25 Guards in New Mexico for the 2015-2016 Season
By: Joshua J. Grine
This season could be one of the small school division guards. There will be several on our list, more than usual, from division (3A-1A) and we feel maybe that some of the best shooters and guards hail from the small towns across New Mexico.
Each season we at NMPreps.com we look to promote and highlight the top players in our state. We take a stab before the season to predict the top 25 guards in the state of New Mexico.
Maybe a bit underrated at the moment but remember we are just listing the top 25 guards for the 2015-2016 season. Now to Jacob McNeely a wing player that likes to get to the basket. He penetrates well, uses he body against contact and scores at the basket. Has a decent and consistent 15-footer (a shot that lacks in high school) and will knock it down if left alone. McNeely, is athletic and reads the ball well on defense, a major type of player that only helps you on the court. He finds solid separation from the defender on offense either leading with a floater or nice pull up when needed. Overall a smart player that should only see his stock rise the more we see him. He has a long body and wing span that only helps when going against smaller wings/guards in New Mexico.
When looking at guards you have to like what Castillo y Mulert brings to the table. He enters his fourth season on the varsity team as a three year starter a talented prospect from small school division basketball (3A-1A). Francis has put up solid numbers with 17.3 points per game, 3 assists and 3 rebounds a game as a junior. The thing we like about Castillo y Mulert is his ability to knock down the three point shot, penetrate to the basket with a nice 15 foot jumper and also his smarts with the ball. He also has proven to be able to run the point and as a 6-foot point guard with basketball smarts it only benefits him in small school division basketball. We expect huge things from him this coming season in a transition under a new head coach in Clyde Sanchez.
A trio of guards that will be mentioned on the list of top guards returning next season. Juan Hurt was playing solid this summer for the Rio Rancho Rams. When we saw him play he was running point and make top plays helping the team stay grounded. When he had to make a play to the basket he would penetrate and make smart decisions in the paint. He can knock down from behind the arch but not one of his strengths, even though he will knock it down when left alone. He averaged 10 points, 2 assists per game last season but those numbers should jump with more minutes and vital part of the mix.
We mentioned that you would see three guards from the Rams 2015-2015 mentioned today, proving how dominate this team could be for the next two seasons'. Patterson was phenomenal this summer and didn't play like a player just off his sophomore campaign.He played behind his brother last season but this Patterson has the ability to duplicate the scoring and playmaking of his older brother who is now at Easter New Mexico University. Patterson is a slashing guard with the athleticism to stop and pop or finish at the basket. He has a quick first step off the dribble that got him into the paint automatically. Excited to see him grow this season and plays for a great offensive mind in Wally Salata who has been underrated as a coach to develop scoring guards.
Snider was by far one of our favorite players last post season in a great Final Four showing against the eventual state champ Hobbs Eagles along with the summer. Snider is a wing that has a long wing span and is one of those players that knows how to use his body. By using his body we mean a long wing that penetrates well, can penetrate but makes decisions to play off the wing or hit the high post when needed. He sort of plays like a Dirk-type of player, tall wing that just does a lot of the little things well. I really like Snider and could be high on the NMPreps.com 2015-2016 Player Rankings. This Rio Rancho Rams team will be one of the most talented teams since their 2007 title team. The bright side is all three love to play defense as well in this uptempo philosophy.
There is not much we can write that you haven't heard about yet on DJ Bustos. The 4A guard is a solid spot up shooter for the Dons. We would love to see him take over games more and penetrate but he has the size, body and basketball IQ that makes him successful. Yes, he is a great player and one to keep an eye on this season, we along with plenty of people like his game. Not often you come across players like Bustos. He averaged 20 points per game, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds last season.
Chambers helped lead the Magdalena program to it's first state championship and 31-0 season last season. Chambers has since transferred to Grants and will play for a talented Pirates team in 2015-2016. Chambers was great in the post season in 2015 and understands how to play the game. He averaged 15.4 points, 3.3 assists and 7 rebounds per contest last season.
