2023 Coronado Classic: Day 3 Standouts
Today’s games had major implications on seeding going into bracket play, as pool play came to a close. These 6 players were key for their teams as they sought to go into bracket play with momentum Adam Madrid – Class…
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Today’s games had major implications on seeding going into bracket play, as pool play came to a close. These 6 players were key for their teams as they sought to go into bracket play with momentum
Adam Madrid – Class of 2024 – Guard – Valencia
The first game of the day was a nail biter, with Valencia High School matching up against The Ballers. Valencia squeaked out a win 37-35, and Madrid was the late-game hero for the Jaguars, making 4 free throws to put them ahead and ice the game. He finished with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, leading Valencia in both points and steals. Utilizing a solid frame and an aggressive playstyle, Madrid uses his body to take up space in the lane and ward off defenders, getting to the free throw line at will, and making them at an 80% clip. He continues to lead the Jaguars as their number one playmaker, filling a much needed role in Valencia’s offense.
Diego Miscles-Rivera – Class of 2024 – Guard – Valley
In Miscles-Rivera’s first appearances with Valley High School after playing with their JV squad last season due to transfer rules, he’s started to carve out a role as an inside-out guard who can score at all three levels. In Valley’s close loss to the Street Hoopers, he put up 13 points and 4 rebounds on 4/7 from the field, and 2/4 from the 3-point line. Miscles-Rivera provided Valley with the necessary spacing to keep their offense flowing, allowing Valley’s shooters to capitalize on open opportunities. A smaller sized team, Diego will have to float around positions depending on the lineup, but he showed his capability in this role, and will be a key part of Valley’s success moving forward.
Brandon Bartlett Brandon Bartlett 6'3" | SF La Cueva | 2024 State NM – Class of 2024 – Forward – ABC Heat
Coming off a killer performance yesterday, Bartlett came right back against a tough El Paso Hurricanes team and picked up right where he left off. 19 points and 10 rebounds highlighted his performance as he continued to crashed the glass and attack the basket with the aggression that ABC needs. As they emerge as a one seed in this tournament, Bartlett will continue to man the middle as ABC’s stretch big, affecting the game on both offense and defense. As the Heat move forward, Bartlett’s tenacity on defense and with his rebounding will continue to be a main piece in ABC’s success.
Rocky Miller – Class of 2024 – Forward – Phoenix ATC
Miller was the most consistent player on this Phoenix team, finishing everything close to the basket and leading the team in rebounds with 6. His 17 points spurred Phoenix’s big run to go ahead in the second half, and he gave them a stability and inside presence that they could depend on. With ATC coming off a great year as runner-up in the 2A state championships, Miller will continue to have a large role in Phoenix’s system, giving them consistent scoring and rebounding, and allowing them to have an offensive option at any point in their offense, while also giving them the spacing needed to let their guards operate freely.
Justin Mask Justin Mask 5'11" | SG Albuquerque Academy | 2024 State NM – Class of 2024 – Guard – Rise
Fresh off a 4A New Mexico State Championship with Albuquerque Academy, Mask looked to continue his production into this tournament. While Rise ended up losing the game, Mask led them in almost every statistical category. His 12 points, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 50% field goal percentage took over the stat sheet as the major performer for Rise. He showcased a killer handle, composure, and patience that will serve him well going into his senior year with Academy. He will look to lead this Rise team into bracket play as they continue their tournament run.
Erik Saldana – Class of 2024 – Guard – El Paso Matrix
My first out-of-state prospect that I’ve covered, Saldana personified the word “smooth”, as he combined a silky jump-shot with a quick first step to put up 12 points in the Matrix’s win over Rise 61-47. While his 55% field goal percentage was the highest on the team, he also showed off his all-around skill set, putting up 5 assists, 2 steals and a block to round out his stat line. As the leader of this dangerous Matrix team, he should look to take his team deep in this tournament. They will be a major threat to go deep in bracket play.