Preseason Watch List: 5A District 2, Underclassmen to Watch
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As we get closer to the start of the season I want to give a preview of what I expect to happen during this year. My Preseason Watch List will go district by district highlighting players, teams, and games to…
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Continue ReadingAs we get closer to the start of the season I want to give a preview of what I expect to happen during this year. My Preseason Watch List will go district by district highlighting players, teams, and games to watch when the season kicks off.
District 2 has long been a very competitive district that has produced top notch talent, and state championship contenders over the past decade. Here we will take a look at the underclassmen who have the best opportunity to become the next Bryce Alford, and Cullen Neal!
PG Exodus Ayers Exodus Ayers 6'2" | CG La Cueva | 2023 NLG 2023, La Cueva: Ayers is a strong, and crafty guard that is one of the most gifted passers and defenders in the country! Makes the right read almost every single time, and plays the game the right way! Standing at 6’1, Exodus is a long, and athletic lead guard with a solid, and efficient handle that allows him to get to the basket both ways. Deceptively strong with an uncanny ability to finish through and around contact at the rim with both hands. He makes the extra pass, finds the open man in transition and open cutters or shooters when the defense collapses on him. Very quick feet, and defends at a high rate. A streaky shooter from both mid range and beyond the arc, but a great free throw shooter. Already the best pure point guard in the state as a sophomore, and a very talented football player, has already garnered the attention of multiple high major division 1 schools.
PG Ely Lovato Ely Lovato 6'2" | CG Sandia | 2023 State NM 2023, Sandia: Ely is another underclassmen with rich bloodlines. His father, Shawn Baker, was a superstar player at Highland in the 90s. A 6’0 smooth guard with the strength to compete with anyone. Lovato has a big frame, weighing about 180 pounds, which allows him to be a great finisher through contact. Very good playmaker and defender, he finds the open man, and shows potential of an elite pick and roll threat and on ball defender. Solid shooter that needs to develop consistency. He’s a national sleeper that will be on college radars very soon. Watching he and exodus battle for top Point Guard in the district will be very entertaining.
SG Sonny Ortiz Sonny Ortiz 6'5" | SF West Mesa | 2023 State NM 2023, West Mesa: Sonny will look to follow in the footsteps of Eloy Medina, recent University of New Mexico walk-on. Arguably the best shooter in the state, 53 made threes on 46% shooting with a season high of 24 points, shooting 8 for 12 from beyond the arc against Piedra Vista. Ortiz already has division 1 size at 6’3, and is a great catch and shoot player that will develop his ball handling over the next couple of years. Needs to commit to becoming an elite defender, and division 1 programs will be knocking at his door!
SF Brandon Lagunas 2023, West Mesa: As a freshman, Lagunas, added depth to West Mesa averaging 7 points, 2 rebounds, an assist, and a steal per game last season. He will see an expanded role this year with the graduation of four seniors, and should thrive with more playing time. A true slasher that can finish at the rim at a high rate, and a solid shooter from beyond the arc. West Mesa definitely has a dynamic duo for the next few years.