X-Factor Players to Watch in Round 1 of the 6A Playoffs - Part 1

Playoff time is finally here! And we are definitely here for it. This year CHSAA has added in a round of play-in games which will shake things up as some of the top teams will get a first round bye. Others are matched up in the first round, ready to battle it out for a chance to continue into the second round. In this first scout, we look at the 6A matchups between Rocky Mountain vs. Vista Ridge, Arvada West vs Erie, Fruita Monument vs. Ralston Valley and Columbine vs. Monarch. Check out these X-Factor players who will definitely be key in helping their teams keep their playoffs drives alive.    Radcliff will be a boost of energy on both ends as Rocky Mountain goes into the playoffs. This guard is a passing machine, averaging nearly 4 assists per game she is excellent at finding her teammates in the right spots. That isn't all for this guard, she has quick handles in the open court to get the ball into the Lobo's halfcourt sets. She is also careful with the ball under pressure to help minimize turnovers in crucial playoff games. Listed at 5'5", Grace uses her height well to score in the mid-range and from behind the arch when needed for Rocky Mountain. Defensively, this guard uses her quickness to force steals and close out to shooters. She is tough in the half court, giving up nothing in strength while battling in the paint for sneaky guard rebounds. The Lobos will look for Radcliff to provide some sophomore stability through their playoff run.     When the Erie Tigers face off against Arvada West in the first round, they will look for Greenlee to give them an added boost on both ends of the court. She uses her longer frame and agility to give her an advantage over smaller guards with the ability to efficiently score in the mid-range and from 3pt. She is aggressive and can get to the basket for a strong finish or go to the free throw line, either way this freshman provides points. Addison is great rebounder for a guard, Erie will need the boards against the Wildcats. On defense, she matches up well against guards or small forwards, she is able to create turnovers and battle in the paint to get stops. Addison is one to watch, even as a freshman, she has the skills to help the Tigers stay competitive throughout the playoffs.     Akens provides another layer of guard fire power for Ralston Valley. This guard plays calm and consistent on a nightly basis. She is quick and has nice handles to break presses and lead offensive sets. She can get to her scoring spots, where she is effective in both 2pt and 3pt range. Khloe has some top scorers as teammates and she takes pride in finding them with great passes, right where they need the ball to score. Don't be fooled by the 5'5" height, Khloe is tough on defense. She has the footwork and defensive quickness to keep dribblers and shooters contained in both the full and the half court. She always seems to be in the right place to get steals and rebounds from bigger posts that aren't paying attention. Ralston Valley will go deep into the playoffs this year, watch for Akens to be a part of that run.     The list of strong guards at Columbine is impressive, but make sure you add Alexa to the list. This junior brings strong fundamentals and a calm energy to the court for the Rebels. She can handle the ball, making sure that the offense finds its way to the multiple scorers on the team. But Alexa can also get points for herself. She isn't afraid to take the ball to the basket for tough finishes and she knows when to pull up for jumpers, she can hit from mid-range or the three point line. Freyre is a reliable defender for Columbine. She can get down in a stance and defend in the full court and get stops in the half court. She is strong enough to be great in helpside, able to get steals from unsuspecting post players. Representing the Jeffco league, Columbine with Freyre will be a team to watch.     A freshman guard at Monarch, Weiss is fun to watch at the PG/CG position. Her court vision is great, she sees both her open teammates and her own scoring opportunities very well. She makes good decisions with the ball in her hands. As a freshman she can be trusted to break a press or get the offense going for the Coyotes. Charlotte has no problems getting her own offense going. She can get to the hoop and finish strong. Her shooting is definitely a problem for defenders, she can hit from mid-range and 3pt with supreme accuracy. As a defender, Weiss also gets it done for Monarch. She has the quick hands and feet that you would expect, always causing turnovers on both ends. Weiss isn't afraid to get in the paint and battle with bigger post players for her share of the rebounds. Charlotte might be a freshman in age, but her basketball maturity will help Monarch play well throughout the playoffs.

Playoff time is finally here! And we are definitely here for it. This year CHSAA has added in a round of play-in games which will shake things up as some of the top teams will get a first round bye. Others are matched up in the first round, ready to battle it out for a chance to continue into the second round. In this first scout, we look at the 6A matchups between Rocky Mountain vs. Vista Ridge, Arvada West vs Erie, Fruita Monument vs. Ralston Valley and Columbine vs. Monarch. Check out these X-Factor players who will definitely be key in helping their teams keep their playoffs drives alive.