Preseason Watch List: 5A District 2, Upperclassmen to Watch

<p>As we get closer to the start of the season I want to give a preview of what I expect to happen during this year. My Preseason Watch List will go district by district highlighting players, teams, and games to watch when the season kicks off.</p> <p>District 2 has long been a very competitive district that has produced top notch talent, and state championship contenders over the past decade. Let's take a look at the upperclassmen set out to make the most impact!</p> <p>SF [player_tooltip player_id="1076668" first="Sean" last="Johnson"] 2022, Sandia: Johnson is one of the most promising prospects in the state. An extremely athletic wing with a solid handle which allows him to grab rebounds and finish above the rim in transition. He is best slashing to the paint, and is starting to transition in to more of a guard. Underrated passer, and has a solid footwork in the post both as a face up, and back to the basket player. He has put on a few pounds, and looks a lot stronger on the court. Still developing his shooting ability, and needs to show a more consistent motor to be considered at top player nationally. Sean was a dominant force last season averaging around 16 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks, as well as being selected to the All-Metro 2nd team. Has been in contact with a few division programs, the University of New Mexico being one of those schools. </p> <p>PG Timothy Nitafan 2022, El Dorado: When we speak about shooters in the class of 2022, Nitafan is right at the top of the list. Played a key role for the Eagles last season providing quality minutes from the bench. He can shoot from anywhere, and looks to be getting a more expanded role as a lead playmaker. Will have to become a better defender throughout the season. Should be interesting to see how he steps up to leading the team every game.</p> <p>CG [player_tooltip player_id="1124228" first="Devin" last="Domina-Lovato"] 2021, El Dorado: Domina is somehow still a sleeper in the state after averaging 16 points per game for a loaded El Dorado team last year. He stands at 5’10, and is one of the best scorers in the state that takes high percentage shots on a very consistent basis. Devin can beat you to the rim and finish through contact with both hands. Very crafty, finds away to maneuver through the defense with a variety of euro steps, and pro hops. Solid mid-range game. He needs to develop a more consistent pull up jumper, specifically out of the pick and roll, and work on being a bit more of a consistent playmaker. A very good shooter from beyond the arc both off the dribble, and off the catch. He is not a deep range threat, but he always finds the open spots on the floor and consistently knocks down wide open jumpers.</p> <p>SG [player_tooltip player_id="1124229" first="Elijah" last="Parham"] 2021, El Dorado: Parham is a scrappy, defensive minded wing that will give relentless effort applying pressure to ball handlers. He is undersized at 5’10, but definitely makes up for it with his effort. More of a slasher offensively, and can help with the playmaking duties. Improving jumper that is most effective in the mid range. </p> <p>C Jashon Lowery 2021, La Cueva: A bruising big man at 6’4 230 lbs, Lowery, is committed to play football at UNM next fall. He averaged 11 points and 5 rebs for the bears last season, and will definitely be an anchor for them down low. It will be interesting to see if he does play with the fall football season set to begin in the next few months.</p> <p>SF Seth Garcia 2021, Sandia: At 6’2 Seth is a mismatch for a lot of guards here in New Mexico. He’s become more confident attacking the rim, and looks a lot more explosive coming into this year. Improved ball handler and developing shooter. Seth makes Sandia’s starting 5 as good as any team in the district. He will need to be the senior leader for an inexperienced team.</p>