Stars in their Roles: Borderland Bigs

Basketball in the Borderland is back! El Paso teams are now starting their district schedule, while Southern New Mexico teams opened their season two weeks ago. Now it's time to talk about some prospects who do not get enough love. I am referring to the role players, underappreciated starters, bench units, or players from lower-level districts or teams that do not get enough coverage. This story will be part of a three-part series breaking down the underrated prospects at the <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/12/stars-in-their-roles-borderland-guards/">guard</a>, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/12/stars-in-their-roles-borderland-wings/">wing</a>, and big positions. Here are some Borderland bigs from El Paso, Texas, to Las Cruces, New Mexico, who will star in their role this season.    Considering how she's played in recent weeks, calling Ineysiah Johnson a role player might be a stretch. She plays on a team with some of the best guards in El Paso, but her inside presence is much needed on a squad with limited size. Speaking of size, Johnson might be smaller for the position but she makes up for it in physicality and strength. She's hard to box out and keep off the boards, especially on offense. Her ability to clean up around the rim with second-chance opportunities has already won Eastwood some pivotal early-season games. Johnson is one to keep an eye on for the remainder of the season. She is currently uncommitted.     Na'sya Atkins is another undersized big who brings so much value to a program that lacks size. The junior is pivotal to an excellent Americas squad that gets so much production out of their guards. But this team plays to another level when Atkins is on her A-game--grabbing offensive boards and finishing with consistency inside four feet. Additionally, she's an excellent athlete who is great at running the floor and can guard out in space if need be. The best thing about Atkins is that she has another year to improve and develop playing for one of the best Borderland programs.     In the past four months, I have not seen a better athlete in person or on tape who is on par with Franklin's Kyla Winfield. Standing over six feet, she has good lateral quickness and runs like a gazelle out in transition. But she is more than just an athlete; she is the best shot contester I have scouted in this area. The possibility of this kid turning into a great shot blocker is a near formality. She leaves her feet more often than she should, but she usually has good instincts. College coaches need to pay more attention to this one because she is a diamond in the rough who will exponentially improve under the right program leader at the next level. Thankfully, she still has another year to go for the Cougars.     Again, I might be using the term role player too liberally here with Jazlynn Hernandez because she is one of the better centers this area has to offer. The junior just so happens to play on a team with excellent players across the board in the class of 2026. Hernandez brings a much-needed variable that so many programs in his area lack--height and length. But she is more than tall; she's a productive interior scorer and rebounder for the Rams. Once she becomes a more efficient finisher at the rim, watch out because you will be looking at one of the best players in the Borderland, regardless of classification or position. Coaches at the next level need to tap in early on this one before it is too late.     If you want a legitimate double-double, look no further than Olivia White from Pebble Hills. The senior center already committed to York University, but she and the Spartans have unfinished business this season. White and her teammates play for a program with a real chance of winning the 6A district title in El Paso. If White can stay out of foul trouble and on the floor for Pebble Hills, they will be a hard team to beat. So far, White is averaging 11.8 PPG and 9.4 RPG, with more than half of those rebounds coming on the offensive end.

Basketball in the Borderland is back! El Paso teams are now starting their district schedule, while Southern New Mexico teams opened their season two weeks ago. Now it's time to talk about some prospects who do not get enough love. I am referring to the role players, underappreciated starters, bench units, or players from lower-level districts or teams that do not get enough coverage. This story will be part of a three-part series breaking down the underrated prospects at the guard, wing, and big positions. Here are some Borderland bigs from El Paso, Texas, to Las Cruces, New Mexico, who will star in their role this season.