Top 10 Borderland Power Forwards
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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: Lenni Oggs
10: Lenni Oggs
Oggs is one of three returning Andress Bigs who can play at the four or five pretty seamlessly. I have him slotted in as a power forward because of the front court depth that they have at center. Regardless of position, Oggs shows flashes of a potentially dominant low post player. He’s one of the biggest power forwards on this list and is still growing at 6-5. Andress is losing their top two scorers this year, so expect Oggs to step up and become one of their main guys.
9: Braeden Quigley
9: Braeden Quigley
Just a sophomore, Quigley has a lot of potential and is already one of the best rebounders in 6A. The Falcons had one of the most talented rosters in 2023-24, with three top prospects graduating this year. That said, Quigley will have an opportunity to step up and become one of the best Bigs in the district. The next step for him is on the offensive end as Eastlake will need his interior scoring next season.
8: Peyton Parker
8: Peyton Parker
Another great role player on a great Chapin squad. Parker showed a lot of positional versatility this season, at times starting and lining up at center. He’s one of just a few power forwards who can stretch the floor and score from range. Moreover, he gets after it defensively and plays with a high motor. I’m unsure of his plans post high school but I think he would make a great addition to any program willing to offer him.
7: Ray Venegas
7: Ray Venegas
The first of two Organ Mountain players to make this list. Venegas has been a reliable role player for the Knights all season long and has flashes of really great player each game he plays. He’s long, athletic, and dynamic in the open court, but has the strength to play inside. I believe he is going to have a huge senior season with Organ Mountain losing key seniors this season.
6: Israel Gonzalez
6: Israel Gonzalez
The best player on a Hanks squad that put together a solid run in district play, which led to an eventual playoff berth. Gonzalez shoulder a lot of responsibility, being Hanks best scorer and rebounder. Moreover, he was one of the most valuable players in 2-5A. It’s hard to imagine Hanks making the playoffs without him.
5: Lareon Johnson
5: Lareon Johnson
A pivotal player on one of the best teams in El Paso. Johnson was a great tone setter on the defensive end for the Trail Blazers and a reliable secondary scorer on offense. He’s one of the better rebounders in 6A and was good enough defensively to guard all over the floor. Americas is going to miss his rebounding and interior scoring next season.
4: Matthew Brown
4: Matthew Brown
A disruptive defender with good verticality, who can do a lot on the defensive end. Brown is a solid weakside defender and he has the ability to chase down shots. He plays with great timing as a shot blocker and has really good hands; he racks up steals, blocks, and deflections. Offensively, he’s not afraid to put the ball on the floor in transition and attack. He’s best suited as a defender, he can switch and guard anywhere. His rebounding makes him essential as an interior player, but he can guard on the perimeter.
3: Johan Camacho Johan Camacho 6'3" | C El Paso Bowie | 2026 TX
3: Johan Camacho Johan Camacho 6'3" | C El Paso Bowie | 2026 TX
A sophomore star on the rise, Camacho blossomed during the 2023-24 season becoming Bowie’s top player. He led the Bears to a district title while averaging a double-double and was virtually unguardable in district play. His size and strength separate him from the majority of prospects in the Borderland and he still has two more years to keep developing. He’s a dual sport athlete, but if he continues to progress as a basketball player, he will be among the elite prospects by his senior year.
2: Aaron Vargas Aaron Vargas 6'5" | SF Franklin | 2024 TX
2: Aaron Vargas Aaron Vargas 6'5" | SF Franklin | 2024 TX
Vargas is one of the most unique prospects because of his size and outside shooting prowess. He lines up at center for Eastlake, but he plays nothing like a center. He has an outside-in type of game and is just as comfortable and proficient on the perimeter as any guard I have seen. Moreover, he is one of the best shooters you will find regardless of position. His height and shooting should make him a valuable addition for any collegiate program.
1: Brandon Kehres Brandon Kehres 6'5" | PF Organ Mountain | 2024 State NM
1: Brandon Kehres Brandon Kehres 6'5" | PF Organ Mountain | 2024 State NM
I went back-and-forth trying to decide what position to slot Kehres into. There is no argument he starts at center for Organ Mountain. However, he doesn’t play like a five and at the next level he makes more sense playing as a three or four. He can score from the mid-range and defensively he can do more than sit in the paint and protect the rim. Positional squabbles aside, Kehres has been dominant this season on one of the best teams in New Mexico. He’s a walking double-double and an elite interior scorer who makes just as many plays on the defensive end.