It's said that Saterfield will suit up for the Onate Knights this season, transferring from 5A state champion Centennial High School. This will be the third school for the who played his freshman season at Tularosa High School. Saterfield, does not have stats submitted but a player with the athleticism to go for 20 (ppg) and 10 (rbpg). It's without question that he is talented and will play for a talented roster at Onate.
Molina without question is one of the best point guards in the state. Molina a top notch defender but super quick on offense. Molina, lead the Centennial Hawks to the 2015 State Championship and again will have them as favorites in the coming season. Molina, will have to pick up more responsibility this season with the departure of other players but he is the player with the ability to do so. Molina, has a nice jumper and can beat you off the dribble, his passing ability or hitting from outside.
15 OTHER GUARDS WE HAVE AN EYE ON
The Rise and Shine players who could be in store for break out years. We will evaluate this season but new names on the scene in 2015-2016.
Tucker Dobbs, Clovis High School/2016. A 6'2 Guard who averaged around 11 points per contest.
Bryce McAlister, Carlsbad High School/2017. A 6'6" Guard who we cant wait see develop into the player he could be.
Fabian Roybal, Highland High Schoo/2017. Last I seen Roybal was the summer before his freshman year of High School. Roybal, was our favorite then and will need to live up to the hype this season.
James Garcia, Pojoaque Valley/2017. From class 4A the 6'4 wing could be in store for a break out season as the go-to player for the Elks.
By: Joshua J. Grine
This season could be one of the small school division guards. There will be several on our list, more than usual, from division (3A-1A) and we feel maybe that some of the best shooters and guards hail from the small towns across New Mexico.
Each season we at NMPreps.com we look to promote and highlight the top players in our state. We take a stab before the season to predict the top 25 guards in the state of New Mexico.
NATHAN BATES
Evangel Christian (Abq, NM) | Junior | 6'3"
It's not often that we get to talk about small school division players in our player rankings. We found it hard to not include Nathan Bates in our prediction of top guards leading into next season. Not to compare but the last big guard from 1A basketball turned into a division one player (Tyler Baker Temple Baptist; though he lacks the size of 6'6). Bates, a 6-foot, shooting guard/wing has the numbers that could only improve next season, averaged 21.4 points per game and 13.3 rebounds. When we saw him in the summer before his sophomore season he was knocking it down beyond the arch and had huge confidence in his game. Could improve on quickness to the basket but has some basketball knowledge. When given the opportunity we will display any top player regardless of class.Evangel Christian (Abq, NM) | Junior | 6'3"
JACOB McNEELY
Volcano Vista (Abq, NM) | Senior | 6'1
Volcano Vista (Abq, NM) | Senior | 6'1
Maybe a bit underrated at the moment but remember we are just listing the top 25 guards for the 2015-2016 season. Now to Jacob McNeely a wing player that likes to get to the basket. He penetrates well, uses he body against contact and scores at the basket. Has a decent and consistent 15-footer (a shot that lacks in high school) and will knock it down if left alone. McNeely, is athletic and reads the ball well on defense, a major type of player that only helps you on the court. He finds solid separation from the defender on offense either leading with a floater or nice pull up when needed. Overall a smart player that should only see his stock rise the more we see him. He has a long body and wing span that only helps when going against smaller wings/guards in New Mexico.
FRANCIS CASTILLO Y MULERT
Santa Fe Prep (Santa Fe, NM) | Senior | 6'1
Santa Fe Prep (Santa Fe, NM) | Senior | 6'1
When looking at guards you have to like what Castillo y Mulert brings to the table. He enters his fourth season on the varsity team as a three year starter a talented prospect from small school division basketball (3A-1A). Francis has put up solid numbers with 17.3 points per game, 3 assists and 3 rebounds a game as a junior. The thing we like about Castillo y Mulert is his ability to knock down the three point shot, penetrate to the basket with a nice 15 foot jumper and also his smarts with the ball. He also has proven to be able to run the point and as a 6-foot point guard with basketball smarts it only benefits him in small school division basketball. We expect huge things from him this coming season in a transition under a new head coach in Clyde Sanchez.
