Players to Watch: Rising 2A Standouts in New Mexico

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From state champions to breakout candidates, New Mexico's 2A level is filled with talent ready to make noise this season. Let's takes a closer look at players to keep an eye on as they look to lead their teams, rack up accolades, and draw attention from the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1533973"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a4aac72abd7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6'2 small forward from Mesa Vista was a key piece in last year's run to the state championship game, where his team finished as runner-up. He made his mark as a strong inside finisher, using his size and body control to score efficiently around the rim while battling through contact. Defensively, he set the tone in the paint with toughness and positioning, often matching up with bigger opponents and holding his ground. Over the offseason, he put in work to expand his game. Gallegos has developed a more reliable perimeter shot, tightened his handle, and focused on his quickness to defend on the wing. That added growth, combined with his proven ability in big moments, makes him a player to watch heading into this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2300000"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a4aac72ac4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At Legacy Academy, the 6'4 forward was a key factor in his team's success last season, helping them dominate district play with a perfect 10-0 record before advancing to the state quarterfinals. He averaged 15.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, proving himself as a versatile contributor on both ends of the floor. Scales brought consistent scoring, worked the glass effectively, and added defensive toughness that gave his team an edge. With his production and presence, he established himself as one of the most reliable forwards in the state, and he'll look to lead Legacy Academy even deeper into the playoffs this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2827274"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a4aac72acef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The versatile wing/forward was a driving force behind the team's run to the state semifinals last season. A proven scorer and steady leader, he earned Second Team All-State honors for his impact on both ends of the floor. Vigil has the ability to create offense when his team needs it most while also setting the tone with his energy and leadership. With another year of experience under his belt, he's focused on guiding Pecos back to the big stage and making a push for a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2833696"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a4aac72ad3c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming off a dominant season at Texico High School, the combo guard was a major piece of a squad that went 29-2 overall, ran the table in district play, and capped it off by winning a state championship. Curtis brings a complete offensive game, handling the ball with confidence while being able to create his own shot against any defender. Just as effective off the ball, he stays active to spot up and knock down quality looks when teammates draw attention. With his skill set and championship experience, Curtis is set on leading Texico in its quest to defend the title and bring home another state championship this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->