Earned, Not Given: The Best in Borderland Boys Basketball — 2024–25 Edition
The 2024–25 Borderland Boys Basketball Awards are unlike official accolades: this isn’t about representation—it’s about rewarding the best, and only the best. No politics. No easy choices.
The 2024–25 boys’ high school basketball season in the Borderland wrapped up in February. It’s now May, which makes these awards later than usual—but with the season firmly in the rearview and time to reflect, there’s no better moment to honor the players who defined it.
If you follow my work, you know I also release the Borderland 50—a prospect ranking focused on long-term development and college potential. That list is coming soon. But these awards are different. They’re rooted entirely in 2024–25 performance: what players produced on the court, night in and night out, and how they impacted their teams.
Yes, these are individual accolades. But team context matters. Some players carried young squads, while others thrived within deep, disciplined lineups. These awards aim to recognize both.
For clarity, I’ll be using three broad positional classifications throughout this piece: Guards (1s and 2s), Wings (2s and 3s), and Bigs (4s and 5s). These reflect how players functioned in their team systems rather than outdated, rigid roles. Guards typically initiated offense or patrolled the perimeter. Wings toggled between backcourt and frontcourt duties. Bigs anchored the paint or protected the rim. These terms will keep role discussions simple without sacrificing accuracy.
Quick note: this article covers boys’ basketball only. A separate post for the girls’ awards is available down below. As always, I define the “Borderland” as including all public, private, and charter high schools in El Paso and Doña Ana County, along with Alamogordo High School, which competes in the same district as the Las Cruces programs.
With that, let’s get to it.
ALL-BORDERLAND TEAMS
The All-Borderland teams feature the top five players per team—positionless. This format ensures the most deserving players are recognized, regardless of traditional position labels. In boys’ Borderland basketball, five clearly defined position groups are rarely seen on the floor. More often, players fill hybrid roles. This structure reflects that reality by focusing on overall impact, production, and value to their team—no matter where they line up.
A simple core principle guides selections: reward the best players from the best teams. That includes statistical production and skill, but also the intangibles—players whose roles were essential to their team’s success, whether through scoring, defense, facilitation, or the kind of effort that doesn’t always show up in the box score.
ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAMS
The All-Defensive Team recognizes the Borderland’s top defenders—players who either anchored the area’s best defensive units or consistently disrupted games with individual stops and hustle.
There are two teams, and both are positionless. This approach allows for the five most impactful defenders to be recognized, regardless of whether they’re guards, wings, or bigs. Great defense isn’t confined to a position—it’s about impact, instincts, and effort across all areas of the floor.
When evaluating defense, I look through two key lenses:
Fundamentals: Effort, communication, rebounding, stance discipline, footwork, and off-ball help.
Playmaking: Blocks, steals, deflections, winning 50/50 balls, closeout speed, and recovery in transition.
These players stood out for excelling in one—or often both—of those areas, night after night.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
A good offensive player is more than just a high scorer or stat accumulator. A great offensive player elevates their team—through decision-making, scoring efficiency, shot creation, and consistency. They don’t just get buckets; they generate advantages.
To be considered for Offensive Player of the Year, a player needed to meet the following criteria:
Average double-digit points per game
A minimum 40% adjusted field goal percentage
Rank among their team or district leaders in points or assists
These thresholds ensure that finalists made a sustained, efficient impact—not just in volume, but in value.
THE FINALISTS
Austin Bonilla-Canutillo-Sr.
No boy’s player in the Borderland operated with more vision and command in a halfcourt offense than Austin Bonilla. The area’s top facilitator at 6.4 assists per game, Bonilla is an audacious passer who plays on the edge—each highlight dime often followed by a risky decision. Still, his 1.5 assist-to-turnover ratio remains well above the local average, and his passing talent powered Canutillo’s motion-heavy attack into one of the more fluid offenses in 1-5A. He also took a leap as a scorer, averaging 10.4 points on 51.0 TS%. Bonilla’s true offensive value goes beyond numbers—watching film is the only way to fully appreciate how often he gifts teammates clean looks and easy finishes.
Lenny Washington-Organ Mountain-Sr.
Washington is the open-court initiator every coach wants—tall, fast, smart, and surgical in transition. His 5.1 assists per game and 3.0 assist-to-turnover ratio were among the best in the entire Borderland, regardless of gender, trailing only Jordan Sapien of Pebble Hills on the girl’s side. But his growth didn’t stop there. Washington scored 12.4 points per game with a strong 53.3 TS%, while nearly doubling his 3-point volume—44% of his shots came from beyond the arc. And yet, his efficiency never dipped. His offensive skillset expanded this season, but his decision-making remained proof of real developmental strides.
Josh Pichardo-Americas-Jr.
Pichardo’s junior year was a masterclass in shot selection and efficiency, and his OPOY candidacy is as legitimate as it gets. He averaged 15.2 points per game on a blistering 58.8 TS%—while hitting 41% from three on 143 attempts (4.5 per game). Nearly 40% of his total shots came from deep, and he maintained elite efficiency despite increased volume. In a slow-paced, methodical Trail Blazers offense built to control tempo and minimize bad possessions, his numbers could easily be misread—but you can’t gerrymander numbers like these. His 1.33 points per shot stands out in a region where most high-usage players hover below 1.0. Only Organ Mountain’s Emmitt McDaniel matched that kind of perimeter efficiency—on lower total volume.
