Class of 2024: Stock-Risers Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1903316' first='Cole' last='Baca'] - Guard - Cibola (48 to 28)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since transferring to Cibola, Baca has established himself as one of the most consistent point guards in the state. His constant intensity and level-headedness makes him a reliable threat at all times, and his defensive prowess and strength makes him a dark horse candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. Baca has greatly improved his scoring ability as well, becoming a much better shooter and shot-creator during the offseason after displaying some catch-and-shoot ability during the season. With Cibola coming off a disappointing season, Baca will head up an experienced Cougar team that looks to turn things around next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685516' first='Damian' last='Estrada'] - Guard - Valencia (60 to 40)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Estrada has taken full advantage of this offseason to improve his game and get his name out. Representing Team USA in the United World Games this summer after a junior season that earned him First Team All-District honors, Estrada has an advanced offensive game that allows him to play at his own pace and create not only for himself but for his teammates. With Valencia losing some key seniors from last season, it will be Estrada's chance to lead and establish himself as a premiere player in the state of New Mexico. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1897844' first='Noah' last='Padilla'] - Guard - Cleveland (58 to 42)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Padilla is the ideal wing player, aggressive on both ends of the floor but controlled with his decisions and never tries to do too much. He makes the most of his opportunities and has expanded his offensive game as of late, attacking the basket with more intensity as he adapts to a larger offensive role with the Storm. Part of a Cleveland team that will be stacked to the gills with backcourt talent, Padilla will be the versatile piece that will weather the storm for the Storm (pun intended) amidst the coaching change and the big changes in their team's makeup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679990' first='Brandon' last='Lopez'] - Guard - Atrisco Heritage (62 to 48)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lopez quietly had a very productive season last year, and is in a prime position to explode this next season with a much expanded role. Lopez is the archetype for a catch-and-shoot wing, and with Atrisco losing 3 of their 5 starters, Lopez will have every opportunity to earn a large role with this Jaguars' squad that will hope to have similar success to what they accomplished this past year. He showed flashes last year of what he could do that gives hope for next season for him to be able to continue what he can do on a larger scale. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685452' first='Jerry' last='Archuleta'] - Guard - Rio Rancho (61 to 49)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rio Rancho loses a lot of key pieces from last year's team, but Archuleta is the perfect piece to come forward and take on a much bigger role next season. He's a combo guard with three-level scoring ability and a constant attack mentality who plays very well in his team's system, and has shows signs of major improvement this offseason in tournament play. Archuleta is very valuable on both sides of the court but has proven himself as a strong offensive player who will shoulder a large chunk of Rio Rancho's offensive responsibilities, something that he is very capable of doing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->