Class of 2022: Top Forwards/Posts, Part 2

<p>I got to watch a lot of basketball this spring and summer, and there were a lot of players in New Mexico that stood out while playing in both local, and national tournaments! Summer is over, and with only a few fall events left the start of the high school basketball season is right around the corner. Offseason workouts are in full swing, and the preseason is only about 60 days away. Here is part two of my breakdown of the top 10 posts and forwards in the Class of 2022.</p> <p>6. 6’6 PF [player_tooltip player_id="1076695" first="Aaron" last="Mora"], Hobbs: Mora is a bruising power foward with quick feet, great hands, and a knack for knowing where rebounds are going to be. He’s coming off a season in which he averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds per game. He and [player_tooltip player_id="1076669" first="Jalen" last="Goar"] make a formidable duo that should make a deep run into the playoffs.</p> <p>7. 6’6 PF [player_tooltip player_id="1192089" first="Ollie" last="Fell"], Espanola Valley: Fell is a newcomer to the rankings after helping lead Espanola to the 4A semi-finals, while averaging 8 points and 5 rebounds per game last  . He’s an athletic rim protector with a lot of potential that is working on his offensive game, and will be very important in Espanola’s run to a state title!</p> <p>8. 6’6 F [player_tooltip player_id="1280498" first="Ty" last="Barlow"], West Mesa: [player_tooltip player_id="1280498" first="Ty" last="Barlow"]’s skill is developing very rapidly! He has quicker feet with more fluid movement with the ball in his hands, and visibly shows confidence with the ball in his hands. A solid jump shooter that can help extend the floor, while also being able to attack the rim from the wing or out of the post.</p> <p>9. C 6’7 [player_tooltip player_id="1282863" first="Melaki" last="Jones"], Espanola Valley: Jones is an a well kept secret in Northern New Mexico. He can protect the rim with his size, and has a decent post game that will make him a mismatch for most teams Espanola plays. He has interest from some of the division 2 schools in New Mexico, and will need to have a big senior year to help Espanola win a state title.</p> <p>10. PF 6’6 [player_tooltip player_id="1285509" first="Gustavo" last="Ayala Del Toro"], Highland: Ayala is an intriguing prospect that needs to add some weight and upper body strength. He has nice touch on his jumper, and a few go to post moves against smaller defenders. He will help Highland be the biggest team in 4A, and if he improves on his numbers of 9 points, and 5 rebounds this could be their year to win it all in a tough 4A group.</p>