Enough Sleeping: Under the Radar Contributors on the Top 5 Teams

The most common misassumption about the best teams in the state is that the top scorers and stat sheet stuffers are the sole reason for success. This couldn't be further from the truth, as there are a handful of hoopers who add so much more to their squad than what the numbers say. From lockdown defense to ball control, these ladies have been an enormous help in propelling their teams atop the leaderboard. Let's talk about it.    [player_tooltip player_id='1242622' first='Kaitlyn' last='Cole'] has continued to develop and improve her game each year, and she's been a massive reason why Broomfield has stayed undefeated this year. Cole's effort on both ends of the ball allows her to dictate the pace alongside her elite ball handling. Her unpredictability makes her a lethal weapon, scoring the ball, confusing defenders, and getting creative on all three levels of the floor. This year, she's been a nightmare for opponents to go against due to her focus and tenacity guarding on-ball. Communicating through screens and switching when necessary, Cole is consistently dialed in at all times. So far, she's been able to chalk up just over 8 PPG while leading the Granite Peaks League in assists (4.5 APG).     Jerzi McArthur enshrines an impact that extends far beyond scoring, as she specializes in slowing down opposing offenses while crashing the class as each shot goes up. McArthur utilizes her height at 5'9 to blow by defenders and swing the rock efficiently to open teammates around the perimeter. Playing alongside Texas signee [player_tooltip player_id='329351' first='Brihanna' last='Crittendon'], there have been a plethora of opportunities up for grabs, and the 5'9 combo guard has made the most of each one.     [player_tooltip player_id='1554175' first='Izzy' last='Johnston'] has been a catalyst for the Warriors this season, combining efficient scoring with smart playmaking. Johnston is currently second on Arapahoe's squad in scoring with 10.9 PPG and also contributes 2.4 APG and 1.6 SPG, displaying her all-around impact on both ends of the floor. On defense, her activity and anticipation help transform turnovers into easy buckets for Arapahoe. What really stands out is her consistency. In several key games this season, she's been a reliable scoring option, including double-figure performances in tough matchups. That same steadiness has helped Arapahoe maintain its strong record. Johnston's balance of scoring, playmaking, and defensive effort makes her one of the Warriors' most versatile and dependable leaders this year     [player_tooltip player_id='631345' first='Paris' last='Taylor'] has quietly been one of the most impactful two-way players for Northfield High School this season. As a junior, Taylor has been consistent as ever, producing 11.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 3.5 SPG. This level of poise and confidence on both ends of the ball never goes unnoticed. What stands out most is her versatility, defending multiple positions, attacking downhill, and contributing without needing high volume to stay effective. On a roster loaded with talent, Taylor has embraced her role and maximized efficiency, showing a level of maturity and impact that extends far beyond the stat sheet while helping solidify Northfield as one of the more balanced teams in the 303.     [player_tooltip player_id='903278' first='Hannah' last='Hazim'] has been on her A-game all season long, providing Cherokee Trail with crucial bursts of momentum and energy. Hazim leads the team with the highest field-goal percentage at 56% while also ranking among team leaders with a 30% mark from three-point range and 68% from the foul stripe, showing her ability to convert efficiently when her number is called. Hazim's high-impact scoring and reliability have set the tone for Cherokee Trail's spacing and depth, and she always gives it her all despite what the scoreboard says.

The most common misassumption about the best teams in the state is that the top scorers and stat sheet stuffers are the sole reason for success. This couldn't be further from the truth, as there are a handful of hoopers who add so much more to their squad than what the numbers say. From lockdown defense to ball control, these ladies have been an enormous help in propelling their teams atop the leaderboard. Let's talk about it.