Top 10 Class of 2023 Combo Guards: 1-5
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5. D’Shaun Vinyard D’Shaun Vinyard 6'2" | CG Magdalena | 2023 State NM – Magdalena (25th Overall) Vinyard was simply the best player in 1A District 2, and was probably the best player in all of 1A. Though the Steers…
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Continue Reading5. D’Shaun Vinyard D’Shaun Vinyard 6'2" | CG Magdalena | 2023 State NM – Magdalena (25th Overall)
Vinyard was simply the best player in 1A District 2, and was probably the best player in all of 1A. Though the Steers lost in the championship, they were undefeated the entire year, finishing 31-1 and winning their district. This was all behind the play of Vinyard, who averaged 18.4 PPG (4th in 1A, led team) on an incredible 61% from the field, 5.8 RPG (2nd on team), 2.7 APG (3rd on team), 2.6 SPG (1st on team), and 0.9 BPG (1st on team). He seems to glide when he has the ball and is freakishly athletic, able to throw down dunks on the fast break at any time. What stood out to me however is Vinyard’s incredible shooting splits, shooting 61/43/79 while leading his team in field goals made. His efficiency and athleticism combine to make him an all-around valuable basketball player, and colleges have taken notice. He hasn’t committed to play anywhere as far as I know, but he’ll make a great addition to anywhere he decides to play.
4. Ely Lovato Ely Lovato 6'2" | CG Sandia | 2023 State NM – Sandia (21st Overall)
Lovato is one of the best two-way players in New Mexico, standing out on both sides of the ball. A guard with a bigger frame, he was able to use positioning and quick reflexes to get steals and has the speed to get downcourt in a hurry. He averaged 11.8 PPG (3rd on team), 5.8 RPG (3rd on team), 3.5 APG (3rd on team), and 2.9 SPG (led team). Lovato has an impressive ability to create off the dribble and can get to his spots at will. He’s also a master at getting out in transition, creating opportunities to score at a moment’s notice by getting steals and starting the fast break. To my knowledge, Lovato holds one offer from Western New Mexico, though his interest most definitely stretches to all areas of the state, and his game will translate to the next level nicely, as he is a hustle player who can guard all positions and utilize his speed to create.
3. Kellan Gehres Kellan Gehres 6'0" | CG Albuquerque Academy | 2023 State NM – Albuquerque Academy (15th Overall)
Gehres was the vocal leader for the 4A Championship squad, and the two-sport star has made his mark on the New Mexico sports scene. His all-around great play earned him 4A All-Regular Season 2nd team and 4A All-Tournament 1st team honors, as he averaged 16.3 PPG and 6.0 RPG while shooting an impressive 41% from the 3-point line. Gehres is the definition of a true combo guard, able to run the offense and control pace, while also able to attack the basket and shoot the 3 at a high rate. Gehres is committed to Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee for his play on the football field, but he has no doubt proven his prowess on the basketball court and has cemented his legacy as one of the best athletes to come out of Albuquerque Academy.
2. Dalen Moyer Dalen Moyer 6'0" | CG Sandia | 2023 State NM – Sandia (12th Overall)
Moyer is definitely more of a point guard than anything, but he exemplifies everything that is looked at for the position. He has a tight handle and a lethal jump shot that allows him to score at any point in time. He averaged 12.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 5.1 APG (3rd in State, 1st on team, 1st in 5A), and 1.8 SPG while leading the team in 3-pointers made on 37% from behind the arc. While his efforts somehow didn’t earn him a spot on the All-Tournament team, he displayed a level of composure that made him ultra-valuable in the playoffs, knocking down multiple clutch shots during the course of the tournament and showcasing a patience that is unmatched. Moyer recently committed to Northern New Mexico College and will have his shot to prove how valuable of a player he can be at the next level, something that I am very confident he can do.
1. Andrew Hill Andrew Hill 6'2" | CG Sandia | 2023 State NM – Sandia (6th Overall)
Hill was one of the most dominant players in New Mexico this past season on a team with 3 of the best guards in all of New Mexico, as it seemed an impossible task to stop him. His ability to attack downhill combined with his spot-up shooting ability made him extremely difficult to stop. He averaged 16.6 PPG (led team), 5.9 RPG (2nd on team), 3.7 APG (2nd on team), and 2.4 SPG (2nd on team). His fantastic play earned him 5A All-Regular Season 2nd team and 5A All-Tournament 1st team honors with averages of 14.4 PPG and 4.4 RPG en route to the 5A Championship game, as well as a spot in the 5A All-Star game. Hill has recently picked up offers from New Mexico Highlands and Northern New Mexico, though he will surely gain more interest from colleges as his recruitment continues.