Week 3: Top Performers & More

The 2023-24 regular season has been filled with great matchups and outstanding performances thus far. Players across the State have been putting up numbers across the board, delivering fantastic stat lines for their respective teams. Here are some notable performers from week 3.   [player_tooltip player_id='391103' first='Sydney' last='Benally'] | 33 pts vs AHS | 22 pts vs Rio Rancho   Gets to her spots with a great handle and even better footwork. Benally has been phenomenal with her back to the basket, displaying an improved post-up game from both the elbows and low block area. Has done a great job identifying matchups and seeking the mismatch in the half-court.   [player_tooltip player_id='370329' first='Bella' last='Hines'] | 40 pts vs Cleveland | 42 pts vs Robertson | 33 pts vs Clovis   Continues finding success as a shot creator, especially off the bounce. Hines is an excellent finisher at the rim with either hand and has made several acrobatic layups, including a sweet double-clutch finger-roll vs Clovis. Bella has also displayed the ability to knockdown the 3ball in a variety of ways using step-backs, side-steps and inside pivots.   [player_tooltip player_id='467054' first='Aleena' last='Rodriguez'] | 18 pts 8 reb vs Lovington   One of the top 3-point shooters regardless of class, Rodriguez is a sharp-shooter that can stretch opposing defenses well behind the 3-point line. Aleena has been deadly in catch & shoot situations to start the 2023-24 season, rising up with little to no hesitation. Rodriguez has a solid base, stays balanced and has a fluid motion with a high release.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Milestones</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='357657' first='Taejhuan' last='Hill'] reaches 1,000 career pts   After 77 career games, 'TT' is now a member of the 1,000-Point Club. Hill, an Adams State signee, is one of the top front-court players in the state and is currently the no. 2 ranked player in the class of 2024. Taejhuan is a force on the inside but has taken great strides in her development playing further away from the basket. Hill has improved as a ball handler and has expanded her shooting range, now able to step out and hit the 3ball. For her career, Hill has 1006 pts, averaging 13.1 points per game with 8.7 rebounds for Volcano Vista and has been selected to an 'All-State' team three times.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Mid-Season Tournaments</h2>   'Mel Otero' Tournament Champions: Sandia Matadors   vs Santa Fe (W) 74-26 | vs Rio Rancho (W) 77-64 | vs Eldorado (W) 64-50   With three victories in as many days, the Sandia Matadors have claimed their first 'in-season' tournament title after winning the 'Mel Otero' Invitational. The Matadors were able to capitalize on opportunities by getting contributions from multiple players, all playing fundamentally sound basketball. Sandia has a plethora of playmakers that can take over a game with their ability to score and defend.   After three weeks of play, Sandia remains undefeated with an 8-0 record, continuing to play at an elite level on both ends of the floor. Sandia is averaging over 71 points per game, while holding teams to less than 39. The Matadors currently have three players averaging double-figures -- [player_tooltip player_id='391103' first='Sydney' last='Benally'] (19.8 PPG) [player_tooltip player_id='391104' first='Hope' last='Giddings'] (13.8 PPG) & [player_tooltip player_id='1068188' first='Kaiyah' last='Benally'] (10 PPG) -- with another two players knocking on the door step -- Audri Wright (9.3 PPG) & [player_tooltip player_id='357678' first='Olivia' last='Montano'] (9 PPG).   2023 'Ben Lujan' Tournament Champions: Dulce Hawks   vs Monte Del Sol Charter (W) 55-4 | vs Pojoaque Valley (W) 32-21 | vs Portales (W) 57-41   Originally a three day event, the 'Ben Lujan' tournament was condensed down to just two. Despite the schedule tweak, the Dulce Hawks were able to advance and be crowned tournament champions. Now at 5-4, Dulce currently has the longest win streak in 2A, having won four straight. The Hawks are led by senior PG [player_tooltip player_id='635364' first='Bailey' last='Vigil'], a solid floor general who was an 'All-State' 2nd Team selection in 2022-23.   'Albuquerque Academy' Tournament Champions: Farmington Scorpions   vs Las Cruces (W) 72-53 | vs Albuquerque Academy (W) 67-33 | vs Organ Mountain (W) 61-50   Having cruised in their three victories, it was a perfect trip to the metro area for the Farmington Scorpions.   The scorpions are 6-0 and are just one of two remaining teams in 5A to remain unbeaten. Farmington has been playing stellar team defense, suffocating opposing ball handlers and limiting 2nd chance points. Farmington has done a terrific job creating turnovers as they average 20 steals per game as a team with five players averaging at least 2 steals! Senior [player_tooltip player_id='391245' first='Kapiolani' last='Anitielu'], an Eastern Wyoming signee, is currently averaging an impressive 15.2 pts 5.7 reb & 4.5 stl for the Scorpions. Anitielu is on fire to start the year behind the arc as well, shooting 43% connecting on 19/44 attempts.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Offers</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='525623' first='Elizabeth' last='Buendia'] | Austin College   Located in Sherman, TX. the Austin College Kangaroos are a NCAA Division III program and member of the SCAC -- Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. In 2023-24, Buendia is averaging 19.1 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.6 ast & 3.8 stl, leading the Wildcats to a 7-2 record thus far. The senior CG is a three-level scorer and is not afraid to take and make some big time shots. This is Buendia's second official offer.   [player_tooltip player_id='839425' first='Harper' last='Dunn'] | New Mexico State University   Located in Las Cruces, N.M. the NMSU Aggies are a Division I program and member of Conference-USA. Standing at 6'6", Dunn is a massive presence on the floor for Corona/Vaughn. Harper, who has already established herself as one of the better shot blockers in the State, possesses good instincts and timing. Selected as NM's top freshman to know <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/11/the-freshman-you-need-to-know-from-all-50-states/">https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/11/the-freshman-you-need-to-know-from-all-50-states/</a>

The 2023-24 regular season has been filled with great matchups and outstanding performances thus far. Players across the State have been putting up numbers across the board, delivering fantastic stat lines for their respective teams. Here are some notable performers from week 3.