The South’s Best: Players Owning the Court – Part One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part One: Veteran Ballers -- Mostly Class of 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 'Area Breakdown' series highlights top athletes and their exceptional abilities, celebrating the distinctive skills in each region. For area purposes and article formatting, the South will consist of counties extending from Socorro to Curry, down to Lea &amp; Eddy counties, then back to Dona Ana &amp; Hidalgo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Notable schools included are Clovis, Deming, Hobbs, Lovington, Mayfield, and Tucumcari.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Discover who's ruling your region!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Player</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Class Year</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>School</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='648194' first='Malaiya' last='Castro']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Lovington</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='648205' first='Kyla' last='Lopez']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Tucumcari</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='648207' first='Ashelynn' last='Borunda']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Lovington</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='648198' first='Taylianna' last='Castillo']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Silver</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='648234' first='Ceanna' last='McKines']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Mayfield</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Table 1: Basketball players from Southern New Mexico, ordered by Graduating Class and Overall Ranking</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648194"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68f92423baa23"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Castro is an energetic player and one of the deadliest threats from three-point range in the Class of 2026. In fact, she happens to be the active leader with 166 made treys across 108 games. She effectively relocates to open areas and consistently knocks down contested shots in catch-and-shoot situations for the Wildcats, a key reason why she has recorded 14 games with 20 or more points throughout her career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She has averaged 10.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game for Lovington, amassing 1180 points -- a mark that ranks her third in her class, and 239 rebounds, 190 assists, and 192 steals on top of that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648205"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68f92423baad8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lopez is a high-energy player and double-double threat who mainly operates inside the paint area for Tucumcari. She has a knack for jumping passes on defense and a desire to battle on the glass for rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For her career, she has averaged 8.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game across 109 appearances for the Rattlers. In that span, she has registered 12 Double-Doubles, totaling 936 points, 692 rebounds, and 241 steals. She is one of just two players from her class to eclipse 600 rebounds and is tied for the fourth most double-doubles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648207"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68f92423bab6c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Borunda, a tireless Shooting-Guard, has evolved into a standout force for the Wildcats since her debut in the 2021-22 season. Her role has grown dramatically, but her relentless effort and consistency have always shone through.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Across 92 games, she's racked up 883 points, 463 rebounds, 131 assists, and 208 steals, including seven double-doubles — the third most among shooting guards in her class. Averaging 9.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, Borunda's high-energy play and gritty versatility make her a relentless competitor who fuels her team's fire.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648198"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68f92423bac09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Castillo, a dynamic Combo-Guard, has turned heads from collegiate programs with her electrifying two-way game for the Colts. In 75 games, she's amassed 676 points, 298 rebounds, 161 assists, and a staggering 209 steals, proving she's a nightmare for opponents on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Averaging 9.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.7 steals per game, Castillo's sharpshooting prowess — highlighted by 95 three-pointers, the fourth most in her class — stretches defenses and ignites fast breaks. Her blend of scoring, playmaking, and tenacious defense makes her a captivating rising star.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["648234"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68f92423bacdb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McKines is an interior force, whose intensity and physicality make her a daunting opponent to contend with. She consistently draws multiple defenders and finishes well in traffic. Additionally, McKines works hard on the boards, helping Mayfield extend or conclude possessions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She has played in a total of 87 games, recording 11 double-doubles. She averages 8.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game for the Trojans. She is one of just eight players from her class to record 10 or more double-doubles. In total, she has amassed 660 points, 485 rebounds, and 123 steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*Statistics via MaxPreps*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->