Stock Risers – Class of 2025 NM Rankings – Winter Edition Update
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The level of production from the class of 2025 makes it arguably the most intriguing class to watch. Many Sophomore players are the leaders and driving forces for their respective High School teams which has brought their games to new…
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Continue ReadingThe level of production from the class of 2025 makes it arguably the most intriguing class to watch. Many Sophomore players are the leaders and driving forces for their respective High School teams which has brought their games to new levels for the 2022-23 season.
With the “Winter Edition” of the updated rankings dropping yesterday (12/13/22) there are now 60+ players in the system for the Class of 2025
Rankings for the sophomore class continue to get tighter and more complex with each update – Potential is one of the main components when assessing players but production obviously plays a factor as well as injuries.
Movement inside the Top 10!
Mila Espinoza Mila Espinoza 5’4″ | CG Volcano Vista | 2025 State NM from Volcano Vista is quickly establishing herself as a player that is to be reckoned with not just in her class but throughout the entire state. A budding 3-level scorer on the cusp of cracking the top five. Mila has been “on a mission” to solidify herself and thus far, she has done just that. Now after the PGH Winter Update, Mila comes in at #6 for the Class of 2025. A two spot jump (+2) from her previous rankings (8).
Espinoza has done a good job spacing the floor connecting on deep 3s and has also been effective getting into the lane where she creates contact leading to free-throws. Through nine games, Mila is averaging 15.9 ppg, which includes 22 3pt makes and 48 tries from the charity stripe where she has converted on 37 of those attempts. Mila and the Lady Hawks are currently ranked #2 in 5A as they sit at 8-1. The Hawks won the ‘Joe Armijo Classic’ held at Albuquerque Academy over the weekend as they defeated the Lady Scorpions from Farmington, 62-56 in the Championship game – Mila scored 18 pts in that matchup and went on to make the All-Tournament Team – Other notable matchups from the tournament include wins over Centennial & Hope Christian.
Highlights
The defending 3A State Champs have picked up right where they last left off, easily handling opposing teams and cruising to victories. The Robertson Lady Cardinals are the currently ranked #1 in the State and have begun the 2022-23 season 3-0. In their last 32 games dating back to last year, Robertson has an outstanding record of 31-1, with their lone defeat coming against 4A Moriarty by 2 points on a neutral court. Guard Alexis Pacheco Alexis Pacheco 5’4″ | PG West Las Vegas | 2025 State NM has been a key factor in the teams success as she claimed an All-State selection as a freshman and appears to be on track to do so again.
Alexis went up 1 spot (+1) in the Winter Edition Update, going from 9 to 8 in the rankings.
Point Guard Catalina Anaya Catalina Anaya 5’5″ | PG St, Pius X | 2025 State NM from St. Pius X is without a doubt one of the better perimeter defenders in the entire State. Now as a full time starter, Catalina has shown she can contribute on both ends of the floor and can handle the extensive minutes bestowed upon her. Anaya has a tremendous motor, playing the majority, if not the entirety of each Sartan Matchup – During the Rio Rancho Invite, Anaya earned a all-tournament selection and even posted a 21 point performance with a staggering 12 steals against Santa Fe. Her third instance of having 8+ steals in a game this season – The defensive instincts and scrappiness Catalina possesses, is a key reason she is now inside the top 10! Moving from 11 to 9 in the rankings (+2).
Catalina and the Lady Sartans are currently 5-3 and sit at #5 in the Rankings for the 4A Class as of 12/13/22.
Power Forward Caylee Benavidez Caylee Benavidez 5’6″ | PF Tucumcari | 2025 State NM from Tucumcari enters the top 10 after posting an impressive freshman campaign. An all-around contributor that placed herself amongst some of the best in the State thanks to her stellar play for the Lady Rattlers. Benavidez can score inside/out but perhaps more importantly, she can defend at a high level. Caylee and Tucumcari are currently ranked #8 in the 3A class per the latest coaches poll (12/13/22) and have a 5-1 record.
rnBenavidez jumped six spots (+6) after the winter edition update, going from 16 to 10 in the rankings!