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

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.    As a sophomore on a team full of senior talent, Mia Delgado has stood out with her play this season. She's a front-court player who can score from the perimeter while providing the Spartans additional presence in the paint. Late in the season, Pebble Hills lost their starting center, putting a stronger emphasis on Delgado's rebounding. She's averaging eight per game and leads the team in blocks per game as well. Delgado will be the Spartans' best-returning player next season, so the playoff experience she gains this season should be a good stepping stone for the future. Pebble Hills opens their playoff run against Midland on Feb. 10.     Effort and defense always go a long way, which is why Natalyn Lechuga makes this list. The junior guard is a starter in Montwood's small rotation of six, maybe seven players. What impresses me the most about Lechuga is how aggressive she plays defensively and yet, she doesn't put herself in foul trouble game in, game out. She leads the team in steals per game and is fourth in personal fouls per game. She's a good connector on offense and just finds ways to fit in on the offensive end. Montwood plays Frenship on Feb. 10.     I have to highlight another Montwood player because she also exemplifies an X-factor type of prospect. Ashley Gutierrez is another effort-filled player who fills the gaps and does the small things for Montwood. She's a primary ball handler who can play at the one or the two and is second on the team in 3-pointers made. Additionally, she has been fairly efficient in her limited attempts from inside the arch; that is where she can prove crucial in the playoffs. If Gutierrez can make the most of her attempts and play efficiently while limiting turnovers, the Rams will be able to compete well. Montwood plays Frenship on Feb. 10.     You can never undersell the value of height in girl's high school basketball in El Paso. Moreover, a player of Neveah Moore's stature is rare to find at the 5A level. The senior center is an undeniable paint presence that creates matchup problems for teams that don't have great frontcourt depth. Naturally, Moore's rebounding and ability to finish her attempts within four feet will be pivotal for Hanks in the playoffs. Hanks will be favorites to win their opening round game, but if they want to be competitive in the area round, seniors like Moore will be important to that success. Hanks opens the bi-district round against Andress on Feb. 10.     From my perspective, Jayde Martinez is the best prospect from Bel Air and also their biggest X-Factor. The reason? She's their best initiator on offense and their most efficient scorer. If she is playing her best, that usually means Bel Air's offense is functioning at a high level. The sophomore guard led the team in ppg and all major shooting splits. The efficiency is due to the shots she gets; Martinez likes to use her lefty floater within six feet and is selective on the perimeter. The intelligent shot diet and efficiency make Martinez one of the best 2027 prospects in El Paso and Southern New Mexico. Bel Air opens the bi-district round against Burges on Feb. 10.     San Elizario has a freshman doing some big things in her first year on varsity. Jazlyn Hernandez leads the Eagles in eight major statistical categories, including PPG and Adjusted-Field Goal Percentage. She's a talented scorer responsible for nearly half of San Eli's points per game. If she has it going, that is a good sign for her team, considering how integral she is to San Eli's scoring efforts. An interesting wrinkle to her game is her production at the free throw line. Hernandez averages 4 FTAs per game, 127 attempts in total at 76 percent. That's a remarkable percentage on a decent volume for a freshman. Regardless of classification, most prospects aren't doing that, especially players in her age range. San Eli opens the bi-district round against Bowie 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.