The El Paso X-Factors List: Playoff Edition Part II

With the regular season complete, the fun of high school basketball begins: the playoffs are here! This list is dedicated to prospects who provide a unique skillset with a winning impact on games. Thus, you might not see the best player from each playoff team on this list, but every player included is an integral part of a program playing past the regular season. To read Part I, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/02/the-el-paso-x-factors-list-playoff-edition-part-i/">click here</a>.    It might seem contradictory to put one of the best prospects in the Borderland region into an X-Factor list. However, I would argue that Azaiah Thompson is the ultimate X-Factor for any program I cover because of what he does for Ysleta High School. He's responsible for nearly 60 percent of his team's offensive production and is their most efficient scorer by a significant margin. He's not Ysleta's only scoring option, but he is their best option every time down the floor. It's safe to say this team goes as far as Thompson takes them. Since Ysleta moved to 4A basketball from 5A, the Indians have a much better shot at playing beyond the bi-district round. Ysleta opens their playoff run against Irvin High School on Feb. 17.     [player_tooltip player_id='2557237' first='Jazhiel' last='Herrera'] is the epitome of X-Factor because he does the little things outside of scoring that contributes to winning. A transfer from Franklin High School, where he was a double-digit scorer, Herrera has taken somewhat of a step back offensively this year from a production standpoint. That said, he gives this Coronado program something they missed last season: playoff experience. Additionally, he is Coronado's most well-rounded player from a statistical perspective, leading the team in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game. Coronado opens the bi-district round against Frenship on Feb. 18.     El Paso High is a program that is not without talent, but a player like Edward Bunn is seldom talked about. His value resides in his effort, reliable ball handling, and facilitating skills. He leads the Tigers in assists per game and is good at finding some of his talented wing-scoring teammates out in transition. Anytime Bunn can provide efficient tertiary scoring while taking care of the ball, it usually means El Paso is in a good position to stay competitive or win outright. El Paso opens the bi-district round against Americas on Feb. 18.     Can a team have two X-factors? In this case, the answer is yes. Last week, I talked about Chapin's [player_tooltip player_id='2557233' first='Keyshaun' last='Lawrence'] and his on-ball defense. This week, [player_tooltip player_id='2551709' first='Jacob' last='Garcia'] makes this list. Garcia is also a tough, effort-filled defender, but he is getting mentioned for what he can do on the offensive end. Even going back to last season as a sophomore, I felt like Garcia was Chapin's best initiator in the halfcourt on offense. I still feel that way this season because of his reliable mid-range jump shot and his ability to drive and kick or feed Chapin's 6'11'' big man, [player_tooltip player_id='2028637' first='Jayden' last='Leverett']. Last season, he won Chapin a playoff game with his crucial shot-making in the halfcourt, which could very easily be the case again this playoff run. Chapin opens the bi-district round against El Dorado on Feb. 18.     What's the expression, defense wins championships? Well, [player_tooltip player_id='2198602' first='Julien' last='Falk-Ramirez']'s defense certainly helped Eastwood to another 6A district title this season. He's one of the best on-ball defenders I've scouted and can truly change the outcome of games with his perimeter defense. That said, Falk-Ramirez's inclusion on this list concerns his offense because the Troopers will need it. He won't be tasked with taking on a huge scoring load, but his ability to be efficient in the five to seven attempts he gets will be crucial. If Eastwood can get a well-balanced performance out of the sophomore guard, we could see the Troopers playing into the area round. Eastwood opens the bi-district against San Angelo Central on Feb. 18.     [player_tooltip player_id='2559052' first='Diego' last='Diaz'] makes this list because of his intangibles. I admit that is a buzzword that gets thrown around often and is highly subjective. But, when scouting players, I try to identify things outside statistical production and fundamental skills. With Diaz, you get toughness, grit, and no backdown. It's a thin line between the right amount of emotionality needed to play the game and too much that tips over. I believe Eastlake is at its best when Diaz is on the floor, playing his best, which means guarding without fouling, winning 50-50 balls, and providing an emotional spark without going over the line. Eastlake opens the bi-district round against Odessa on Feb. 18.     Off-ball scoring efficiency matters, and there are few better than Donovan Mozer. He leads a high-functioning Canutillo offense in scoring and is their most efficient 3-point and free-throw shooter. He knows how to run the floor, space in the halfcourt, and cut to the basket for easy attempts. If it's business as usual for Mozer and Canutillo on offense, that is usually a bad sign for opposing defenses. The Tigers have won 20 games in back-to-back seasons with Mozer as a starter, and there should be no mystery as to why. Canutillo opens the bi-district round against Del Valle on Feb. 18.

With the regular season complete, the fun of high school basketball begins: the playoffs are here! This list is dedicated to prospects who provide a unique skillset with a winning impact on games. Thus, you might not see the best player from each playoff team on this list, but every player included is an integral part of a program playing past the regular season. To read Part I, click here.