Top 10 Borderland Centers
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Over the last four months, I have scouted more than 40 high school programs from El Paso, Texas, to Las Cruces, New Mexico. This article is a five-part series detailing the top 10 players in the Borderland area by position…
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Continue ReadingOver the last four months, I have scouted more than 40 high school programs from El Paso, Texas, to Las Cruces, New Mexico. This article is a five-part series detailing the top 10 players in the Borderland area by position group. The power forwards were assessed by their rim protection, rebounding, screen setting, and interior scoring.
10: Max Munoz
10: Max Munoz
Franklin did the bulk of their damage on the perimeter, as they boasted a roster loaded with talent at the guard position. That said, Max Munoz really rounded out the team as their starting center. He was third on the team in scoring and provided a much-needed presence down low.
9: Carmyne Mychackavane Carmyne Mychackavane TX
9: Carmyne Mychackavane Carmyne Mychackavane TX
This kid was not on my radar coming into this season, but he stepped up and impressed when opportunity came his way. Like any center on this list, he provided interior scoring, rebounding, and shot blocking. That said, he showed some offensive versatility when given the chance. He made the occasional three and had some smooth drive and finishes too. Andress has plenty of depth at the four and five, but he is the future of the Andress program.
8: Jason Warren Jason Warren 6'4" | PF Alamogordo | 2024 State NM
8: Jason Warren Jason Warren 6'4" | PF Alamogordo | 2024 State NM
A senior big with a solid frame who provided toughness and physicality for a good Alamogordo squad. That said, he did more than provide some needed intangibles. He led the team in scoring and rebounding, which is impressive if you know the scoring options Alamogordo already has. The Tigers are definitely going to miss him next season.
7: Brian Coyle Brian Coyle 6'7" | C Mayfield | 2024 State NM Jr.
7: Brian Coyle Brian Coyle 6'7" | C Mayfield | 2024 State NM Jr.
It was a tough season for Mayfield, they lost their star player and suffered for it in district play. However, one of their bright spots was center Brian Coyle Brian Coyle 6’7″ | C Mayfield | 2024 State NM Jr. The senior big man was a plus defender and rebounder on a team that lacked size. More impressively, he was the Trojans leading scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker.
6: Carmello Jackson-Hayward
6: Carmello Jackson-Hayward
Jackson-Hayward is an intriguing prospect to make note of heading into next season. Injuries kept him off the floor for the 2023-24 season, but with a 6-6 frame and elite verticality, the potential is there. More importantly, he still has two years to develop into his game.
5: Javon Washington
5: Javon Washington
One of the best defensive Bigs in 6A last season, Washington was a key player for Pebble Hills. He’s longer and more athletic than most centers in El Paso and that played to his benefit. Moreover, he could guard down a few positions and do more than just protect the rim.
4: Alex Jordan
4: Alex Jordan
Alex Jordan was part of a deep Canutillo squad that won 23 games and made the playoffs. As their starting center, he led the team in points, rebounds, and blocks. Additionally, he was an excellent offensive rebounder for a team that was undersized on the perimeter.
3: Ricardo Jauregui Ricardo Jauregui TX
3: Ricardo Jauregui Ricardo Jauregui TX
Ricardo Jauregui Ricardo Jauregui TX was one of my favorite Bigs to scout this season. He plays with a lot of intensity and doesn’t not shy away from the physicality of the game. Moreover, he was an excellent shot blocker and rebounder for Montwood. The Rams had some tough luck losses this season and yet, they still managed to win 20 games for the first time since 2012-13. Jauregui played a large role in that with his leadership while anchoring the defense.
2: Aiden Marquez
2: Aiden Marquez
Consistency comes to mind when I think about Aiden Marquez. He was Mr. Reliable all season long for one of the most consistent programs in El Paso. Americas had a great year, winning 29 games and a share of the 6A district title. That wouldn’t have been possible if Marquez wasn’t playing. He’s a great team defender, rebounder, and a solid interior scorer.
1: Jayden Leverett Jayden Leverett 6'10" | C El Paso Chapin | 2025 State TX
1: Jayden Leverett Jayden Leverett 6'10" | C El Paso Chapin | 2025 State TX
It should come as no surprise that Jayden Leverett Jayden Leverett 6’10” | C El Paso Chapin | 2025 State TX is the top center in the Borderland. He’s nationally recruited, receiving offers from four Division I programs with plenty more to come. On the court, he is a mismatch waiting to happen against any and every team in El Paso. Putting aside the highlight reel dunks and blocks, he really grew into his frame and game this season. He handles the physicality of the game exponentially better than he did as a sophomore, which bodes well for his senior season.