Rising BlueStar & BlueStar Combine: HS Standouts
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The Rising BlueStar & BlueStar Combine was a one day event that took place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Sunday September 25th. Roughly a four hour event that was filled with tremendous basketball minds and talented prospects both in…
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Continue ReadingThe Rising BlueStar & BlueStar Combine was a one day event that took place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Sunday September 25th. Roughly a four hour event that was filled with tremendous basketball minds and talented prospects both in High School and middle school.
There was close to 40 total players in attendance – ranging from 6th grade to 12th grade – representing Colorado, New Mexico & Texas. The Rising BlueStar featured the Middle School group while the BlueStar Combine featured the High School group.
Santa Fe Indian School, Head Coach, Terri Morrison was the Director of the camp and was assisted by: Matt Abney (Head Coach Centennial HS), Mandy Montoya (Head Coach Peñasco HS), Freddie Martinez (NM Select-BlueStar), Jeannette Mitchell (West Mesquite HS – Texas) & Trev Bruno (No Ceiling Sports).
Let’s Take a look at the players from the BlueStar Combine (BSC) who stood out and impressed!
Highlights
Tayden Hanks Tayden Hanks 6'0" | PF Los Lunas | 2023 State NM from Los Lunas High School had herself a nice BSC that allowed her versatility to be on full display. Tayden really stood out in full court drills with her quickness and athleticism; But also shined in 3X3s & 5X5s. Tayden was amongst the best at getting to the rim, regardless of the defender, and continued to show her ability to step out and play on the perimeter. That is where Tayden has made the biggest strides in her game. Hanks has worked on her outside shot and it is showing. She made several 3s from various spots both in catch and shoot situations but also in transition while under contest.
Highlights
Marsai Martinez Marsai Martinez 5'4" | PF West Mesa | 2024 State NM from West Mesa High School was a BSC participant that brought terrific energy and a willingness to compete which really stood out! Marsai is a physical player that was relentless on the defensive end during 5X5s coming away with multiple steals; On the flip side, she was able to get to the cup, where she had several strong takes & tough finishes ! Martinez has continued to improve with her decision making once she gets into the lane, allowing her game to evolve.
WynterRose Sheka
WynterRose Sheka
WynterRose Sheka is a lanky player who can score out on the perimeter and in the interior. WynterRose has a solid 3pt stroke that was on full display both during drills & runs’ — Good mechanics, balance, rotation — Sheka was also deceptive in utilizing a smooth pump fake that got opposing defenders to jump and open a wide open lane to the cup where she converted on several silky looking “tear drops” (floaters).
Highlights
Kindyll Sandoval Kindyll Sandoval 5'6" | SG V. Sue Cleveland | 2024 State NM from Sue Cleveland was another BSC participant that made the most of her experience. Sandoval is a knockdown shooter and it showed once again as she hit deep 3s throughout the day. More impressively, Kindyll showed the ability to rebound from the guard position, AND deliver accurate passes for buckets; Which only makes her more well-rounded as a player.
Next up, Perhaps the player with the most upside that attended the BSC — Analise MacAuley Analise MacAuley PF Penasco | 2024 State NM , of Penasco High — She seemingly made almost each drill and station look easy in terms of playing with good fundamentals and good balance. MacAuley impressed with her ability to make plays both offensively & defensively, as the day went on & the event progressed from drills to scrimmages. Analise looks to be in store for a big 22-23 season!