Players On The Verge Of A Breakout Year, Part Two.
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With another season upon us, now is a good time check in which players are on the verge of breaking out this season. From younger underclassmen who made a name for themselves last year, some of them are ready to…
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Continue ReadingWith another season upon us, now is a good time check in which players are on the verge of breaking out this season. From younger underclassmen who made a name for themselves last year, some of them are ready to take the next step this year. Even some juniors or seniors that are ready to make the leap in their games from last year. This is part two of two of players on the verge of breaking out this season at the high school level.
Brandon Lagunas from West Mesa High School is poised for another big year for the Mustangs. Last season he was pivotal in West Mesa making the 5A State Tournament for the first time in four years. Brandon was the teams leading scorer and best all -around player from last season. Throughout this off-season, he has taken his play too another level and has proven to be one of the more underrated players in New Mexico. He is a high level scorer who can score inside and outside shooting a high percentage from the floor. Brandon has shown he can be a primary scoring option on a winning program and with the recent acquisitions made by the West Mesa Mustangs, they’ll be primed to make a serious run for the 5A State Championship this year.
Marquise Renfro made a huge impact for the Atrisco Heritage Academy Jaguars last season. When they were hit with injuries last year, Marquise and a few members of their young core helped the team stay afloat heading into the state tournament last year. Marquise showed great promise with his athletics and slashing ability. He did a phenomenal job last year at putting his head down and attacking the basket at the rim. Throughout the summer, he became more deadly with his outside shot. With two of their key seniors graduated, Marquise will be asked to produce more this year.
Elijah Brody Elijah Brody 6'2" | SF West Mesa | 2024 State NM made a big impact for the Cleveland Storm last season as a sophomore and recently transferring to West Mesa, looks to do the same this season as a junior. Throughout the summer playing summer league with West Mesa, Elijah was an elite point-forward. He can handle the ball at a high level for his size, and plays with a lot of strength inside the paint. Elijah being added to this Mustangs team that made the playoffs last year is a good fit for both sides. With some of the other weapons on this roster, will open up his game even more this year.
Highlights
Adam Montoya Adam Montoya 6'2" | PG St Michaels | 2023 State NM had an incredible year for St. Michael’s last year. He helped the Horsemen reach the 3A Boys State Tournament last year and has some unfinished business heading into his senior season this fall. He has a lot of length for a point guard which gives him a nice height advantage over other guards at his position. Adam knows how to create his own shot while balancing getting others involved while staying aggressive himself. He has a nice outside shot which helps his driving ability around the rim. Adam isn’t afraid of the contact and can hold his own on the court. I expect him to wake up more people around the community this year.
Wilson Bonet
Wilson Bonet
Wilson Bonet from Manzano High School is on the verge of being the best player on one of the states most underrated teams this year. What amazes me the most from the Manzano big man is that he plays bigger than what he is. Wilson isn’t the biggest power forward in the state but he makes up for it with his patient offensive game. He has very good foot-work around the basket and knows when to use certain moves to score around the rim. He is a solid rebounder and defender that can mix it up inside. Wilson has a nice touch around the rim and will be asked to do more this year for the Monarchs.
Suge Valles
Suge Valles
Suge Valles is a tough and gritty point guard for the Las Cruces Bulldawgs. Every player that plays for this program has to play high level defense, and Suge does a great job making it tough for his opposing matchups. He is a point guard that steers the ship at a high level offensively and put his teammates in great position to do what they do best. This upcoming season, with the loss to two D1 athletes to graduation, Suge will be asked to do more offensively and let me tell you, he’s more than capable for that challenge. The Las Cruces Bulldawgs are already being written off as title contenders for the 5A State Championship but I believe Suge Valles will have a nice year to keep the Bulldawgs in the mix.