they needed to take home the victory. The #8-ranked forward in the senior class showed up big time, attacking the paint with confidence while fluctuating around the mid-range to knock down a plethora of looks. With Andrews' immense versatility, he's been a problem that defenses can't find the answers to figure out. On the defensive end, Andrews is communicative while floating in between passing lanes, ready to strike.     [player_tooltip player_id='2048135' first='Jordan' last='Dotson'] was easily the Patriots' most effective hooper, producing an impressive 20 points on 70% from the field and 50% from downtown. His shot selection is intentional with an emphasis on attacking the paint. At 6'4, Dotson can not only blow past defenders, but his footwork makes it easy for him to get off any look he wants. Adding an additional 5 rebounds to this performance, Dotson has showcased what he's done well all season long: lock his eyes on the ball and fight for extra boards. The junior will come back even stronger next season, as he's already raised plenty of eyebrows thus far in his high school career.     [player_tooltip player_id='1555225' first='Caiden' last='Braketa'] is a lethal all-around scorer who gets to his spot often and knocks down a wide variety of looks on the hardwood. The 6'3 shooting guard has made it clear that his eyes are set on a state championship, and the numbers back this up. Contributing a crucial 12 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block to the Mustang's clutch win, he sets the tone confidently with a deadly jumpshot and elite space-creating skills. Dishing the rock comes easily to Braketa, weaving through defenses to find the open man. Expect Braketa to make a loud statement in the Final Four against a tough Rangeview squad.     Tre Borne demonstrated precisely what it means to make a key impact on a game without an emphasis on scoring the ball. His unselfishness and attention to detail ensured that George Washington didn't go out of the playoffs silently. Chalking up 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals, Borne plays with indisputable hustle and outstanding court vision. Borne makes the right read on a dime, while controlling and commanding the pace on both ends of the ball. While the Patriots' season has come to an end, Borne has nothing to hang his head over.     [player_tooltip player_id='2460826' first='Frank' last='Psaute'] was a two-way onslaught in his victory over George Washington, posting up a productive 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Psaute's game has taken massive strides over the course of his final high school campaign, honing in on his defense and making the most of each opportunity. His growth has been exponential, establishing himself as the fourth-ranked guard in his class. On a title-contending Final Four Ralston Valley squad, his goal of ending his tenure hoisting a state title is looking as real as ever.

In a nerve-wracking 54-53 last-second Great 8 contest, Ralston Valley showed why they're the second seed in the 6A playoffs, taking home the win over #7 ranked George Washington. There were several key difference makers on both sides of this one, ranging from elite defense to lights-out shooting. It's time to give both teams their flowers in this hard-fought playoff battle. Let's talk about it.