"X-Factors" on Playoff Contenders

The playoffs are featuring some of the top shooters and scorers in high school basketball. These players know how to put the ball in the basket. To win the big one, it takes more than just offense. A team needs that player who is going to make it hard on the opponents to score, grab rebounds, dive on the floor for loose balls, and win the 50-50 plays. In this article, we highlight defensive stoppers, high energy players, and players who impact the game in ways that might not show up on the stat sheet. These players are "X-Factors" who could also be "deciding factors" in the high school playoffs.      [player_tooltip player_id='514527' first='Arianna' last='Walker'] has helped Bolles on the defensive end and also made plays that don't always show up in the stat sheet (defensive pressure that led to an errant pass, cutting off a driving angle, preventing a fast break). Walker is usually assigned to the opponent's top offensive guard or small forward and her athleticism and speed gives her a chance in any match-up. Walker has the size, quickness, speed, and athleticism to match up against some of the top forwards and guards in her division. Her defensive impact has taken pressure off of her teammates and allowed them to focus on duties. Particularly, shooting the rock. Walker has been an X-Factor all season and will continue to be one as the playoffs continue.     [player_tooltip player_id='515110' first='Jacoreyn' last='Andrews'] is that player who gives it 110 per cent on every play. She helps on press break, she runs the floor, and will get you 6 to 10 points on any given night. Andrews's defense is where the "X-Factor" comes from. She will defend a team's best player and make it uncomfortable all game long. She plays driving angles well and will contest every shot. Andrews has active hands, very quick feet, and a nose for the ball. She is a selfless player who cares about winning. That infectious okay has inspired her team all season long. She is an X-Factor and will be very instrumental in Ribault's playoff run.     [player_tooltip player_id='846674' first='Eni' last='Oyedeji'] has such a pleasant personality off the court, but don't let that smile fool you. If you bring that shot into the lane, it's getting blocked or challenged. Oyedeji presently sits around 2 blocks per game (51 blocks in 26 games). The Sophomore will give you 8 - 10 points on a nightly basis, and has an impact on the outcome of the game. If the game is on the line and a player is driving to the rim they might think twice, and it might not be "another day at paradise". Oyedeji is definitely n X-Factor in the playoffs.     [player_tooltip player_id='1192614' first='Calise' last='Smith'] doesn't lead in any statistical category, but when you look closer, you see the Senior is impactful all over the basketball court. She is second on the team in scoring, second in rebounds, third in steals, and second in blocks. She is the epitome of an X-Factor. Smith played very well against Creekside in the Region Quarterfinals. She finished the game with 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 three pointers. From watching the tape, Creekside really focused on the team's main player, [player_tooltip player_id='638571' first='Aaliyah' last='Grant'] who is a walking double - double. Smith mixed it up in the paint and also defended on the perimeter against the forwards. Smith has stepped it up in the playoffs and she will be an X-Factor against Timbercreek - on both sides of the ball.     [player_tooltip player_id='908911' first='Elise' last='Horne'] is that workhorse who goes to work every game and just does what it takes to win. She brings physicality to the playoffs and a winning attitude and resume. She has won a State Championship every season she has played and is contending for a fourth straight title. Horne averages 9 rebounds per game and countless effort plays per game. She is a high effort player- not a high stats player. She has a championship track record and will definitely be an X-Factor. It's a role she is used to.

The playoffs are featuring some of the top shooters and scorers in high school basketball. These players know how to put the ball in the basket. To win the big one, it takes more than just offense. A team needs that player who is going to make it hard on the opponents to score, grab rebounds, dive on the floor for loose balls, and win the 50-50 plays. In this article, we highlight defensive stoppers, high energy players, and players who impact the game in ways that might not show up on the stat sheet. These players are "X-Factors" who could also be "deciding factors" in the high school playoffs.