Playoff Preview: 5A South Impact Players

<p>The playoffs are here and it’s win or go home time. The 5A playoffs get underway on Valentine’s Day, Monday, February 14th. The brackets are set with 14 teams vying for the State Crown, 6 in the North and 8 in the south. In the south, 9-time defending champ, Bishop Gorman has earned the 1 seed, with rival Liberty drawing a 2. In this article, we take a look at some impact players in the 5A Southern Playoffs. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="985643" first="Jahmon" last="Haylock"] <em>5’9 PG Foothill 2023 (#36PHN 2023)</em> - The Falcons are the number 8 seed and draw the 9-time defending champs. Haylock is going to have to be at his best if the Falcons are going to have any shot at the upset. He’s a paint touch getting PG with the ability to control the pace of the game. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="989242" first="Osiris" last="Grady"] <em>6’8 PF Coronado 2023 (#2PHN 2022)</em> - Grady’s ability to do offensive damage on the interior and perimeter, will be key for the Cougars to make a run. On the defensive side of the ball, his rim protection is invaluable and will be counted on if they are to advance. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="928906" first="Jalen" last="Foy"] <em>6’5 SF Canyon Springs 2022 (#14PHN 2022)</em> - Interesting spot here for Foy. Canyon Springs has met preseason expectations earning a #5 seed and a matchup with Coronado, a team they lost to by 30 earlier in the year. If Foy can show improvement and the ability to score against long athletic defenders, his stock as a prospect has the potential to rise. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1364322" first="Larod" last="Sistrunk"]<em> 6’3 SF Arbor View 2022</em> - The Aggies have several players that contribute, but Sistrunk’s value lies in his ability to score without needing plays run for him. The Aggies come in as a 7 seed taking on Liberty. In addition to his transition ability, the Aggies will be counting on the senior forwards athletic ability on the defensive end as well. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1227127" first="Sterling" last="Knox"] <em>6’5 SF Durango 2023 (#3PHN 2023)</em> - Knox does a little bit of everything for the Trailblazers. On one possession he can serve as a floor spacer, and on the next be counted on to handle the ball. Durango earned a #3 seed but the road to state won’t be easy. They open up against a good DP team that pushed them to double overtime in the first game. Knox fits in the system and impacts games in other ways besides scoring, he will need to play at a high level for the Trailblazers to advance. </p> <p> [player_tooltip player_id="989247" first="Isiaac" last="Boykin"] <em>6’2 SG Desert Pines 2023 (#14PHN 2023) (featured image)</em> - Quietly Boykin has put together a strong season, averaging over 15ppg. DP enters as the 6th seed, matching up with Durango, a team they took to double OT in the regular season, a game Boykin finished with 12. If he can match or improve on that performance, the Jags have more than a puncher’s chance. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="856647" first="Keanan" last="Bey"] <em>6’6 SF Bishop Gorman 2023 (#4PHN 2023) - </em>The athletic is the defensive anchor for the Gaels. Bey’s ability to defend multiple positions, rebound, and finish, gives the champs yet another dimension. Bey’s impact may be most felt, if the Gaels are to reach Geico, as his size, strength, and athleticism will be in even more demand. </p> <p>Follow </p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1"><em>On Twitter</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bruceprephoops/"><em>On IG</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrepHoopsNV"><em>Like Us On FB</em></a></p>