Rising 2024s that are ready for a BIG breakout season
In this article:
Class of 2024 Guards and Forwards rise in latest updated rankings; Led by Kindyll Sandoval Kindyll Sandoval 5'6" | SG V. Sue Cleveland | 2024 State NM and Kapiolani Anitielu Kapiolani Anitielu 5'10" | SF Farmington | 2024 State NM…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingClass of 2024 Guards and Forwards rise in latest updated rankings; Led by Kindyll Sandoval Kindyll Sandoval 5'6" | SG V. Sue Cleveland | 2024 State NM and Kapiolani Anitielu Kapiolani Anitielu 5'10" | SF Farmington | 2024 State NM .
The players listed below are among the top Stock Risers in the Summer edition of the Rankings for the Class of 2024. With that being said, there is still another level these players can reach and take their respective games too; Now with another year of experience and more responsibility about to be bestowed upon them from their High School Teams, Let’s take a deeper look at who else is in store for a big Junior Season during Winter 22-23′.
Kindyll Sandoval Kindyll Sandoval 5’6″ | SG V. Sue Cleveland | 2024 State NM is a promising guard that can stretch a defense with her ability to shoot well behind the 3pt line. Kindyll has had a great summer of AAU ball, playing on multiple platforms across the Midwest and Southwest regions of the country for the NM Select . Sandoval is a floor spacer and has deep range with a good shooting motion that features a high release and strong follow-thru; Kindyll has shown she can torch opposing teams from the perimeter as a catch & shoot 3pt specialist, making huge contributions – Now comes the challenge of translating her summer success into the upcoming regular season for Cleveland HS. Where she looks to play a bigger role as several Seniors have graduated. The Storm were very Senior heavy, they had nine graduates alone in 2022 where they finished 16-12 overall, and 5-3 in District play for 5A District 1. This upcoming season, the Storm might tinker with a 4 out-1 in offense which will only benefit Sandoval’s game, as they look to get her more shots and opportunities to have the ball in her hands.
Highlights
Kapiolani Anitielu Kapiolani Anitielu 5’10” | SF Farmington | 2024 State NM was the starting Power Forward on a very talented Lady Scorpions team that was the #4 overall Seed in the 5A State Tournament this last season (21-22). Farmington had four total players on the All-State teams, two of which have now graduated (2022). For Kapiolani, what stands out, is her length and frame. Kapiolani is very long and agile making her very versatile on both ends of the floor. Anitielu earned a 5A All-State: 2nd Team Selection this past season (2021-2022) thanks to her hard work, contributing winning plays as player who does/did the “dirty work” -What that means is, She defended, rebounded, and competed all year – But do not forget, she can also score in her own right – Kapiolani has a smooth Face up jumper – both in the midrange and high post – The expectation is that Kapiolani will now be a primary offensive option in the half court, rather than her being the recipient of the fourth of fifth pass on a broken play or getting a loose-ball or put-back. Look for Anitielu and Farmington to be right in the mix of things come playoff time in 23′.
Last season, Valencia was the #8 seed in 4A State Tournament; They ended up making it to the quarterfinals but lost to #1 Seeded Kirtland Central, the eventual 4A Champions. Now fast forward to this upcoming season (22-23′). The Valencia Jaguars were one of three teams in 4A, that I felt were “dark-horse” contenders, meaning they could easily end up advancing to the Title game; IF they could go under the radar all year and clicked at the right time. That now has changed due to the Jag’s losing Z. Brown to injury. All that means, is Malizia will now have to up her game which she is very capable of doing. Azalia Malizia Azalia Malizia 5’4″ | PG Valencia | 2024 State NM is a quick guard that can get to the basket off the dribble but can also hit the transition 3, either as a trailer or kick ahead. Malizia is a hardworking defender that moves her feet well and has active hands, allowing her to come away with multiple steals and or deflections. Essentially a double-digit scorer (9.2 ppg) that made nearly 40 threes (37 3pm) & came away with nearly 80 steals (79 stl’s – 2.9 spg).
Adrianna Audi Torrez Adrianna Audi Torrez 6’0″ | PF Centennial | 2024 State NM is a player that needs to be on everyone’s radar! The reason she is not currently, is due to transfer rules. Originally at Silver City, Torrez will now be at Centennial and will be a force to be reckoned with. Versatility instantly comes to mind when seeing Adrianna who is long & athletic, allowing her to play multiple positions. She has a good jump shot and is not afraid to shoot the 3ball. Her quickness and touch allows her to step out to the perimeter & hit 3s as a stretch 4 (power forward); Defensively she does not surrender defensive position on the interior and is fast enough to stay with some opposing guards – Keep in mind she is 6’0″ – Torrez is an intriguing weapon for Newly Named Hawks Head Coach, Matt Abney.