Top 10 Class of 2023 Small Forwards: 6-10

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678143' first='Nic' last='Trujillo'] - Cleveland</strong> (43rd Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trujillo is the epitome of a two-spot star, shining as one of the best football players in the state, and was a major contributor to a highly successful Cleveland team. He averaged 10.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, and 1.5 SPG while leading the team in field goal percentage at 49%. Trujillo is a hyper-athletic player with great vertical ability and lateral quickness that serves him well on both sides of the ball. He has to finesse his way to the rim, as well as dunk the ball on anyone who tries to stop him. Trujillo was a large part of why this Cleveland team was fun to watch with their transition offense. Trujillo is committed to play football at the University of New Mexico as possibly the best wide receiver in New Mexico High School football this past season, but it cannot be ignored the impact he had during his basketball career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552945' first='Lamarion' last='Coleman'] - Sandia</strong> (36th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coleman just might be the best rebounding small forward in the state, as he has a knack for the boards and a tenacity that is simply unmatched. He averaged 8.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG (1st on team), 1.9 APG, and 1.5 SPG. Coleman is a premiere hustle player who can play from everywhere on the court with a Rodman-esque motor that allows him to play at 100% all game. He seems to fly around the court and can use his speed to guard smaller guards and get out to close out on shooters, which proved invaluable to the Matadors' during their run to the 5A Championship game. Coleman's importance to this team cannot be understated, as Sandia was a guard-oriented team, and Coleman provided a much-needed; presence inside the paint that affected the game in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1076703' first='Sonny' last='Ortiz'] - West Mesa</strong> (35th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ortiz has made a name for himself as one of the best pure shooters in the state. He has unlimited range and a willingness to fire at any moment, making him a reliable threat at all times. His stats were unavailable but his impact is obvious, as the eye test would show that he is an extremely valuable member of this West Mesa team. Ortiz's three-point shooting ability is his most obvious trait, and he makes them efficiently. He's also able to use his size to get to the rim and create space to finish around the basket. Ortiz recently committed to continue his basketball career at Northern New Mexico, where he'll showcase his wicked shooting abilities and will be able to expand his game at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1076685' first='Tainui' last='Taiaroa'] - ABC Prep</strong> (27th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taiaroa is one of the most versatile forwards in New Mexico. His ability to guard all positions and his unselfishness on offense makes him an ultra-valuable player for any team. In ABC Prep's appearance in the Grind Session circuit, Taiaroa was instrumental in their victories as the main rebounder for their squad. He's able to stay in front of speedy guards as well as switch onto bigs and force them outside of the paint. Taiaroa is also extremely versatile on offense as well, able to play any position and stretch the floor. He currently holds one Division 1 offer to Western Illinois as far as I know, but he will most likely continue to garner college interest as his senior campaign comes to a close. His versatility as 6'6” is hard to ignore as it should serve him well at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1208048' first='Josia' last='Ortiz'] - Cleveland</strong> (26th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ortiz was one of the highest touted potential breakout players this past year and is a great example of a player whose impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He's a do-it-all type of player who's willing to contribute to all aspects of the game. He averaged 5.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 0.8 BPG this past season and was a big part of Cleveland's deep playoff run. Ortiz can guard all positions and is versatile on offense, able to score at all three levels. His three-point shooting ability is ultra-valuable to the Storm as well as his ability to get to the basket and finish. I'm unaware of if Ortiz holds any college offers, but his athleticism and feel for the game would make him a solid addition to a squad at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->