Dynamic Duos in NM: Class 5A
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The 2022-23 regular season for Girls High School Basketball is just around the corner, as games start at the end of November / beginning of December. The 5A Class, has no shortage of talent and skilled players; From a team…
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Continue ReadingThe 2022-23 regular season for Girls High School Basketball is just around the corner, as games start at the end of November / beginning of December.
The 5A Class, has no shortage of talent and skilled players; From a team perspective, having a duo of such players makes a programs chances of being competitive, that much higher and high powered. From a players perspective, playing alongside another talent can raise the desired level of play and help a player or players thrive in certain situations. With that being said, let’s take a look at the pairs of teammates, who are being labeled as “dynamic” in the State of NM.
Albuquerque High School – Albuquerque, NM – District 5-5A Champions in 21-22.
Final Record: 20-7 (Including Playoffs)
Duo of Love & Sanchez
Leilani ‘Lani’ Love – 6’1” Senior Center – One of NM’s most dominant players that causes opposing teams to game plan for. A walking “Double-Double” who also shines defensively. Earned the POY award for District 5-5A, & 2nd Team All-State.
Ariana Sanchez Ariana Sanchez 5'10" | CG Albuquerque | 2023 State NM – 5’10” Senior Combo Guard – Intriguing prospect thanks to her effectiveness as a two-way player. Sharp shooter & good shot blocker at the guard position, sent back 37 attempts on the season.
PPG | RPG | SPG | BPG | |
Love | 19.4 | 12.4 | 2.3 | 2.6 |
PPG | 3PM | BPG | ||
Sanchez | 11.2 | 50 | 1.4 |
Centennial High School – Las Cruces, NM – Class 5A District 3
Final Record: 20-10(Including playoffs)
Duo of Montez & Salazar
Joslyn Montez – 5’5″ Senior Guard – Floor spacing shooter that can take stress off of teammates in the half court & transition. Plays with good energy and heart.
Aspen Salazar Aspen Salazar 5'9" | SF Centennial | 2023 State NM – 5’9″ Senior Small Forward – Multifaceted two-way wing player that is one of the few players in NM that excels at scoring and creating when attacking baseline. Great on ball defender on the flip side that forces opposing guards to make mistakes.
PPG | 3PM | SPG | |
Montez | 10.2 | 40 | 2,0 |
Total Points | PPG | SPG | |
Salazar | 396 | 14.1 | 3.1 |
Farmington High School – Farmington, NM – District 2-5A Champions in 21-22.
Final Record: 28-3 (Including Playoffs)
Duo of Anitielu Sisters
Kamalani Anitielu Kamalani Anitielu 5'6" | PG Farmington | 2023 State NM – 5’6″ Senior Point Guard – Floor spacing guard who will fire multiple attempts from well behind the arc (3pt line). Has good consistent shooting motion & mechanics,
Kapiolani Anitielu Kapiolani Anitielu 5'10" | SF Farmington | 2024 State NM – 5’10” Junior Power Forward – Slashing four that is comfortable operating in the midrange. Competes each possession and is a “team first’ player.
Both 5A: All-State 2nd Team Selections
PPG | |
Kamalani | 12.8 |
Kapiolani | 8.3 |
Hobbs High School – Hobbs, NM – District 4-5A Champions in 21-22.
Final Record: 23-8 (Including Playoffs)
Duo of Clay & Hargrove
Bhret Clay Bhret Clay 5'9" | SG Hobbs | 2025 State NM – 5’9″ Sophomore Shooting Guard – A fast rising collegiate prospect that should and will establish herself as one of the States best; If she has not done so already. Confident and will be fun to see play this upcoming season.
Brynn Hargrove Brynn Hargrove 5'6" | PG Hobbs | 2025 State NM – 5’6″ Sophomore Point Guard – A scoring threat with an explosive first step. Savvy back court player that plays with a good motor and attitude.
This past season, Hobbs reached the Championship Game of the 5A State Playoffs – the 5th straight year in the Title game as a program.
*FYI: Hobbs has no stats entered for the 21-22 season*
Las Cruces High School – Las Cruces, NM – District 3-5A Champions
Final Record: 22-8 (Including Playoffs)
Duo of Ashida & Christiano
Lila Ashida Lila Ashida 5'8" | SG Las Cruces | 2023 State NM – 5’8″ Senior Shooting Guard – Impactful two-way player that uses her strength to exploit matchups, either in the interior or out on the perimeter. Fantastic help-side defender.
Emma Christiano Emma Christiano 5'4" | PG Las Cruces | 2023 State NM – 5’4″ Senior Point Guard – Lightning quick guard that Earned the POY award for District 3-5A, & 2nd Team All-State. Communicates well and is willing to sacrifice her body defensively (take a charge).
PPG | 3PM | SPG | |
Ashida | 12.4 | 33 | 2,0 |
PPG | Total Steals | SPG | |
Christiano | 14.3 | 109 | 3.8 |