Matchup Notes Heading Into the 6A Great 8

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Fruita Monument #1 versus Eaglecrest #8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>FM Point Differential: +29 Eaglecrest Point Differential: +14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Fruita Monument group has a chance to do something pretty special, going undefeated for their entire season. Led by forward [player_tooltip player_id='1369815' first='Daniel' last='Thomason'], this group is particularly troublesome on the glass, constantly a threat for second chance opportunities. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='2056566' first='Max' last='Orchard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1764298' first='Jhett' last='Wells'] consistently provide floor spacing and playmaking when needed, although they will be challenged against Eaglecrest's athleticism. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group brings in supreme shotmaking thanks to [player_tooltip player_id='1369808' first='LaDavian' last='King'], nearly unguardable on all three levels. Bringing in productive perimeter defenders and complementary scorers in [player_tooltip player_id='1195029' first='SirDevin' last='Roberts'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1904130' first='Lucas' last='Kalimba'], this group has size and versatility to hound Fruita's perimeter threats. The x-factor will be [player_tooltip player_id='1369806' first='Garrett' last='Barger'], who's interior defense will be necessary to slow down Thomason.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Rock Canyon #5 versus ThunderRidge #4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RC Point Differential: +36 TR Point Differential: +39</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rock Canyon's sharpshooting could very well be enough to overpower ThunderRidge, being one of three in-state teams who have beaten TR. Alongside their perimeter scoring upside, they bring in multiple interior defenders in [player_tooltip player_id='1219486' first='Reid' last='Finch'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1451183' first='Nolan' last='Kliewer'], who could impact ThunderRidge's overwhelming size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the most dominant teams in the state, ThunderRidge will need to hone their defensive consistency in order to advance to the Final 4. Bringing in about as much height and talent, with [player_tooltip player_id='1360566' first='Tommy' last='Wight'], [player_tooltip player_id='1168989' first='Andrew' last='Crawford'], [player_tooltip player_id='1369780' first='Charlie' last='Spann'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1622321' first='Drew' last='Paine']. This group is about as tall as anyone in the state, it is&nbsp; their ability to contain shooters and rim attempts which will determine their fate.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Mountain Vista #2 versus Smoky Hill #7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MV Point Differential: +32 SH Point Differential: +18</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The particularly disciplined group on both ends, Vista may not feature any box office athletes, however they pick their spots and remain effective. Through guard play in [player_tooltip player_id='1369819' first='Cal' last='Baskind'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1952788' first='Jacob' last='Hoefs'], you can never count out this group, as they will not beat themselves out of a game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The freakishly athletic group boasts one of the most exciting teams in recent memory, always on the prowl for a box office play. Take your bets for over-under on lobs, I'd set the line at 2.5 for this matchup. MV will have their hands full containing the array of skilled playmakers, such as [player_tooltip player_id='1509237' first='Carter' last='Basquez'], [player_tooltip player_id='1369816' first='Lorenzo' last='Contreras'], [player_tooltip player_id='1441961' first='Kaylan' last='Graham'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1369779' first='Torian' last='Gasaway']. Not to mention they have size in the paint with [player_tooltip player_id='1318394' first='Kevin' last='Sylla'], who is a unique prospect in his own right. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Valor Christian #6 versus Chaparral #3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>VC Point Differential: +42 Chaparral Point Differential: +29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup boasts one of the better backcourt opponents in the state, 2025 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1369810' first='Cole' last='Scherer'] versus 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1168003' first='Gavin' last='Carter']. Both of these groups like to play fast with smaller, perimeter centric lineups. What has elevated Valor Christian this season can be attributed in large part in two areas, [player_tooltip player_id='1369810' first='Cole' last='Scherer']'s consistent production and the disciplined effect of this group's collective defense. Although undersized, they are alert in help side and quick to jump risky passing lanes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Featuring a unique blend of a potential player of the year in [player_tooltip player_id='1168003' first='Gavin' last='Carter'] and quickly progressing underclassmen. They bring a unique plend of upperclassmen production and quickly improving underclassmen such as [player_tooltip player_id='1722623' first='Christian' last='Williams'], [player_tooltip player_id='2048132' first='Luke' last='Howery'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1577197' first='Luke' last='Williams']. Chaparral cannot be overlooked, given that they have arguably the most productive lead guard in 6A this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->