NMAA State Playoff Preview: Players To Watch Vol 2

<p>It's that time of year! The playoffs are upon us. The 16 team bracket begins on Saturday, March 5th with home teams hosting first-round games. Every team dreams of making that magical run to the pit. To do that stars will need to perform like stars. In this article, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2022/03/nmaa-state-playoff-preview-players-to-watch-vol-1/">a follow-up to our players to watch Vol 1</a>, we preview some of the top players to watch in the tournament. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076683" first="Keagan" last="Caton"] <em>6'5 SF Rio Rancho (#19PHNM 2022)</em> - Whenever you have a player like Caton on your team, you have a puncher's chance. The senior forward was one of the state's top scorers, combining a terrific inside and outside game to generate buckets. RR enters as a 7 seed that is looking to make some noise. Caton will need to be at or near his 18ppg average in order for that to happen. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1295240" first="Brandon" last="Kehres"] <em>6'4 PF Organ Mountain 2024 )#19PHNM 2024)</em> <em>(featured image)</em> - First got wind of Kehres when he performed well at our Arizona expo. He backed up the camp performance, with a terrific sophomore campaign. The forward has proven to be a big glass cleaner, averaging nearly 8 boards per game. His Knights squad will need him to be at his very best if they are to pull off the first-round upset over #2 Volcano Vista. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076675" first="Jakwon" last="Hill"] 6'2 CG Volcano Vista 2022 (#3PHNM 2022) - Last time I saw Hill, he was burying threes during the APS tournament. The sweet-shooting lefty has put together a tremendous year and is looking to cap it with an undefeated state title. The Viking up-tempo style should provide him with plenty of offensive opportunities, making him a clear choice as one of the players to watch. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076677" first="Jose" last="Murillo"] 6'9 C Highland 2022 (#5PHNM 2022) - Murillo is the man in the middle for the Hornets. His ability to protect the rim and rebound is going to be key for the 1 seed. He's certainly elite at those two skills, however, his offensive game is greatly improved. Murillo used putbacks and low post finishes to average over 22 per game this season. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076697" first="Noah" last="Reese"] <em>6'2 SG Goddard 2022</em> - Reese leads the 12th seeded rockets into first-round play. The senior guard has been the steady hand for the team the entire year. Reese averaged over 16 per game but showed that he can contribute in other ways, racking up nearly 9 boards per game. He's going to need to bring his A-game if his squad will have a chance to pull off the 12-5 upset. </p> <p>Follow </p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1"><em>On Twitter</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bruceprephoops/"><em>On IG</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrepHoopsNV"><em>Like Us On FB</em></a></p>