Boys' BORDERLAND 50: Part I—Tier 5 Prospects (No. 50–36)
The first installment of the Borderland 50, featuring high-upside and role-impact players ranked No. 50–36.
This project has been a seven-month odyssey—live game coverage, hours of film, and conversations with coaches, players, parents, and media. If I could calculate the time spent, I would. Since the 2023–24 season tipped off, I’ve watched more than 200 games—both in person and on tape. Every player ranked here has been seen at least four times. Many, a dozen or more.
I define the Borderland as public and private high school programs in El Paso County and Doña Ana County—including Alamogordo. While technically outside the region, Alamogordo competes in the same district as Las Cruces schools, and thus, is part of the picture.
This list evaluates players through the lens of their high school careers—not just projection or AAU clout. While I did speak with AAU coaches for added context, varsity production, role, and development are the foundation.
Ranking Criteria
Overall Skillset – What tools do they have, and how well are they applied?
Impact on Winning – What’s their role, and how does it influence team success?
Long-Term Projection – How much room is left to grow, especially by class?
Tier 5 kicks off the series: players with flashes of upside, clear contextual value, or defined roles—some raw, some polished, but all among the Borderland’s top 50.
To be clear, the scope here includes 45 varsity programs. With 12–16 players per roster, that’s a pool of 600+ athletes. These 50 prospects fall within the top 8th percentile.
So, if you feel a player is ranked too high or too low—or believe the placement is under-researched—keep in mind: making this list at all means something. Every inclusion is a recognition of impact.
As this series moves toward the top prospects, the evaluations will grow longer, more substantive, and deeper in analysis. If I had the bandwidth to write at that level for all 50, I would—but I’m also building the top 50 girls rankings alongside this one.
Enjoy Part I.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Santiago Gaytan’s first varsity season lived up to most of the preseason hype. At 6′6″—one of the Borderland’s most imposing frontcourt figures—he averaged 9.1 PPG and 5.4 RPG, hitting 58 percent of his two‑point attempts. Franklin, one of El Paso’s most consistent programs, battled injuries all year but still won 17 games (two over .500) despite missing key contributors. Gaytan himself missed five games.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Gaytan’s combination of size, efficient low volume production, and “raw” frame projection suggest he’ll emerge as an area‑leading big and overall prospect by 2027.
GROWTH AREAS
Next season should focus on defending without fouling: he averaged 2.8 PFPG to just 0.2 BPG—roughly 13 fouls for every block—which he can and likely will improve in 2025‑26. His low‑post footwork and fluidity also warrant attention: fewer steps and quicker entries into moves—without putting the ball on the floor—will make him more effective around the rim.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Josef Brisby helped Las Cruces leap from fringe playoff contender in 2023–24 to a 3‑5A threat in 2024–25, finishing 8–2 in district play. He brings locked‑in energy on defense—so much so I named him Second Team All‑Defense in my 2024–25 Boys Borderland Awards. From the season opener at Montwood, he showcased relentless effort while staying deep in his stance all game long. This kid brings it!
PROJECTING FORWARD
With Las Cruces losing its top scoring guard to graduation, Brisby will inherit more scoring duties. He plays alongside a solid group of running mates under one of Southern New Mexico’s best coaches, and as he fills out his all‑court game he has clear potential to rank among the region’s top prospects by 2027.
GROWTH AREAS
Brisby needs a go‑to offensive move—a reliable one‑two pull‑up, dominant‑hand drive, or floater—to complement his defense. Fortunately, he has two more varsity seasons to develop that weapon.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Sebastian Sepulveda, the first senior wing on this list, led Irvin with 11.3 PPG and 5.3 RPG. He stayed mostly inside the arc, converting 50 percent of his 232 two‑point attempts. The Rockets endured some lopsided losses but still improved by 10 wins from 2023–24—and Sepulveda was central to that turnaround.
PROJECTING FORWARD
To my knowledge, Sepulveda hasn’t yet received—or committed to—any college offers. If his Irvin career ended this season, he went out on a high note by sparking one of the Borderland’s biggest single‑season win increases.
GROWTH AREAS
If he pursues college ball, Sepulveda must expand beyond 10 feet. He attempted just 29 three‑pointers (one per game), so adding a reliable perimeter shot will be essential at the next level.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Austin improved by nine wins this past season, and junior guard Andruw Andujo had plenty to do with it. He earned El Paso Times 1‑4A Co‑MVP honors and was named to the TABC All‑Region Team. His playmaking and pace gave the Panthers a dimension most 1‑4A teams couldn’t match.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Andujo is difficult to project long‑term—mostly because his future may not be in basketball. He’s a standout on the football field, leading Austin with seven interceptions and finishing third in all‑purpose yards in 2024. There’s nothing wrong with being a multisport athlete, but while Andujo thrives in football, other hoops prospects are refining their games year‑round.
