Class of 2026 Updated Rankings: Point Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that the 2023-24 season is complete, the class of 2026 can look back at their sophomore campaign and identify what needs improvement and also reflect on what they excelled at. When specifically looking at the point-guard position, there are skilled players from across the state who shine in their own way. Here is how the PG position stacks up:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"12123","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"12251","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662ad8c58da96"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='648193' first='Rochelle' last='Lopez'] | Penasco </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lopez is a skilled underclassman with a lightning quick first step. Rochelle is already a member of the 1,000 point club and is a Two-Time All-State selection (Fist Team: 2024 &amp; Second Team: 2023) who led the Panthers to a 2A Championship this past season. In 27 games played, Lopez logged 337 total points with 38 3PM and 73 assists which averaged out to 12.5 points and 2.7 assists per game respectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='648203' first='Rebecca' last='Neal'] | Highland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A high-IQ player with the capability to log a double-double on any given night. For the 2023-24 season, Neal registered nine double-doubles in 23 games played. In addition to her 10.7 points per game, Rebecca led the class 2026 class in rebounding with an impressive 10.3 RPG. Neal does a tremendous job of crashing the glass and high-pointing the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='831119' first='Matysen' last='Zapeda'] | Hobbs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Matysen is a fundamentally sound player that provides the Lady Eagles with a good change of pace at the point-guard position. Zapeda is a willing passer and has the ability to stretch the floor with her outside shot. Defensively, Zapeda has active hands resulting in her creating deflections and errant passes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='831120' first='Daysia' last='Jack'] | Rio Rancho </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jack is a high energy player that is explosive off the dribble. Daysia is at her best when utilizing straight line drives to the basket and when operating in the open court. Jack is active without the basketball and forces opposing teams into cross-matches, resulting in opportunities to get open shots or trips to the foul-line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='828813' first='Jhenna' last='Valencia'] | Estancia</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jhenna is a sharpshooter who totaled 31 3PM in 27 games played this past season. Valencia improved in catch &amp; shoot situations, becoming a viable threat out on the perimeter. Jhenna's ability to space the floor, provides the Bears with an different dynamic on offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='893566' first='Kailee' last='Padilla'] | Artesia </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Padilla is steady floor-general who helped the Bulldogs (22-7), reach the 4A Final Four. Kailee has the ability to create in the halfcourt, particularly off the bounce with a pull up jumper, and is a good rebounder from the point-guard position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='828821' first='Elena' last='Prieto'] | Albuquerque High</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a log-jam in the backcourt for AHS, Prieto made just 13 appearances in 2023-24 at the varsity level. Moving forward, Elena has the potential to crack the rotation and get meaningful minutes for Coach Morrison.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->