Top 10 Class of 2023 Shooting Guards: 1-5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1076721' first='Ezra' last='Guest'] - Los Lunas</strong> (20th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Guest was a major part of one of the best backcourts in the state. Alongside teammates [player_tooltip player_id='1176298' first='Jalin' last='Holland'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1885936' first='Geleio' last='Griego'], Guest was the speedster of the group, and controlled the offense in the half-court set, playing both point and shooting guard during the course of the year. His impact on the floor is invaluable to the Tigers, and he best demonstrated this during the 5A Playoffs, where he averaged 11.6 PPG and came up clutch in late-game situations, hitting much-needed shots. Though they eventually lost in the semifinals, it was obvious that this team had the potential to go all the way. Guest committed to continue his basketball career at Colorado Christian University earlier this year, and will be in a prime position to demonstrate what he is capable of at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1875330' first='Michael' last='Mackey'] - Hobbs</strong> (18th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mackey was voted the 5A Breakout Player of the Year, and rightfully so. He utterly dominated this season, putting up some of the best offensive numbers in the state of New Mexico. He led the Eagles in every major statistical category, averaging 22.8 PPG (7th in state) on 50% from the field, 6.1 RPG (1st on team), 2.5 APG (1st on team), 2.3 SPG (1st on team), and 0.6 BPG (1st on team). Mackey is a perfect example of a three-level scorer, able to attack the rim as well as shooting 36% from 3-point range. His highlight of the year was his incredible 51-point performance against Clovis, along with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, showcasing every aspect of his game. I'm unaware of if he holds any college offers, but he almost certainly garnered college interest during his impressive senior campaign, and his game can definitely translate to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1234592' first='Jonah' last='Lopez'] - Rio Grande&nbsp;</strong>(11th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lopez has always been well-known as a dominant player in the state of New Mexico, but his senior season really demonstrated what he's capable of. He averaged 20.7 PPG (12th in state, 1st on team), 8.1 RPG (1st on team), 2.8 APG (1st on team), 1.5 SPG (1st on team), and 1.1 BPG (tied for 1st on team). Lopez's ability to drive to the basket and get to the free-throw line is what makes this Rio Grande team successful, and his leadership and attitude willed the Ravens' to a playoff spot this past season. He's an inside-out player who can score from anywhere on the court and is generally successful when he attacks, and his efforts earned him 5A All-Regular Season 2nd Team honors. Lopez recently committed to the New Mexico Military Institute to continue his basketball career, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his entire skillset at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1362491' first='Caileb' last='Parham'] - Eldorado</strong> (10th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parham is easily one of the most athletic players in New Mexico, and he takes full advantage of it when he plays. He attacks the basket with ferocity and is one of the best finishers in the state. Though his stats are unavailable, his efforts this past year earned him 5A All-Regular Season 3rd Team honors and the Eagles earned a 5A playoff spot in large part to his impact on the court. Parham is a bouncy guard who isn't afraid to take contact and finish over larger defenders. He utilizes his tight handle to get to the basket at will and create for himself at a moment's notice. He doesn't have any college offers that I'm aware of (though I'm sure he's gotten tons of interest), but his game translates well to the next level. He has college-ready athleticism and the speed and quickness to succeed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1076701' first='Judah' last='Casaus'] - ABC Prep</strong> (3rd Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Casaus has had an interesting high school career. After helping Del Norte capture the 4A title his sophomore year, and playing a major role in leading the Knights to the Championship as an 11 seed his junior year, Casaus decided to take his talents to ABC Prep, where he's flourished as one of the top college prospects in the state of New Mexico. One of the best shooters in the state, he's able to make any shot no matter how contested, and his catch-and-shoot ability is undeniable. He's also been able to expand his game to become a killer on-ball defender, able to contain the highest level of offensive players. Casaus has shown his prowess in all areas of the country, putting up great stat lines against teams from all areas of the US. He holds one college offer to Western New Mexico as far as I know, but his performances from the past few months have definitely boosted his college stock, and he will no doubt make an impact at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->