GROWTH AREAS
Andujo’s best sport might not be basketball, and that shifts how we frame his ceiling. With one year left and a likely football future ahead, it’s tough to pinpoint targeted basketball development—it becomes a moot point. But make no mistake: his talent is real, and it’s why he’s firmly on this list
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Elnathan Pieri, winner of the Effort Award in my 2024‑25 Boys Borderland Awards, led Jefferson with 12.2 PPG as the team’s lone double‑digit scorer and reached 1,000 career points by mid‑December. Despite a challenging season in terms of wins, he flashed next‑level potential—embodying that true effort isn’t best measured in wins. It’s clearest when the outcome is stacked against you, and you give a damn anyway.
PROJECTING FORWARD
On April 9, Pieri earned his first collegiate offer from Ottawa University (NAIA), underscoring his talent and versatility. Whether he accepts or explores other options, his perseverance and production in the face of adversity cap an admirable varsity career.
GROWTH AREAS
At roughly 6′2″ and 175 pounds, Pieri possesses guard‑level measurables, but his on‑ball speed needs refinement to exploit his frame fully. His shot mechanics warrant work—he releases the ball before reaching the top of his jump, producing a flatter arc and more closely resembling a set shot than a fluid jumper.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Shooters shoot, and Adrian Rodriguez did just that this season. As a pivotal starter in El Dorado’s turnaround, he exploded for 31 points—including seven threes—against Franklin in late December. He hit three or more triples in ten games, with 67.8 percent of his field goal attempts coming from deep. His raw shooting splits don’t tell the full story, but a 49.0 TS% underscores his impact.
PROJECTING FORWARD
With coach Justin Avalos giving him the green light, expect Rodriguez to fill up the stat sheet again in 2025‑26. El Dorado’s strong guard rotation and emerging winning culture will only amplify his appeal; consistent shooting on a winning tape will draw college interest.
GROWTH AREAS
He must grow as a playmaker—sharing the ball in a guard‑rich lineup, breaking presses, and expanding his off‑the‑dribble scoring. At just over six feet, on‑ball responsibilities will increase at the next level, so optimizing his handle and decision‑making under pressure is essential.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
While his offensive production was limited, Quintez Floyd proved essential to El Dorado’s turnaround. He paced the Aztecs with 5.1 RPG and 0.5 BPG, anchoring the paint with size and presence. Floyd’s true value shows up on tape and in person—most of his impact came as a rim protector and help defender.
PROJECTING FORWARD
At 6′3″ with solid verticality and lateral quickness, Floyd has the athletic profile of a strong Borderland prospect. His senior season will test his versatility amid El Dorado’s guard‑heavy rotation. He isn’t relied upon as a ball‑handler now, but increasing his offensive role—and raising his 71 FG attempts (fewest among the top 50)—will be critical.
GROWTH AREAS
Classified as a big by necessity despite wing‑type measurables, Floyd faces a choice: refine interior post skills or develop as a perimeter threat. I lean toward perimeter growth—if he adds ball‑handling chops and consistent mid‑range or three‑point touch, his upside will skyrocket and produce opportunities at the next level.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
The star football prospect delivered on the hardwood too, guiding Riverside to a second‑place finish in 2‑4A and a playoff berth. His blend of strength, quickness, and playmaking on both ends set him apart from most 4A opponents.
PROJECTING FORWARD
From the first time I saw him two years ago, I noted his elite athletic traits—he’s not a high‑flyer, but his strength, quickness, and speed make him stand out. Learning he’s also one of El Paso’s top football prospects—and already holds a DI offer—shifted my perspective (not negatively). Still, as long as he keeps playing basketball, he’ll profile comfortably among Tier 3–5 guard prospects.
GROWTH AREAS
Rojas must learn to control tempo. He excels in transition, but over‑reliance on the E‑break limits his overall impact—developing the ability to downshift will change how he can manipulate defenses—both individual and team.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Don’t let the lack of box‑score production fool you—Diego Diaz is all intangibles. He has an ultra‑gamer mentality, refuses to back down, and displays a confidence most seniors or higher‑ranked prospects lack. As a key piece of Eastlake’s elite guard trio under coach Matthew Taylor, his role and usage varied but he always made noise.
PROJECTING FORWARD
With Derek Mendez graduating, Diaz will shoulder more ball‑handling and scoring duties. I love how he processes the defense and attacks despite inefficiencies; I expect his efficiency to climb over the next two seasons. Assuming he grows into his frame, navigating the space inside the arc—where 80.2 percent of his field‑goal attempts came, the highest mark among all guards I tracked in the Borderland—should become smoother.
GROWTH AREAS
Efficiency and expanded perimeter scoring matter, but Diaz’s biggest leap will be temperament control. I love his attitude, and he was one of my favorite prospects to evaluate. But he had a tendency to tip over emotionally in ways that didn’t produce positive impact. Learning to thread that needle will unlock his full potential—and I’m confident he’s on that path.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Parkland felt stuck in the mud this season—winning nine games, one fewer than last year—yet senior Anthony Allen stood out. The Matadors’ wing finished in the top four or better in every box‑score category, filling roles as a tertiary scorer, playmaker, rebounder, and effort‑driven defender.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Allen has collegiate potential, provided he lands in the right program. His build and skill set point to a transition into a true guard role—he’ll need to hone backcourt instincts and playmaking, which he isn’t far from mastering.
