2024-25 Preview: 5 Prospects In ABQ Metro Ready To Break Out

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The start pf the 2024-25 New Mexico high school basketball season is less than three weeks away. Here are 5 prospects the Albuquerque Metro Region ready to break out:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1176305' first='Hudson' last='Brown'], Volcano Vista</strong>: Brown is a three-year starter at point guard for the Hawks, who are seeking their 4^th straight Class 5A state championship. His contributions to those titles has been significant, but he's been overshadowed by other players. Nonetheless, his head coach describes him as the ‘heart and soul' of Volcano Vista.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2684208' first='Tre' last='Cowles'], La Cueva</strong>: The 6-foot-1 senior guard is the only returning player for Las Cueva with significant varsity experience. He averaged 5.5 points and 2.7 rebounds per game off the bench in 2023-24. But those numbers are expected to jump significantly in 2024-25. It's a new era for La Cueva basketball with Cowles showing the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1276352' first='Mason' last='Howell'], Sandia</strong>: A 6-foot-9 forward for the Matadors, Howell focused on rebounding and shot blocking last season, but he's expected to increase his scoring this upcoming season. He showed last season he has the ability to make his presence felt around the rum. Optimism is high at Sandia.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2684214' first='Mason' last='Montoya'], St. Pius</strong> <strong>X</strong>: The 6-foot-3 Montoya has been a varsity player for the Sartans since his sophomore season. He is very versatile and can play inside or outside. St. Pius X reached the semifinals of the Class 4A playoffs in March, and now look to take the next step. If they get there, Montoya will be one of the keys.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2402350' first='Kayden' last='Decker'], Rio Rancho</strong>: As a sophomore in 2023-24, the 6-foot-4 Decker averaged about 7.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game for the Rams. He'll be counted on to become a major contributor this upcoming season as Rio Rancho looks to avoid missing the state playoffs for a second straight season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->