4A Team Preview: Albuquerque Academy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1685484' first='Joe' last='Jack'], [player_tooltip player_id='1897886' first='Dillon' last='McCleskey'], [player_tooltip player_id='1254049' first='Justin' last='Mask']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Albuquerque Academy was one of the most dominant teams in all of New Mexico last season and capitalized on their ultra-talented roster by winning the 4A state championship, beating Hope Christian 70-39. This year, they bring back 3 of their starters from last season, and they'll be the favorites to win 4A once again. The reigning 4A Championship MVP and 4A Playoffs MVP <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685484' first='Joe' last='Jack']</strong> will lead this team, especially on the offensive end. He's a 6'4" guard/forward who can score from anywhere on the floor and can play inside and out, scoring from all three levels. He'll play lots of forward this year with the Chargers having one of the best backcourt duos in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1897886' first='Dillon' last='McCleskey'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1254049' first='Justin' last='Mask']</strong> each put their skills on full display in Academy's championship run. McCleskey showed himself to be one of the best knockdown shooters in New Mexico, able to not only shoot consistently but from deep, showcasing unlimited catch-and-shoot range. Mask is a two-way threat who creates for himself by using his frame to bully guards en route to the basket, and has great court vision and ball-handling ability. He's evolved defensively as well, able to jump passing lanes and start fast breaks from his efforts. Academy has some depth from last year as well, with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1897882' first='Jack' last='Johnson'] </strong>and <strong>Garrett Garcia</strong> showing their importance as the season went on, and during tournament season proving themselves valuable in the varsity rotation. 6'7" sophomore center <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717250' first='Hunter' last='Aime']</strong> will also have a chance to prove himself as a post-presence. Overall, this Academy team is primed for another deep run in the 4A playoffs and will be my favorite to win it all once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->