Boys' BORDERLAND 50: Part IV — Tier 1 & 2 Prospects (No. 10–1)
Proven Production, Next-Level Tools: The Standard in the Borderland
This project now enters its final stretch with Part IV of the Borderland 50, spotlighting the top 10 boys’ basketball prospects in the region across Tier 2 and the elite Tier 1. These are the players who not only produced at the highest levels in 2024–25 but did so with consistency, maturity, and visible growth. Every prospect in this group has already changed the trajectory of their program—and for the top three, the trajectory of Borderland basketball itself.
These aren’t just standout athletes. They are system-changers. Each has been game-planned against, double-teamed, scouted thoroughly—and still produced. Some are already committed to the next level. Others are just starting to realize how high their ceiling really is. All of them have earned their spot here through work, not hype.
This final tier is reserved for players who check every evaluative box: production, projection, impact, and skill refinement. To land inside the top 10 means you’re in the 98th percentile of all Borderland prospects across El Paso County, Doña Ana County, and Alamogordo—over 600 varsity players in total. These evaluations are rigorous, and that’s by design. Precision matters most at the top. Each ranking reflects film study, in-person scouting, data cross-referencing, and long-term projection. These players didn’t just pass the test—they set the curve.
This is the best the Borderland has to offer.
Welcome to the top 10.
RANKING RANGE
Sebastian Gutierrez lands firmly in the back half of the top 10, and for good reason. He’s one of the most offensively polished bigs in the region, with a mature scoring profile that extends from six to 12 feet—particularly effective in the mid post. Among a local landscape largely devoid of true interior threats, Gutierrez stands out for his refined skill set and clear offensive identity. While others may have rawer athleticism or project as pure wings, Gutierrez’s combination of production and translatable offensive craft make this ranking an easy call. His upside at the next level likely lives on the wing, but what he’s already doing as a hybrid forward cements him as a top 10 talent in the Borderland.
POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
Gutierrez lines up in the frontcourt and does most of his damage in the interior, but don’t mistake him for a traditional big. At 6'5'', he has a sturdy frame paired with surprising foot speed and agility, giving him true wing qualities. He’s the type of player you want catching the ball on the move—able to attack downhill, finish through contact, or rise up in the mid-range. His ability to operate from the mid-post out to 12 feet allows for versatility, and long-term, he projects more as a wing than a post player at the next level. That translation hinges on continued refinement, but the physical tools and instincts are already in place.
2024-25 SEASON
Gutierrez served as a reliable go-to scorer for a 23-win Montwood team that snapped an eight-year playoff drought. He provided consistent offensive production in the mid-post and short-corner areas, operating as a primary option for one of the Borderland’s most improved programs. While he didn’t crack the MVP finalist list in this year’s Borderland awards, he was firmly on the shortlist—an indication of how valuable he was to Montwood’s resurgence.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Gutierrez’s height and offensive polish will almost certainly earn him a spot at the next level. He has the physical tools and skill set that programs seek in a hybrid forward, and he plays under one of the most qualified coaches in the region. Head coach Konner Tucker—a former Division I starter at UTEP—knows what it takes to play at the collegiate level and is well positioned to guide Gutierrez along that path. With another year of growth, Gutierrez could emerge as one of the best prospects in the Borderland by 2026. If Montwood is to take the next step in 6A, it will be with Gutierrez leading the way.
GROWTH AREAS
Gutierrez’s next big leap hinges on expanding his perimeter game. Tall, skilled scorers in the Borderland often get slotted into interior roles, but that doesn’t always translate to college success—being big here doesn’t mean you’re a big at the next level. For Gutierrez, continued development as a ball handler and shooter from beyond the arc will be critical. Adding more shot creation off the dribble and tightening his face-up package will not only increase his versatility but also unlock the wing potential his foot speed and frame suggest. If he can become a true inside-out threat, his recruitment ceiling climbs significantly.
RANKING RANGE
The most underrated prospect in the Borderland is Canutillo’s Austin Bonilla. He sits inside the top 10 despite lacking eye-popping scoring totals or traditional measurables: he’s the best halfcourt creator in the Borderland. You won’t find a player who makes the game easier for his teammates more consistently. If you’re evaluating talent solely by size or box scores, you’ll mistakenly disregard him. But if you watch the tape, there’s no denying his value. He is more than justifiably inside the top No. 10 based on facilitation and offensive orchestration. This ranking is an assertion: vision and IQ are paramount.
POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
Bonilla is a pure point guard—unquestionably. At 5’2’’, his frame limits how he's perceived by traditional standards, but his command of the position is rare. He’s not a scoring guard masquerading as a lead—he’s a true facilitator with anticipatory instincts, elite touch passing, and an understanding of space that few can match. His role within Canutillo’s motion-heavy offense made him central to every possession. No prospect I’ve scouted over the past two seasons has embodied the point guard position more fully than Austin Bonilla.
2024-25 SEASON
Bonilla averaged 6.4 assists per game and 10.4 points on 51.0 TS%. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.5 may not scream elite at first glance, but in context—given the boldness of his reads and the degree of difficulty in many of his passes—it reflects impressive decision-making. Canutillo’s offense ran through him, and it showed: clean looks, high-quality touches, and cohesive ball movement often stemmed from his initiations. He played with audacity, vision, and maturity. Even his scoring took a step forward, and while that wasn’t the primary focus of his game, it helped balance his value as a threat. Lastly, this is not the type of kid you could sleep on on defense. He was a strong on-ball defender and routinely pick pocketed weaker ball handlers. If you couldn’t handle the rock, he could expose that. I named him 2nd Team All-Defense in my Boys Borderland Awards for those reasons alone.
PROJECTING FORWARD
If Bonilla continues to develop his scoring efficiency and adds more consistency beyond the arc, he becomes an even more complete guard. He’s earned trust from a well-coached system, played through both highlights and mistakes, and made his teammates better every night. That’s the kind of player who finds a college home, even if it’s not the traditional pipeline route. His game has a maturity that coaches want—especially those seeking stabilizers in their backcourt. I’m well aware he signed to Northern New Mexico College, but I can see him outgrowing that program if he seeks other opportunities that also align with his academic and professional goals.
GROWTH AREAS
Size is the obvious limitation and one he can’t change—but he can continue working on improving his pull-up range and shot volume to force defenders to play him tighter. There’s also room to tighten his risk profile: while the highlight passes make him special, the line between creativity and turnover needs to narrow. Lastly, he should continue to expand his confidence—not to boast, but to believe he is equal to or better than most he steps on the floor with.
RANKING RANGE
If you think Toraino Johnson Jr. is ranked too high, ask yourself this: are you watching closely? His rising measurables, his developmental support, the flashes on film, and the sheer upside of being only a freshman—all of it demands this placement. He started as a ninth grader at one of the most consistent programs in the Borderland and impacted winning. That’s not a projection—it’s proof. This kid is next up.
POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
Truthfully? I’m not ready to lock in his position yet. His growth trajectory could easily take him beyond his current 6’2” frame. He has the ball instincts of a lead guard, and a scoring feel that’s far more developed than any 14- or 15-year-old I’ve evaluated. He could become a combo guard who initiates offense—or a long, versatile wing who thrives off movement and matchup advantages. His versatility is part of what makes him so intriguing.
2024-25 SEASON
Johnson Jr.'s freshman year wasn’t smooth sailing, and that’s a good thing. He wasn’t handed anything. Some nights he came off the bench. Other nights he got benched. And then there were the games where he flashed moments that made you look around the gym and wonder if anyone else saw what just happened. He experienced everything a talented freshman should in a competitive varsity rotation—and through it all, he was a net positive contributor in one of the deepest units in the city.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Let me be clear: any high-level projection I make assumes work ethic, growth, and maturity. I never rank kids purely off measurables or flash. I also don’t believe youth prospects need to be constantly reminded of how “special” they are—too often, that attention becomes counterproductive. Our youth culture already pressures kids to perform for visibility, and I’m fully aware my coverage plays a part in that ecosystem. I try to be mindful, pragmatic, and honest with how I evaluate. If you’ve read these evaluations closely, you’ll notice something else too: some of my bluntest critiques are reserved for the most talented players. Talent deserves truth.
Now, with all that said: I believe Johnson Jr. is a Division I talent with a real shot to make it. But more importantly, he doesn’t need to be a D1 player to be successful. He has the upside—but also the infrastructure. His father, who played Division I and professionally overseas, understands the process. That matters more than most people realize. Too often, the talent gets squandered not by the kid, but by the adults around them. That won’t happen here.
Beyond college projections, Johnson Jr., along with Carmyne Mychackavane and Curtis Hargrave, represents the trio that could reposition Andress as more than Chapin’s rival. They could reclaim center stage in the Northeast and the Borderland altogether in a few years.
