Valadez is a shifty point guard and dangerous shooter who understands how to create space off the bounce and manipulate a defense. His handle and shooting ability allow him to generate offense both for himself and those around him. He also anticipates well in the passing lanes and can create turnovers away from the ball. Valadez remains wiry and will need to get significantly stronger, particularly to become a more reliable on-ball defender, but his offensive skill set makes him an intriguing guard to monitor.

Valadez was a key piece off the bench last year as the primary backup point guard for Hill’s PAISAA title team, but wasted no time showing he’s ready for a leading role with his play on Saturday. Coming off a standout spring and summer on the EYBL circuit, the Long Island native showed great poise and confidence while running the show for a revamped Hill lineup. He was effective dancing to spots off the bounce, getting all the way to the rim at times but also keeping his head up to spray out to open teammates when the defense collapsed. Valadez also showed a somewhat new element with his ability to stretch the defense as a pullup shooter from beyond the arc. He’s still a bit under the radar within the area but showed once again why he’s among the very best junior guards in the state.

Another productive, efficient showing out of Valadez who seems to be poised for a strong junior campaign if this momentum continues. As a team, Melo finished 1-2 overall with their three-point win over Durant was led by the 6-foot lead guard’s 19 points and seven assists. His on-ball responsibilities don’t dictate his involvement and when he shares the floor with a more dominant ball handler, Valadez can easily slide over to the two where his spot-up shooting prowess shines.

He averaged 12PPG, 5APG, 3.7RPG and 3.3SPG.

I’ve had the chance to evaluate Valadez a couple of times early this spring and each time, I’ve walked away pleased with the IQ and efficiency that he brings as a guard who can impact the game on or off the ball. He made the most of his open looks from deep as teammates found him for kick outs as the defense collapsed. Valadez ran the floor wide and with purpose when he wasn’t leading the break himself and when he wasn’t finishing the job himself around the cup, he was making the right read as the defender in the 2-on-1 chose his fate. When he’s on the ball, he provides a steady presence and is able to get his team in the half court set being called from the sideline while handling ball pressure.

Another repeat sophomore making an immediate splash at the prep level, Valadez impressed with his play off the bench as the host Hill School fought off a spirited Kiski squad. The Long Island native shined as a traditional floor general, operating with advanced poise while navigating into the lane with ease off the dribble. He showed crafty footwork as a finisher and slick vision finding shooters and cutters once the defense collapsed. We’d like to see him be a bit more confident from the perimeter moving forward, but Valadez’s impact at the point of attack should be a welcomed spark at Hill for years to come.

Valadez is a sturdy floor general who does a nice job running the show. He takes what the defense gives him. Valadez touched the paint often. He showed that he has a good pulse of where his teammates are and found them for scoring chances frequently. He finished with 12 points in a win over Atlantic Shores Christian. He is very effective from the foul line.

5th team all state “A”. Possesses a good handle. Moves really well without the ball. Unlimited range. Very promising future for a young player. Has transferred to the Hill school after 2 years of success at Friends academy.

Averaged 19 ppg . Had 12 games of three or more threes. A pg with ascorers mentality. But while still knowing how to run the offense. Unlimited range. Can weave his way through defenders and score in a variety of ways.

Excellent handle. Outstanding shooter coming off screens or getting off his own shot. Moves well without the ball.