UNDER THE RADAR NAMES FOR POSTSEASON: AA

Scott Strode March 3, 2025 @ 02:37 AM

Everyone knows most of the stars of the best teams, most people know most of the stars for the rest. But here's a list of names to look for during regionals and possibly state tournament of players who have largely flown under the radar but could be difference makers in big moments.   Williamstown's [player_tooltip player_id='2303398' first='Tyler' last='Keiser'] is a player who seems to have that break out ability at a moments notice. The 6'3" junior can guard multiple spots, athletic enough to finish in transition and finish at the rim. He's definitely the guy who could make a difference if everyone else gets slowed down considerably.   [player_tooltip player_id='2605810' first='Tyler' last='Dean'] is Wheeling Central's hidden gem and secret weapon. Dean has had several games this season where he's been one of their if not top scorer, but goes largely unnoticed because of his high profile teammate. Look for him to have a game or two in the postseason where he goes off and scores well above is average due to teams gearing their game plan towards Sancomb and Olejasz.   [player_tooltip player_id='2385111' first='Caden' last='Ours'] of Petersburg is a guard who is known by Petersburg fans as one of their best players but not a household name around the mountain state quite yet. Ours has a hefty skill set that is topped off with high level shooting from all areas. He'll have a chance to shine if they can upset the LIberty squad from Harrison County.   Doddridge County's [player_tooltip player_id='2390883' first='Jerod' last='Trent'] wasn't in the mix quite yet in last years state tournament run, but I would bet if Doddridge has success through regionals it'll be because Trent put together a couple good games. Trent drives the ball very well, is an excellent finisher at the rim and can take claim to being the Bulldog's best guard if not best all around player.   [player_tooltip player_id='2306122' first='Zayden' last='Hardbarger'] of Tyler is definitely the player who could easily go off for 20ish and catch everyone off guard. A streaky shooting slashing guard who has great lateral quickness and elevation on his jump shot, Hardbarger doesn't usually look to score but anything can happen in March.   [player_tooltip player_id='2797005' first='Jackson' last='Stark'] is a name to get familiar with especially if you're a Liberty Harrison opponent. Stark's 6'5" length and athleticism is a match up problem for many opponents and he'll have to use it to its fullest if they are going to advance.   [player_tooltip player_id='2769604' first='Brady' last='Toler'] is quickly becoming a name some are getting familiar with due to his hot hand shooting from beyond the arc all season. Toler will have to have monster games to help Braxton advance outta the 3 seed spot and get to Charleston over Phillip Barbour and likely Ritchie County.   [player_tooltip player_id='2715905' first='Cam' last='Cumpston'] is certainly Roane's most complete player but not necessarily well known as a hooper due to Roane's struggles on the hardwood. Cumpston is a strong and athletic two-way guard who plays with great intensity and physicality.   [player_tooltip player_id='2691014' first='Ryan' last='Mann'] is the man at James Monroe. Mann is a 6'2" smooth operator for the Mavericks and seems to get better every week. Look for him to lead them over a win versus Bluefield and give Wyoming East fits in what could be a wild qualifying matchup on March 12.   [player_tooltip player_id='2501258' first='Joseph' last='Fenstermacher'] is not well known yet, but will be. The freshman pivot has came on with big numbers consistently for South Harrison and by now could be a matchup nightmare in the postseason for teams without solid post play. The multi-skilled freshman doesn't razzle dazzle but rather fill it up with fundamentals.   [player_tooltip player_id='2303395' first='Payton' last='Bailes'] is more than well known in his neck of the wood so to speak, but in large the rest of the state should really know just how good he is. Bailes is a scoring machine of sorts, scores at a high level in all areas. Midland Trail should win their first round game to matchup with a powerful Westside on March 12.

Everyone knows most of the stars of the best teams, most people know most of the stars for the rest. But here's a list of names to look for during regionals and possibly state tournament of players who have largely flown under the radar but could be difference makers in big moments.