GROWTH AREAS
The motor isn’t a concern—but it’s something to monitor. I saw dips in his energy across different games, particularly in the early and middle part of the season. It’s part of growing up and adjusting to varsity demands. Defensively, the tools are all there—length, agility, anticipation—but the stance and discipline aren’t yet on par with his offensive polish. The good news? None of his growth areas are red flags. They’re simply next steps. His game is evolving, and so is he.
RANKING RANGE
Outside of Chapin’s inner circle, I might be higher on Jacob Garcia than most evaluators I respect. Some tie his value too closely to the immense talent around him—and to a degree, that’s fair. But he’s part of that talent pool, not riding its coattails. He’s been impactful since his sophomore year, which is no small feat in a program where seniors are primed to peak and juniors claw for opportunity. When an underclassman earns real minutes in that environment—especially in the playoffs—and alters outcomes, it signals something real. That’s why Garcia sits in Tier 2: on par with or ahead of many top guards in the Borderland. Not all kids rise to meet elite competition. He does. I can’t say that about everyone I’ve evaluated—and that matters.
POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
Garcia is a tweener in both role and game style. His size suggests a point guard, but his instincts don’t fit the classic mold. He’s a heady player who thrives in transition and can create off the dribble, but what really defines him is his fearless aggression on both ends. Functionally, he plays the one—but his natural identity leans toward a scoring playmaker more than a traditional table-setter. That said, he has plenty of time to refine those essential point guard qualities while preserving the best parts of his offensive game before college.
2024-25 SEASON
After a strong sophomore year as a crunch-time contributor, Garcia stepped into the starting lineup within a deep, interchangeable backcourt. Chapin didn’t operate with a clear-cut primary ball handler, but there were stretches this season where Garcia looked like their second-best player. The Huskies finished 35-2 and reached the Elite 8, continuing their run of dominance. Still, I anticipated more offensive refinement from Garcia. Whether due to a crowded backcourt, the system tilting more toward Jayden Leverett, or the constraints of a more methodical halfcourt approach—his production, while consistently solid, never quite popped. He was good. I just expected him to be more clinical in finishing his scoring chances. That nuance between expectation and execution matters.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Garcia enters next season as one of the most compelling rising seniors in the region. He’s going to be leaned on more than ever—not just to score, but to lead, stabilize, and elevate those around him. He has the reps, the confidence, and the game to do it. He’s shown he can rise to the level of elite competition. The next step? Being that same player every night, regardless of opponent. Chapin expects its seniors to lead. Garcia has the résumé. Now we see if he has total command.
What we do know for sure is this: Chapin will remain among the Borderland’s elite programs because they still have one of the region’s fiercest competitors. At the next level, Garcia won’t have trouble finding a home. His tape speaks for itself, his game translates, and he has smart, connected adults in his corner who know how to map out a future. With that guidance, the right program will find him.
GROWTH AREAS
Garcia occasionally plays too fast—not recklessly, but just enough to lose efficiency. He doesn’t need to change who he is, just learn to throttle better. He’s not the type of kid who speeds to the degree that you suspend his license, but he is liable to get pulled over once in a while. His jumper still runs flat at times, especially off the bounce, leading to front rimming. The form is there, the feel is there, and his spatial awareness is elite. There’s no reason he can’t become a mid-range assassin. If the shot becomes more consistent, it changes how defenses play him—and how far Chapin goes next season.
RANKING RANGE
Lenny Washington headlines Tier 2—his ceiling reaches as high as No. 4, with a floor that likely doesn’t dip below No. 7. He didn’t crack Tier 1—reserved for overwhelming production, efficiency, and positional rarity—but his physical tools keep him close. He’s also the top-ranked prospect from Doña Ana County, with the measurables and athleticism to rival any top-tier talent in the region.
POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
This is where Washington gets interesting. I feel firm on him as a point guard, but that is not the unanimous consensus. He's often labeled a combo guard—and skill-wise, that’s fair—but his best traits emerge with the ball in his hands.
His transition playmaking is among the best I’ve seen—he has few peers in that regard. Playing the one maximizes his ability to generate high percentage looks on the open floor. He’ll find you if you run, catch, and finish.
That said, developing off-ball traits—like catch-and-shoot rhythm or cutting angles—would increase his lineup flexibility and offensive value.
2024-25 SEASON
Lenny Washington was among the more anticipated players entering the 24-25 season. Not because he was new to the scene—Washington was already a known quantity in the Las Cruces basketball circle.
Much of the preseason intrigue stemmed from the departure of Organ Mountain’s senior stars: Brandon Kehres and Yeh'Nhi Wilson, two of the best overall prospects from my 2024 rankings.
With those two gone, Washington shifted from a supporting role into the spotlight—and delivered. His production scaled significantly, and he paired it with solid efficiency.
