Season Preview: 5 Darkhorse Sleeper Canidates
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The season is right around the corner, which means we are only weeks away from players who no one has ever heard of, making their name known on the high school hoops scene. In this article, we take a look…
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Continue ReadingThe season is right around the corner, which means we are only weeks away from players who no one has ever heard of, making their name known on the high school hoops scene. In this article, we take a look at some potential season sleepers.
Keagan Caton Keagan Caton 6'5" | SF Rio Rancho | 2022 State NM 6’5 SF Rio Rancho 2022 (#19PHNM 2022) – Caton is one of the top wings in the state, but still goes a bit under the radar at Rancho. According to coach Salta he’s one of the hardest-working kids he’s had in the program, and his hard off-season work has him poised for a breakout senior campaign.
Antonio Avila Antonio Avila 6'2" | SF Cleveland | 2022 State NM 6’2 SG Cleveland 2022 (#33PHNM 2022) – This speaks as much to the program at Cleveland as it does to Avila’s play. Last year the senior guard was a contributor for the 5A state champs. Avila averaged nearly 7 points per game and 3 rebounds per game. With the storm losing so much, including their top 3 scorers, Avila seems like the likely player to pick up their slack.
Daniel Lovato Daniel Lovato 6'5" | PF La Cueva | 2025 State NM 6’5 PF La Cueva 2025 (#3PHNM 2025) – Although only a freshman, Lovato will have the opportunity to contribute because of his size and talent. During his summer, he struck me as a consistent player, capable of putting up double-doubles every night. If he does anything close to that this season, then he will be well deserving of his sleeper title.
Caleb Carr Caleb Carr 6'10" | C Las Cruces | 2023 State NM 6’8 C Las Cruces 2023 (#36PHNM 2023) – I think if Carr gets a chance to play his role, he will be more than serviceable for the Bulldawgs. He didn’t see much action for the state runner-ups last year, but his size and rebounding ability should prove useful enough to allow him to see time. With the right amount of minutes, expect him to impress with his glass cleaning and interior defense.
Marcus Wilson Marcus Wilson 6'2" | PG Bella Vista Prep | 2024 NM 6’2 CG ABC Prep 2024 (#1PHNM 2024) (featured image) – It won’t be that big of a surprise if Wilson burst onto the scene. The Combo guard is one of the top 2024 players on the West Coast. The explosive guard has good blow-by and finishing ability. He is also a two-way player, capable of getting in passing lanes and causing havoc. If Wilson plays up to his potential, expect him to become a household name by season’s end.
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