The El Paso X-Factors List: Playoff Edition Part I

Playoff basketball is finally here, or technically almost here, with El Paso programs finishing their final district games. Although playoff seeding and matchups haven't been set, it is time to break down the top playoff X-factors. This list is dedicated to prospects who provide a unique skillset with a winning impact on games. Thus, you might not see the best player from each playoff team on this list, but every player included is an integral part of a program playing past the regular season.    You can never underestimate the value of 3-point shooting. Moreover, a player who can heat up from beyond the arc is a much-needed commodity every team would love to have. Eastwood's EJ Avila is undoubtedly one of those players. He usually gets three to five quality attempts per game from the 3-point line and can capitalize on those opportunities. He has nine games this season where he made three or more 3-pointers. He shot 40 percent or better from three in eight of those nine games. If he can bring that efficiency to the playoffs, the Troopers could see themselves moving past the area round, depending on the matchup.     Chapin might have a new program leader heading into this first playoff run, but the Huskies still play defense. I could highlight many prospects from this program, but let's start with [player_tooltip player_id='2557233' first='Keyshaun' last='Lawrence']. The junior guard stepped into a starting role this season and has been exceptional on the defensive end. He's the prototypical point-of-attack defender who hustles, wins 50-50 balls, and makes life hard for opposing guards. He's one of the best perimeter defenders in Borderland, and because of Chapin's depth at the guard position, he can approach games in a specific way. He can defend with aggression, knowing there is depth on the bench and in the starting lineup that can supplement if he gets in foul trouble. But the good thing about Lawrence is that he is pretty good at defending without fouling, so expect to see him on the floor a lot during the playoffs for a Chapin program primed for a deep run.     If Adrian Rodriquez isn't on the opposing team's scouting reports, they are in trouble because this kid can fill it up from the perimeter. He has nine games with three or more 3-pointers and 13 double-digit scoring efforts this season. I watched him torch a quality 6A El Paso program in late December with 31 points and seven 3-points on 8-for-13 shooting. He knows how to space the floor and operate in an off-ball capacity fairly well, and he doesn't need much space to get his shot off. Rodriguez is not gun-shy and will make most of his attempts as El Dorado enters the playoffs for the first time since 2020.     Carlos Gameros is Anthony High School's best player and biggest x-factor. Why? He's their best scoring option every time down the floor and is responsible for a lot of their offensive production. At 6-4, with the ability to put the ball on the floor, I've seen him give 4A and 5A program fits. I have him listed as a power forward because of his size and where he lines up for Anthony, but he's a wing with an inside-out approach to scoring. Anthony doesn't publish their statistics, but I would assume Gameros is averaging North of 20 ppg. If the Wildcats are going to win a playoff game or two, Gameros will have a lot to do with that.     Devin Gonzalez is a kid who checks all the boxes. He's in the top two in ppg, rpg, apg, sgp, and bpg for Mountain View and is a returning varsity player with playoff experience. Plus, this kid is long and has a nice mid-range game to boot. At 6-4, it's hard to challenge his shot, especially at the 4A level. Mountain View will have an uphill climb in the playoffs, but it's all about building blocks. A player like Gonzalez will only benefit from the additional experience heading into his senior season in the Fall.     Again, here we have another prospect who is far and away the best player on his team, but I have to highlight him. He's Bowie's x-factor because he takes them to another level when it is going right. He's dominated 4A district play with countless double-doubles and 30-point games. His blend of size, weight, and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare for lower-level programs. He plays downhill from about 14 feet and in and usually finishes efficiently or gets to the free-throw line. He will do whatever he wants if opposing defenses can't guard him without fouling.     Eastlake has a lot of talent in its backcourt. [player_tooltip player_id='2555402' first='Braeden' last='Quigley']'s potential and impact in specific areas of the game are why he is their ultimate x-factor in the playoffs. Specifically, his rebounding and rim protection will be crucial for the Falcons. Quigley has shown improvement as a perimeter scorer this season, but his defense and potential on that side of the floor as a frontcourt player matter more. He's Eastlake's biggest player with good length, verticality, and speed out in transition. Thus, his ability to close out defensive possessions and eliminate opposing offenses' shots at the rim will dictate how far this program goes.     It's debatable who is the best player at Andress High School right now. The program boasts a lot of talent from the classes of 2027 and 2028. [player_tooltip player_id='2423276' first='Carmyne' last='Mychackavane'] is one of those prospects who can change games for the Eagles. At 6-3 with a sturdy frame, he is a fairly polished low post scorer who knows how to leverage position and finish efficiently within six feet. Moreover, he's hard to keep off the boards and the free-throw line. His inside scoring presence opens up other aspects of the Andress offense, and if they win a game or two in these playoffs, expect Mychackavane to be productive.

Playoff basketball is finally here, or technically almost here, with El Paso programs finishing their final district games. Although playoff seeding and matchups haven't been set, it is time to break down the top playoff X-factors. This list is dedicated to prospects who provide a unique skillset with a winning impact on games. Thus, you might not see the best player from each playoff team on this list, but every player included is an integral part of a program playing past the regular season.