Class of 2024: New Additions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2022313' first='Adam' last='Madrid'] - Guard/Forward - Valencia</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madrid was one of the biggest breakout players of the offseason. From a limited role on last year's Valencia team to being one of the primary scoring options for the Jaguars this offseason, he has quickly become a candidate for 4A Breakout Player of the Year. His ability to get to the basket and draw fouls has been invaluable for Valencia, and his aggressiveness and strength stand out. Madrid can play any position from 1 through 4 and will be a key part of Valencia's success moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2121663' first='Ugnius' last='Jasevicius'] - Forward - Menaul</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jasevicius has been dubbed by some as "Lauri Markkanen Jr" and it may not be an understatement, as he's arguably the best player in 2A basketball. He's extremely versatile for his size and can stretch the floor with the scoring ability to be dangerous from anywhere on the floor. Jasevicius has already garnered interests from colleges and his senior campaign has the makings to boost that even more. With his athletic ability combined with his skillset, Jasevicius will automatically make Menaul contenders for the 2A title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Michael</strong> <strong>Diaz - Guard - Cibola </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Diaz's junior season was not how he would've liked it to have turned out, being deemed ineligible for varsity basketball by the NMAA. Going into his senior season, he'll have a chip on his shoulder as he suits up for Cibola. Diaz's game is defined by his patience and control, able to play at his own pace at all times. He's a true point guard with great ball-handling and finishing skills around the rim, as well as good court vision to go along with it. He'll join a Cibola team that has looked much improved this offseason, and will no doubt leave his mark on New Mexico basketball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2022314' first='Xavier' last='Otero'] - Guard - Hope Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Otero is the perfect fit for this Huskies team. He's a combo guard whose strength and aggressiveness allow him to get to the basket at will. Otero combines this with a smooth jumper that he uses to space the floor and provide instant offense for Hope. He was a key piece of Hope Christian's 4A Runner-up Campaign last year, and his role will only grow next year as he's continued to improve and expand his game during the offseason. I expect him to flourish in his role as the glue guy for the Huskies as they look to make another deep playoff run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2141492' first='Christian' last='Perea'] - Forward - St Pius X</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perea hasn't been able to be in the varsity spotlight during his high school career, playing Junior Varsity with Volcano Vista before transferring to St Pius and being ineligible for his junior season. His senior season will be his chance to put his name on the map. He's a stretch forward with three-level scoring ability and ball-handling skills that allow him to play any position 1 through 5, and during the offseason he has been able to greatly improve his shooting ability. Pius will be a dark horse candidate in 4A, and Perea will be a big part of their success moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->