5A Mid-Seed Playoff Teams With Players You Must See

The first round of the playoffs begins in less than 24 hours. As anticipation builds and teams prepare, it's time to highlight some of the serious hoopers that are on make-or-break teams in the 5A class. From the promising #25 Lewis-Palmer Rangers to the criminally underrated #30 Longmont Trojans, we have a lot to unpack. Let's talk about it.    [player_tooltip player_id='858702' first='Rylee' last='Edmondson'] has single-handedly carried the Rangers into the playoffs, leading her team in almost every statistical category with 18 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, and 3 SPG, demonstrating she has what it takes to take over any game at any given time. At 5'8, Edmondson's rebounding is remarkable as she relentlessly crashes the glass on both ends of the ball, resulting in a multitude of second-chance opportunities where her teammates thrive, too. With a confident jumper and a shifty handle, Edmondson can score on all three levels of the floor and torch defenders for a high volume of scoring that Lewis-Palmer can count on during the playoffs too.     [player_tooltip player_id='1259892' first='Terra' last='Brubaker'] is one of the most slept on forwards in the senior class, able to bring down nearly 11 RPG on the year alongside almost 8 PPG and 2 SPG on a nightly basis. Brubaker's 2-way poise represents Longmont's grit and toughness across a multitude of areas in the game. Regardless of what the scoreboard says, coaches can count on Brubaker's effort being at 110%. With the team's second-most scoring productivity (172 points in the regular season), I easily see Brubaker making the most of her last postseason run with the Trojans.     [player_tooltip player_id='1120244' first='Deja' last='Burns'] is coming into her matchup against Glenwood Springs with all the momentum she could ask for. Averaging a double-double and making her presence known on the interior, Burns' footwork allows her to get off close-range looks in the paint while shooting over defenders at 6'0. Her all-around poise and confidence have taken Sierra far, as she's come up huge when it's mattered most this season. Defensively, Burns has been all over the place, averaging a jaw-dropping 5.3 BPG along with just under 4 SPG. Watch out, because [player_tooltip player_id='1120244' first='Deja' last='Burns'] is coming for it all this postseason.     Hannah Miano has led Eagle Valley in scoring as only a freshman, commanding leadership and presenting versatility in her gameplay. Coming away with 11.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 2.3 SPG in the regular season, Miano looks composed and collected on the floor, with her head on a swivel seeking out open teammates. Establishing herself as a reliable option in only her first year, Miano is presented with a golden opportunity in her first playoff matchup against Cheyenne Mountain, which proves to be a great game on February 25th.     [player_tooltip player_id='904147' first='Harper' last='Young'] has been impressive this season, expanding her game and commanding attention around the interior. Being the center of opponents' gameplan, Young's ability to rebound the ball on both ends, along with scoring in the paint, allows Grand Junction's fluid offensive system to thrive. At 6'0, Young's passing has been outstanding in her junior campaign, drawing attention inside and kicking to open shooters. Expect her to be a problem in her first round contest against a tough Littleton squad in a couple of days.

The first round of the playoffs begins in less than 24 hours. As anticipation builds and teams prepare, it's time to highlight some of the serious hoopers that are on make-or-break teams in the 5A class. From the promising #25 Lewis-Palmer Rangers to the criminally underrated #30 Longmont Trojans, we have a lot to unpack. Let's talk about it.