12.4 PPG on 10.5 FGA with 43/32/72 splits and a 53.3 TS%
The scoring and efficiency were strong, but the standout stat was his assist-to-turnover ratio—arguably the best among all Borderland guards. While most hover below 2:1, Washington posted a stellar 3:1, a mark that speaks volumes about his poise and decision-making.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Now, here is where things get difficult with Washington. He decided to play football in the Fall, which was perplexing upon first hearing. Football, it turns out, has long been a passion—and he’s garnered legitimate D2 and walk-on D1 interest.
With that, it’s fair to question how high his basketball ceiling can climb if football remains a serious consideration. He has some D1 traits from good height/length for the point guard position to his raw athleticism, which features one of the best combinations of speed and verticality.
The question is: Has he logged enough reps, and is he willing to embrace the grind of JUCO to level up? If basketball becomes his focus, JUCO offers the perfect environment to build reps, sharpen tools, and prove long-term value.
GROWTH AREAS
Again, this goes back to where he is dedicating his time. Playing football and vying for an athletic scholarship as a dual athlete wasn't to his benefit if we purely graded on maxing out talent. I have nothing against his choices on a personal level, and I’m all for kids playing as many sports as they want.
Here’s the logic: while thousands of peers—on a global scale—spend every offseason sharpening one skill set, dividing focus—even for valid reasons—can slow peak development.
You won’t scale as high during critical development windows by dividing your focus. The crossover benefits are real, and he’s earned attention from colleges in both—but his dual-sport path makes projecting his basketball ceiling more difficult.
Whether or not basketball becomes his sole focus, Washington’s production this season demands respect. But if he ever goes all-in on hoops, his ceiling rises dramatically—and that’s what makes him one of the most intriguing bets in the Borderland.
RANKING RANGE
When you dig into his background and gain the context around his development, you could argue Savion Jordan has the highest upside among all prospects in the Top 50. The 2024-25 season was his first full year dedicated to basketball. He was a two-sport athlete, with many close to him considering him a more talented football prospect. It speaks directly to his special athletic traits and seemingly inherent fluency with athletic movement. Despite splitting time between football and basketball for two and a half seasons, he’s graduating as a tier-one athlete and one of the top guards in the region. His ceiling is as high as No. 4 and his floor is No. 6. Thus, his current spot at No. 5 best suits him.
POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
He’s slightly undersized and doesn’t boast a big frame, but I see Jordan as a solid fit at the two. Does that mean he can’t evolve or take on point guard responsibilities once he enters college? No, but he’s best used off ball as someone you want to find coming off a screen, off a baseline cut, or out in transition.
If you maximize his athleticism, you get an x-factor of a prospect. Simply, put he can do things on the court that others can’t replicate. It’s not necessarily about his blazing speed or his ability to finish above the rim. It’s his more nuanced athletic expression. Instead of explaining, here are two quotes from his strength and conditioning coach and his head coach:
“Savion is one of those kids that if you put him in any sport, line him up anywhere; he is one of the best athletes,” said Paris Wall, a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) based in East El Paso. “In any situation you put him in athletically, he is one of the most inclined, progressed, and mature-built athletes you will see in the city by a long shot.”
“He’s able to get to places in tight spaces that have me speechless at times,” said Chapin Head Coach Tevin Caldwell. “He’s very athletic. He’s great at maneuvering his body around with different types of side steps and euro steps in the paint. It’s unorthodox the way he moves his body, but it is very effective the way he likes to play.”
Maybe more important than his athletic traits, is his confidence. Jordan is the type of prospect who asserts confidence, assuredness, and defiance. If you ask him who the best prospect in the Borderland, he’ll tell you it’s him. That’s a mentality that not all kids have, let alone some of the region’s elite.
2024-25 SEASON
Chapin’s blowout-heavy schedule and shortened starter minutes obscure Jordan’s raw stats. The program also saw a drop-off in consistent stat tracking amid coaching staff turnover. But numbers don’t define his impact anyway—his value was clearest in live play. Jordan earned a captaincy role this year—a nod to his work ethic, leadership growth, and the respect he commands within Chapin’s program. He became a double-digit scorer, but his value was in his defensive playmaking, on-court leadership, and again, dazzling offenses sequences. The most polished aspect of his game is his defensive effort. He plays hard in areas of the game where most kids take a step back. College coaches will love a kid who is used to putting defense first. He’s lethal in a pressing system—closing gaps with lightning speed and feasting on slower-processing guards who can’t handle pressure or pass with anticipation.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Like I said, his upside is through the roof. So much so, I’m not sure he will look anything remotely close to what he is now, after two years in a JUCO program. Moreover, he has the perfect mentality for that roadmap.
