4a Playoffs – Sweet 16 – Mark Randall Region
The second round of the 4A state playoffs went pretty much exactly how we expected it to go as the higher seeds cruised out to victories. But, the sweet 16 holds good and even matchups as we can even expect an upset or two with the way that these teams have been playing. Let’s take a look at each region and who we expect to see keep going.
Mark Randall Region:
Who is in it:
Lewis-Palmer, Kennedy, Sierra, Palmer Ridge, Holy Family, Wheat Ridge, Silver Creek, Thomas Jefferson, Erie, Widefield, The Classical Academy, Skyview
Who will win it?
Lewis Palmer and their 75-62 win over Sierra made their case that much stronger. This is as tough a region as there is still remaining but the team that stand out is Lewis Palmer, the No.2 overall seed in the tournament. They’re 22-2 on the season and are using a nine-game winning streak to try and win it all. In their win over Sierra, Joel Scott showed why he’s one of the best players in the state. He erupted for 33 points and ensured that his team stayed hot. Matthew Ragsdale added 20 points and they looked like the top duo in 4A for a night. This is a team that can get it done and if they ride the backs of Scott and Ragsdale then they’re in good hands. They’re favorites against a Palmer Ridge team that just barely escaped against Holy Family. Palmer Ridge faces a daunting task for any team to try and knock this team off and they’ll have to be near perfect to try and stop them from making it all the way.
Surprise performance?
Tre Pierre and Widefield Gladiators. This team came out and put on a show against the Skyview Wolverines. He was phenomenal in this game as he finished with 26 points as he went an efficient 12/18 from the field along with 11 rebounds. His double-double secured the victory for the team and set the tone, making it easier for the team to cruise into a victory. Randall Days and TJ Davis also contributed on the offensive end and they all got going which is something they’ll need to continue if they plan on beating a stingy Silver Creek squad that’s been squeaking out some wins. Widefield will have to continue to ride Pierre and he can showcase why he’s one of the best players in the state and why he’s having an incredible season, this is a close battle that can go either way.
Most likely upset:
Well I don’t see Palmer Ridge beating Lewis Palmer, especially with the run that Joel Scott is having, so the only other thing to go with is Widefield and Silver Creek. While I don’t see it happening, Widefield has the personnel to make things interesting for Silver Creek. Silver Creek is the No. 7 seed and have been playing well as they’ve won 9 of the last 10 games and are only getting better. Trent Dykema continued his hot play as he went for 25 points in their 73-63 win over Erie. Nick Eaton and Trevor Riters both showed up and they’ll need them both to have another great game if they want to beat Widefield who have a three-headed monster of their own. Pierre, Days and Davis can apply pressure and if they can find a way to stop Dykema, they’ll be able to upset Silver Creek, but that’s easier said than done.
Key players to watch for out of this region: Joel Scott, Matthew Ragsdale, Trent Dykema, Tre Pierre, Randall Days, TJ Davis, Nick Eaton, Trevor Riters, Nick Boldvich, Zach Hester