JUAN HURT
Rio Rancho HS (Rio Rancho, NM) | Junior | 5'10"
Rio Rancho HS (Rio Rancho, NM) | Junior | 5'10"
A trio of guards that will be mentioned on the list of top guards returning next season. Juan Hurt was playing solid this summer for the Rio Rancho Rams. When we saw him play he was running point and make top plays helping the team stay grounded. When he had to make a play to the basket he would penetrate and make smart decisions in the paint. He can knock down from behind the arch but not one of his strengths, even though he will knock it down when left alone. He averaged 10 points, 2 assists per game last season but those numbers should jump with more minutes and vital part of the mix.
CLAY PATTERSON
Rio Rancho HS (Rio Rancho, NM) | Junior | 5'10"
Rio Rancho HS (Rio Rancho, NM) | Junior | 5'10"
We mentioned that you would see three guards from the Rams 2015-2015 mentioned today, proving how dominate this team could be for the next two seasons'. Patterson was phenomenal this summer and didn't play like a player just off his sophomore campaign.He played behind his brother last season but this Patterson has the ability to duplicate the scoring and playmaking of his older brother who is now at Easter New Mexico University. Patterson is a slashing guard with the athleticism to stop and pop or finish at the basket. He has a quick first step off the dribble that got him into the paint automatically. Excited to see him grow this season and plays for a great offensive mind in Wally Salata who has been underrated as a coach to develop scoring guards.
JEREMY SNIDER
Rio Rancho HS (Rio Rancho, NM) | Junior | 6'2"
Rio Rancho HS (Rio Rancho, NM) | Junior | 6'2"
Snider was by far one of our favorite players last post season in a great Final Four showing against the eventual state champ Hobbs Eagles along with the summer. Snider is a wing that has a long wing span and is one of those players that knows how to use his body. By using his body we mean a long wing that penetrates well, can penetrate but makes decisions to play off the wing or hit the high post when needed. He sort of plays like a Dirk-type of player, tall wing that just does a lot of the little things well. I really like Snider and could be high on the NMPreps.com 2015-2016 Player Rankings. This Rio Rancho Rams team will be one of the most talented teams since their 2007 title team. The bright side is all three love to play defense as well in this uptempo philosophy.
DJ BUSTOS
West Las Vegas HS (Las Vegas, NM) | Junior | 6'3"
West Las Vegas HS (Las Vegas, NM) | Junior | 6'3"
There is not much we can write that you haven't heard about yet on DJ Bustos. The 4A guard is a solid spot up shooter for the Dons. We would love to see him take over games more and penetrate but he has the size, body and basketball IQ that makes him successful. Yes, he is a great player and one to keep an eye on this season, we along with plenty of people like his game. Not often you come across players like Bustos. He averaged 20 points per game, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds last season.
MICHAEL CHAMBERS
Grants HS (Grants, NM) | Senior | 6'1"
Grants HS (Grants, NM) | Senior | 6'1"
Chambers helped lead the Magdalena program to it's first state championship and 31-0 season last season. Chambers has since transferred to Grants and will play for a talented Pirates team in 2015-2016. Chambers was great in the post season in 2015 and understands how to play the game. He averaged 15.4 points, 3.3 assists and 7 rebounds per contest last season.
JOE SATERFIELD
Onate HS (Las Cruces, NM) | Junior | 6'3"
Onate HS (Las Cruces, NM) | Junior | 6'3"
It's said that Saterfield will suit up for the Onate Knights this season, transferring from 5A state champion Centennial High School. This will be the third school for the who played his freshman season at Tularosa High School. Saterfield, does not have stats submitted but a player with the athleticism to go for 20 (ppg) and 10 (rbpg). It's without question that he is talented and will play for a talented roster at Onate.
