Stars in their Roles: Borderland Guards

As boys' high school basketball is set to tip off in El Paso this Friday and basketball in Southern New Mexico is set for next month, it's time to talk about some prospects who do not get enough love. I am referring to the role players, underappreciated starters, bench units, or players from lower-level districts or teams that do not get enough coverage. This story will be part of a three-part series breaking down the underrated prospects at the guard, wing, and big positions. Here are some Borderland guard from El Paso, Texas to Las Cruces, New Mexico who will star in their role this season.    When talking about the Eastwood boys' basketball program, it's natural to discuss their top three players and starting backcourt for this season. That said, this team's district and post-season fate will also be determined by their bench production. [player_tooltip player_id='2558983' first='Jayden' last='Puga'] will be important in providing solid minutes for the Troopers' bench unit. His floor spacing and ability to hit open looks will make or break his ability to stay on the floor. Puga played spot minutes last season and was capable of handling the ball and playing off the ball when needed. Now as a senior, he will be pivotal in every game Eastwood plays this season.     Burges had a tough go at it last season, with a younger roster trying to rebuild. They had two standout prospects but not a lot of depth behind them in a trying 2023-24 season. That said, senior point guard Phillip Leff is a player who flashed some potential as a playmaker in space. He should be a starter for Burges this season and should provide some backcourt stability for a program that looks to be more competitive in 1-5A basketball. If Leff can be a stable table setter, finding Burges' dynamic duo of scoring wings, we might see this team slot into that coveted fourth playoff spot. Additionally, Leff has decent size for the position and is comfortable handling the ball under a full-court press.     Calling Kobe Saenz a role player at this point might be a stretch considering he's arguably Del Valle's second or third most important player returning this season. That said, as the fourth leading scorer from a 20-win team last season, he showed real potential as a playmaker guard and scorer. If he consistently does that on a nightly basis as a senior, adding perimeter scoring and point-of-attack defending, we might see another 20-win season for Del Valle. Additionally, the Conquistadores will need Saenz's 3-point shooting mightly, he was second on the team in 3-pointers made. If he can improve his outside shooting from a volume and efficiency perspective, the role player label will no longer apply.     Popescu played spot minutes for a 2023-24 Organ Mountain squad loaded with talent. Moreover, it was a squad that heavily relied on its starting five and top four players. But, with the losses of some key 2024 prospects to graduation, Popescu should see more minutes this season even if he's coming off the bench. He's an undersized point guard who plays a scrappy brand of basketball and isn't afraid to step out and show out when the opportunity is there. Last season, Popescu played in 22 of Organ Mountain's 31 games.     It can't be a story about stars in their role if we don't mention some players from the Chapin boy's basketball team. The Huskies are the deepest squad in the Borderland and they, at least in previous seasons under former head coach Rodney Lewis, played deep bench units. That shouldn't change this season and we will be seeing a lot of [player_tooltip player_id='2557232' first='Messiah' last='Wilson']. He's a senior guard with great height, length, and athleticism for the position who will be key in the Huskies' possible deep playoff run. Last season, he saw minutes in 25 of Chapin's 39 contests, but will certainly play more this season. Chapin has great guard depth and Wilson is among that depth. If he can be a reliable versatile defender, who can press, and win 50-50 balls, while providing situational scoring, this team won't be any less dominant than they were last season. Wilson recently received an offer from Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota.

As boys' high school basketball is set to tip off in El Paso this Friday and basketball in Southern New Mexico is set for next month, it's time to talk about some prospects who do not get enough love. I am referring to the role players, underappreciated starters, bench units, or players from lower-level districts or teams that do not get enough coverage. This story will be part of a three-part series breaking down the underrated prospects at the guard, wing, and big positions. Here are some Borderland guard from El Paso, Texas to Las Cruces, New Mexico who will star in their role this season.