Top 10 Class of 2024 Shooting Guards: 6-10

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note: I am aware that [player_tooltip player_id='1295239' first='Jonathon' last='Lukesh'] is ranked ahead of De La Cruz (28th vs 30th). However, Lukesh transferred mid-season, meaning he didn't play most of the year. This won't affect his ranking, but one of the criteria is last year's performance, so next best up is who I'm featuring in my article.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1295237' first='Alvin' last='De La Cruz'] - Cibola</strong> (30th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Transferring from Rio Rancho after his freshman year, and having to play JV his sophomore year, it was a long time coming for De La Cruz. He made the most of his varsity opportunities with the Cougars however, playing the sixth man role and eventually earning a starting spot during the later half of district play. Though his stats aren't available, he's one of the main shot-takers for Cibola, and only got better as the season progressed. His long wingspan and high release make him extremely hard to guard, and his footwork is strong, allowing him to create enough space for him to get his shot off. Even when heavily contested, De La Cruz has a high probability to make any shot, and is a strong contributor to this Cibola offense. He'll look to improve upon last season, as he seeks a permanent starting role on this Cougar team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300383' first='Niko' last='Garcia'] - Los Alamos</strong> (22nd Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garcia is a true shooting guard, with unlimited range and a consistently accurate jumpshot. He has good size for a guard and uses it to crash the offensive glass and create opportunities for himself around the basket. He averaged 17.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 1.5 SPG for the Hilltoppers, scoring the 2nd most points on the team. He's one of the top rebounding guards in the state, giving defenses a hard time on the boards and getting second chance points for his team. Los Alamos only loses one senior next year, and they bring back their other leading scorer in [player_tooltip player_id='1300482' first='Josiah' last='Fresquez']. Garcia and Fresquez will combine to form one of the best backcourts in New Mexico, and Garcia will be the veteran leader of this team, poised to have a breakout year next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1306009' first='AC' last='Munoz'] - Mayfield</strong> (19th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Munoz has one of the best builds and frames for his position in the state. At 6'5”, he is an absolute sniper who is virtually unblockable. Munoz's consistent release and movement on offense allow him to shoot at any given moment, and score at a consistent rate. He averaged 15.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 1.5 BPG, putting up double-digit points in 21 of his 26 games played, and in ten of those games he had 3 or more three-pointers. Munoz was far and away the Trojans' leading scorer, utilizing his constant off-ball movement to create open shots for himself. For his size, he is very mobile and has the quickness to keep up with smaller guards on defense. Though Mayfield loses 8 seniors next year, including 3 of their top 5 leading scorers, Munoz is a capable leader who will look to take a jump as a player next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1295235' first='Jayden' last='Johnson'] - Rio Rancho</strong> (16th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's hard to find someone in the state who is as athletic as Johnson, but on top of his attributes, he has an incredible motor and a will to win that rubs off on his entire team. He had a very well-rounded statline, averaging 14.3 PPG on an impressive 51% from the field, 5.4 RPG, 2.4 APG, and 2.3 SPG, and he was the only player for the Rams that played all 29 games. Johnson plays with a confidence that is unwavering, taking every chance he gets to grab a loose ball, rebound, or steal. His ability to finish at the basket is unique, as he can maneuver his body to get around defenders in mid-air, but also has the frame to simply muscle his way through defenders. As the leader of this Rams team, Johnson will look to lead his team once again to the 5A Playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680000' first='Tyler' last='Kozlowski'] - Valley</strong> (14th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shooting Guard is the most stacked position in New Mexico, as is evident by the fact that Kozlowski is ranked 6th in his position. From hitting clutch shots his sophomore year to leading his team to the 4A semifinals his junior year, Kozlowski has emerged as one of the highest stock-risers in the state. He averaged 14.3 PPG on 44/36/77 splits, one of the most efficient shooters in his class, shooting over 40% from three in 14 different games this year. He's a master at tough shot-making, able to make the most out of little space, and has a shifty handle that allows him to create. The Vikings are set up for success this year, as they bring back almost their entire team, even adding pieces to fill needs. Kozlowski will be the leader of a Vikings squad that is fully ready to make another run in 4A.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->