2023-24 5A District 2 Analysis: Projected Starting Backcourts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eldorado Eagles</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2284316' first='Johnny' last='Salas'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2284311' first='Vincent' last='James']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles are going through some big roster changes that will inevitably force others to step up for them. Fortunately, they've got guards who are more than capable of this. Salas is a patient point guard with a solid frame and body control that allows him to play at his own pace. James is an athletic two-guard who can stretch the floor and attack with his quick first step from anywhere. They will make for an excellent backcourt that will compliment the powerful frontcourt of the Eagles perfectly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Farmington Scorpions</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1166976' first='Cody' last='Vassar-Steen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1914028' first='Landon' last='Begay']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Scorpions are my personal dark horse pick to make a deep run in the playoffs, as they bring back the majority of their key contributors from last season. Vassar-Steen is a proven point guard who's consistently been a monster on both sides of the ball for the entirety of his high school career. Begay is a pesky jack-of-all-trades who sneakily finds ways to impact the game from anywhere on the court. These two, along with other returning starters, should make the Scorpions into a dangerous team even in a tough district. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>La Cueva Bears </strong>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1176302' first='Cameron' last='Dyer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1069704' first='Dylan' last='Chavez']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dyer and Chavez are the two-headed monster who will lead this star-studded Bears team into next season. Dyer is an aggressive combo guard who will take over more responsibility next year at the point guard position. His frame and strength make him dangerous when attacking downhill. Chavez is a UNM commit who currently ranks at #1 in the state. He transfers to Cueva with high expectations and will be the number one option for this team. Together, they'll be a physical one-two punch who will terrorize defenses this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sandia Matadors</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2022311' first='Santana' last='Jennings'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1687823' first='Thomas' last='Adams']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sandia is coming off a stellar season, though they lose 4 senior starters going into next year. Regardless, they have continued to crank out talent. Adams is the only returning starter from last year but has significantly improved his game in his increased role with the team, and has blossomed into an offensive stalwart. Jennings is a team-first combo guard who has adjusted to the Sandia system and can provide any aspect of the game at any given moment. Together, they form one of the most consistent backcourts in the state and will look to defend the Matador's district title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Mesa Mustangs</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679995' first='Jeremiah' last='Holtz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1687829' first='Estevan' last='Espinoza']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs are facing a roster overhaul, losing several key seniors. Nevertheless, the Mustangs have brought several very talented players to fill those gaps. Holtz returns from last year's varsity squad where he was a spark plug off the bench at the point guard position. He'll find himself with a perfect opportunity to make a name for himself with his new role as a starter. Espinoza was a floater last year, but showcased sharpshooter potential, and has expanded his game this offseason, making him the ideal two-guard for the Mustangs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->