7 Stock Risers: New Mexico Class of 2028 Girls Basketball

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are seven notable stock risers from the New Mexico Class of 2028 following the latest rankings update. These sophomores delivered strong performances throughout the 2025-26 season, showing impressive growth and earning well-deserved recognition.</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>School</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Prev. Rank</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>New Rank</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1267231' first='Evelyn' last='Kannolt']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">East Mountain</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">32</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">12</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1714908' first='Javaya' last='Davison']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Los Alamos</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">24</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">13</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1714917' first='Elena' last='Olivas']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Robertson</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">28</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">15</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1233319' first='Kirra' last='Smith']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Pine Hill</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">27</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">16</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='902628' first='Carli' last='Nunez']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Centennial</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">40</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">31</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1714936' first='Katalina' last='Atencio']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Penasco</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">57</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">35</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1267234' first='Katy' last='Ward']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Des Moines</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">77</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">45</td></tr></tbody></table></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":["1267231"],"_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-6a1dd988853b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kannolt has emerged as a dynamic two-way combo guard who impacts both ends of the floor. An underrated shooter capable of stretching defenses, she helped the Timberwolves capture the 3A District 5 title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 28 games, she averaged 16.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and a standout 6.2 steals per game. She recorded 24 double-digit scoring games and seven 20-point outings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For her career (53 games), Kannolt owns averages of 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 5.6 steals,<strong> </strong>with 87 made three-pointers. Back-to-back seasons of elite production make her one to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1714908"],"_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-6a1dd9888542c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davison is a high-upside frontcourt prospect with excellent size, athleticism, and effort. She runs the floor well, crashes the glass, and finishes with a soft touch around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 24 games, she posted 12.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.9 blocks per game, including 16 double-digit scoring games, four 20-point performances, and 10 double-doubles (second-most in the class). She shot an efficient 49% from the field and had eight games with 10+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1714917"],"_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-6a1dd9888546c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olivas anchored the Cardinals' interior and helped lead them to the 3A Final Four. A reliable leading scorer and tenacious offensive rebounder, she was a steady force on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Across 28 games, she averaged 11.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting an outstanding 67% from the field and 60% from the free-throw line. She delivered five games with 15+ points and 10+ rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1233319"],"_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-6a1dd988854a5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith plays bigger than her 5'8” frame suggests, using crafty footwork and comfort inside 12 feet to dominate the paint for the Warriors. In 25 games, she averaged 11.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.7 steals, with six double-doubles and 17 double-digit scoring games. She shot 37% from the field and 52% from the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Career stats (60 games): 8.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, along with eight double-doubles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["902628"],"_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-6a1dd988854e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nunez is a developing two-way guard who carved out a significant role for the Hawks during their 5A-3 district championship run. The 5'9” shooting guard averaged a well-rounded and efficient 7.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.0 steals across 27 games. She shot 47% from the field, 50% from three, and 61% from the free-throw line, while adding two double-doubles and six double-digit scoring games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Career (55 games): 6.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1714936"],"_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-6a1dd98885519"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Atencio serves as the ultimate glue player for the Panthers — a hustling combo guard who does the dirty work on both ends. As a sophomore, she averaged 5.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and a team-leading 5.9 steals per game while shooting 37% from the field. She notched five double-figure scoring games and earned her first All-State Honorable Mention honor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Career (70 games): 4.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 3.9 steals per game with one double-double.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1267234"],"_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-6a1dd9888554d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ward played a key role in helping the No. 10 Demons reach the 1A Elite Eight, highlighted by a road upset of No. 7 Magdalena in the Round of 16.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 32 games, the energetic shooting guard averaged 7.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. She tallied 10 double-digit scoring games and knocked down 30 three-pointers. She shot 33% from the field, 33% from three, and 56% from the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back-to-back seasons above 7.1 points and 4.0 rebounds show her consistency. Career (60 games): 7.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These young athletes represent a bright future for New Mexico girls' basketball. Keep an eye on them as they continue to develop throughout their high school careers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Disclaimer: </em></strong>All statistics are sourced from MaxPreps and depend on timely data entry by coaches and programs. Rankings reflect a combination of observed performance, statistics, team context, and future potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->