Regular Season Recap: 4A standouts, Pt. 1

<p>It seems like the season has just started, and we have had a lot of ups and downs throughout the state during this weird yet very exciting season! With the season coming to a quick end, lets discuss some of the Standouts, Breakouts, as well as Players to Watch for the playoffs and next season. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1158652" first="Sean" last="Martinez"], 2021, Hope Christian: Sean came in to the season known as one of the best scorers in the state, and he came out firing on all cylinders scoring 27 points against Cleveland in game one. Unfortunately he suffered an ankle injury the kept him out for a few crucial games during district play, but still was able to prove he was a scoring machine that truly can score at all 3 levels. 1st team All District Selection for the second year in a row. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076701" first="Judah" last="Casaus"], 2023, Del Norte: Judah was on a lot of preseason defensive player of the year lists. Only a sophomore, but has the ability to stay in front of anyone in the state and plays the passing lanes very well. Over the offseason he has developed his offensive game becoming a much improved shooter, and playmaker which has helped boast his next level potential. Only time will tell where Judah will end up, but he is currently averaging </p> <p>Ayden Madrid, 2021, Bernalillo: Madrid, a 6’3 stretch forward, helped lead Bernalillo to a 9-2 record. He was a consistent threat from inside the paint, but also was able to pull out opposing teams bigs to create more spacing on the floor. He can knock down jumpers, but needs to become more consistent in that area. 1st team All-District selection, and is looking to bring Bernalillo to the state championship!</p> <p>Harrison Frank, 2023, Los Alamos: Harry is coming into his second season as a starter, but, like most talented players outside of the metro area, he is a relatively unknown prospect in the sophomore class. He is a good catch and shoot player, and is developing his ball handling skills. Grabs a good amount of rebounds for his size, and just knows how to compete. Frank averaged 16 points per game for a young Los Alamos team.</p> <p>Cobe Sandoval, 2021, Lovington: Sandoval is proving to be a stellar player for Lovington. He is a flat out scorer that gets buckets night in and night out! He averaged 17 points per game while shooting 60% for the field, and 50% from beyond the arc.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1124230" first="Feathers" last="Valencia"], 2021, Del Norte: Feathers is in the conversation for most improved player in the state. While growing to nearly 6’5, he has improved his shooting, ball handling, finishing, and has become more athletic. He can still improve amongst all those things and needs to add some muscle, but a prep or JUCO year would give him the extra time to develop into a true division 1 prospect.  Feathers is proving to be the versatile player that Del Norte will need to win their first ever state title, currently averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block per game.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076677" first="Jose" last="Murillo"], 2022, Highland: Jose only played 4 games this season, but he averaged 20 points, and 16 rebounds in that stretch. A 6’9 center that is more skilled every single time I watch him play should begin to receive numerous offers in the coming months, and is set to play on the EYBL circuit with Team Griffin.</p>