Southern AZ Breakout Players Part One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Many new faces stepped up as we got the 2025/26 boys basketball season started. As we gear up for the second half of the high school season I wanted to take a moment to highlight players who broke out and started making a name for themselves. Here are some players who are making noise in Southern Arizona.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2396141"],"_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-6951e0290800b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ortiz is a high IQ player on both sides of the ball and knows how to impact the game. Sees the court very well finding his teammates. Currently 7th in the state with 6.1 assists per game. Rebounds very well for his position averaging 6.7 per game. Can be an effective scorer and has come up big in clutch situations for the Titans. Against a talented Bourgade Catholic team Ortiz went for a season high 20 points and 12 assists. His second double double of the season with points and assists. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2632440"],"_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-6951e0290807e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stevens has shown to be one of the top offensive players in Southern Arizona. He is currently averaging 24.3 points per game along with 2.1 assists per game. Stevens has three games with 30+ points including a season high 38 against Douglas. Currently shooting 34 percent from the perimeter and 45 percent from the field. Very skilled player who can score in a variety of ways. Should be in discussion for 3A South OPOY.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1986833"],"_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-6951e029080cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McKinney has Pusch Ridge gearing up for a second consecutive state title run and is setting the tone for the Lions. Currently shooting 38 perfect from three and 47 percent from the field adding 2.9 assists per game on the offensive end. He's surpassed 20 points in five games and had a season high 26 points against a very tough Seton Catholic team. Very athletic three level scorer. Hustles hard and can play the post as well. An effective rebounder bringing in 6.7 rebounds per game. If Pusch Ridge looks to repeat as state champions McKinney will be a key factor for the Lions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2396138"],"_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-6951e02908116"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ortiz is quickly rising as a top guard in the 2027 class. One of my top breakout players this season. Ortiz is currently averaging 20.8 points per game and is showing to be one of the best shooters in Southern AZ. He is currently 53 percent from the perimeter ( 40/76) and shooting 53 percent from the field as well. He has three games scoring 30+ including a season high 38 points against Apache Junction. A three level scoring threat who can finish with some highlight dunks. Ortiz is currently making a strong case for the 3A South Player of the Year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2990384"],"_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-6951e02908168"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The sophomore is taking the lead role for the Ravens this season and looking the part. Buchanan is shooting the ball very well knocking down 51 percent of his shots. Currently averaging 19 points per game along with 2.3 assists for the Ravens. He had a season high 22 points and 7 rebounds against Baboquivari. Buchanan is bringing in 5.3 rebounds per game. A hustle player who's game is developing tremendously. Making a strong case for all region honors in a very tough 3A South Region. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2834414"],"_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-6951e029081b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moore is absolutely fun to watch. Arguably one of the toughest two way guards in the Southern Arizona 2027 class. He scores effectively by getting downhill and going through contact. Can shoot the three ball well currently 44 percent on the season. He's shooting 55 percent from the field while also adding 5.9 assists per game. On the defensive side Moore is an aggressive and physical defender who is currently averaging 3.8 steals per game. Moore impacts the game at a high level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2825334"],"_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-6951e029081f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After the Dorados lost three of their top returners to transfer they needed a spark this season. Robles who is in his first season as a full time starter has shown to be that spark. He is averaging 16.6 points per game along with 2.6 assists on the offensive side. I've seen him play live a few times now and he shown to be a consistent scorer. He's shooting 46 percent from the field and 44 percent from the perimeter. Strong on ball defender and very vocal. High energy player who hustles for everything.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->