Top 5 Class of 2024 Small Forwards: 1-5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679998' first='Brandon' last='Bartlett'] - La Cueva</strong> (36th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bartlett was one of the most valuable bench players in the state, playing the 6th Man role for the Bears. He's an ambidextrous lengthy forward who attacks the basket with vigor every time he has the chance, and he's an excellent rebounder. Playing in all 29 games for La Cueva, he averaged 5.9 PPG on 52% from the field and 4.2 RPG, and was a valuable defender whenever he was on the court. What impressed me most about Bartlett was when I saw him during the offseason tournaments. His growth as a player is exciting for his future, as he's put muscle onto his frame, and he's heightened his skills as a stretch big. He'll have a good shot at earning a starting role&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679993' first='David' last='Gutierrez'] - Volcano Vista</strong> (21st Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Volcano has been the most consistent team in New Mexico for the past couple years, winning back-to-back 5A State championships, and Gutierrez has been the perfect fit for the Hawks. He's an aggressive player who plays with high energy at all times, and is a versatile member of the Hawks' front court who can play multiple positions. His stats aren't available, but his impact is obvious. Gutierrez is reliable and efficient whenever he's on the court on both sides of the ball. His on-ball pressure suffocates defenders, and he's an unselfish team-oriented offensive player. He'll be one of the few remaining key pieces on a Hawks team that loses a lot of seniors, which will make him even more important to the makeup of Volcano's team. Gutierrez will be the anchor of the Hawks' team and the vocal leader for their squad.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1124236' first='Elijah' last='Foster'] - Cibola</strong> (12th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Foster is one of the most athletically gifted players in the state. His vertical leaping ability and lateral agility allows him to have an edge over those guarding him. He plays with a competitive edge that is unmatched, and he looks to score the ball with a constant energy that rubs off on the rest of his team. Though his stats were not posted, he's a great scorer with a knack for finding the basket. Foster's quick-twitch movements allow him to create space in a moment's notice, and his potential for his senior season is sky-high due to his athleticism and feel for the game. With the Cougars bringing back 4 of their 5 starters, Foster will be the leader of an experienced Cibola team looking to take advantage of the movement in 5A District 1.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685484' first='Joe' last='Jack'] - Albuquerque Academy</strong> (8th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jack wasn't necessarily a surprise, as his capabilities were well known, but the level of which he demonstrated his development was quite impressive. He showed his offensive dominance for the Chargers' all year, especially in the playoffs. In Academy's 4A Championship run, he averaged 19.5 PPG on a hyper-efficient 57% from the field, and 7.0 RPG, winning Tournament MVP and Championship Game MVP as a result. For only losing 3 games during the regular season, Jack earned his way onto the 4A All-Regular Season 1st Team, and was a top candidate for 4A Player of the Year. With Academy bringing back 4 out of their 5 starters, Jack will be the leader of this experienced Chargers' team who will look to defend their 4A title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id='1124238' first='Elijah' last='Brody'] - West Mesa</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brody had one of the best seasons of any individual player in New Mexico, and became the leader of this West Mesa team as the season progressed. The two-sport star showcased what he had been showing all year in the playoffs, averaging 16.0 PPG and 10.0 RPG and earning his way onto the 5A All-Tournament 2nd Team. He's a very strong player who can get to the rim with ease and finish through contact, but is not afraid to make the extra pass out of traffic. He's an all-around aggressive player who capitalizes on any opportunity to gain an advantage over his opponent, and plays with confidence at all times. While West Mesa loses 4 of their 5 starters, Brody will have a chance to truly prove how dominant he is as the Mustangs will look to succeed with an essentially brand new team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->