Underrated El Paso Prospects (Playoff Edition)
District play in El Paso is over, and now the fun begins with post-season play, starting with the bi-district round and finishing with the eventual state championship. This article is a three-part series detailing the top players who will ultimately…
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Continue ReadingDistrict play in El Paso is over, and now the fun begins with post-season play, starting with the bi-district round and finishing with the eventual state championship. This article is a three-part series detailing the top players who will ultimately impact whether or not their teams advance. This article will highlight some great team players who do not get enough recognition as some of the best players in El Paso.
Cam Gulley
Cam Gulley
Cam Gulley is one of the smoothest players in the Borderland. He’s a pass first player who can shoot from the perimeter with the best of them. His scoring is going to be pivotal for Andress to find success in the bi-district round because it means they are having success from range. Gulley can score at multiple levels, but he is most lethal as a 3-pointer shooter. Moreover, he can hit from extended range, extending out comfortably to 22-feet.
Savion Jordan
Savion Jordan
He’s one of Chapin’s top three players and an important two-way guard for the Huskies. Chapin will go a long way in the playoffs thanks to Jordan. He’s an elite athlete who can be equally disruptive on both ends because of that athleticism. I believe his defense is going to be the most important aspect of his game in the postseason. When Chapin implements their full court press, he has the ability to change games.
Lareon Johnson
Lareon Johnson
He’s Americas second best player and a huge reason why the Trail Blazers won a share of the 6A title. Johnson’s defending and rebounding are his strong suits. However, his finishing around the rim is going to be more important for Americas winning multiple rounds. The Trail Blazers aren’t a high scoring offense and they do not play at a fast pace. That said, they’ve had success scoring in the interior and converting off second chance opportunities with Johnson being at the forefront of that.
Israel Gonzalez
Israel Gonzalez
He leads Hanks in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. Gonzalez truly is a do it all player for the Knights and they will need that to continue in the postseason. Hanks has a winnable game in the bi-district round and Gonzalez will be needed. His scoring and reliable free throw shooting will make or break his team’s chances.
Aaron Vargas Aaron Vargas 6'5" | SF Franklin | 2024 TX
Aaron Vargas Aaron Vargas 6'5" | SF Franklin | 2024 TX
He’s Eastlake’s best player and most reliable scorer when the Falcons need a bucket. His combination of height and 3-point shooting will give any team problems. More important to any Eastlake post season success is what Vargas does as a rebounder. He might not naturally fit the role of a big, but he is his team’s biggest player. Thus, his rebounding will be pivotal.
Brody John
Brody John
This kid can flat out score, and El Paso High is going to need his offense. The Tigers have a winnable game in the bi-district round and John’s play will be pivotal. The junior wing is a dangerous three level scorer who does the bulk of his work from the mid-range, but he is more than capable of scoring from range. If he gets on a hot streak, he can win the Tigers a game.
Lucas Brandon
Lucas Brandon
Lucas Brandon is an interesting prospect. He has the height and length of an elite wing, and he can score with the best of them when his jumper is falling. I believe his outside shooting will be key in Eastlake making any type of run in the 6A bracket. Moreover, making sure Brandon gets quality shots within the offense will be key. He should get anywhere from 10 to 12 shots.
Derek Mendez
Derek Mendez
He’s arguably Eastlake’s important player because of his motor defensively and the shooting he provides from range. Mendez will play a huge role in the Falcons postseason run, but it doesn’t fall all on him. He’s one of four Eastlake players that can win a game for their team. I believe Mendez’s shooting will be an x-factor for this team. He shoots a lot of 3-pointers and if he gets on a roll, he can break open games.