X-Factors in the Larry Farmer Region
The 5A State playoffs get started this coming week and there are plenty of great matchups to get out and enjoy. The Kent Smith region was one of the most difficult regions as it is stacked with players that put…
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Continue ReadingThe 5A State playoffs get started this coming week and there are plenty of great matchups to get out and enjoy. The Kent Smith region was one of the most difficult regions as it is stacked with players that put up some big numbers. Here are a few areas to focus on. Here are some wings to look out for in the region.
Payton Kaiser – Vista Ridge
Kaiser is a senior guard that is having a solid year. He is the captain and leader of the Wolves and is their best scorer. He is at 14.6 points a game and uses that to either finish amongst the trees, stop for a pull up jumper or dish it off to the open man. He gets everyone involved and his passing has become contagious. He is at 4.5 assists a game and looks to get others involved. He also is a player that is balanced in other ares of his game as he rebounds and defends as well and Vista Ridge will need a big game from him if they plan on advancing.
Mason Beauman – Brighton
Beauman is a forward that really sticks with it. He does not give up on a play and is a glass cleaner that gives his all. He makes the right basketball play, plays within the offense and is a player that can put up a double-double while impacting the games on both ends of the floor. He does not need plays ran for him to get going as he is a great offensive rebounder and when he gets it he goes straight up with the ball. He secures the rebound and either finds the open guard or can put it on the ground to run the fast break. He finishes on offense and is efficient when he gets the ball. Brighton will need a bit more from his season average of 10.5 points and 5.6 rebounds a game but with a motor like his it is expected that he will have a good game.
Preston Green – Windsor
Senior captain Preston Green is having a pretty year. After not playing much his junior season he has made it a point to get after it in his final season and is averaging 11.0 points and 4.2 rebounds a game. He has very active hands on defense and is a solid on ball defender that plays his man tight. On offense he excels in the open court and is able to get it going in multiple ways. He runs the break well and finishes at the rim. He is also able to knock down shots to open things up and is a reliable source of energy and offense. Windsor has a game against Valor Christian in the first round that should come down to the very last shot and if Preston is able to get himself going early he could be the difference maker in the game.
Micah Hilts – Vista Ridge
Vista Ridge has had an up and down year but put it together at the end of the year to get in the tournament. They won the last three games of the year and is not up against a stout Brighton bunch. One of the X-Factors that will surely have to step up is Micah Hilts. Micah is averaging 10.8 points and 6.8 rebounds a game and has been a force for the Wolves. He is averaging 13.6 points a game in his last five games and has been a big reason for the turnaround. He uses his football background to excel on the court as he is tough and tenacious defender that has a good understanding for the game. He runs the baseline well, uses his great hand-eye coordination to catch the ball and either finishes it with a layup or dunks it. He is able to uses his speed to get leverage on defenders and his athletic abilities make him a bit more difficult to guard. On defense he is quick enough to take gambles and recovers back. He blocks shots at the rim and alters plenty of shots and will be asked to do a ton if they plan on advancing.