Nevada 4A Playoffs: Region Semifinals: Impact Bigs

<p>I don't care how much the game has changed, winning almost always seems to come down to two things. Protect the rim, and hold them to 1 shot. These tasks are made much easier with the presence of a productive big man. The Nevada 4A region Semis get underway this week, giving us an opportunity to highlight some of the impact bigs playing in the tournament. </p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaylon-lee/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaylon-lee/">Jaylon Lee</a></a> 6'8 C Arbor View 2020 (#12PHN 2020) - Lee is a powerful inside presence. It is imperative that he stays out of foul trouble for the Aggies. Very few teams have a player with the size and strength of Lee. If he can impose his will, and control the glass the Aggies have an excellent opportunity to take home the Region Championship.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joshua-jefferson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joshua-jefferson/">Joshua Jefferson</a></a> 6'6 PF Liberty 2021 (#3PHN 2021) - Perhaps the most important player in either region. When Jefferson plays well, Liberty is a different team. His ability to score off direct post-ups, takes pressure of <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/julian-strawther/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/julian-strawther/">Julian Strawther</a></a>. His knack for rebounding provides the Patriots with crucial second-chance shots that they will need if they are to pull off the upset against 8 time defending Champion Gorman.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/victavion-conway-fox/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/victavion-conway-fox/">Victavion Conway - Fox</a></a> 6'6 C Cheyenne 2021 (#48PHN 2021) - The Cheyenne DP game may be the most intriguing game of the night. These two conference rivals know each other well, and they match up similarly. One of the key differentiators could be the play of VCF. If he can give the Desert Shields anything on the offensive end, then they have a shot of pulling the upset.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaxon-kohler/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaxon-kohler/">Jaxon Kohler</a></a> 6'9 PF Coronado 2022 (#2PHN 2022) - Kohler isn't going to be the first option, however his ability to control both backboards will be key. Durango is going to use a platoon of Bigs, which will test Kohler's stamina and physical conditioning. If he can be a rim protector, and take advantage of his offensive touches, Coronado has a great chance to move on.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyson-guild/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyson-guild/">Tyson Guild</a></a> 6'5 PF Durango 2021 (#40PHN 2021) - Guild is part of the aforementioned Durango Platoon. He provides the athleticism to their frontcourt with his ability to block shots and snag out of area rebounds. He's going to have to be both active and productive if the Trailblazers are going to have a chance to move on.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jacob-howard/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jacob-howard/">Jacob Howard</a></a> 6'5 PF Durango 2021 (#43PHN 2021) - Howard is the x-factor. He has had an up and down season, however, he has the size, basketball IQ and skill set to give problems. He doesn't need to score to have an impact on the game. If he can provide interior defense and rebounding, it should go a long way to helping Durango advance.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sam-johnson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sam-johnson/">Sam Johnson</a></a> 6'6 C Durango 2020 (#62PHN 2020) - Johnson provides the beef. I saw him and Kohler play in an early-season scrimmage, and the senior really bothered the sophomore with his physicality. I expect it to be more of the same on Tuesday, as Johnson will try to use his experience and strength to carve out space and rebounds down low.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/coleman-lemke/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/coleman-lemke/">Coleman Lemke</a></a> 6'7 PF Faith Lutheran 2021 (#30 PHN) - Lemke is more of a 3 than a 4. I expect <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaylon-lee/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaylon-lee/">Jaylon Lee</a></a> to defend him most of the game, and his ability to step outside and stretch the floor is going to be crucial. If he can pull Lee away from the basket than it's a huge advantage for Faith. Perhaps no game is more dependent on one skill than this one. If Lemke finds his shot in this game, Faith has a great chance to pull off the upset.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow 4A Playoff Region Action</a></p>