2023 Big Time Hoops Showcase: Top Prospects Part 1

The 2023 Big Time Hoops Showcase was a two-day event held in Las Cruces, New Mexico this past weekend that featured some great opportunities, both on the court & off.    70+ showcase participants from across the State of NM & the greater El Paso area, got an opportunity to display their respective skills, in front of numerous collegiate programs with a round-robin style (4 game) tournament & a 3-Point Contest. On top of that, a NCAA Eligibility Seminar was held, allowing parents and players to gain an understanding of the processes and procedures of playing at the next level.    Various Collegiate programs were in attendance ranging from multiple levels: D2, D3, NAIA & Juco   D2: ENMU, NMHU, WNMU   D3: Sul Ross State   NAIA: Northern NM College, University of the Southwest, York University    Juco: Scottsdale CC, Pima CC, Lamar CC, Howard College, Western Wyoming CC   Here are some prospects that made great impressions!    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='357652' first='Azalia' last='Malizia'] | 5'4” Guard | Valencia HS (NM) | 2024   Malizia was the leading scorer at the BTH Showcase, after averaging 17 points per game. Azalia was confident and dangerous from behind the arc, connecting on multiple 3s in various ways all in rhythm - Off of ball screens, catch & shoot situations and as the trailer   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='557019' first='Daci' last='Smith'] | 5'5” Guard | Roswell HS (NM) | 2023   Smith continued to shoot lights out during her four games after winning the 3PT contest the night before (Friday). Daci is dangerous shooter from deep and has a quick trigger, especially in catch & shoot situations when she feels she has space. Smith stays well balanced on her jumper and has good rotation on her shot.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='308574' first='Dessie' last='McCarty'] | 6'1” Forward | Mount Vernon-Enola HS (AR) | 2024   McCarty was arguably the most versatile front court player at the showcase with an inside/out game. Dessie flashed EXCELLENT footwork in the paint area and also the ability to step out and shoot the 3ball. McCarty is physical, has good hands, is very coachable!    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='391104' first='Hope' last='Giddings'] | 5'9” Guard | Sandia HS (NM) | 2025   Sandia's [player_tooltip player_id='391104' first='Hope' last='Giddings'] had herself a terrific showcase, torching opposing defenders in half court. Giddings had it going offensively, scoring down in the block & out on the perimeter with ease. Hope finished 4th in scoring at 14 points per game. Comfortable with her back to the basket and likes to utilize a drop step; Shields the defender well with her body and constantly gets to the foul line.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='391179' first='Lila' last='Ashida'] | 5'9” Guard | Las Cruces HS (NM) | 2023   Ashida, fresh off a stellar State Tournament run with the Las Cruces Bulldawgs, continued her great play over the weekend by displaying her ability to put the ball in the basket. Lila averaged 13.8 points per game at the BTH, 5th best, and did so with good footwork and a solid jumper. Ashida can post up, put the ball on the floor, as well as spot up from deep.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='353923' first='Ema' last='Rose'] | 5'11" Forward | Gadsden HS (NM) | 2023    Rose was arguably the best interior defender at the BTH Showcase, putting on a shot blocking clinic against anyone who dared to shoot over her. Ema also has active hands and good instincts; Constantly jumping passing lanes, creating steals and deflections.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Olivia Montano | 5'4" Guard | Sandia HS (NM) | 2024   The Junior guard returned to action at the BTH Showcase and did not miss a beat. Montano was unable to play at the varsity level during the high school season due to transferring but showed no rust on the court against high-level competition. Olivia displayed a diverse handle package and was fantastic out on the perimeter. Montano was lights out shooting the rock coming off of ball screens on Saturday; carrying over her touch from the 3pt contest Friday night where she finished second with 22 made 3s after a tie-breaker round.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Leah Delgarito | 5'7" Guard | Thoreau HS (NM) | 2023    Delgarito is a multilevel scorer with a good feel for the game. Leah has good instincts and takes what the defense gives her. She can put the ball on the floor and attack the cup or can spot up from 3. Delgarito is deadly from the corners with a fluid shot.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='357650' first='Caitlin' last='Turnbow'] | 5'10" Forward | Organ Mountain HS (NM) | 2024   Turnbow is an offensive minded forward that can score both in restricted area and in the midrange - elbows and short corners - Caitlin does a good job of sealing defenders and calling for the ball while on the block, flashing from side to side forcing opponents to really account for her.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='459605' first='Alexis' last='Ayers'] | 5'5” Guard | La Cueva HS (NM) | 2023    Ayers is a defensive minded player that is vocal and willing to do the dirty work! Alexis has a great motor and is physical; A competitive player that is disruptive and anticipates well which leads to multiple steals and forced turnovers. On the flip side, Ayers has vastly improved in dribble drive scenarios, doing a good job of creating contact, leading to free-throws.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='458570' first='Mariana' last='Sepulveda'] | 5'9” Guard | Carlsbad HS (NM) | 2023    Mariana is a strong guard who is tough to guard in transition, especially when she finds space to operate. Sepulveda is good in pick'n'roll situations and attacks the cup with purpose. Defensively, she can guard multiple positions, even play down low, and has active hands. Creates multiple deflections and steals in the half-court.

The 2023 Big Time Hoops Showcase was a two-day event held in Las Cruces, New Mexico this past weekend that featured some great opportunities, both on the court & off.