5 Unranked 3A/4A Players Who Have Impressed Me This Offseason

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note: This is in no particular order, it isn't a ranked list</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2143685' first='Sebastian' last='Hernandez'] - Guard - Highland - C/O 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm shocked Hernandez hasn't broken out yet, as Hernandez has the chance to be one of the best all-around players in 4A next season. His unselfishness and poise makes him an ultra-valuable team player, and he has broken out during the offseason. His on-ball defense is a big part of his game, and his center of gravity and strength makes him switchable onto bigs even though he's under 6 feet tall. Hernandez's ball-handling ability also surprised me, and he has potential to evolve into a dangerous combo guard in the coming years, one that can help continue to contribute to Highland's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Xavier Otero - Hope Christian - Guard - C/O 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've written about Otero before, and he continues to impress for Hope as the tournament season progresses. He's a patient, methodical combo guard who can really do it all at the guard position. In Hope's very team-oriented offense, Otero fits right in. He can shoot from the perimeter, he has a broad frame that allows him to get downhill, and he takes care of the ball, not prone to turnovers. Coming off a strong year where they were runner-up in 4A, Otero's role will remain as a valuable two-way guard for the Huskies, one who provide anything they need when his name is called.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2141492' first='Christian' last='Perea'] - Forward - St Pius X - C/O 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perea has had an interesting high school career thus far. He spent his first two years playing with Volcano Vista's JV team, and has since transferred to St Pius X, where he was declared ineligible for his junior season. Nevertheless, he has been able to showcase his slippery post moves and all-around versatility throughout the tournament season, and looks like he'll be a potential major contributor on a very good St Pius X team. Though not the tallest forward, his frame and strength give him an advantage, and he has some of the best footwork that I've seen from a big in New Mexico.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adam Madrid - Guard - Valencia - C/O 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madrid has been a pleasant boost for this Valencia team, stepping up and becoming the primary offensive option during the offseason. His ability to attack the basket and the ferocity that he does it with makes him a threat from anywhere on the court, and his role has grown dramatically because of it. Valencia has needed someone to step up during the offseason, and Madrid has answered the call, coming up clutch in numerous games for the Jaguars. Him and teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1685516' first='Damian' last='Estrada'] will make for one of the best backcourts in 4A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2141495' first='Leo' last='Dettweiler'] - Forward - Bosque - C/O 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The only 3A player on this list, Dettweiler has been able to evolve his game to fit the definition of a stretch forward. Standing at 6'3”, Dettweiler is a long, lanky big with a knockdown three-point shot and good finishing ability when attacking the basket. He is able to defend all positions, with the lateral agility to guard guards, and the length to challenge bigs. Though he hasn't had too big of a role with the Bobcats, that should surely change as he continues to get better as the offseason continues, and I project him to be a valuable weapon by the time the season starts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->