Road to the 5A Title: Biggest Difference-Makers in the Tournament

So far, only one upset in the 5A playoffs, with Greenbrier taking down Hot Springs Lakeside in the first round. But now, as these teams prepare to play in the final four, let's take a look at each surviving team's biggest difference maker.    Farmington has already moved on to the semis after defeating both Batesville and Little Rock Christian, and it is no surprise that [player_tooltip player_id='1090920' first='Easton' last='McCollough'] is this team's biggest playmaker.   McCollough had a great start to the playoffs, hitting a ridiculous 12 3-pointers in the first round. Of course, she is a brilliant markswoman from beyond the arc, being able to hit from all over the court, and equally deadly off the catch and off the dribble.   I talk a lot about her scoring and her playmaking, but her defense has been very impressive, despite her high usage on the offensive end. Her IQ on the defensive side of the floor is fantastic, as she reads plays quickly, tipping passes away, and beating opponents to their spots. McCollough's ability to force turnovers gives Farmington plenty of opportunities to get out and run in transition.   [player_tooltip player_id='1090920' first='Easton' last='McCollough'] continues to make her case for Gatorade Player of the Year, and if she takes this team all the way to the title, I don't see why they won't win what may be their fifth consecutive state title.     Since moving across state lines from Missouri, [player_tooltip player_id='1186507' first='E'Marriha' last='Johnson'] has propelled herself as one of the best players in the entire state of Arkansas. Now, the Louisiana Tech commit will be looking to take her team to the title in her final year of high school.   During the regular season, Johnson averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, all career-highs with the Lady Eagles. Her shooting has been ridiculous, hitting 58% of her shots from the floor and 71% from the charity stripe. Her percentage inside the arc this year was 61%.   Johnson is one of the most tenacious finishers in the state. There is not a soul who can consistently stop her when she has her sights set on the rim. If they do somehow come up with the stop, no worries, because she will grab her miss and put it back up and in. On the other end of the floor, Johnson is going to play some of the toughest defense the opposition will face all year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1186507' first='E'Marriha' last='Johnson'] will give Greenbrier a run for their money in the second round.     [player_tooltip player_id='1196037' first='Tori' last='Cunningham'] has emerged this season as one of the better young stars coming out of Northeast Arkansas, and she is showing out in the playoffs so far.   Cunningham had a second-round performance against the 1-seed Lake Hamilton, where she put up 17 points in a tight win. Right before the postseason, Cunningham had a 22-point, 13-rebound performance at the end of February and a 32-point outing against Marion to tip off conference play.   Cunningham is a great all-around scorer. She can hit the outside shot with efficiency, especially off the catch, and she is a solid driver who can finish through contact. Her rebounding and defense are also worth mentioning, as she can change games on those ends.   [player_tooltip player_id='1196037' first='Tori' last='Cunningham'] is an exceptional two-way star who has so much potential. The next couple of years will be scary for the other 5A East squads.     [player_tooltip player_id='1060845' first='Livi' last='Fosness'] is a paint beast who is essentially unstoppable to stop. Now the Harding commit is keeping her great regular play going in the postseason.   In a tough second-round win over Vilonia, Fosness could not be handled, putting up 23 points and pulling down 20 rebounds. This is not the first time she has put up a stat line like that, as she killed Greenwood with 34 points and 22 boards right before the playoffs began.   If those stats didn't tell you, she is dominant on the backboard. A lot of her scoring comes off second-chance opportunities, and she is a tough finisher. Her tough play also extends to the other end of the floor, and her post defense makes it difficult for every opponent.   [player_tooltip player_id='1060845' first='Livi' last='Fosness'] is one of the best bigs in the state, and she has been excellent when Mountain Home needs her the most.

So far, only one upset in the 5A playoffs, with Greenbrier taking down Hot Springs Lakeside in the first round. But now, as these teams prepare to play in the final four, let's take a look at each surviving team's biggest difference maker.