GROWTH AREAS
Improved perimeter consistency is critical: 89.2 percent of Allen’s attempts came inside the arc, where he shot 45 percent on 198 tries. His free‑throw mark—just 38 percent on low volume—underscores the need for more perimeter work to boost confidence, spacing and scoring versatility.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Another certified gamer, Anthony Martinez was pivotal in breaking Montwood’s seven‑year playoff dry spell. His energy on both ends—sticky on‑ball defense and relentless transition pace—sparked a team that sometimes got stuck in the half‑court. Though he just missed my All‑Defensive squads, he excelled in every defensive facet: sliding his feet on the perimeter, timing his hands in passing lanes, and providing weak‑side help as a charge taker.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Martinez is undersized, but the right collegiate program will value his speed and lateral quickness. He’ll be a pest on defense at the next level and isn’t afraid to throw his body around—coaches studying his tape will love that physical commitment.
GROWTH AREAS
His biggest adjustment will be handling more athletic, physical opponents—adding strength and muscle will help him absorb contact and maintain his defensive tenacity. Beyond that, his confidence and an increased work ethic should carry him far.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
After an efficient sophomore campaign, Ortiz stepped into a bigger role and delivered again—boosting his scoring by 12 percent on a 23.3 percent volume increase (254 attempts) without sacrificing efficiency and cutting his turnover rate by 26.3 percent. Those gains translated to 24 wins and an Area‑round appearance, marking Ortiz’s most impactful contribution to Canutillo this season.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Next season’s Canutillo roster will look markedly different, and I expect Ortiz’s shot volume to climb further—albeit with a likely dip in efficiency. Losing shot creation from facilitator Austin Bonilla will reduce Ortiz’s easy looks, but more responsibility can also showcase his scoring chops, even if it comes with growing pains.
GROWTH AREAS
Playmaking and on‑ball creation must become staples of Ortiz’s game—progress here will grab college coaches’ attention. Complementing that, an uptick in perimeter shooting (he attempted just 14.2 percent of his shots from deep) would diversify his scoring arsenal and elevate his status as one of the Borderland’s premier offensive weapons.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Very few prospects earn the “reliable‑efficient perimeter scorer” tag—Emmitt McDaniel is one of them. As a sophomore he shot 41% from three on 63 attempts; this season he boosted his volume by 127 percent and still converted at 42% clip. Needless to say, this kid can shoot, and his 57.6 TS % ranked among the Borderland’s best in 2024‑25.
PROJECTING FORWARD
In 2025‑26 McDaniel will be the primary ball‑handler, a shift that could cut into his catch‑and‑shoot looks without a 6′4″ Lenny Washington alongside him. That change may impact efficiency, but if he adds playmaking wrinkles—initiating for himself and others—college coaches will take notice.
GROWTH AREAS
Playmaking is his next frontier. He’s not a liability there—his slightly positive assist‑to‑turnover ratio shows promise—but he’s still unproven as a creator. Developing consistent reads and counters off the dribble will elevate his total offensive value.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
The lone 3A prospect on this list didn’t play for a winning team and hasn’t generated much notoriety coming out of the small town of Anthony, Texas. But make no mistake—this kid is a raw but talented scorer. At a solid 6′3″, he barrels to the basket—clunky at times, but undeniably effective. I’ve seen him find scoring success against 4A, 5A, and 6A programs. There’s talent here that translates.
PROJECTING FORWARD
To my knowledge, his next‑level interest has been limited. He lacks extensive reps against top competition, but a program at the right level could absolutely find value in what he brings. My belief is, if a kid really wants to play at the next level, they will make it.
GROWTH AREAS
His aggressive style is a strength but adding a consistent pull‑up jumper when funneled off his dominant‑hand drives would round out his attack. More importantly, driving to create for others—not just score—would elevate his impact and broaden his offensive ceiling.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
It was a tough season for Darion Mitchell. After playing a supporting role on Franklin’s 24‑win squad in 2023–24—finishing sixth in scoring—his role was expected to expand significantly. But limited to just 14 games, his breakout year only appeared in flashes. Still, those glimpses were strong enough to make him the highest‑ranked Tier 5 prospect.
PROJECTING FORWARD
In the film I’ve watched and the games I’ve seen live, Mitchell strikes me as a kid who clearly wants it—wins, points, impact, all of it. That hunger matters. He’s slightly undersized for a collegiate wing, but his confidence and quick trigger could translate in a four‑ or five‑out system that values spacing and pace. Franklin, to its credit, played a modern style of basketball in a city still leaning into 2000s pace and space—or lack thereof.
GROWTH AREAS
He needs to get better on the ball—not just to expand his scoring, but to fit positional expectations. As a junior, I rarely saw him handle—granted, it wasn’t his role—but Franklin didn’t have many secondary creators outside of their lead guard. Just over six feet tall, Mitchell projects into a backcourt role at the next level, regardless of his high school position. Developing those guard skills is essential.