Five Difference-Makers to Watch in the 4A Playoff First Round

The 4A playoffs tip off with plenty of intrigue across the bracket, and Round 1 always brings opportunities for players to make their mark. From proven scorers to rising playmakers, several standouts could tilt the outcome of their matchups. Here are five players we'll be watching closely as the postseason gets underway.    Montview is going against one of the best teams in 4A, and a player that will have to play their best is 6'2 shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='3543949' first='Eliyab' last='Berhane']. Berhane had himself a solid season as Montview's best player. He filled up the box sheet at l. 15.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and also recorded 2 steals a game. He was a force on both ends of the floor and made a name for himself by being a consistent scorer who stepped up in big games. He has some big finishes, and they will look for him to lead the way again.     Diego is a player who went under the radar but turned it on in the past two years and really stepped it up in his senior year. He has Coal Ridge as one of the top teams in 4A and is looking like a contender as their best player and most well-rounded player. He's been incredible on both ends of the floor. Gamez led his team to a 17-6 record, and he erupted for 25 points or more in a few games and had a few 30-point games as well. Gamez is who team's game plan for, and he still produces. He's one of the class's best on-ball defenders and had 4.3 steals to go along with it, while also being a scoring playmaker who reads defenses and plays the right way. Against DSST Montview, they will play fast, they'll share the ball and look for him to remain their constant. Big game coming for him.     [player_tooltip player_id='3543989' first='Cooper' last='Wiedeman'] is an unknown player who came on late into the year, but now that he's arrived, the team has been better and winning games. The thing is, when he's on the floor, it gives Eaton an inside presence because he's able to grab every rebound that comes his way, he keeps plays alive with his effort, and he finishes around the basket. Wiedeman put up a double-double in four games this year as he averaged 10.3 points and 10.1 rebounds a game. He's a multisport athlete who brings that toughness and instincts into every game on the hardwood, and that is why Eaton can battle how they battle. Solid year for him, where he will be the X-factor in this game.     This is our first time writing about Eggleston, and he's been a player who has turned it on this season and jumped on our radars. He averages 10.3 points a game, is a playmaker and solid rebounder, and the team's X factor. He contributes when he's on the floor, can score both on and off-ball, and is best used as a slasher. Eggleston shot 40% from beyond the arc on efficiency, came on late in the season, and stepped up in big games as well. This will be an opportunity to prove himself as Aspen looks like contenders and he's a player who can push them.     [player_tooltip player_id='2400920' first='Jack' last='Hemme'] is the team's best player and a big reason for Timnath looking like they can bring it all home, and a big start to the playoff push will get them over the top. He's averaging 16.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 steals a game as the team's primary scorer, and teams will gameplan to take him out of games. He's been more aggressive as of late as he's a three-level scorer who is playing assertively, and he just started getting to the FT line more as well. He uses his size, spaces the floor, and is a microwave scorer. I am expecting a big finish for him as Timnath keeps pushing through on their playoff run.

The 4A playoffs tip off with plenty of intrigue across the bracket, and Round 1 always brings opportunities for players to make their mark. From proven scorers to rising playmakers, several standouts could tilt the outcome of their matchups. Here are five players we'll be watching closely as the postseason gets underway.