Izzy Johnston, daughter of prolific Colorado preps shot blocker, leads No. 1 Arapahoe basketball’s title dream. 

Detected Manipulations & Suggested Changes

Appeal to emotion

Using emotionally engaging narrative or framing to create a positive feeling toward a subject, which can subtly influence perception.

Examples: - “A dad might never have been so elated to hear his daughter was trading sports.” - “And then I went around the corner and did (metaphorical) back flips because I was so excited.” - “There’s nothing that matches the energy of playing there, so that’s the big goal in everyone’s mind.” These passages are designed to create a warm, inspirational tone and emotional connection with Izzy and her family.

3 suggestions

Rephrase emotionally loaded openings into more neutral descriptions, e.g., change “A dad might never have been so elated to hear his daughter was trading sports” to “Her father was pleased when she decided to switch from swimming to basketball.”

Clarify that emotional statements are personal perspectives, e.g., “Tyson said he was extremely excited about her decision” instead of metaphorical “back flips.”

For lines like “There’s nothing that matches the energy of playing there,” add attribution and context: “Izzy said she feels that playing at the Coliseum has a unique atmosphere compared with other venues.”

Unsubstantiated claims

Statements presented as fact without supporting evidence or clear basis, especially when making comparative or evaluative claims.

Examples: - “has seen her emerge as a pillar on Arapahoe’s undefeated, top-ranked team this season.” - “one of the state’s best finishers around the rim.” - “I think what separates us from all these other teams is that we have such a deep bench.” The article does not provide comparative data (e.g., finishing percentages, bench scoring metrics) to support these evaluative claims. Some are in quotes (clearly opinion), but the narrative voice also makes strong evaluative statements without evidence.

3 suggestions

Qualify evaluative language with attribution and framing as opinion, e.g., “has seen her emerge as what coaches describe as a key contributor on Arapahoe’s undefeated, top-ranked team this season.”

Support “one of the state’s best finishers around the rim” with data or context: “She is shooting X% on attempts in the paint, among the top Y in Class 6A, making her one of the more efficient finishers around the rim.”

For the depth claim, add either data or explicit subjectivity: “Johnston believes the Warriors’ depth is a key advantage, noting that multiple players contribute regularly in scoring and defense.”

Biased language

Use of positively loaded descriptors that subtly promote one side or subject without equivalent scrutiny or neutral phrasing.

Examples: - “up-and-coming swimmer” - “promising hooping career” - “pillar on Arapahoe’s undefeated, top-ranked team” - “renowned local trainer Jody Hollins” - “Bluebloods Valor Christian and Highlands Ranch can’t be counted out.” These phrases are value-laden and flattering, especially toward Izzy, her support network, and certain programs, without balancing with neutral or critical context.

4 suggestions

Replace value-laden adjectives with neutral descriptions, e.g., “up-and-coming swimmer” → “competitive youth swimmer,” “promising hooping career” → “high school basketball career that led to a commitment to Colorado School of Mines.”

Change “pillar on Arapahoe’s undefeated, top-ranked team” to something more measurable, such as “a senior starter on Arapahoe’s undefeated, top-ranked team.”

Instead of “renowned local trainer,” specify the basis: “local trainer Jody Hollins, who has worked with numerous high school and college players.”

Replace “Bluebloods Valor Christian and Highlands Ranch can’t be counted out” with “Historically successful programs Valor Christian and Highlands Ranch are also in contention.”

Unbalanced reporting

Focusing heavily on one subject or side while giving limited space or depth to others, which can create an impression of superiority or inevitability.

The article devotes the vast majority of space to Izzy and Arapahoe’s story, training, family background, and aspirations. Other Class 6A contenders are mentioned briefly in one paragraph with minimal detail: - “a handful of other teams also can make a run at the crown. No. 2 Broomfield has also yet to lose, No. 3 Cherokee Trail has been knocking on the door of a title appearance for several years, and No. 4 Northfield has the talent to continue its ascension…” While this is typical for a feature profile, it still means Arapahoe is presented in much richer, more favorable detail than competitors.

3 suggestions

Clarify the article’s scope early, e.g., “This story focuses on senior guard Izzy Johnston and Arapahoe’s title hopes, with brief context on other contenders.”

When listing other teams, add at least one concrete detail (record, key player, recent achievement) for parity, e.g., “No. 2 Broomfield, also undefeated at X–0, is led by …”

Avoid implying that Arapahoe is uniquely positioned without evidence; instead, frame as one of several contenders: “Arapahoe is among several teams that appear capable of contending for the title.”

Confirmation bias / narrative fallacy (mild)

Selecting and arranging facts to fit a neat, inspirational narrative arc (hard work + family support → success) while omitting complicating factors.

The article constructs a clean story: early sport switch → intense training with dad → family athletic pedigree → undefeated season and college commitment. It does not mention any setbacks, slumps, or challenges beyond minor workout disagreements, which reinforces a tidy success narrative.

3 suggestions

Include any relevant challenges or less flattering aspects if they exist (e.g., injuries, tough losses, academic or athletic setbacks) to present a more complete picture of her path.

Explicitly acknowledge that many factors contribute to team success, not just one player’s work ethic or family background, e.g., “Along with Johnston’s development, Arapahoe’s success has also depended on contributions from multiple players and long-term program stability under Knafelc.”

Avoid implying a simple cause‑and‑effect between early decisions and current success; instead, phrase as one contributing factor: “Her decision to focus on basketball, combined with years of training and team development, has helped her reach the college level.”