Players to Watch: Rising 4A Standouts in New Mexico

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From state champions to breakout candidates, New Mexico's 4A level is filled with talent ready to make noise this season. Let's takes a closer look at players to keep an eye on as they look to lead their teams, rack up accolades, and draw attention from the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2146038"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b1fab69a61e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2146038' first='Clay' last='Kincaid'], a 6'8” power forward for Artesia High School, is the #1 ranked PF in New Mexico and a proven winner after helping lead the Bulldogs to a state championship last season. Kincaid had a strong summer on the RecruitLook circuit, earning an offer from New Mexico Highlands University, and continues to raise his stock as one of the top frontcourt players in the state. With elite footwork, soft touch around the rim, the ability to stretch the floor with jumpers, and the strength to finish through contact, he is a matchup nightmare for any big. This season, Kincaid is focused on helping Artesia get back to The Pit and capture another state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2215899"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b1fab69a677"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Del Norte High School's Class of 2027 point guard, [player_tooltip player_id='2215899' first='Pedro' last='Padron'], is a quick and shifty floor general who has continued to refine his game during the offseason. Coming off a strong summer ball season, Padron improved his skills, sharpened his decision-making, and enhanced his overall impact on the court. Known for taking excellent care of the basketball and consistently being in the right spots, he elevates his teammates with his high basketball IQ and unselfish play. A true leader and great teammate, Padron is ready to guide Del Norte to team success this season while proving why he is one of the most impactful point guards in 4A basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1717306"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b1fab69a6be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1717306' first='Jerek' last='Duda'], a 5'10” combo guard, is a dynamic scorer who can heat up at any moment and create his own shot against even the toughest defensive pressure. Coming off a strong offseason, Duda improved his ball-handling, decision-making, and overall offensive skill set, building on his Second Team All-State performance last year. With a smooth jumper and the ability to make plays for himself and his teammates, he is a consistent threat on the floor. This season, Duda is poised to lead his team with scoring, confidence, and versatility, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dangerous guards in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1846065"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b1fab69a700"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1846065' first='Charlie' last='Campbell'], Class of 2026 point guard for Artesia High School</strong>, is coming off a <strong>First Team All-State season</strong> where he played a key role in leading the Bulldogs to a state championship. A crafty ball handler with a high basketball IQ, Campbell controls the game with his pace and makes his teammates better every time he's on the floor. With championship experience already under his belt, he is locked in on guiding Artesia to another title run and proving himself as one of the premier guards in 4A basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->