Top Playmakers in the 2024 Updated Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most valuable assets a team and or player can have, is the ability to make plays happen. Whether that is on offense or defense, a 'playmaker' is the ultimate factor in terms of creating an advantage. Focusing on the offensive side, these are the top playmakers who consistently have the ball in their hands. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='391278' first='Isabella' last='Boies'] | Playmaking Shot Creator | Floor General</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The assist leader from this past season who averaged a staggering 5.4 APG! In 29 games played, Boies totaled 157 assists for Mesa Vista. Isabella has great vision in the half-court and does a great job of making the game easier for her teammates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='391245' first='Kapiolani' last='Anitielu'] | 2-Way Scoring Machine | Quick First Step</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most dynamic players in the State, who can cause havoc on opposing ball clubs with her length and speed. Anitielu can score the rock with ease -- 18 PPG on 46% from the field -- but can also dish the rock with the best of them. Kapiolani was one of three players from the 2024 class to have 100+ assists on the season (111).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">* [player_tooltip player_id='357677' first='Destiny' last='Jackson'] | 2-Way Slashing Playmaker | Quick First Step *</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past season, Jackson was one of the best 2-way players regardless of class. In 27 games played, Jackson averaged 12 PPG with 4 assists and 2.9 steals for the Mustangs. Unfortunately, Destiny will miss the 2023-34 season (KNEE). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='357655' first='Emily' last='Cook'] | Playmaking Shot Creator | Bullet Passer</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2022-23, Sandia Prep's [player_tooltip player_id='357655' first='Emily' last='Cook'] had a breakout season. In 24 games played, Cook put up 8.9 PPG and 3 APG, showcasing an expanded game particularly in the passing department, being more decisive with her passes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='357652' first='Azalia' last='Malizia'] | Inside-Out Playmaker | Ankle Breaker </h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An underrated PG with a great handle that can score inside the arc and behind it. Malizia is quick and crafty, often freezing defenders both in the lane and out on the perimeter. Azalia averaged 11.6 PPG and 2.5 assists in 30 GP for the Jaguars a season ago and one was one of the State leaders in 3PM (55). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='525623' first='Elizabeth' last='Buendia'] | Midrange Slasher | Bullet Passer</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A budding guard with improved decision making out of double teams. Buendia is one of the top scorers in the 4A class -- 13 PPG -- which results in opposing clubs doubling her more often than not. Thanks to a high IQ, Buendia is able to find the open spot and or teammate, leading to open looks both for herself and others. In 26 games played, Buendia averaged 2.6 APG. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='357673' first='Eva' last='Love'] | Midrange Slasher | Quick First Step</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top prospect from the 2024 class and recent Air Force signee, [player_tooltip player_id='357673' first='Eva' last='Love'] of the La Cueva Bears is a proven playmaker on both ends of the court. In the half-court, Love is tough to stop off the dribble thanks to an explosive first step. This past season Eva averaged 10.1 PPG and 2.1 APG in 22 games played. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='357656' first='Danielle' last='Johnson'] | Slashing Four | Dimer</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the few frontcourt players that can bring the ball up-court and initiate offense. Bloomfield's [player_tooltip player_id='357656' first='Danielle' last='Johnson'] is a point-forward that can score and dish. In 29 games played, Johnson posted 12.9 PPG and 1.9 APG. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note: * indicates player is OUT due to injury</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->