Top 10 Class of 2023 Combo Guards: 6-10

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1875309' first='David' last='Cruz'] - Las Cruces </strong>(57th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cruz is one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the state, and this proved invaluable for the Bulldawgs. He fits right in with the small-guard oriented lineup of Las Cruces, and he's been a crucial part of their scheme for as long as he's been with the team. His stats aren't available, but Cruz provides an outlet for the Bulldawgs offense as he's dependable at any point in the game to score, and paired up with teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1295244' first='Suge' last='Valles'] to create one of the best defensive backcourts in New Mexico. During Cruz's tenure with Las Cruces, they won their district and made a 5A State Championship game, and Cruz was a vital part of those teams. His impact cannot be understated, and will go down as a major contributor of some of Las Cruces' most dominant teams in their school history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9. [player_tooltip player_id='1875361' first='Zachary' last='Fox'] - Pecos</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pecos was clearly a guard-oriented team this year, and Fox was the aggressive one of the squad, leading the Panthers to a 2A Championship. He's a crafty guard who gets to the basket at will and is a strong finisher around the rim. Though his stats aren't available, he was a major contributor as part of Pecos' three-headed monster with [player_tooltip player_id='1875359' first='Jodaiah' last='Padilla'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1875360' first='Malik' last='Barrens'] as they showcased that they were possibly the best backcourt in all of 2A. Fox is a versatile player who provided instant offense for this Panthers' squad, and was a large part of their success this season. He earned his way into the spotlight on a team that is loaded with talent, and has earned the recognition he has received.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. [player_tooltip player_id='1875321' first='Izayah' last='Sanchez-Valencia'] - Capital</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capital had a great season, snagging the final spot in the 5A Playoffs, in most part to Sanchez-Valencia's contributions. He's a sharpshooting 2-guard who provides instant offense for the Jaguars, and can run the offense effectively. Though his stats aren't available, his impact is obvious as he is the leader of Capital's offense, and is the vocal leader for this team, his energy rubbing off on the rest of the team. He's one of the highest risers in the Class of 2023 as well, going from unranked to in the Top 50, and was the leader of a Capital squad that earned a spot in the 5A Playoffs while playing in one of the toughest districts in the state, sending 4 teams to the playoffs. He made his mark in New Mexico in spite of this, willing Capital against the highest level of competition in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. [player_tooltip player_id='1678037' first='Anthony' last='Gonzales'] - Volcano Vista</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gonzales has fit in with this Volcano team perfectly, as a hard-nosed, defense-oriented guard who can fit any scheme. His ability to play anywhere on the perimeter makes ultra-valuable to this team, and his presence is always felt when he's on the court. His stats weren't available, but the eye test would show that he's extremely versatile on defense, someone who's able to switch onto any guard, and is strong enough to jam a big inside if needed. A major contributor on both of Volcano's 5A State Championship teams in the past 2 seasons, he earned 5A All-District 1 Honorable Mention for his role as a 3-and-D wing player on the most consistent team in New Mexico.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. [player_tooltip player_id='1875338' first='Derek' last='Sanchez'] - Pojoaque Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sanchez was one of the premiere offensive threats in New Mexico this past season, proving to be one of the most dangerous players in the state. He averaged an impressive 25.1 PPG (4th in state) on 50% from the field, 4.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, and 3.6 SPG (tied for 5th in state). Sanchez is an threat from anywhere on the court, able to knock down shots from anywhere on the court. He's also able to get to the free throw line often, making them at a 76% success rate. He has good size for a guard as well, and can use his frame to get to his spots. His efforts this season earned him 4A All-Regular Season 2nd Team honors and a spot in the 3A/4A All-Star Game, and was one of the best players in 4A District 2. He leaves Pojoaque Valley as one of the best offensive players in school history. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->