My Personal Top Candidates for 5A Breakout Player of the Year
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Jeremiah Holtz Jeremiah Holtz 5'9" | SG West Mesa | 2024 State NM – West Mesa The Mustangs are currently going through some major roster changes going into next season, losing both their starting guards from last year. Fortunately, Holtz…
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Continue ReadingJeremiah Holtz Jeremiah Holtz 5'9" | SG West Mesa | 2024 State NM – West Mesa
The Mustangs are currently going through some major roster changes going into next season, losing both their starting guards from last year. Fortunately, Holtz has shown he can step up to the challenge. This offseason he displayed great lead guard skills, able to control the pace of the game and handle the ball. Holtz is extremely quick off the dribble as well and has shown that he is a quick and efficient decision-maker with the ball in his hands.
Daniel Fuentes Daniel Fuentes 6'3" | PF Albuquerque | 2024 State NM – Albuquerque
Fuentes is the archetype for a stretch big. He’s able to create opportunities for himself from anywhere on the floor and utilizes his frame to get to his spots at will. Fuentes is able to play inside and out, dominating at all three levels on the court. He’s also an aggressive rebounder and has a great paint presence on the defensive end, affecting any shot that comes his way. The Bulldogs will be a dark horse team to make the playoffs next year and will have one of the best frontcourts in the state.
Jerry Archuleta Jerry Archuleta 6'0" | SG Rio Rancho | 2024 State NM – Rio Rancho
Out of all the players who I hadn’t heard of before tournament season started, Archuleta might’ve been the most impressive. On a Rams team losing key seniors from last year, Archuleta was primed and ready for the spotlight, taking on a lot of responsibility on the offensive end. He’s a consistent bucket-getter, providing instant offense for the Rams from all three levels. Archuleta will be a big asset for the Rams going into next season.
Yeh-Nhi Wilson Yeh-Nhi Wilson 6'3" | CG Organ Mountain | 2024 State NM – Organ Mountain
Wilson was severely under-recognized last year for his efforts in Organ Mountain’s playoff run. He’s a lightning-quick guard whose contributions to the team go way beyond the stat sheet. He’s able to guard all positions 1-4 and uses his speed on both ends of the court, blowing by defenders with his quick first step. Wilson utilizes his lateral agility to get open off-ball as well and is able to knock down the open shots. He’ll be a big part of the Knights’ title search next season.
Josh Jackson Josh Jackson 6'5" | PF Eldorado | 2024 State NM – Eldorado
Though already ranked in the top 10 in his class, Jackson is due for a huge season. It’ll be his team going into next season, and the improvements he’s shown during the offseason on the offensive end have been impressive. He’s able to stretch the floor and knock down perimeter shots with ease, but also continue his dominance in the paint. Jackson will take over the leadership role for the Eagles and is my number-one candidate for Breakout Player of the Year.