6A 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    Since returning from injury, Sipfle has steadily worked herself back into rhythm — and it's showing. She's anchoring the paint again. Legit rim protector, Alters shots and finishes efficiently around the basket. What stands out is her IQ — she doesn't force things, understands timing, and understands positioning. If Hamilton is going to make a serious effort to repeat, it starts with her controlling the interior on both ends.     The freshman has been exactly what people expected — and that's saying something. Brooks plays beyond her years. High IQ point guard who controls tempo, makes reads, defends, rebounds, scores when needed. She impacts the game in ways that don't always show up in the box score. Now it's about getting her Thunder group synced up at the right time, heading into the playoffs.     Rylee missed time early, but since coming back, she's reminded everyone why she's one of the top point guards in 6A. Quick. Shifty handle. Plays with poise. She has a natural feel for when to attack and when to facilitate. In postseason basketball, guard play matters — and Pinnacle has one that can steady the ship late.     Emma has put together a strong senior year and has been the tone-setter for the Toros. She competes. She leads. If Mountain View is going to make noise, Fischbeck has to be the one dictating terms — offensively and emotionally. Playoff runs require your seniors to elevate. She's capable of that.     Sunnyslope goes as Luba goes. Period. Leading scorer. Leading rebounder. Heavy offensive usage. She's the engine. The NYU commit has carried the load all year and now looks to close her high school career the right way. If she's efficient and stays out of foul trouble, the Vikings are dangerous.     Double-double machine. Lewis has expanded her offensive game this year, making her tougher to guard. Elite rebounder. Physical. Active. She creates second-chance opportunities and controls possessions. She's a major catalyst — and in tournament play, rebounding travels.     Highland's ceiling is directly tied to Williams. True three-level scoring ability. Good handle. Very good passer. Can orchestrate or take over. She plays under control and makes smart reads. If she's aggressive but efficient, Highland can make a real push.     The talented wing has quietly had a big senior season. Barajas has been consistent and steady for the Blue Devils. She competes and produces. Now it's about translating regular-season confidence into postseason wins. Don't overlook Sunnyside if she gets rolling.     Karis is one of the more underrated seniors in the state. Doesn't talk much — just works. Productive forward who rebounds, finishes, and defends. She's reliable. Chandler will lean on her experience and consistency in tight playoff games.     Malia is ultra-quick and changes pace very well. She is a Disruptive defender on the perimeter. Woodberry does a little bit of everything — sets up teammates, pressures the ball, scores when needed. In a tournament setting, that kind of guard pressure can swing momentum.     Grace is a two-way wing with confidence. Cloud plays composed and understands spacing. Deep perimeter range. Can guard multiple positions. Xavier has postseason expectations every year — and Cloud's ability to stretch the floor and defend will be central to how far they go.

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