Preseason Watch List: 5A District 3, Top Players to Watch

<p>SF Jesus Luna-Alvarado 2021, Centennial: Jesus is a true wing forward with underrated playmaking ability that will be looked upon to carry a heavy load for Centennial this year. After averaging 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, I expect his numbers to nearly double this season in order for them to be a true contender this season. Alvarado is a gritty defender that can defend the post as well as the perimeter. He plays the passing lanes very well, averaging more than a steal per game last season. A solid division 2 prospect that should gain more attention throughout this season.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">CG William Benjamin Jr. 2022, Las Cruces (featured): “Deuce” is a national sleeper in the 2022 class, his dad and head coach was a star at New Mexico State. He stands at 6’2, with crazy long arms (6’6 - 6’8 wingspan), an elite athlete that already has experience leading a team to a state title. He’s nearly impossible to stay in front of, constantly blowing by his defender and finishing at the rim with an elite lay up package. Has nice touch on his floaters and runners in the mid range, but needs to improve his pull up jumper at the elbows. Streaky shooter they can light you up from beyond the arc when he finds his rhythm. Will become more consistent as he improves his shot mechanics. A great defender both on and off of the ball. Has a high basketball IQ that allows him to be one step ahead of his opponents offense. Recently offered by Florida International University, I expect more division 1 offers to come throughout this year!</p> <p>PF [player_tooltip player_id="1076698" first="Donovan" last="Black"] 2023, Onate: Black is the next guy in line to takeover the Knights program, and with Ricky Lujan’s graduation he has big shoes to fill. The 6’5 forward is sneaky athletic with quick feet, improved handle, and a solid vertical. Donovan is able to grab rebounds and push the ball up the floor himself or outlet the ball and beat the opposing defense down the court. He can leap with the best in the state, has an improving motor and is growing in to a solid rim protector. Coming off a great offseason gaining an offer from New Mexico Highlands, and becoming more of a post threat, we should see Donovan take the next step towards becoming a division 1 prospect.</p> <p class="p1">C [player_tooltip player_id="1076667" first="Isaiah" last="Carr"] 2022, Las Cruces: Two years ago, Carr, a 6’7 freshman was relatively unknown, not only nationally, but in New Mexico. He grew to 6’10 his sophomore year, and helped anchor the Bulldawgs to a state title. Now he is known as one of the top shot blockers in the West with division 1 offers and interested pouring in! He is and elite rim protector that is mobile enough to stay in front of quicker wings, can develop in to an elite P&amp;R defender that can switch and defend guards as well as defend bigs rolling to the basket. He has solid shot mechanics that allows him to knock down midrange jumpers pretty consistently, and is becoming a threat from beyond the arc. Needs to gain more weight, but has added some muscle to his frame. Weighs about 200lbs, which should help him grab more rebounds, as well as score and defend in the post more easily. He boasted a 4.0+ GPA. Western Illinois recently offered with interest growing from Ivy’s, Mountain West, and PAC 12 schools.</p> <p>PG [player_tooltip player_id="1076674" first="Jalen" last="Greene"] 2022, Mayfield: Greene emerged on to the scene last year providing steady guard play and leadership to a very young Mayfield team. He is a good shooter that is not afraid to let it fire (32% on 112 3pt attempts). A solid playmaker that will need to set up his teammates a lot more this season, averaged 2 assists last year, and needs to become a more consistent threat getting to the basket. Solid defender that reads the passing lanes at a high level, but needs to work on staying in front of his man.  Greene will look to make the next step this season and prove he is one of the top guards in the class that can lead his team to a winning record in a tough conference.</p> <p class="p1">SG [player_tooltip player_id="1076685" first="Tainui" last="Taiaroa"] 2022, Mayfield:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Tai is another national sleeper in this district. A 6’6 guard with a great feel for the game, he has the handle to beat defenders off the dribble and can shoots it very well from beyond the arc. A switchable defender that can guard 1-4 above average on ball defender and rim protector. He has improved his playmaking ability which will allow him to run the offense a bit more. He needs to become more aggressive attacking the rim using his size to finish over smaller defenders, and will need to gain some weight to be able to truly bang with big men in college. Recently offered by Northern New Mexico.</span></p> <p class="p1"> </p>