“To me, JUCOs are where the most dawgs are made because everyone is fighting for something,” Jordan said in back in mid-November 2024.
He wants to grind. He wants competition. He welcomes competitive confrontation. So many prospects misunderstand the value of what a junior college program can do for their game. But not Jordan, which is a testament to his self-belief, and the program he came from. Chapin does an excellent job at advising their players on what best fits their trajectory. All of which is why I am so high on his upside. He has so much untapped potential.
GROWTH AREAS
The offensive side of the basketball needs the most polish without question. His ball handling—left hand specifically—and perimeter jump shooting need work. The beauty is, these are fixable gaps—gym time can solve them. It all comes down to how much work he’s willing to invest. Moreover, his athletic traits could potentially allow him to level up in a way that most prospects can’t. If he stays locked in over the next two years, he won’t just improve—he’ll leap off the screen (and the portal) straight into a Division I rotation.
RANKING RANGE
Tristan Anderson at No. 4 might spark debate—but I am all for it!
As a sophomore, he immediately became the best player on a 24-win 6A program after playing a limited bench role as a freshman. His production and efficiency—both of which we’ll get to—were among the best for his position group in the city.
And he’s just a sophomore.
Projection carries significant weight in this ranking system, and Anderson performing on par with top upperclassmen is a powerful differentiator. Simply put, he arrived in 2024–25.
While he may not be as polished or dominant (yet) as the players ranked above him, his current trajectory places him firmly in that conversation moving forward.
POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
Anderson is a dynamic athlete with a first step that creates separation almost instantly. While he has the versatility to play across multiple perimeter spots, his future clearly trends toward combo guard, with the ball in his hands.
At 6’2’’ with a strong, athletic frame, he plays with a rare blend of physicality and burst—especially for a 2027 prospect. He’s already on the shortlist of players you'd want leading a fast break in the Borderland. And he's nowhere near his athletic ceiling.
This kid is a beast.
2024-25 SEASON
Comparing his freshman and sophomore seasons is almost a pointless exercise due to the leap in opportunity. The minutes exploded—and so did his production. His scoring increased by 236.2%, a number that reflects opportunity more than transformation. Most of the tools were already there—what changed was trust. Eastlake head coach Matthew Taylor handed him the keys. Sure, there were moments where he got pulled over for speeding or missing a turn signal—but the leash was long, and the message was clear: “This is your offense now.”
That trust matters—because most sophomores don’t get it. And fewer still do something with it.
Here’s what Anderson produced:
15.8 PPG on 12.7 FGA with 49/33/64 splits and a 55.8 TS%
Those are rock-solid numbers—and within Eastlake’s team context, substantially more efficient than all his teammates—some of which are top 50 prospects. Even more impressive: he didn’t feast on clean looks. Much of his scoring came off the dribble or in traffic—yet he still posted efficient numbers.
The challenge going forward? Don’t lean too hard into that identity. The harder the shot, the harder the margin of consistency. As his usage increases, so must his efficiency curve.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Wherever Anderson plays the final two years of his high school career, he’s on track for monster junior and senior seasons. If he stays in El Paso, he could very well emerge as the area’s top 2027 prospect.
And yes, there’s Division I upside here. Still, it’s premature to forecast too deeply into college. He’s only 16. But the tools, mentality, and trajectory all signal a player worth investing in long term. More than the stats or physical traits, Anderson’s mental makeup stands out. He’s a gamer. He competes on both ends. He doesn’t shrink from big moments. He embraces playing up in competition. That’s what you want from a rising lead guard.
GROWTH AREAS
For young guards, the first big hurdle is playmaking. We know he can score. Now the question becomes: can he amplify others? Anderson posted a negative assist-to-turnover ratio this season—not uncommon for a sophomore, but an area you want to see trend upward. Decision-making off the dribble, particularly when driving into help defense, needs to mature. His shooting is another area with room to grow. He’s on track—33% from deep is respectable—but a reliable one- or two-dribble pull-up, or even a confident hesi into a jumper, would elevate his scoring versatility even further, which will in turn completely unlock his downhill game. His first step is arguably the best in the region. If defenders are forced to close hard, the rest of the floor opens.
If Anderson leaves El Paso—there have been rumblings—it would be a significant loss for Eastlake and the city. But whatever program gets him next is getting a rising star with real long-term value.
