Sleepers in the Class of 2024 Rankings: Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note: These players are in alphabetical order by first name, this isn't a ranked list, just a complied list</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1897928' first='Erik' last='Saldana'] - Santa Teresa </strong>(91st Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saldana is an ironman for this Santa Teresa team, as the only player to play in all 28 games, leading them in almost every statistical category. He averaged 14.4 PPG (1st on team), 2.6 RPG (tied for 3rd on team), 1.8 APG (tied for 1st on team), and 2.3 SPG (1st on team). He's a great example of a true combo guard, as he has a shifty handle that he utilizes to run the offense, combined with a silky smooth jump shot that he can make off the dribble or off the catch. Saldana is also a lockdown defender, with the energy and motor to continue keeping the pressure on all game. He's been one of my favorite players to watch during tournament season and is someone who continues to prove that he deserves notoriety for his skill. Saldana will continue to be the leader of this Desert Warriors team going into next season and will look to have his breakout year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685452' first='Jerry' last='Archuleta'] - Rio Rancho</strong> (61st Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Archuleta has been one of my favorite players to watch this offseason, showing that he's working hard to earn his spot in the Rams' starting lineup this upcoming season. He came off the bench and averaged 9.0 PPG (3rd on team), 2.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, and 1.1 SPG. Easily the best player that wasn't a starter on this team, he's a consistent knockdown shooter, putting up 44/35/79 splits in 21.4 MPG. Archuleta moves off-ball really well, creating for himself without needing the ball in his hands. This proves valuable in a Rams offense that thrives off of having good spacing, and allowing shooters to get clean looks. He's aggressive defensively, and force steals via his on-ball pressure, making in dangerous in full-court defensive sets. He'll be a prime candidate to earn a starting role on a Rams team that's poised to earn another spot in the 5A Playoffs next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1254049' first='Justin' last='Mask'] - Albuquerque Academy</strong> (32nd Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Flying under the radar, Mask is one of the most underrated players in the state. As a valued member of the championship Academy team, he earned All-District Honorable Mention for his efforts and was crucial in Academy's success. His strength and versatility define his game, as he's a well-built guard who can run an offense just as well as he can play within one. Mask has a silky smooth jumper and a crafty handle that he combines to keep defenders on their toes at all times. He also has quick hands that allow him to pick other guards' pockets and get out on the fast break. The Chargers team remains mostly intact from last season and will be the frontrunner to defend their 4A title, and Mask's role will only grow from here, as he should be on everyone's radar moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1897844' first='Noah' last='Padilla'] - Cleveland</strong> (58th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Padilla is one of the most underappreciated players in the state. He's a source of energy for this Storm team and is an above-average defensive talent whose impact goes far beyond the stat-sheet. He averaged 6.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, and 1.0 SPG in 23 games (tied for most on team). What stands out to me is how few turnovers he had, having fewer turnovers than games played (23 vs. 22), showing his consistency offensively and his unselfishness with the ball. Padilla is a trusted member of this team who plays valuable minutes and is on the court in all important moments. With several key members of the Storm graduating, Padilla's role will remain as a glue guy for this team, someone who can maintain composure and keep team chemistry as the Storm looks to make another deep run in the 5A Playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Santana Jennings - Sandia</strong> (Unranked)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jennings has quickly become one of my top candidates for Breakout Player of the Year, as he's truly impressed me during tournament season. Moving to New Mexico from San Antonio, Texas, Jennings is a lightning-fast combo guard who can play from anywhere on the perimeter. He has a lethal pull-up jumper from three and makes a high percentage when contested. In his best performance in the recent Coronado Classic, he showcased his driving ability and his finishing skills around the rim, putting up 14 points and 5 rebounds against Viggo Basketball on 63% from the field. On a Sandia team losing 4 of their 5 starters, 3 of them being guards, Jennings will fit right in with this team of quick shifty guards and will bring maturity and varsity experience to this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->