CESAR MOLINA
Centennial HS (Las Cruces, NM) | Senior | 5'11"
Centennial HS (Las Cruces, NM) | Senior | 5'11"
Molina without question is one of the best point guards in the state. Molina a top notch defender but super quick on offense. Molina, lead the Centennial Hawks to the 2015 State Championship and again will have them as favorites in the coming season. Molina, will have to pick up more responsibility this season with the departure of other players but he is the player with the ability to do so. Molina, has a nice jumper and can beat you off the dribble, his passing ability or hitting from outside.
15 OTHER GUARDS WE HAVE AN EYE ON
- Matt Vail, Grants High School/2017: Talented junior that will play for one of the best teams in 5A basketball this season.
- Gabe Bump, Albuquerque High School/2016: One of the better guards in the state the 6-foot-1 guard will look to leave his mark on the historic Bulldog history. Bump, has the task of improving not he successful junior campaign and shake off more defensives designed to limit his production.
- Eric Coca, Capital High School/2016: You've heard the name, the senior guard averaged 14 points per game and will have the Jaguars in conversation of Final Four contenders. Coca will need to be consistent every night and live up to the preseason hype.
- Marshall Moore, Rio Grande High School/2016: Another talented senior guard that should be among the best in the valley. Moore has talent and will need to become more of an on-the-court leader and have the killer instinct mentality limiting mistakes.
- Bobby Tapia, Sandia High School/2017: No other guard truly boosted their stocked like Tapia did during the 2015 post season. Only a sophomore the guard hit big time shots and controlled the offense for a team that nearly upset the number 2 seed Cleveland in the Elite Eight.
- Anthony Chavez, Valley High School/2018: Chavez is one of our favorite point guards in New Mexico, only a freshman last season, he was by far our top point guard listed going into the 2015-2016 season. For a young fella to have poise and ability to make big plays was huge. Valley continues as Guard High School, developing some of the metro areas top guards consistently. They play with some of most confidence out of some guards and make big time decisions with the ball.
- Jordan Gonzales, Hobbs High School/2016: Another point guard on the list, a speedy guard that will be the main focus running the offense with the graduation of NMHU commit Trey Nelson gone. He averaged 7.3 points, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals per contest.
- John Paul Garcia, Tucumcari High School/2016: One of the best shooters in New Mexico this season comes from Small School Division basketball in 3A Tucumcari. Around 16 points per game, Garcia is automatic from the outside and a viable candidate (maybe the first) to be a finalist for the NMPreps.com Mr. Basketball award.
- Jordan Leake, Hope Christian School/2016: One of the most athletic players in 4A along with the state of New Mexico. Leake was all over the court for the Huskies from boarding, to defense and making plays in the paint. More of a slasher and playmaker from the wing. Will be one of the top players regardless of classification.
- Noah Waide, Goddard High School/2016: No other guard truly boosted their stock this summer like when we saw Waide. A spot up shooter for the Rockets who will be a surprise team in 2015-2016.
- Hunter Wisneski, Los Lunas High School/2016: A 5-10 guard for the Tigers, Wisneski was the leading scorer' for a young Tigers squad last season at 9.3 points per game.
The Rise and Shine players who could be in store for break out years. We will evaluate this season but new names on the scene in 2015-2016.
Tucker Dobbs, Clovis High School/2016. A 6'2 Guard who averaged around 11 points per contest.
Bryce McAlister, Carlsbad High School/2017. A 6'6" Guard who we cant wait see develop into the player he could be.
Fabian Roybal, Highland High Schoo/2017. Last I seen Roybal was the summer before his freshman year of High School. Roybal, was our favorite then and will need to live up to the hype this season.
James Garcia, Pojoaque Valley/2017. From class 4A the 6'4 wing could be in store for a break out season as the go-to player for the Elks.
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