THE TIER 1 PROSPECTS
Now’s a good time to pause and explain why only three prospects earned Tier 1 status inside the top 10. Heading into the season, there were five players in serious consideration for this tier—each with strong cases rooted in skillset, junior-year production, long-term projection, and overall upside. All five are featured in the top 10. But by season’s end, only three produced and impacted winning at a level that clearly separated them from the rest.
What sets these three apart is simple: they leveled up. And that’s saying something, considering each of them was already a high-level contributor as a junior. But this year, they didn’t just maintain—they expanded their roles, refined their games, and carried even more responsibility while delivering results.
They shaped outcomes, anchored programs, and elevated the players around them. Their performances weren’t just impressive—they were indispensable. All three are legitimate Division I talents. For two of them, that path won’t materialize right away, but the ceiling is obvious if you’ve been paying attention.
I’ll concede and entertain arguments when it comes to the rankings from 50 through 4—there’s plenty of nuance there. But this part isn’t up for debate. These are the three best 2025 Borderland prospects.
RANKING RANGE
Thompson is unassailably one of the premier prospects in the Borderland. Some would argue he’s the premier prospect because of his ceiling—a point I wouldn’t dispute. You could justify him at No. 1, and he belongs nowhere lower than No. 3. Moreover, the difference between Thompson at three and the player above him at No. 2 is marginal. I flip flopped on the No. 2 and No. 3 positions all season long.
POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
For the purposes of Borderland basketball, Thompson is a wing who can slide down to the four, exact deep paint touches, and dominate the glass. Outside this regional context, he projects as a guard. I see him in more of an off-ball role, despite his height and frame being more typical of a point guard.
Athletically, he grades out very high. He can finish above the rim—a rarity for this region’s prospects—but often needs a clear runway to time his footwork. Dunking aside, he’s a force going downhill. When desperate for a bucket, he shifts into bully-ball mode—either by burrowing into the lane or sealing defenders for deep post touches. He’s also one of the more reliable low- to mid-post scorers in the region, especially for a guard. That part of his game may shrink against higher-level defenders, but it’s a real weapon at the high school level. Defensively, his athleticism shines. As a help defender, I’ve seen him come from the weak side and routinely deny shots at the rim. At 6’2”, his verticality allows him to contest without fouling. Outside of Chapin’s Jayden Leverett, you could argue Thompson is the next-best shot blocker in the Borderland.
2024-25 SEASON
Entering the season, the question was how much Thompson would score with Ysleta dropping to 2-4A—a significant step down from 2-5A. The answer: a lot. He averaged 28.8 PPG, a 10.2-point jump from his junior year. His shot volume increased by 34.2%, and so did his efficiency:
2024-25: 28.8 ppg on 19.2 attempts on 55-34-67 splits and a 61.3 TS%
2023-24: 18.6 ppg on 14.3 attempts on 51-22-60 splits and a 55.6 TS%
That combination of volume and efficiency is rare. But how did it happen? What does the tape say?
Simply put: Thompson doesn’t settle—streaky shooting doesn’t deter him. If the jumper isn’t falling, he adjusts—either by getting to the rim or drawing contact. His standout trait is adjustability as a scorer.
Most Borderland scorers fall into one of three archetypes:
1. System-Dependent Finishers
They need space and structure. If the set doesn’t work or the defense closes out hard, they can’t—and often won’t—create a shot. This is where most prospects fall.
2. Self-Creators Without Counters
They can get their own shot but struggle with efficiency and lack a Plan B when defenders take away their go-to moves.
3. Volume Creators Who Stall on Cold Nights
They’re aggressive and versatile, but when the shot isn’t falling, they lose rhythm, poise, and confidence.
Thompson doesn’t fit any of these. He creates without ideal spacing, can attack from multiple zones, and doesn’t mentally check out on cold nights. He adjusts while others hesitate. That’s what separates him.
The obvious pushback to Thompson’s scoring dominance centers on competition level. That concern is valid—but the broader picture tells a more nuanced story.
In December, at the Doug McCutchen Memorial Tournament in San Angelo, he played five games against 5A and 6A opponents. He scored 168 points—33.6 PPG—on 60/56/82 shooting splits and posted an elite 1.26 points per possession. For reference, a PPP over 1.10 is considered highly efficient for primary scorers; Thompson’s 1.26 at San Angelo signals elite-level production—especially given the volume.
When given the opportunity to face better athletes and systems, Thompson didn’t just survive—he thrived.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Thompson embodies the mold of a top Borderland prospect—raw in areas, unpolished in others, but clearly talented and under-recruited.
