NMMAA Playoff Recap: Stars In Their Roles

Wow, what a season, it seems like just yesterday, we were tipping off in the opener. After crowning 5 Champions we have the opportunity to look back at the season. While there were certainly some big names who made an obvious impact, some other players’ contributions were a little more subtle. In this article, we take a look at players who starred in their roles this year. 

Kaden Self Kaden Self 6'6" | PF Las Cruces | 2022 State NM 6’6 SF Las Cruces 2022 (#15PHNM 2022) - Self plays the game with a glue guy mentality. On one of the top teams in the state, his role was to provide a little of everything. Self obliged by becoming the team’s 3rd leading scorer and rebounder. A decent athlete, Self-used his athleticism to star as a versatile performer for his club. 

Josiah Guliford Josiah Guliford 5'8" | PG La Cueva | 2023 State NM 5’10 PG La Cueva 2023 (#29) - Gulliford was at his best when playing the role of Sniper. The 5’10 PG showed the ability to make shots both in catch and shoot action as well as when playing off the bounce. This was evident in his playoff performance against West Mesa, as the junior guard buried 4 threes in the win. 

Kaden Self Kaden Self 6'6" | PF Las Cruces | 2022 State NM 6’6 SF Las Cruces 2022 (#15PHNM 2022) - Self plays the game with a glue guy mentality. On one of the top teams in the state, his role was to provide a little of everything. Self obliged by becoming the team’s 3rd leading scorer and rebounder. A decent athlete, Self-used his athleticism to star as a versatile performer for his club.  Josiah Guliford Josiah Guliford 5'8" | PG La Cueva | 2023 State NM 5’10 PG La Cueva 2023 (#29) - Gulliford was at his best when playing the role of Sniper. The 5’10 PG showed the ability to make shots both in catch and shoot action as well as when playing off the bounce. This was evident in his playoff performance against West Mesa, as the junior guard buried 4 threes in the win.  Oscar McCoy Oscar McCoy 5'8" | PG State NM 5’8 PG Volcano Vista 2022 (#39PHNM 2022) - McCoy embodies what the 5A state champs are about. A fundamentally sound tough-as-nails PG, he is called on to handle, knock down open shots and of course, defend. His ability to star in those roles helped his team take home the crown.  Aaron Mora Aaron Mora 6'6" | PF Hobbs | 2022 State NM 6’6 C Hobbs 2022 (#24PHNM 2022) - It’s difficult to imagine that a guy who scores almost 19ppg had any other role than scorer. Mora’s scoring however was just a bonus to go along with his other attributes. The big man was one of the top rebounders averaging nearly 10 per game. His role as both glass cleaner and rim protector was invaluable to an Eagles squad that made a quarterfinal run.  Andrew Hill Andrew Hill 6'1" | CG Sandia | 2023 NM 6’2 SG Sandia 2023 - It’s easy for Hill to get lost in the mix for the Matadors. The junior guard at times is the third option on offense, however, he’s thrived in that spot. Hill was counted on to handle and provide additional scoring especially when forward Sean Johnson Sean Johnson 6'6" | SF Sandia | 2022 State NM returned. He was able to do both effortlessly, averaging double figures in points while averaging over 3 assists and rebounds per game.  Marquis Renfro Marquis Renfro 6'0" | SG Atrisco Heritage | 2024 State NM 5’10 SG Atrisco Heritage 2024 (#12PHNM 2024) - Renfro is one of the most talented sophomores in the state. Despite his youth, he contributed in a mature manner for the club. He defended the perimeter, rebounded, and won 50/50s for his team. His ability to contribute in the little ways, helped AH reach the semifinals.