Austin-Metro Playoff Picture: 6A Quarterfinals Preview
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The 6A Regional Quarterfinals are upon us and just three teams from the Austin-Metroplex survived and advanced through the first two rounds of the playoffs last week. Austin Anderson, Round Rock Westwood, and Vandegrift are the last teams standing from…
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Continue ReadingThe 6A Regional Quarterfinals are upon us and just three teams from the Austin-Metroplex survived and advanced through the first two rounds of the playoffs last week. Austin Anderson, Round Rock Westwood, and Vandegrift are the last teams standing from the 6A Austin area districts and will play on Tuesday night with a chance to advance to the Regional Semifinals.
Here is a sneak peek at two 6A Regional Quarterfinal games that represent teams from the Austin-Metroplex:
Austin Anderson (26-10) vs San Antonio Brandeis (30-3)
When: Tuesday, March 3rd at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Seguin High School
Preview:
Anderson edged out Smithson Valley 58-52 in the opening bi-district round a week ago and followed it up with another close win against San Antonio Brennan in the area round by the score of 57-54. The Trojans are the final remaining team from District 25 left in the playoffs, and they will face a tough test in San Antonio Brandeis who finished in first place in District 28. The Broncos cruised to an 86-55 win versus SA Churchill in the first round but narrowly defeated Austin Bowie 53-50 in the second, a team that Anderson went 1-1 against during district play. If the Trojans want to move on they will need to rely on strong play from their backcourt, all while trying to slow down the high scoring attack of the Broncos.
Austin Anderson Trojans
Max Smith – 6-1 PG – 2020
- Smith is the leader on the court for the Trojans and can light up the scoreboard on any night. A true scoring threat from anywhere on the court, he can pull up from three or take it to the basket and nail floaters in the lane. Smith is ranked number 54 in Texas for the 2020 class.
Blake Spiller – 6-3 SG – 2020
- A high energy player and an efficient shooter beyond the arc, Spiller leaves it all out on the court and is a key complementary piece on offense next to Smith. Best as a spot-up shooter with good technique, but he can also create shots for himself when needed.
Cody Grove – 6-4 F – 2020
- While Smith and Spiller are racking up points, Grove is banging in the paint and gobbling up rebounds for the Trojans. Anderson will need Grove to be active in the paint on offense and defense in the matchup against the Broncos.
San Antonio Brandeis Broncos
Kyle Schaefer – 6-3 G – 2020
- As a senior Schaefer led the Broncos in scoring with 15.5 points per game and hit 38% from 3-point range with 69 total makes. Schaefer had five games with 20+ points scored this season, with a big performance of 18 points versus Austin Bowie in the area-round.
Tanner Brown – 6-2 G – 2020
- Brown led Brandeis in 3-point percentage making 47% from beyond the arc on 80 makes, all while averaging 15.4 points per game and 6.1 rebounds. The combo of Schaefer and Brown is lethal from deep range, but Brown isn’t afraid to play physical in the paint as seen in his 13 points, 7 rebounds performance against Austin Bowie.
Ty Fontenot – 6-5 C – 2020
- Brandeis will rely upon Fontenot in the paint due to his big frame. Averaging 8.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, Fontenot could be a huge factor down low versus Anderson as their tallest player stands at 6-4.
Round Rock Westwood (24-11) vs Vandegrift (33-2)
When: Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Vandegrift High School
Preview:
This will be the fourth meeting this year between Vandegrift and Round Rock Westwood, with the Vipers holding a 3-0 record versus the Warriors in one tournament game (57-50) and two District 13 matchups (62-47, 33-29). Vandegrift defeated Langham Creek 52-44 in the opening round and finished up last week with a too close for comfort 57-51 win over Benjamin Davis. Meanwhile, RR Westwood upset their first two playoff opponents in Cypress Lakes 47-43 and Dekaney 45-42. Vandegrift comes into Tuesday nights game as the clear favorite, but can the Warriors get over the hump and finally take down the Vipers after close competitions earlier in the year?
Round Rock Westwood Warriors
Christian Robinson – 6-4 SF – 2020
- Robinson is a swiss army knife for the Warriors as he can do everything on the court that the coaching staff asks for. Whether it’s posting up, hitting shots from deep range or creating turnovers on defense, Robinson is an impact player for Westwood and will need to have a huge performance going up against a top-25 ranked team in the state.
Brandon Parks – 6-1 PG – 2020
- Parks is the leader on the court for the Warriors and is a true facilitator. He gets the offense going and into their sets, while also providing an energetic spark on defense.
Zachary Allen Engels – 6-3 SG – 2022
- As a sophomore Allen-Engels broke out onto the scene with Westwood due to his ability to score. Key an eye out on Allen Engels during this game, but also for the next two seasons as he adjusts to the varsity level.
Vandegrift Vipers
Greg Brown III – 6-9 F – 2020
- It’s no secret that the Vipers are led by Brown III, the number 4 ranked player in the entire country and number 1 in Texas. Playing both small and power forward, Brown can score at an exceptional rate as he averaged 27.3 points per game while adding 13.4 rebounds a game. With a very strong mid-range game and the ability to shoot beyond the arc, but his ability to finish at the rim with violent dunks is one of the more exciting skills in his toolbox.
Gabe Rayer – 6-6 SF – 2020
- As a senior Rayer averaged 9.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. A true utility player that can hit from beyond the arc, Rayer plays a key role in the Vipers game plan and provides a solid option outside of Brown III.
Jake Hatch – 6-4 SF – 2020
- Hatch is another key role player for Vandegrift this season as he averaged 10 points per game and brought down 5.4 rebounds per contest. Similar to Rayer, Hatch can hit shots from 3-point range, but at a higher clip (39%).