8 Under the Radar Players in the Open Division Elite 8

This week, the Open Division playoffs resume with the Elite 8 in action. These are obviously the best of the best teams in the state, and they're loaded with talent. There are always players who step up and contribute in big games more than they might have in the regular season. Here, I look at 8 players who are capable of stepping up and being that difference maker in the Elite 8    O'Dowd is one of the most dangerous “quiet” 20-to-30 point scorers in the field. She doesn't just score — she erupts. There's a difference. She can stretch you from the perimeter, score off movement, put it on the deck, finish through contact, and knock down tough contested shots. She has that microwave gene where a six-point quarter can instantly turn into 14 before you blink. In a single-elimination environment, that kind of offensive ceiling is scary. If she catches rhythm early, watch out.     Every Elite Eight team needs a stabilizer. For Perry, that's <a href="//generic-entity?number=3">Riley Hoar</a>. Hoar brings a veteran presence. When games tighten up, when possessions start getting rushed, when momentum swings — she slows everything down. She understands tempo. She understands spacing. She understands when a team needs a bucket rather than execution. Her leadership doesn't always show up in the box score, but it shows up in body language. She gets her teammates back to what makes Perry successful. That's invaluable this time of year.     <a href="//generic-entity?number=5">Barnes</a> has made one of the more noticeable jumps this season. Campo Verde's success is directly tied to her continued growth. Defensively, she's disruptive — active hands, good anticipation, and willing to guard. Offensively, her outside shooting has become a legitimate weapon. She's more confident, more decisive. If Barnes continues impacting both ends the way she has, the Coyotes become much more balanced — and much more dangerous.     <a href="//generic-entity?number=7">Shaw</a> brings something you can't teach: championship experience. She understands what playoff basketball feels like. She doesn't get sped up. She can handle, defend, shoot, and make reads. It's a complete skill set. In a tight Elite Eight matchup, players like Shaw are often the difference. If McClintock advances deeper, don't be surprised if her fingerprints are all over it.     Sophomore, yes. But don't mistake that for softness. <a href="//generic-entity?number=9">Zariah Odom</a> brings toughness to the floor. She competes on both ends, plays through contact, and doesn't shy away from big moments. For Canyon View to match physicality and tempo, Odom's presence on the wing becomes critical. She, as well as her teammates, has to embrace that matchup and impose their energy.     When you're facing the defending champs, shot-making becomes non-negotiable. <a href="//generic-entity?number=11">[player_tooltip player_id='807125' first='Rose' last='Bosch']</a> gives Basha that capability. She can knock down perimeter shots and stretch a defense, which is essential against a talented Millennium team. If Bosch finds her rhythm early, she changes the game's dynamics. That spacing could open driving lanes and force the Tigers into tough defensive decisions.     Every championship-level team has an energy engine. For Millennium, one of those players is <a href="//generic-entity?number=13">[player_tooltip player_id='847454' first='Kauai' last='Combs']</a>. Combs plays hungry. She rebounds outside her area, defends multiple positions, runs the floor, and gives the Tigers emotional lift when they need it most. Her versatility allows Millennium to switch defensively and stay aggressive.

This week, the Open Division playoffs resume with the Elite 8 in action. These are obviously the best of the best teams in the state, and they're loaded with talent. There are always players who step up and contribute in big games more than they might have in the regular season.

Here, I look at 8 players who are capable of stepping up and being that difference maker in the Elite 8