Martinez is a player who stood out for D1 New Mexico on the weekend. He’s a very confident player who gets to his spots on the floor, attacks the pick and roll, and he hits shots off of that. He’s a lethal mid-range scorer, which opens up the rest of his offense, and then he creatively hits shots or gets others going. There is not a shot that he doesn’t like, as he’s the team’s primary ball handler from the guard spot. He stays on the attack, and when defenses key in on that, he finishes at the rim or makes plays for others. All things start with him, and that was on display. Big weekend for Elijah and it makes sense why he’s one of the top players in New Mexico. 

Martinez has been one of the most electric scorers in the state to open the season. At the Phil Griego Invitational, Martinez averaged 29 points per game and consistently put defenses in tough spots with his ability to create his own shot. He attacked downhill, finished through contact, and showed confidence pulling up from deep when defenders tried to give him space. Martinez played with an aggressive mindset throughout the event, looking to score and take over stretches of games. The defining moment came when he finished a 360 degree contested layup in traffic, easily the highlight play of the tournament and one of the best plays in the state so far this season. It was his best play of the weekend and a clear reminder of his confidence and creativity, with plenty more big plays likely still to come as the season continues.

Elijah Martinez Elijah Martinez 5'10" | PG Cibola | 2027 State NM is a very quick guard who has no trouble getting to his spots and this week was no different. His body control when driving to the lane was impressive. His quickness is a big part of his game, but he also has a motor to go with it. He is a high energy player and as the game went on, he seemed to get more comfortable as other players looked tired. Elijah did very well at drawing fouls while finding his own shots.

Martinez has put on a clinic throughout the early part of the spring. This past weekend in Kansas City he showcased to many college coaches that he will be capable of playing at the next level. Martinez dished out dime after dime to his teammates. He did a great job of putting pressure on the defense by getting to the elbows and forcing the defense to make quick decisions. Martinez used his smooth mid range pull up at a high level to start drawing the respect of the bigs in the paint once he beat his defender.

Elijah is the most electrifying sophomore guard in New Mexico. He averaged 23.5 points throughout the season along with 4 assist and 2 steals. Martinez is now in the top 3 players of his class. He received 1st team all district as well as academic all district. He was the 2nd leading scorer in 5A. Elijah also reached his 1000th career point this season.