Top Playmakers in the 2025 Updated Rankings pt. 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2025 is filled with many talented and hardworking players that consistently make plays to help their respective teams. Here are some of the 'Top Playmakers' in the Class of 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='370329' first='Bella' last='Hines'] | Offensive Threat | Ankle Breaker</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a sophomore, Hines scored an astonishing 840 PTS in 28 GP which averaged out to 30 PPG! Hines has a lethal handle and is one of the shiftiest players in the the State. Deadly off the dribble, Bella has several instances of dropping defenders in the half court. In addition to being the States leading scorer, Hines finished with the third most made 3s at 70. </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='391103' first='Sydney' last='Benally'] | Playmaking Shot Creator | Quick First Step</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arguably the most well-rounded guard in the State, Benally is a certified playmaker. Sydney is lightning quick at the point of attack and is one of the most selfless PG's -- 101 total AST (3.4 APG) in 2022-23 -- once she gets into the lane. Benally has posted two straight seasons totaling 100+ assists! </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='391106' first='Tana' last='Lopez'] | Playmaking Shot Creator | Floor General </h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the 2022-23 season, Lopez shot 45 percent from the field averaging 15.3 PPG for the Trojans. Always looking to initiate early offense, Tana does a good job of creating transition opportunities by getting off the ball, constantly looking for the throw ahead pass. In 28 GP, Lopez averaged 2.4 assists. </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='642718' first='Virances' last='Martinez'] | Inside-Out Playmaker | Bullet Passer</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a guard, being able to score both inside the arc and beyond it, goes a long way in terms of creating easy opportunities. Virances, a season ago, was able to capitalize on such opportunities, averaging 13.4 PPG for Pine Hill. Martinez ranked amongst the top 3-point shooters in the State, connecting on 66 3PM. </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='391105' first='Caylee' last='Benavidez'] | 2-Way Slashing Playmaker | Bullet Passer</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 25 GP for Tucumcari, Caylee posted 11 PPG &amp; 3 assists, mainly operating from below the 3-point line. Benavidez takes a high volume of midrange shots -- 10-15 feet -- for the Rattlers. With a majority of teams playing zone, the spacing or lack there off, could affect a players ability to make quick decisions. Good news for Benavidez, she does not hold on to the ball or take excessive dribbles.</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='642715' first='Sylvania' last='Baca'] | Midrange Slasher | Dimer</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sometimes forgotten or underrated aspect of being a playmaker is the ability to put pressure on the defense when forced off the 3-point line. Having the ability to create from both the short corner and free-throw line area, provides a different component for teams to exploit. Baca averaged 9.9 PPG in 29 GP this past season for Roy/Mosquero giving the Longhorns flexibility when operating in the half-court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->