Area Breakdowns: Top Shooters in Southern NM
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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…
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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 southern part of NM will consist of all towns and cities below the starting points, Belen and Clovis. – There are several characteristics for this list, including, but not limited to, Total Points Scored, PPG, FGM, 3PM, 3P%.
There are several ways to be considered a good shooter amongst the basketball community. Some value the players ability to get open & get shots off meaning, do players get enough or any separation when coming off of screens such as pin downs, curls, flares, anywhere on the court, elbow, baseline etc. Some look at the players shooting mechanics, while others only view the players shooting percentages. Personally, each of those are equally vital when assessing a shooter; It should be a combination of those attributes rather than one outweighing the other.
*This article ranking is based solely on “Shooting” ability – Ranking is not a pure indication of overall talent for Class Level or Grade Year*
Overall Top Shooters from Southern New Mexico
#1
Lila played in 25 games this past season for Las Cruces making 115+ baskets and scoring over 300+ points on the season (12.4ppg) – Lila is a floor spacing slasher who can score inside/out. She can bully her way to the rim, post up in the midrange or can rise up, out on the perimeter where she hit 30+ 3s for her Junior Season.
#2
Joslyn is one of the top prospects flying under the radar; Montez is a deadly shooter who will look to help the Hawks from Centennial make a deep playoff run this upcoming season (Winter 22-23). A year ago for her Junior Season, Joslyn scored 300+ total points while hitting 40 total 3s in 30 games played.
#3
Zarai Lewis Zarai Lewis 5'7" | SG Clovis | 2024 State NM is another multi-level scorer who put up comparable numbers to rest of the States top shooters & scorers. Lewis scored 350+ points on the season for Clovis HS a year ago, resulting in 100+ Field Goals Made – clipping 12.3 ppg – Zarai also made 30+ 3s on the season while shooting 75% from the foul line, one of the better percentages amongst double digit scorers.
#4
Aleena Rodriguez Aleena Rodriguez 5'7" | SF Eunice | 2025 State NM is a knockdown shooter that should not be left open, especially from the corner. As a Freshman, Aleena was her teams lone 3pt threat; She set a new record for 3pointers made in a single season at Eunice with 62! Aleena finished the year with over 320+ points scored in 25 games played which averaged out to 13 ppg.
Tied #5
Brynn Hargrove Brynn Hargrove 5'6" | PG Hobbs | 2025 State NM is a well polished underclassman who spaces the floor and is very confident in her jump shot. The then freshman, now Sophomore displayed the ability to score with the best of them at the BTH Showcase, earlier this summer down in Las Cruces, where she averaged 13.6 ppg, the 6th highest at the event. Brynn, along with other teammates, helped spread the floor during the High School season for Hobbs allowing then frontcourt star, Aniya Joseph to feast inside as the season progressed.
Tied #5
Highlights
Aspen Salazar Aspen Salazar 5'9" | SF Centennial | 2023 State NM is an explosive combo guard who can score from multiple areas and is sneaky good at putting the ball in the floor and getting to the basket. Salazar appeared in 28 games for the Hawks, averaging 14+ ppg, scoring nearly 400 total points! Although, the 3pt numbers are not overly popping, what is impressive is her ability to not shy away from the shot entirely. If she has space and is open, she will take it, if not she can get into the midrange and pull up – now comes the part of raising those percentages during her senior season.