6A Great 8 Takeaways: Standout Playmakers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Final Four on it's way this week, we will be reviewing standouts from this past weekend's Elite Eight playoff thrillers. High level matchups coming soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1420173' first='Daundre' last='Samuels'] - Denver East</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Samuels has continued to assert himself as the most dominant perimeter threat left among the 6A programs. The 6'3 guard makes a key impact on both ends of the floor, utilizing his above the rim playmaking to make winning plays. Samuels has excelled finishing through contact, even taking hits mid-air and readjusting the angle. He kicked off a successful Final Four win for Denver East, putting up 21 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals while converting 9-13 two point attempts. His impact on the defensive end both in fullcourt or halfcourt situations was nothing short of stifling, getting up above the rim to contest shot attempts. The senior guard currently holds offers from Otero and Trinidad State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='972419' first='Rickey' last='Mitchell'] - Smoky Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mitchell showed his value as a tough shotmaker along the perimeter, possessing deep range on the jumper. The 6'3 guard is adept at creating space for his shots beyond the arc, capable creating four feet of space within a dribble. Mitchell showed high level finishing ability above the rim, finishing attempts through contact and readjusting when necessary. There is no doubt the guard will succeed at the next level, currently garnering a MSU Denver offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1284427' first='TaRea' last='Fulcher'] - Regis Jesuit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fulcher led the Raiders to a comeback victory through defensive awareness and methodical pace of play in the halfcourt. The lead guard is adept turning the corner on opponents, whether one on one or from pick and roll situations. When he finds space in the mid-range Fulcher is adept getting to his high arcing floater, capable skying high above 6'6+ forwards. By far Fulcher's most impressive trait has been his defensive awareness and reaction time pushing the break. He is adept poking away the ball from drivers, possessing instinctive timing that is rare to find.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1577994' first='Gavin' last='Hershberger'] - Rock Canyon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hershberger has had a spectacular playoff run and this round of the final four was no different. Having the ball on a string, the undersized guard leverages his low center of gravity to manuever around taller opponents and get into the paint. His usage of baseline drives has thrown opposing defenses into tricky help side decisions, allowing him to reel in the defense to find open shotmakers. The Upper Iowa commit led Rock Canyon with 22 points and 3 rebounds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1369810' first='Cole' last='Scherer'] - Valor Chrisitian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scherer played a valuable role creating pick and roll scoring opportunities as avenues to spearhead Valor's offense. The sophomore guard has shown growth with his halfcourt pace of play, getting more comfortable changing speeds when turning the corner downhill. Instead of getting to the rim at one speed, Scherer has learned to slow things down and ease opportunities to make plays for teammates. There is no doubt the guard is one of the more advanced perimeter threats in the 2025 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->