Underrated Stars: 6 Hidden Gems from NM Class of 2026

While the spotlight often shines on the most hyped prospects, some of the best talent flies just under the radar. These six players from New Mexico's Class of 2026 turned in terrific — or even career-best — campaigns during the 2025-26 season (and throughout their high school careers). Versatile, hardworking, and impactful in different ways, they filled critical roles for their teams and consistently delivered when it mattered most.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    5A Red/Green All-Star   A true two-way combo guard with good height and underrated playmaking and shot-creating skills, López enjoyed a breakout senior year filled with career highs in made field goals, field-goal percentage, three-pointers made, three-point percentage, and double-doubles.   The 5'11” combo guard averaged 14.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game across 25 games. She logged five double-doubles and had 17 double-figure games. López shot 33% from the floor and 80% from the foul line.   She reached double figures in scoring for the third straight season, proving herself as a reliable contributor who can impact the game in multiple ways.     A steady interior presence at 6'1”, Bishop uses her length to score over smaller defenders and serves as a reliable option on short rolls to the rim. She's also a willing and effective defender who can alter or block shots at the rim.   Across 31 games, the forward/center averaged 11.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. She posted 11 double-doubles and reached double figures in scoring 23 times, providing consistent production and rim protection for the Huskies.     3A/4A Red/Green All-Star   A dominant force on both ends of the floor, Craig brought elite versatility, boundless energy, and outstanding positional size to the Eagles. The dynamic forward posted an impressive stat line of 18.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 4.3 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game over 29 contests.   She recorded 20 double-doubles and two triple-doubles, along with 29 double-figure scoring games and 10 games of 20+ points. Craig also notched five 20-point/10-rebound performances and two 20/20 games.   She shot 50% from the field and 69% from the free-throw line, showcasing her well-rounded dominance and massive upside heading into the next level.     5A Red/Green All-Star   Big Crow excels at providing efficient scoring around the basket. Comfortable with her back to the rim, she displays patience on the block, crisp footwork, and a soft touch.   At 6'1”, the forward/center averaged 10.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game over 28 contests. She recorded four double-doubles, reached double figures 17 times, and shot 43% from the field while converting 68% of her free throws.     5A Red/Green All-Star   It was a career year for this hardworking floor general, who brought a valuable change of pace at the point guard spot.   In 21 games, Petner averaged 9.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 3.1 steals per game. She shot 34% from the field, 28% from three, and 65% from the line, while posting eight double-digit games and a pair of 20-point outings.   For her career across 81 games, she averaged 5.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 2.0 steals with 24 made three-pointers, showing steady growth and defensive intensity.     5A Red/Green All-Star   Lee embodies the ultimate “glue player” — the kind of athlete who does all the little things that help teams win. With high basketball IQ, she's a willing passer and defender who can also stretch the floor.   The 5'8” small forward averaged 5.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game over 30 contests while shooting 35% from the field and 52% from the foul line.   Over her 113-game career, she posted 4.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 steals with 35 made threes, proving her value as a smart, selfless contributor night in and night out. Lee has committed to continue her playing career at Northern New Mexico College, an NAIA program located in Española, NM.

While the spotlight often shines on the most hyped prospects, some of the best talent flies just under the radar. These six players from New Mexico's Class of 2026 turned in terrific — or even career-best — campaigns during the 2025-26 season (and throughout their high school careers). Versatile, hardworking, and impactful in different ways, they filled critical roles for their teams and consistently delivered when it mattered most.