Matchup Notes Heading Into the 5A Great 8

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Air Academy #1 versus Frederick #8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>AA Point Differential: +53 Frederick Point Differential: +48</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most talented programs in the state, Air Academy boasts supreme playmaking from [player_tooltip player_id='216688' first='Caitlin' last='Kramer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='374159' first='Lydia' last='Flowers'], both effective against a wide variety of positions. They are assisted by [player_tooltip player_id='471052' first='Audrina' last='Nelson'], who can break a press and set up their scorers within the halfcourt. In the paint, they are anchored by [player_tooltip player_id='612843' first='Tatyonna' last='Brown'], who is quickly progressing as one of the better two-way prospects in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frederick will have to hone their talent through efficient perimeter play, from [player_tooltip player_id='374107' first='Zoe' last='Wittler'] and [player_tooltip player_id='331322' first='Gabby' last='Jima']. Their ability to attack openings to create good looks for teammates will be imperative for Frederick to keep up with AA's potent offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Windsor #4 versus Northfield #5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Windsor Point Differential: +28 Northfield Point Differential: +54</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Windsor's confluence of upper and underclass athletes will be a great opportunity to gauge this group's upside not just this season, but next. Led by returning 2025s [player_tooltip player_id='353328' first='Reyleigh' last='Hess'] and [player_tooltip player_id='608631' first='Brooklyn' last='Jiricek'], they will have to rely on smart passing from these tall guards. 2027 is a prevalent grad class for this team, featuring [player_tooltip player_id='793089' first='Gracie' last='Worsley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1051013' first='Sabella' last='Hilliard'], [player_tooltip player_id='796633' first='Nola' last='Greenwald'], and Peityn Deselms.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northfield boasts a quickly progressing underclassmen reliant group, big on defense and a fast pace of play. From guards [player_tooltip player_id='631333' first='Madison' last='Bethel'], [player_tooltip player_id='374093' first='Alena' last='Vondracek'] and [player_tooltip player_id='374091' first='Aliyah' last='Herron'], this team hosts a wide array of downhill scorers with beneficial passing vision when needed. Alongside their perimeter play, they bring in impactful rebounds and interior defenders with [player_tooltip player_id='331321' first='Nashara' last='Ellerbee'], [player_tooltip player_id='631343' first='LaPorsha' last='Allen'], and [player_tooltip player_id='693008' first='Kate' last='Snodgrass']. This will be a fascinating matchup given this group's ability to put opponents in tough positions within the halfcourt.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Roosevelt #2 versus Montrose #7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roosevelt Point Differential: +60 Montrose Point Differential: +43</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roosevelt boasts a very deep roster with plenty of experienced athletes in playoff situations. Bringing in quality guards in [player_tooltip player_id='216727' first='Kinsey' last='Trujillo'], [player_tooltip player_id='216711' first='Brynn' last='Price'], Maddie Moyers, and [player_tooltip player_id='346832' first='Ryanne' last='Bahnsen-Price'], this team has so many options to score and attack. Alongside their playmaking options, they bring in dependable forwards with [player_tooltip player_id='566365' first='Kyla' last='Hollier'] and [player_tooltip player_id='327685' first='Brooklyn' last='Meza']. They bring in so many interchangeable components, allowing for tons of lineup versatility against any matchup.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Montrose continues to battle onto the next round, providing notable value from Taygan Rocco and Maggie Legg in particular.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Standley Lake #11 versus Mead #3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SL Point Differential: +22 Mead Point Differential: +34</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standley Lake is a particularly unique team given their frontcourt skill and size with [player_tooltip player_id='216723' first='Taylin' last='Serlen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='853889' first='Sydney' last='Martin']. They will be as competitive on the glass as any team in these playoffs, given their size and consistent motors. Serlen in particular brings much more skill than the typical 4, given her shooting ability along the perimeter and efficient scoring through contact. The complementary shotmaking from guards Bayleigh Walling and [player_tooltip player_id='802390' first='Kameron' last='Mireles-Ciancio'] will be fascinating to follow, potentially stretching out the opponent defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mead possesses well rounded perimeter play, particularly from their five guards all up above 150 total points this season. Four of them have contributed 70+ three point attempts between 34% and 39% behind the line. Particularly [player_tooltip player_id='689205' first='Darby' last='Haley'], [player_tooltip player_id='329397' first='Caroline' last='Kron'], Madi Clark, and [player_tooltip player_id='720583' first='Gianna' last='Wurth'] have been consistent within those roles. Part of what makes Mead so frustrating to deal with is their balanced scoring, coming from all areas of the floor given their willing passing and shooting consistency. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->