Midseason Takeaways: Player of the Year Candidates
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William Benjamin Jr., 2022, Las Cruces: Duece is proving to be the best player in the state early. Averaging 26 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 4.5 steals and is leading Las Cruces to a 4-0 start. He is a triple…
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Continue ReadingWilliam Benjamin Jr., 2022, Las Cruces: Duece is proving to be the best player in the state early. Averaging 26 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 4.5 steals and is leading Las Cruces to a 4-0 start. He is a triple double threat night in and night out, and shooting at a very high percentage, he is unstoppable at the moment and is looking to repeat as a state champion!
Nathan Hasberry Nathan Hasberry 6'3" | SG Cleveland | 2021 State NM , 2021, Cleveland: Nate has been the steady hand that we expected to contribute for Cleveland leading them to a 5-0 start against Hope, Volcano, Santa Fe, Cibola, and Roswell. He is proving that he is the best senior in the state this season with a much improved jumper, and a knack for getting to his spots on the floor. Nate’s 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists helped them defeat Volcano Vista in a very important close contest.
Sean Johnson Sean Johnson 6'6" | SF Sandia | 2022 State NM , 2022, Sandia: Johnson is on a mission to prove he is the most dominant player in the state. He is showing a much improved motor and focus in every game leading Sandia to a 2-1 record. He is currently averaging 25 points, and 8 rebounds per game with a season high of 29 points and 12 rebounds in a big win against El Dorado. He will need to keep this play up if Sandia wants to make the playoffs.
Exodus Ayers Exodus Ayers 6'2" | CG La Cueva | 2023 NLG , 2023, La Cueva: Ayers has the Bears undefeated through 3 games this season averaging ___ point, assists, reb, stls. They have a very important game vs El Dorado this week that will determine if they will control the district or not.
Shane Douma-Sanchez Shane Douma-Sanchez 6'0" | PG Del Norte | 2023 State NM , 2023, Del Norte: A competitor in all phases of the game. Rebounds well for his size, and does a good job of playing the passing lanes on defense. Extremely confident, and plays with poise, he has the ability to make tough shots off the dribble in the mid range, and has solid shooting form that allows him to shoot from anywhere on the court. Tight handle, and has good explosion out of the pick and roll which gets him to the rim where he is a solid finisher. Shane led Del Norte in a win over Atrisco in probably the most impressive win this season. The sophomore is averaging 23 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals helping the Knights start the season 2-1.
Derek Chavez Derek Chavez 6'1" | SG Valley | 2021 State NM , 2021, Valley: Derek is a 4 year varsity player, and has been one of the top scorers in the state for the past 2 years. Arguably the best shooter in the state he is a legitimate shooting threat as soon as he touches the ball, and has added a lot more strength over the offseason which has helped him with finishing at the rim through contact. 90% free throw shooter, and two time state champion the kid just knows how to step up in big moments. Will end his career with over 1000 points, and is looking to lead Valley to state title for the third season in a row.
Joren Mirabal Joren Mirabal 6'2" | SG Magdalena | 2022 State NM , 2022, Magdalena: Mirabal is one of the best shooters in the state! He can light it up from literally anywhere on the court in both catch and shoot, and off the dribble situations. Joren is currently leading the state in scoring 30 points per game, while also contributing 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Will look to lead Magdalena to a 2A state championship.
Sam Henderson Sam Henderson 6'5" | SF Sandia Prep | 2021 NM , 2021, Sandia Prep: Sam Henderson Sam Henderson 6'5" | SF Sandia Prep | 2021 NM is a 6’5 wing-forward that has been dominating 3A for a few seasons now. Henderson is slow, but methodical. He has a solid jumper, and has the ability to beat his defender off the dribble with timely behind the backs and spin moves. Finishes through contact pretty well, and has a very solid post foundation. A heavy favorite to win the small school player of the year award throughout the preseason, and has not disappointed in the slightest leading his team to a 3-1 start with the one loss coming in a close contest against a 5A opponent in Rio Rancho.