Flores: “Stay Patient” — New Mexico Recruiting Surge

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>End of Summer / Start of Fall Recruiting Update</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As summer AAU play winds down and high school seasons approach, New Mexico's rising stars keep turning heads. Scholarship offers continue to roll in, but the real story this time centers on the human side of recruiting—patience, relationships, and trusting the work. Tularosa senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='839440' first='Madisen' last='Flores'] captured it best after landing her first college opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“The recruitment process has honestly been really exciting, but it has also taught me a lot about being patient and trusting the work I've put in,” Flores said. “There were definitely times when I wondered when opportunities would come, but I just tried to stay focused on getting better and controlling what I could control.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839440' first='Madisen' last='Flores'] – Tularosa (Class of 2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offers:</strong> Oak Hills Christian College, Southeastern Community College</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The multi-level scorer transferred from Alamogordo to Tularosa ahead of the 2026-27 season and is already seeing the payoff. Flores emphasized that coaches look beyond the box score. “What has stood out the most to me is how important relationships and communication are. It's not just about how you play on the court. Coaches want to get to know who you are as a person, how you communicate, how you respond to adversity, and what kind of teammate you are.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her advice to younger players: stay patient, avoid comparisons, keep working, communicate, and put yourself in position to be seen. “Trust the process and be ready when your opportunity comes.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That mindset resonates across the state's top talent, who continue adding offers from Division I programs and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1068188' first='Kaiyah' last='Benally'] – Sandia (Class of 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Offer:</strong> UTEP (another Division I addition)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New Mexico's No. 1 ranked player in the Class of 2028, national ranking No. 74 and No. 14 among point guards, remains a two-time All-State selection, two-time 5A state champion, and the state's reigning Gatorade Player of the Year. The crafty, tenacious defender keeps stacking high-major and mid-major interest with her complete two-way game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1068212' first='Lily' last='Skarsgard'] – Albuquerque Academy (Class of 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offers:</strong> Weber State, Idaho, Dartmouth, Eastern Washington, CSU Bakersfield, Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ), Fort Lewis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off her first All-State selection, Skarsgard enjoyed a breakout summer as a versatile playmaker. Her size, scoring ability, and all-around skill set have drawn attention from multiple Division I programs and strong mid-major and NAIA options across different conferences.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1054162' first='Tamaiah' last='Gary'] – Albuquerque Prep (Class of 2029)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Recent Offers:</strong> Arizona State, UNLV, Wisconsin, SDSU</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A consistent double-double threat and member of the Class of 2029 National Top 72 Watchlist, Gary keeps expanding her impressive list with Power conference and high-major interest. All-Grind Session First Team and All-Underclassman First Team honors underscore her rapid rise as a versatile interior presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1874506' first='Xoey' last='Ross'] – Hobbs (Class of 2030)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Offer:</strong> Stephen F. Austin (her second Division I offer)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already a 5A All-State First Team selection as an eighth-grader in 2025-26—and one of four Hobbs players honored that season—Ross continues to prove she belongs with older competition. Her competitive edge and playmaking on both ends keep elevating her stock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From established standouts to emerging underclassmen, New Mexico's talent pipeline remains strong. As Flores reminded everyone, the process rewards those who stay locked in on improvement and relationships. Expect more movement as the fall season heats up—these prospects are just getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->