Early Season Standouts Making Noise Across New Mexico

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though the New Mexico high school basketball season has just begun, a number of athletes have already made statements right away. These early performances have raised the standard and put names on the radar going into the middle of the season, whether it is through significant scoring, playmaking, or defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2026077"],"_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-69465c0ef2ec8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Martinez has been one of the most electric scorers in the state to open the season. At the Phil Griego Invitational, Martinez averaged 29 points per game and consistently put defenses in tough spots with his ability to create his own shot. He attacked downhill, finished through contact, and showed confidence pulling up from deep when defenders tried to give him space. Martinez played with an aggressive mindset throughout the event, looking to score and take over stretches of games. The defining moment came when he finished a 360 degree contested layup in traffic, easily the highlight play of the tournament and one of the best plays in the state so far this season. It was his best play of the weekend and a clear reminder of his confidence and creativity, with plenty more big plays likely still to come as the season continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2909695"],"_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-69465c0ef2f4f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Peele continued to show why he is one of the more dependable guards in tournament settings with a strong showing at the Hub City Tournament. Peele averaged 13 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals per game, contributing in every phase of the game. He played with great pace, made smart decisions, and stayed active on the defensive end by jumping passing lanes and finishing possessions on the glass. Peele's ability to rebound from the guard spot stood out, especially in physical games where effort mattered late. He consistently made winning plays that do not always show up as highlights but directly impact outcomes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2217079"],"_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-69465c0ef2f9e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wills delivered one of the most efficient performances of the early season in a matchup against Chaparral. Wills finished with 17 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds while shooting 6 for 8 from the field, showcasing his ability to score without forcing the action. He did an excellent job creating quality looks for teammates by reading the defense and making the right pass at the right time. Defensively, Wills stayed engaged, competed on every possession, and helped set the tone with his effort. His performance reflected a high level of composure and understanding of how to impact the game beyond just scoring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2846704"],"_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-69465c0ef2ffa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moore showed advanced poise for his age with an early-season performance that highlighted his feel for the game. Moore posted 12 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals while controlling tempo and keeping his team organized offensively. Moore stayed active in passing lanes and competed on every possession. For a young player, his comfort level and leadership stood out, signaling significant upside moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->