Playoff X-Factors: D1 Gamers Who Might Tilt the Scales

Cody Quattrocci

March 3, 2025 @ 09:50 AM

The playoffs have arrived and I've got a handful of hoopers who I've dubbed x-factors. We've got shooters, versatile defenders, fundamentals, and grittiness. Who's gonna show out when it matters most?? Find out below.   Emma Maley, 5'8 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2027   A shooter who can get hot and make a big splash is Maley. Emma's ability to knock down the 3 in a variety of situations, whether it's running the wing in transition, off kick outs, or with a one-dribble jab and step back, forces defenses to bend and stretch. In turn, those driving lanes open for BHS' plentiful slashers and zone defenses are forced to pick and choose when/where to collapse. Moreover, her defensive effort + her length bolsters BHS on both ends. A key ingredient.   [player_tooltip player_id='645675' first='Meghan' last='Thompson'], 5'9 G - Mount Mansfield Union H.S. Class of 2025   Sadly, Thompson's been dealing with injuries throughout the season. But the senior bucket-getter's competitiveness will not waver. Meghan's ability to get microwave hot from range is a key aspect of MMU's inside/out offense. Plus, she has the toolkit to drive the closeout and make plays, forcing opponents into a scramble and making her teammates better with distribution or finishes herself. Normally, Thompson is one of MMU's primary options but the time dealing with injuries has had her in and out of the lineup; I'm hopeful she finishes strong.   Kyra Nelson, 5'10 W - St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 2025   With Nelson we have a versatile role player who can collect a quiet +10 points a change a game. She's most often featured as a lengthy aspect of St. J's pressure zone, able to hawk ballhandlers, drop and play a low slot if asked upon, and rebound the rock. And offensively, she's a smart ball mover who sees the floor well, able to exploit holes. Yet, she might just go 5-7 from the field, hit a few threes, and provide a huge boost off the bench for this deep, undefeated St. J team.   Rowan Butler, 5'10 W - Mount Mansfield Union H.S. Class of 2025   A presence who glues things together, Rowan has shown how vital and versatile she is. Butler is someone who can cut up a defense with her quick and aware passing, post flashes, sly finishing, and the occasional 3. Then defensively, Rowan brings disruption. With her athleticism and size, Rowan often heads the 1-3-1 pressure defense and forces tough decisions with her relentlessness, she hustles for boards, can play various spots in the 2-3, and will take on tough matchups in man to man. Just a hardnosed, high-IQ player.   Alex Montgomery, 5'10 F - Champlain Valley Union H.S. Class of 2025   Fundamentals! Watching Montgomery operate around the rim is a joy. She's got nice footwork to go into her baby hooks, she's got step throughs, and a short-range jumper to keep defenders honest. Plus, Alex's awareness as a passer is clear. She knows where defenders are lurking, sees cutters on time, and has the passes to get the ball there on target. Defensively active and rugged, she's tough around the rim and has no let up for boards. An important piece for this new look CVU team.   Colleen Sonnick, 5'10 W/F - Essex H.S. Class of 2027   When Colleen gets it going, Essex is tough. She put up 17 in a key win against the #2 seed, using her versatile offensive repertoire to lead the charge. The southpaw has the jumper going out to 3 but is most dangerous within 15-feet, using the one dribble pull-up or a dynamic face-up game to get to her various spots. Add in her bothersome size and versatile defensive work and you have someone who guards inside and out and has the handle to make plays in the open court. With Sonnick rolling, Essex is tough.

The playoffs have arrived and I've got a handful of hoopers who I've dubbed x-factors. We've got shooters, versatile defenders, fundamentals, and grittiness. Who's gonna show out when it matters most?? Find out below.