5A Team Preview: Rio Rancho

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1295235' first='Jayden' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1679999' first='Josiah' last='Marfil'], [player_tooltip player_id='1685452' first='Jerry' last='Archuleta']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rio Rancho was sneakily one of the most well-rounded teams in the state last season, and were 3 points away from making it to the quarterfinals last season after earning a 5A playoff berth. This year, they'll lose some key senior depth, including 2 All-District players and 1 All-District Honorable Mention player, but will have a new roster that looks to be one of the most high-powered offensively. The Rams are led by All-District first team talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1295235' first='Jayden' last='Johnson']</strong>, an explosive shooting guard who led the team in scoring and was second in rebounding and steals. He's one of the most athletic players in the state and has evolved tremendously as a player, able to finish at the rim creatively and efficiently, draw fouls, and jump into passing lanes to get steals leading to fast breaks. Alongside him in the backcourt are two sharpshooter threats, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679999' first='Josiah' last='Marfil'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685452' first='Jerry' last='Archuleta']</strong>. Marfil is a catch-and-shoot specialist, ready to provide instant offense at a moment's notice, and is always ready to knockdown from beyond the three-point line. Archuleta is more of a threat off the dribble, able to create for himself and others by attacking the basket and knocking down mid-range jumpers to keep the defense on their toes. The rest of this Rams team will have to step up to fill roles that are now vacant. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1698813' first='Chris' last='Lucero']</strong> will look to put his name on the map with this squad. As only a freshman last season, he played in 27 of the team's 29 games, and provided valuable minutes off the bench showcasing his two-way talent. Guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1176308' first='Kevin' last='Archuleta'] </strong>and forward <strong>Sean Parisian</strong> will also provide much needed sparks whether they're starting or coming off the bench. Overall, this Rams team will be sneaky good during the regular season, and will surprise some teams in 5A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->