Top 10 Class of 2023 Power Forwards: 6-10

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1</strong>0. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1875358' first='Kael' last='Stephens'] - Magdalena</strong> (63rd Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stephens is one of New Mexico's best-kept secrets, displaying a full range of skills during the course of the season. He affected the game in every way, averaging 12.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 2.5 SPG while playing in every game for the Steers. Stephens was the perfect accompaniment for teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1390831' first='D'Shaun' last='Vinyard'], allowing him to create, but also giving him an outlet in case he ran into defensive pressure, with his catch-and-shoot ability proving valuable for Magdalena. A 4-year Varsity player, Stephens has evolved his game to become consistent in all facets of the game and slowly has become one of the best players in all of 1A ball. I'm unaware of whether he has any college offers, but he plays a steady game that would serve him well at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1875333' first='Brandon' last='Medina'] - Highland&nbsp;</strong>(58th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Medina solidified himself as one of the best stretch bigs in the state this season, as he was a consistent scoring threat from all three levels for the Hornets. He averaged 10.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 1.1 APG, coming in at 3rd on the team in scoring and leading Highland in rebounding. Medina has the whole package, able to finish around the rim, make jump shots from everywhere, and pass with the best of them, with the court vision to supplement his ample skillset. Medina recently committed to the University of the Southwest to continue his athletic career, where his easily-translatable game will prove very valuable at the next level, and his accomplishments with the Hornets will cement his legacy as one of their best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678051' first='Fernando' last='Hernandez'] - Highland</strong> (55th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hernandez is a great example of a gritty big who can get the job done underneath the rim. At 6'6” Hernandez is able to use his frame to carve out space in the middle and uses his strength to dominate the boards. His stats don't jump off the page, with averages of 3.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 1.4 APG, but his impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. He's the vocal leader of this team, and his composure and attitude are invaluable. Hernandez's footwork around the basket is impressive, and his ability to create for himself using minimal movements makes him ultra-efficient and a threat anytime he catches the ball.&nbsp;I'm unaware of if he has any college offers, but his IQ and patience will serve him well in whatever he decides to do in his basketball career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1530707' first='Torrance' last='Burdex Jr'] - West Mesa</strong> (54th Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burdex evolved his game to fit perfectly within the West Mesa system, and he was instrumental in their success. A master at finishing around the basket, he was easily the most consistent player on this roster, and though he was slightly undersized for his position, he made his presence known any time he was on the floor. His stats aren't available, but his impact cannot be understated for this Mustangs program. Burdex was one of the main reasons why West Mesa made it as far as they did with his unselfish play and ability to rebound consistently. I'm not aware of whether Burdex holds any college offers, but he solidified himself as one of the best-undersized bigs in the state this past year, and his strength and presence underneath will serve him well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1875312' first='Rob' last='Martinez'] - Santa Fe&nbsp;</strong>(53rd Overall)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martinez is probably the quickest power forward in the state. With the lateral agility of a guard and the strength of a big, he has the perfect combination to affect the game from anywhere on the floor. His stats weren't available, but the eye test makes it clear that he's a do-it-all player, and the combination of him and [player_tooltip player_id='1897845' first='Lukas' last='Turner'] proved lethal this past year. Martinez, even with his size, is able to space the floor and allow the guards the create within the offense, while also giving them constant production with the ball in his hands. I don't know if Martinez has any college offers, but his game is translatable to the next level, and if he can develop his ball-handling skills, he could have the opportunity to transition into more of a guard role, and with his frame and quickness, he'd be dangerous against anyone.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->