Impressive Prospects From The Last Chance Shootout Tournament!

The Last Chance Shootout was hosted at Cleveland High School, Hope Christian School, Bernalillo High School and Middle School. This tournament took place from Friday May 13th to Sunday May 15th. During this tournament, there was several players who stood out. <img class="size-medium wp-image-1458589 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/EJ-crop-576x379-1652834475-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />   E.J Jordan- 6’3 Forward "Volcano Vista" Class of 2023 The State Champion has taken a huge leap this off-season. EJ has been a terrific leader on the floor during the off-season and has taken his game to another level. He is a versatile player that can guard multiple positions and can space the floor with his shooting. EJ is a crafty player at putting the ball on the floor and finishing at the rim. During this tournament he even had a transition dunk.   <img class="size-medium wp-image-1458610 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/ethan-crop-576x379-1652835426-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />   Ethan Oschwald- Point Guard "Valley" Class of 2025 Valley’s soon to be sophomore had a nice shooting display during this tournament. He showcased his long range shooting as well as his play-making. After a solid freshman year for Valley, that has carried over into the off-season. Expect Ethan to be a key member of Valley’s rotation in the near future.   <img class="size-medium wp-image-1458616 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/alvin-crop-575x378-1652835893-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />   [player_tooltip player_id="1295237" first="Alvin" last="De La Cruz"]- Guard "Cibola" Class of 2024 This past weekend, [player_tooltip player_id="1295237" first="Alvin" last="De La Cruz"] was one of the most impressive players that caught my eyes during the tournament. He ran the point at a high level and was the vocal leader for the team on both sides of the ball. Even when he went to the sidelines, he was very vocal on the bench. He is a versatile player that is a tough player to guard. He has high basketball IQ and often makes the right basketball play.   <img class="size-medium wp-image-1458621 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Isaiah-crop-576x379-1652836250-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />   Isaiah Maldonado- 5’7 Guard "Albuquerque" Class of 2024 Isaiah Maldonado since the end of his sophomore season has gotten in the weight room and put on some muscle. He has shown improvement in running the the team offensively and has taken the next step as a passer. During this tournament this past weekend, he shot the light out from three and showed consistency at driving to the basket. Isaiah has been an excellent free throw shooter which has seen his scoring numbers increase.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Gerald-crop-576x379-1652836605.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1458626 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Gerald-crop-576x379-1652836605-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a>   Gerald Lujan- 6’1 Forward "Sandia" Class of 2023 Gerald Lujan had a few nice games during the Last Chance Shootout Tournament. He showcased his three-point shooting from the corners and his ability to move without the ball. At his size at 6’1, he does multiple things well that led his team to success. Gerald was a solid defender and rebounder for his squad and expect him to have a solid role for Sandia next season.   <img class="size-medium wp-image-1458634 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Lou-crop-576x379-1652836999-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />   Luciano Mondragon- Guard "Valley" Class of 2025 Freshman Luciano Mondragon is one of the top players in the freshman Class of 2025 and played like it during this tournament. He helped his team get to the championship round vs Showtime. Luciano is a good floor general that you want running the ship for your team. He was a great ball handler and passer on the floor for his team. He will be one Valley’s core players until he graduates.   <img class="size-medium wp-image-1458644 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Holtz-crop-576x379-1652837746-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />   Jeramiah Holtz- 5’8 Guard "West Mesa" Class of 2024 Jeramiah Holtz always has that game face look whenever he plays. During this tournament, he showed that he’s a versatile player and can hold his own against any player he’s matched up with. He is a player I’ve seen several times this off-season and every time I watch him play, gives me more reasons that he’s going to have a breakout year next season. Jeramiah is an athletic guard that is stronger than he looks and has nice inside game around the basket.   [player_tooltip player_id="1300481" first="Gabe" last="Trujillo"]- 6’0 Guard "West Mesa" Class of 2025 [player_tooltip player_id="1300481" first="Gabe" last="Trujillo"] is having one of the best off-seasons of players I’ve covered since the end of the season. He is one of the most competitive players in the community and has given each game his all. He plays every game like its his last and leaves it all on the floor. Gabe is a solid three-point shooter and has driven too the basket with ease to open up his midrange and long-range game. He is due for a nice season for West Mesa next year.