6A Emerging Threats to Track in Round 1

Now that the play-in games are complete, the first round games are finally set. In this report, check out some of the emerging threats set to make a name for themselves as they take to the courts to try and help their teams survive and advance to the second round.    Isabella "Bella" might be just a freshman, but her scoring power has been key for Horizon getting to the first round of the playoffs this season. Averaging over 10 points per game, Alvarado is a threat all over the offensive end. She is strong with the ball in her hands and also has great movement without the ball, she can create scoring opportunities for herself in so many ways. Alvarado's shooting is crucial for the Hawks gameplan, she is consistent from both 2pt and 3pt range. Defensively, Bella will match up with some of the state's best guards, but she shows no fear on the defensive end. She is quick and defends guards well to force turnovers. Combined with her helpside efforts on bigger post players, Alvarado gets it done on D. The Hawks will need everything this freshman has for their first round battle.     A freshman earning varsity minutes, Hanlon will continue to be impactful as the Angels go into the first round. [player_tooltip player_id='899784' first='Olivia' last=''] is proving to be an excellent combo-guard. Her handles are smooth and simple, she can take care of the ball in the full court and under pressure. Hanlon sees the court very well and her passing is reliable for getting the ball to the team's multiple scorers where they need it. Hanlon can get buckets herself, she is quietly consistent from mid-range and behind the arch. On defense, [player_tooltip player_id='899784' first='Olivia' last=''] is quick with her hands and feet, she can defend in a press or in the halfcourt. Look for her to sneak a couple steals and boards from bigger posts in the paint. Hanlon will bring quality minutes to Denver East during their playoff run.     Jones is both strong and finesse in one player. This guard is listed at 5'4" but plays much bigger. She is aggressive getting to the basket for finishes or to get to the free throw line. She is also consistent in her shooting from 2pt and the 3pt, making her an all over threat on offense for Eaglecrest. The Raptors will need Avery's tough defense in their first round matchup. She causes choas all over the floor on defense. Whether causing turnovers from her tough pressure, or grabbing boards in the paint, her defensive efforts will be crucial during Eaglecrest's playoff push.     Dreessen will be integral in Pine Creek's run through the playoffs. Her presense is definitely felt on both ends of the court. She uses her 6'0" frame well to be a consistent target for her teammates on offense. Her points come from her footwork and finishes in the paint as well as a strong high post game. Alli will fight for rebounds on both ends until the final buzzer, she leads the team in boards. She can get stops and rebounds as well on defense, matching up on the block well with other post players. The Eagles will need her stat strength and leadership to make a run in the playoffs past this first round.     Overland joins the first round behind the play of PG Davis. She is great in this position for the team, looking to make plays for her teammates first. She can handle pressure in the full court as well as in offensive sets to get her teammates necessary scoring opportunities. She can also score herself, adding consistent buckets from mid-range and 3pt range. Defensively Emma is an important factor for the Trailblazers. She matches up with guards to get steals on dribblers and shooters and is great in helpside to plug up the paint for Overland. Davis brings great momentum from the play-in game to give her squad an energetic run through the playoffs.     This sophomore is a quiet anchor for Rangeview. She uses her handles and strength to both cut through the paint and get herself to the basket for scoring opportunities at the bucket. Mia can also hit the jumpers in both 2pt and 3pt ranges. The Raiders are known for their aggressive defense and Orozco fits right into that. She has quick feet and hands to pressure dribblers and shooters all over the court. She is also strong enough to battle in the paint for steals from unsuspecting post players and defensive rebounds. Orozco brings a consistency that Rangeview will need to see the second round of the playoffs.

Now that the play-in games are complete, the first round games are finally set. In this report, check out some of the emerging threats set to make a name for themselves as they take to the courts to try and help their teams survive and advance to the second round.