February Stock Risers

Matthew Martinez February 28, 2022 @ 03:45 PM

Now with the regular season complete for Girls High School Basketball, many teams will now start to prepare for a whole new task, claiming the championship of the 2022 New Mexico State Tournament. After each playing 25 games, give or take a couple games depending on schedules and Covid-19, clubs now know their seeded place and opponents for the opening rounds after a selection process was made and announced. In order to claim a spot in the State Tournament, clubs must do well enough throughout the year and not falter no matter what challenges they face. For that to happen, their must be a player who remains calm, confident and determined to help put not only themselves but their teammates in the best positions to win. Let’s take a look at the players who have been key pieces to their clubs thanks to their stellar play all year. These players do a variety of things on the court that have allowed them to impress and progress.   <h3 style="text-align: center;">Stock Risers</h3>   <ul> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="353690" first="Kiiyani" last="Anitielu"] 5’7" Senior, Guard/Forward, Farmington High School </li> </ul> Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="353690" first="Kiiyani" last="Anitielu"] is a talented player for the Farmington Lady Scorpions who does it all on the floor. Anitielu can score from all three levels - inside the paint, the midrange and the 3-point line extended - as she currently averages over 20 points per game. The senior is also a willing passer and good rebounder for her size. Anitielu was named 1st Team All-District for District 2-5A and was Co-Player of the Year. Kiiyani and the Lady Scorpions head into the State Tournament as District 2-5A Champions and will be the #4 seed.   <ul> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="353693" first="Jaelyn" last="Bates"] 5’6" Senior, Combo Guard, Volcano Vista High School</li> </ul> [player_tooltip player_id="353693" first="Jaelyn" last="Bates"] is a talented combo guard that can score from the perimeter with ease. The Senior was named 1st Team All-District for District 1-5A and was named Player of the Year. Bates has good hands and is an aggressive guard that can get multiple steal a game. Bates and the Volcano Vista Hawks are District 1-5A Champs and will be the #1 overall seed in the State Tournament. Volcano Vista is seeking back to back championships in 5A.   <ul> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="353909" first="Leilani" last="Love"] 6’1" Junior, Forward, Albuquerque High School </li> </ul> Junior Forward [player_tooltip player_id="353909" first="Leilani" last="Love"] has been a force all year long for the AHS Bulldogs thanks to her impressive play specifically inside the restricted area on both ends of the court. Love was named 1st Team All-District for District 5-5A and was named Player of the Year due to her ability to fill that stat sheet with averages of 19 points per game, over 12 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks. Heading into the State Tournament, Love and the Lady Bulldogs are District 5-5A Champions and will be the #11 seed.   <ul> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="353927" first="Emma" last="Christiano"] 5’5" Junior, Point Guard, Las Cruces High School </li> </ul> Junior [player_tooltip player_id="353927" first="Emma" last="Christiano"] is a lightning quick point guard who plays terrific defense. The Junior averages over 14 points per game and nearly 4 steals. Christiano was named 1st Team All-District and was named Player of the Year thanks to her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. The Bulldawgs will be the #5 seed in the State Tournament after being crowned District 3-5A Champs.   <ul> <li>Aniya Joseph 5’9" Sophomore, Center, Hobbs High School</li> </ul> Lone underclassmen on the list, Aniya Joseph was named 1st Team All-District and was named Player of the Year for District 4-5A. Joseph and the Hobbs Eagles are District 4-5A Champions and will the #2 overall seed in the State Tournament. Joseph helped lead the Lady Eagles to a record of 20-7 and also broke her schools all time rebound record of 658+