New Mexico’s Best to Open the High School Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The early weeks of the high school season have already made one thing clear across New Mexico: these players are not just off to strong starts, they are setting the standard statewide. Whether it's controlling games as lead guards, delivering in the biggest moments, or overwhelming opponents with size and efficiency, this group has separated itself as the top tier talent in New Mexico right now. Their production, impact, and consistency have put them firmly on the radar as some of the best players in the state to open the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2215040"],"_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-694c8485d9063"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Borrego has emerged as the engine for Albuquerque Academy to start the season, impacting the game in multiple areas. He does a great job controlling the tempo and making smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Offensively, he is getting to the rim with purpose and finishing through contact while showing soft touch around the basket. His ability to stretch the floor with his three point shooting has made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. Borrego has also developed strong chemistry with big man [player_tooltip player_id='1717250' first='Hunter' last='Aime'], consistently delivering the ball to him in scoring positions off drives and pick and roll actions. On the defensive end, Borrego brings a high motor, applying pressure and setting the tone with his intensity. His steady presence has been a major factor in Academy's early success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2836389"],"_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-694c8485d90c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Huerta has already provided one of the season's defining moments with a game winning buzzer beater on a tough underhand layup against Portales. He followed that performance with a statement win over defending state champion Artesia, scoring 20 points and showing his ability to rise to the occasion. Huerta is effective scoring at all three levels and keeps defenders guessing with his quick first step and creativity. He also does a solid job facilitating the offense, making timely passes and keeping his teammates involved. His confidence and aggressiveness have been evident in Carlsbad's early run.</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-694c8485d9115"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Campbell has opened the season with an assertive approach on both ends of the floor. He consistently attacks the basket and does a great job drawing fouls, earning trips to the free throw line. Campbell plays with a team first mindset, keeping the offense flowing and finding teammates in scoring spots. Defensively, he brings energy and toughness, making key hustle plays and competing on every possession. His versatility and effort level have made him a valuable piece for Artesia early on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2832949"],"_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-694c8485d915e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Culpepper has been one of the most dominant performers in New Mexico to begin the season. He is averaging 16.2 points and 8 rebounds per game and has already recorded four performances of 20 plus points. He recently shot 80 percent in a 24 point outing against Los Alamos and followed that by shooting over 50 percent in three straight games against Lovington, Rio Grande, and Carlsbad. Culpepper's combination of size, efficiency, and scoring touch has been overwhelming for opposing defenses. He continues to build momentum and is quickly establishing himself as one of the toughest covers in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->