Regular Season Recap: 4A Standouts, Pt. 2

<p>It seems like the season has just started, and we have had a lot of ups and downs throughout the state during this weird yet very exciting season! With the season coming to a quick end, lets discuss some of the Standouts, Breakouts, as well as Players to Watch for the playoffs and next season. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076724" first="Alexis" last="Dominguez"], 2023, Highland: Dominguez did a great job in his first season taking over the role of primary playmaker for the Hornets who graduated 4 very talented senior guards last season. He was selected to the 1st team All-District team with averages of 12 points and 4 assists, and led his team to an 8 seed in this years playoffs. Dominguez is making a case for one of point guards to watch in the Class of 2023.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1192090" first="Garret" last="May"], 2022, Espanola Valley: Garret is another kid that was a sleeper entering the season, but after winning district player of the year he will definitely be a name to watch! May is a true leader, and it shows when he is on the floor. He can handle the ball well, and sets up his teams offense flawlessly. What has impressed me the most is his ability to defend opposing ball handlers! He makes players change directions more than they would like, and knows how to play aggressively without picking up too many fouls. His coach, Gabe Martinez, is one of the best in the state and I expect to see a lot of growth from this kid entering his senior season!</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1192089" first="Ollie" last="Fell"], 2022, Espanola Valley: The 6’6 forward is agile, can jump with the best in the state, and is a defensive monster! Still a little raw offensively, but will definitely improve with Martinez leading the way. He and May make an interesting duo to watch, especially out of the pick and roll, and both should see interest from division 2 programs increase!</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076625" first="Derek" last="Chavez"], 2021, Valley: Another year, and another 20 point per game season for Chavez! Unfortunately his senior year was cut short, but he will still graduate as a 2 time champion, and one of the best players at Valley High School.</p> <p>Dorian Obisike, 2021, Hope Christian: O was a pleasant surprise for the Huskies this season. The 6’5 forward showed an ability to stretch the floor from beyond the arc, while also proving to be a consistent threat of the post! He grabs a ton of rebounds, and just knows how to play the game the right way thanks to head coach Phil Murphy! It will be interesting to see where this kid ends up next year!</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1192083" first="Jacob" last="Creighton"], 2021, Artesia: Creighton was a consistent inside presence for Artesia all season long averaging around 14 points, and 8 rebounds per game. He has a very solid frame at 6’3 and about 215 pounds with very solid footwork. A dual sport athlete that made great contributions for Artesia both on the hardwood, and the gridiron.</p> <p>Joaquin Ortega Jr, 2022, Gallup: Oretega was selected to the districts 1st team, and named the districts most valuable player after helping lead Gallup to Final Four run including an upset over Bernalillo, and a closely contested game against Artesia. Ortega will be a name to watch next season in 4A, and Gallup will look to be back in that Final Four.</p>