The El Paso X-Factor List: Playoff Edition Part I

With the regular season complete, the fun of high school basketball begins: the playoffs are here! This list is dedicated to prospects who provide a unique skillset with a winning impact on games. Thus, you might not see the best player from each playoff team on this list, but every player included is an integral part of a program playing past the regular season.    Franklin is a program known for its pace and space. Its talented guards can fill it up and score with the best of them. However, the Cougars also have a 6-foot frontcourt player named Kyla Winfield, who can do some things on the defensive end. She's the best shot contester I have scouted this season and has a legitimate vertical element to her game, which is rare in the Borderland. Her ability to close out defensive possessions with a rebound and protect the rim without jumping out of position will be crucial. She's the best athlete playing at Franklin and could give opposing teams fits during playoff time. Franklin plays Midland Legacy on Feb. 10.     Gaby Flores is a 2026 prospect with a lot of potential who has the benefit of not needing to be the best player on her team. Eastwood has some of the best prospects in Borderland, and they garner a lot more responsibility from a production standpoint. That said, Flores is a player who receives ample shot attempts while having playmaking responsibilities. There will be opportunities in catch-and-shoot situations. If she can be an efficient secondary or even tertiary scorer for the Troopers in the playoffs, we might see Eastwood's best basketball all season. The Troopers open their playoff run against San Angelo Central on Feb. 11.     For many El Paso girls' basketball programs, having players with size in the front court is more of a luxury than a given. Americas is no different, with a smaller-than-average backcourt. With that, a player like Na'sya Atkins is pivotal, giving the Trail Blazers a different look offensively and defensively. Right around 5'8'', Atkins isn't necessarily tall, but her presence in the paint makes her important. She's a good athlete who runs the court well and gives her team second-chance opportunities on the offensive end. Moreover, if she can finish her attempts within four feet efficiently, Americas will put themselves in a good position to make a respectable run in the playoffs. Americas plays Canutillo in the bi-district round on Feb. 10.     You can never undersell the value of off-ball shooting, and players like Chapin's Vanessa Mora prove that value game after game. The junior wing has great height for the position and has proven reliable in an off-ball capacity, leading the Huskies in 3-pointers made this season. Her best scoring effort of the season came in an important district game against Burges, where she scored 14 points and hit four 3-pointers. She averages five 3PA per game, and her ability to collect on those attempts efficiently is crucial. The Huskies are a team that plays with a lot of grit and intensity on the defensive end, but some improved offensive efficiency will go a long way this postseason. Chapin plays El Dorado in the bi-district round on Feb. 11.     I'm unsure if AJ Alvarado is Riverside's best player, but it's hard to argue against her being their most important player. At 6'0'', you just don't see players with her size in girls' 4A basketball. But it is more than just height with this prospect. She is one of the best shot blockers in the Borderland. Additionally, she's one of Riverside's top rebounders and paint scorers. Thus, if she can do what she has done all season: protecting the paint, scoring at the rim, and getting to the free-throw line, Riverside will succeed in the playoffs. Lastly, her ability to stay out of foul trouble will be key. The Rangers don't have much center depth behind Alvarado, let alone another 6-foot big on the bench with her skillset.     Hannah Hicks is one of my favorite prospects to watch because she does the little and big things correctly. She's one of the best rebounders in 5A basketball, averaging just a shade under 12 rpg. She puts in work on the glass on the offensive and defensive to near equal measure. Just as important are the small things; her effort and willingness to hit the floor for 50-50 balls can't be undersold in its value. She's also a sneaky good passer out of the post. Hicks leads El Dorado in assists and steals per game from the center position. She's a true effort and IQ player. El Dorado plays Chapin in the bi-district round on Feb. 11.

With the regular season complete, the fun of high school basketball begins: the playoffs are here! This list is dedicated to prospects who provide a unique skillset with a winning impact on games. Thus, you might not see the best player from each playoff team on this list, but every player included is an integral part of a program playing past the regular season.