With the right roadmap, he could eventually reach Division I basketball. Right now, JUCO is the ideal fit—an environment where he’s surrounded by hungry, equally talented players chasing DI opportunities.
The one concern: sustained competition. At 2-4A, he rarely faced elite on-ball defenders or disciplined team defenses. That likely means early struggles—and that’s not a bad thing. The question is how he’ll respond when he’s no longer the most athletic player on the floor.
GROWTH AREAS
Offensively, three areas stand out for growth:
1. Ballhandling
His handle isn’t weak, but it could be tighter—especially with his left—to manage high-level on-ball pressure.
2. Shooting Range
While most of his damage still comes inside 14 feet, his 12-point jump in 3-point percentage as a senior—on respectable volume—is an encouraging sign.
3. Playmaking
He faced double-teams this season and didn’t always recognize secondary reads or skip-pass opportunities. There was progress, but this area still needs refining. These aren’t red flags—they’re common developmental needs. What separates Thompson is that he has the physical tools, scoring instincts, and temperament to address them.
RANKING RANGE
Putting Devin Falk-Ramirez (DFR) at No. 2 wasn’t difficult because he should be near or at the top of the board—it was difficult because his case for the No. 1 spot is immensely persuasive. So, let’s break it down.
He’s the most measured, consistent four-year varsity performer among his 2025 classmates. Ysleta’s Azaiah Thompson might have higher raw output, but DFR produced just as efficiently—often against better competition in 6A. Chapin’s Jayden Leverett (spoiler alert: No. 1) was undeniably more dominant as a senior, but he didn’t match DFR’s total impact and production across four seasons.
DFR has no glaring weaknesses, a grounded mentality, and solid advisors (his parents) in his corner. He’s going to keep leveling up—year after year. So maybe he is No. 1? Ultimately, the dominance factor of the top-ranked player was just too strong to ignore. But anyone who says DFR is underrated or undervalued? I wouldn’t just agree—I’d endorse that sentiment completely.
POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
At the high school level, DFR can play both guard spots with near-equal effectiveness. He has the skillset to start at the one or the two, though point guard is his ideal long-term position, both in terms of temperament and physical tools. One of his most underrated qualities—especially compared to other top Borderland prospects—is his athleticism. No, he doesn’t finish above the rim. No, he doesn’t bully defenders or overwhelm them physically. He’s more finesse than brute force. But his short-area quickness, strong defensive base, and poise against bigger defenders consistently show up. I’ve seen him go toe-to-toe with taller, higher-ranked players—and win those matchups. He’s also another athlete working with Paris Wall, and the gains are visible. DFR was a standout long and triple jumper for Eastwood’s track team and is a legit multi-sport athlete with great body control and balance.
2024-25 SEASON
The hope for DFR’s senior year was simple: shoot more. He was Eastwood’s late-game savior in numerous games as a junior, but more early-game aggression might have prevented those deficits in the first place.
So, did we get a more aggressive version of Falk-Ramirez in 2024–25? Yes—and no.
Statistically, the answer is yes: his shot volume increased by 31.3%, and in several games, he was assertive from the opening tip. His 32-point outing against Jefferson and his 29-point performance (19 in the first half) vs. Eastlake showed what it looked like when he flipped the switch.
But the “no” comes from the fact that he could have shot even more—and his elite efficiency would’ve supported it. DFR posted a 59.4% TS% while taking 38% of his attempts from three. For comparison, Ysleta’s Thompson posted a 61.3 TS% with 17.7% of his attempts beyond the 3-point line. The only real knock on his offensive efficiency is at the free throw line. He’s been a career 70% shooter from the stripe—solid, but a touch underwhelming for someone with his stroke and touch.
Defensively, he’s just as trustworthy. His on-ball defense is rock solid, and he never abandons his primary duty: keeping the ball in front of him. That sounds simple, but it’s rare. Too many players in this area gamble for steals or fundamentally misunderstand what constitutes good defense.
DFR always understands his assignment.
PROJECTING FORWARD
In April, DFR signed with Cochise College, a respected JUCO program in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Like many Borderland players before him, he was under-recruited—but the JUCO route fits him perfectly.
He’ll benefit from JUCO’s physicality, tempo, and dog-eat-dog mentality. And by the time he leaves, he’ll be a plug-and-play asset for a strong D2 or even D1 program. Yes—Devin Falk-Ramirez can play Division I basketball. He’s one of just a handful of Borderland prospects I’d say that about. But the level he finishes at won’t define him. His value will show wherever he lands, because his game translates.
