Area Breakdowns: Tier 2 Top Shooters in Metro NM
In this article:
The “Area Breakdown” Series is a new sub-column to the Class Rankings that takes a further look into specific regions of States or Cities, filled with intriguing players whos qualities on the court, are hard to ignore! For area purposes…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe “Area Breakdown” Series is a new sub-column to the Class Rankings that takes a further look into specific regions of States or Cities, filled with intriguing players whos qualities on the court, are hard to ignore!
For area purposes and article formatting, the metro area will consist of Albuquerque, Bernalillo, Los Lunas, & Moriarty – There are several characteristics for this list, including, but not limited to, Total Points Scored, PPG, FGM, 3PM, 3P%.
*This article ranking is based solely on “Shooting” ability – Ranking is not a pure indication of overall talent for Class Level or Grade Year*
Tier 2 Top Shooters In Metro NM – Regardless of Class (spots 6-10)
#6
Highlights
Ariana Sanchez Ariana Sanchez 5'10" | CG Albuquerque | 2023 State NM is a multi-faceted player who was a vital piece for the Albuquerque High Bulldogs who were the District 5-5A Champs this past season. Sanchez appeared in 26 games, averaging double digits (11.2 ppg) as she scored nearly 300 total points. Ariana is a floor spacing sharp-shooter who finished in the Top 20 for Total Made 3s, with 50 on the year. Sanchez helps form a solid 1-2 punch for AHS who pairs nicely alongside interior force, “Lani” Love.
#7
Olivia Montano Olivia Montano 5'4" | CG Sandia | 2024 State NM is a sound Combo Guard for the Lady Mustangs who has a sweet 3pt stoke with good range. Olivia is a catch & shoot type of shooter with little to no hesitation when obtaining a pass out on the perimeter. Montano connected on 40 three pointers in only just 21 games for the winter 21-22 season which was her Sophomore season. Olivia is one of the leaders for West Mesa HS going into next season and will look to make the Lady Mustangs contenders at the 5A level once again.
#8
Azalia Malizia Azalia Malizia 5'4" | PG Valencia | 2024 State NM is a hard working Point Guard for the Valencia Jags’ who had herself a solid Sophomore campaign for the winter 21-22 season. Malizia is a spot up shooter that was essentially a double digit scorer at 9.3 ppg for the year while appearing in 27 games. Among returning players in the whole State of NM, Azalia is in the top 15 for three pointers made, as she connected on 37; However, that number will have to increase next season as Valencia will need more scoring with the possibility of being down a key piece due to injury.
#9
Evann Segura Evann Segura 5'10" | PF Moriarty | 2023 State NM is a dynamic forward who can score inside/out. Segura is definitely one of the more polished scorers inside the paint area with smooth footwork, strong hands and soft touch – More impressively, that soft touch also extends out to the perimeter making Evann a 3pt specialist amongst all frontcourt players (Forwards and Centers). Segura connected on 30+ 3s for her Junior season; A season that also resulted in over 330+ Total Points, 110+ FGM and the honors of an All-State 2nd Team selection in 4A.
Tied #10
Highlights
Kindyll Sandoval Kindyll Sandoval 5'6" | SG V. Sue Cleveland | 2024 State NM is a serious threat out on the perimeter with the ability to connect on several 3s a game in a variety of ways; Kindyll can some off screens, hit as the trailer or can face up beyond the 3pt line. Sandoval is deadly shooter from the corners and wings thanks to her consistent shooting motion and form – Good balance, high release, good rotation.
Tied #10
Highlights
Mila Espinoza Mila Espinoza 5'4" | CG Volcano Vista | 2025 State NM is a very talented guard with deep range that was unfortunately “stashed away” on an extremely talented Lady Hawks ball club, that claimed back-2-back 5A State Titles this past season. Despite not getting extensive minutes in the regular season due to tremendous depth, Mila is still known as one of the better shooters in the Metro area thanks to her relentless work ethic that has had her playing essentially every weekend across multiple AAU platforms ranging across multiple States this summer.