Albuquerque City Rankings: (10-6)
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With the upcoming regular season approaching, now is a good time to break down city rankings across Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho and other cities in New Mexico. This will be part one of three in a series of articles…
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Continue ReadingWith the upcoming regular season approaching, now is a good time to break down city rankings across Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho and other cities in New Mexico. This will be part one of three in a series of articles focusing on players in Albuquerque. We’ll breakdown players ranked 10-6 in the ’23, ’24 and ’25 classes.
#6. Cedarius Yates Cedarius Yates 6'3" | SF La Cueva | 2023 State NM has been known for years as being one of the top slashers in the community, but as of recently has become more than a slasher. He is a dangerous mid-range scorer who has a lethal pull-up game from around the free throw line area. When Cedarius puts his head down and attacks the rim with a full head of steam, he is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He can play off the ball as well as creating his own shot whenever he wants. He played a huge role in helping the La Cueva Bears reach the 5A State Semifinals last season averaging about 12 points per game. Expect his production to increase this season as a senior.
Highlights
#7. Ely Lovato Ely Lovato 6'2" | CG Sandia | 2023 State NM was Sandia’s best player last season as a junior and will look to repeat that success this upcoming season. He is a shifty, scoring first guard that can play either position but is most dangerous with the basketball in his hands. Ely has one of the best dribbling packages in not just Albuquerque but in the state of New Mexico as well. With his elite ball handling, it makes him even more difficult to guard. Ely knows how to create separation off the dribble with step back jumpers and crossovers against defenders. He is a much stronger guard than others in the community which give him a strength advantage when finishing inside the paint. Ely will be in the discussion as one of the top players in the state this season.
#8. Caileb Parham Caileb Parham 6'2" | SG Eldorado | 2023 State NM is a freak of nature athlete. He led the Eldorado Eagles to the 5A Boys State Tournament last year and theirs belief growing around the community that Eldorado might have a better roster heading into this upcoming year than last year. It’s hard to label Caileb as an underrated prospect because anyone that has watched this young man play will tell you he can hold his own against anyone he competes against. Caileb is without a doubt one of the best “one on one” isolations players we have in the community and is a true “bucket getter”. He has a very underrated pull-up game at the top of the key and is explosive in the open floor getting dunks in transition.
Highlights
#9. Sean Alter Sean Alter 6'9" | PF Volcano Vista | 2023 State NM is the big man in the middle for the Volcano Vista Hawks. He played a huge role in the Hawks winning the 5A State Championship last season vs Las Cruces. Sean made a serious impact at his size of 6’9 on both sides of the floor. Every time down the floor, he is a potential lob threat for dunks and blocks on the defensive end of the floor. Even when he is not blocking shots on defense, its his presence alone that changes the way opposing teams run their offense. He does a good job altering and contesting shots on that side of the floor.
#10. Brian Kalb Brian Kalb 6'8" | PF St Pius | 2023 State NM had a solid junior year last season. He helped the St.Pius Sartans reach the 4A Boys State Semifinals and come within one game of the 4A Boys State Championship Game. Brian will be one of the tallest players in the community for another year, and knows how to use his size to use advantage. He is a solid finisher around the rim and gives his share of rejections on the defensive end of the floor. Brian is a good rebounder and runs the floor really well. He can also stretch the floor with his outside shooting as well.