GROWTH AREAS
With DFR, it’s all about mentality. If his confidence ever matches his ability, he’ll become an absolute terror. You see it in flashes—but the challenge is consistency, not just in scoring aggression but in overall assertiveness. He’s so measured, so efficient, so willing to play within an offense. And that’s credit to the Eastwood program. The Troopers run good sets, emphasize shot discipline, and coach winning habits. His game owes plenty to one of the best coaching staffs in the Borderland. But that same system also conditioned a type of wait and see passivity. You’re left wanting more—not because he underperforms, but because you know what’s in the tank. The question is, does he have the audacity to be great? Time will tell.
RANKING RANGE
Jayden Leverett is the top-ranked player in the 2025 class, and any ranking lower than No. 1 requires significant justification. His senior-year production and unmatched positional value make that case on their own. At worst, he's No. 3—but anything lower is questionable to negligible evaluation.
POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
The 6’11’’ Chapin product is a true center and the only player I could truly classify as a Big out of a player pool of 600 plus. His height, length, and burgeoning frame make him the ultimate positional mismatch with no near equal. But it’s not just size with Leverett. His ability to level up his athleticism has been notable.
His playing time varied in his first two seasons, with selective use in higher-leverage games. As a sophomore in 2022–23, he struggled to absorb and play through contact consistently, a challenge that highlighted the need for physical growth. He grew four more inches in his junior year while hurdling minor early-season injuries. He showed clear gains in both athleticism and production.
All of it set the foundation for a breakout 2024–25 campaign. It was apparent from the Huskies’ opening slate of games at El Paso High School’s CD Jarvis Tournament. The improved agility, lateral quickness, and overall coordination set the tone for a great senior year.
Leverett deserves immense credit for his early hours at House 4 Athlete, where he worked with Paris Wall, a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), to improve his mobility and strength. Wall represents the type of developmental presence that helped shape Leverett’s growth year over year. He had people—both inside and outside the Chapin program—pushing him, advocating for him, and believing in the version of himself that fully emerged by his senior season.
2024-25 SEASON
Dominance is the best way to describe Leverett’s final season at the Northeast powerhouse. His production scaled to a staggering degree. He averaged 19.7 ppg, 11.2 rpg, and 7.8 bpg. To put the scaling in context, that is a 39.7% increase in points, a 43.6% increase in rebounds, and a 289.5% increase in blocks per game from his junior to senior year.
The massive increase in blocks per game wasn’t an anomaly—it was the foundation of his game-wrecking presence. Leverett blocked floaters, jumpers, and drives alike, not just shots at the rim. His ability to guard out on the perimeter made him unexploitable against Borderland opponents.
When opposing offenses tried to operate in Leverett’s vicinity, their scoring chances dropped to near zero.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Leverett is a true Division I prospect, which is rare for this area. He now steps into a high-ceiling opportunity with the Vanderbilt Commodores in the SEC—arguably the most talent-rich conference in men’s college basketball. The adjustment will be steep, but the potential for growth is there—contingent on his work ethic and how much the program invests in his development.
Considering how Leverett was developed at Chapin with hard coaching and accountable upperclassmen setting the example, I don’t see hard work or paying dues impacting or deterring his potential at the collegiate level. He’s been conditioned to thrive in a program that challenges him and holds him accountable.
Leverett enters a deep SEC program with real opportunity: Vanderbilt's frontcourt rotation is in flux, and while former UNC forward Jalen Washington's arrival may delay immediate minutes, Leverett's long-term role will depend on how quickly he adjusts to the physicality and speed of the college game.
GROWTH AREAS
Offensively, Leverett still has room to grow as a finisher through contact. His footwork has improved, but he occasionally brings the ball down in traffic—a habit that’s less frequent than in his junior year but not yet eliminated. Most of his offensive value will likely come as a rim-runner and lob threat, as he never fully developed into a polished low-post scorer or mid-range shooter. While those areas could still evolve, the modern college landscape—with constant roster turnover and portal pressure—rarely allows bigs the developmental runway to build back-to-the-basket skillsets. Programs prioritize plug-and-play impact, and Leverett’s immediate value aligns more with that mold.
Physically, he will need to add some weight and strength to contend with SEC-caliber bigs in the 240-pound range, but that development should come with time.
Leverett has only begun to tap into his potential—and that’s a strength, not a shortcoming. He’s academically grounded, has a mature work ethic, and welcomes challenges. For the top 2025 Borderland prospect, a blueprint is in place: one that leads from unpolished dominance at the high school level to a meaningful, lasting college career.