5A Tournament: Key Players

The bracket for the 5A tournament is set, and there are some intriguing matchups. There is a wealth of talent spread throughout the bracket. Here, we look at a few of the key players in the 5A state tournament    The freshman guard has been nothing short of special this season. TT isn't just having a good year “for a freshman” — she's having one of the better seasons in 5A, period. She leads North in virtually every statistical category and is averaging a double-double from the guard spot, which tells you everything about her motor and impact. Freeman plays with confidence beyond her years. She scores at all three levels, rebounds in traffic, and competes defensively. What stands out most is her willingness to embrace the moment. If North is going to make a serious run, it'll be because their freshman star continues to play like a veteran.     The senior guard is looking to close out her career the right way, and [player_tooltip player_id='489170' first='Brooke' last='Nowak'] has the game to do it. She's not flashy — she's effective. Nowak does a little bit of everything: scores when needed, facilitates, defends, and rebounds her position. Her biggest asset in tournament play is experience. She understands pace, understands moments, and doesn't get rattled. In tight games, that matters. If Notre Dame Prep makes a deep run, expect Nowak to be right in the middle of it, steady and productive.     Chief is one of the more versatile wings in the bracket. She's a matchup problem because she can hurt you in multiple ways. She scores efficiently, rebounds her position well, and shows strong vision as a passer. Chief is one of the main catalysts for Catalina Foothills. When she's aggressive, they're different. She can initiate offense, finish in transition, and defend multiple positions.     Wiemann is one of the premier post players in the state, and at times, she's flat-out unguardable. She has real polish on the block — footwork, touch, patience — and she doesn't rush her work. What separates Wiemann is her versatility. She can score with her back to the basket, face up, and step out to knock down perimeter shots. That forces opposing bigs into uncomfortable spots. If she establishes position early and stays out of foul trouble, she can control a game from the paint outward.     Aguirre is the heartbeat of Desert Mountain. She's shifty with the ball, plays at her own pace, and does a great job of keeping teammates involved while remaining a scoring threat. She changes speeds well and makes defenders uncomfortable. Aguirre understands how to manipulate space, whether it's in pick-and-roll or in transition. When she's dictating tempo, Desert Mountain plays confident basketball.     The senior guard has put together a strong season and is looking to cap her career with a deep run. Schiltz brings toughness and shot-making to the Huskies. She's capable of heating up quickly, but what stands out is her competitiveness. She embraces defensive assignments and doesn't shy away from big shots. In tournament basketball, you need seniors who aren't afraid of the moment. Peyton fits that description.     Luz is one of the premier wings in the state, and she plays like it. She's a dual offensive threat — equally comfortable pulling up in the mid-range or stretching you beyond the arc. What really elevates her game is her nose for the ball. She rebounds at a high level from the wing spot and creates extra possessions. After finishing as runner-up last year, she and the Cougars understand what it takes to get there.

The bracket for the 5A tournament is set, and there are some intriguing matchups. There is a wealth of talent spread throughout the bracket. Here, we look at a few of the key players in the 5A state tournament