Class of 2023 Rankings: Top Wings

<p>The Class of 2023 has a lot of talent, and could be one of the deeper classes we have seen come out of New Mexico with numerous division 2, and a few potential division 1 players. Some of these players have played a big role since their freshman year, and some stepped up in the first chance playing varsity last season. Here is a breakdown of the top wing players in the updated Class of 2023 rankings.</p> <p>SF 6’2 [player_tooltip player_id="1076699" first="Gideon" last="Harris"], ABC Prep: Gideon is the top undersized rebounder, in the state, and plays with a ton of heart and effort every time he steps on to the floor. He is strong with a good post game that he uses against smaller opponents, and is a match up nightmare for bigs to guard as he is too quick, and is developing his ball skills as he transitions into a guard. He will test his skills with ABC Prep on the Grind Session, and is a growth spurt away from being a division 1 prospect.</p> <p>SG 5’11 [player_tooltip player_id="1076708" first="Tony" last="Pacheco"], Atrisco Heritage (pictured): Pacheco has been an impact player for the Jaguars lineup since he was a freshman. A tough defender with the strength to guard bigs, and the quickness to stay in front of guards and wing players. He’s a slasher that can knock down open jump shots, as well as be a secondary playmaker for his team.</p> <p>SF 6’4 [player_tooltip player_id="1076705" first="Cedarious" last="Yates"], La Cueva: "Ced" is a versatile player with the ability to breakdown his defender and get to the rim offensively, as well as guard every position on the floor defensively. He was a breakout sophomore in his first varsity season averaging 10 points and 6 rebounds per game, with a season high of 29 points. He will be more comfortable at the varsity level this year, and should have another breakout season.</p> <p>SG 6’2 [player_tooltip player_id="1234592" first="Jonah" last="Lopez"], Rio Grande: Lopez is known as one of the top shooters in the state. He can light it up from anywhere, and gets hot very quickly (scored 41 points in a game last season). Rio Grande wont be very good again, but Jonah will be there to give opposing coaches nightmares to gameplan against!</p> <p>SF 6’1 [player_tooltip player_id="1208046" first="Harrison" last="Frank"], Del Norte: Frank was selected to the 4A all-state 2nd team last season, and will enter this season at Del Norte after moving to Albuquerque from Los Alamos. Teams can’t leave him open or else he will knock down a bunch of jump shots, and he knows how to use his strength to get to rim. Harry will be very important in helping Del Norte repeat as state champions, adding a much needed scoring punch</p> <p>SF 6’1 [player_tooltip player_id="1076717" first="Zavier" last="Lloyd"], Cibola: Lloyd will enter his junior season as one of the top on ball defenders in the class. He should be a consistent starter this year, and will see his offensive opportunities increases. The question will be how is he going to respond to the burden of carrying this team in an extremely tough district, and help Cibola get out of its playoff slump.</p> <p>SF 6’3 [player_tooltip player_id="1076703" first="Sonny" last="Ortiz"], West Mesa: Ortiz took a step back in his sophomore season averaging 8 points and 3 rebounds per game, but should be due for a big junior year. He can shoot over just about anyone who defends him, but will need to develop his on ball skills, and give more effort on defense this season. </p> <p>SG 6’2 [player_tooltip player_id="1208045" first="Brandon" last="Laguanas"], West Mesa: Laguanas is a player that burst onto the scene as a sophomore taking over a lot of the playmaking responsibilities for West Mesa. He averaged 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game last season, and I expect those numbers to be a near triple double.</p> <p>SG 6’3 [player_tooltip player_id="1208570" first="Damian" last="Perez"], Carlsbad: When you watch Perez play the first thing you notice is that the kid can really shoot the ball. He wasn’t the number one option for the Cavemen last year, but will step into that role on a team that looks to prove their playoff seeding last year was no fluke. </p>