THE FINAL TWO
Now it’s time to have a little fun and stack up the two best scorers I evaluated in Borderland boys’ basketball over the past two seasons: Eastwood’s Devin Falk-Ramirez and Ysleta’s Azaiah Thompson.
My final decision for Offensive Player of the Year isn’t purely stat based, as you’ll see in the context that follows. This was one of the more intriguing internal debates of the cycle—a close call between two contrasting scoring archetypes:
Methodical efficiency with proportionate volume against elite 6A/5A competition.
or
High-volume shot creation and scoring totals against mid-level 4A/5A opposition.
Both built their case on scoring, so while playmaking will be acknowledged, it’s a secondary factor in this breakdown.
Devin Falk-Ramirez (Eastwood)
PPG: 19.9
TS%: 59.4%
PPS: 1.33
3P%: 39.2% (74/189)
FT%: 70.6% (96/136)
APG: 2.8
TO/G: 1.5
Assist-to-TO Ratio: 1.92
Shot Attempt Usage: 40.2%
Points Created Per Game: 26.1
Team PC%: 51.4 of team’s total offense
Summary:
Balanced, efficient, and deliberate, Falk-Ramirez was Eastwood’s offensive engine in 2024–25. His 59.4 TS% and 1.33 PPS came on high difficulty and substantial volume, with 40.2% of Eastwood’s total shot attempts running through him. His assist-to-turnover ratio (1.92) was the clean among all OPOY candidates, and he created over half of Eastwood’s offense by volume. While players like Americas’ Josh Pichardo and Organ Mountain’s Emmitt McDaniel posted slightly better efficiency marks, DFR’s shot profile—both in difficulty and load—was heavier. Among high-usage guards facing elite competition, he set the standard.
Azaiah Thompson (Ysleta)
PPG: 28.8
TS%: 61.3%
PPS: 1.50
3P%: 33.6% (39/116)
FT%: 66.7% (220/330)
APG: 2.1
TO/G: 3.0
Assist-to-TO Ratio: 0.71
Shot Attempt Usage (SAU): 48.4%
Points Created (PC) Per Game: 33.5
Team PC%: 58.8 of team’s total offense
Summary:
Thompson was the Borderland’s premier volume scorer and the clear centerpiece of Ysleta’s offense. He accounted for 48.4% of the team’s shot attempts and 58.8% of total offense—both marks unmatched among finalists. Despite carrying that burden, he still produced elite efficiency with a 61.3 TS% and 1.50 PPS. His assist-to-turnover ratio was the lowest of the group, but that’s the tradeoff when you’re tasked with creating almost everything. Thompson’s combination of output and conversion rate is rare for a player with that level of responsibility.
OPOY: AZAIAH THOMPSON (YSLETA)
Devin Falk-Ramirez made a compelling case built on efficiency, poise, and strength of schedule. The gap between 1-6A and 2-4A basketball is real—more athletes, more disciplined defenses, and a higher overall level of play. That context, paired with DFR’s consistent production, makes his argument strong on both analytical and qualitative fronts.
That said, Thompson’s season is undeniable. And the standard critiques of his archetype—high-volume scorer, lower classification—don’t hold up under scrutiny.
Critique 1: He scores a lot because he shoots a lot. True—but his 61.3 TS% and 1.50 PPS on a 48.4% usage rate prove that his volume was not only earned, but sustainable. When nearly half your team’s attempts and almost 60% of its offense flows through you, and you still convert at elite efficiency, the math speaks for itself.
Critique 2: He’s only efficient because of weaker competition. There’s partial truth here—there’s no denying that the average 4A defense looks different than a 6A one. But Thompson was a 20-point scorer in 2-5A as an underclassman and didn’t just maintain efficiency—he elevated it. And when he did face stronger competition, he didn’t fade.
At the Doug McCutchen Memorial Tournament—a neutral site event with 5A and 6A programs—he dropped 168 points across five games, passing the 2,000-point mark in the process. He averaged 33.6 PPG on 60/56/82 splits, with a 1.56 PPS. That wasn’t an outlier stretch—it was a microcosm of the season.
Would his efficiency dip slightly in a tougher district? Sure. But let’s not kid ourselves: Azaiah Thompson could score with—and over—any defender, in any gym, against any classification.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
A good defensive player is more than just highlight-reel blocks or flashy steals. Great defenders do the quiet things—talk, rotate, recover, and most importantly, play with consistent effort. As outlined in the All-Defensive Team section, I’m evaluating this award through two lenses: fundamentals and playmaking.
To be considered for Defensive Player of the Year, a player needed to demonstrate:
Elite defensive playmaking (blocks, steals, deflections, recoveries)
Fundamental on-ball and off-ball defense (not letting ball handlers get behind the defense and not losing their player off the ball)
Impactful rebounding, especially from non-traditional positions
Consistent turnover creation that shifted possession and tempo
THE FINALISTS
Christian Baca-Americas-Sr.
The tape doesn’t lie. Baca was everywhere—flying around the court while staying tightly wired to the discipline demanded by Mike Brooks’ system. Even small defensive lapses aren’t tolerated at Americas, and Baca thrived in that environment. He played with relentless energy, consistently disrupted bigger offensive players, and stuck to his assignment like glue. His point-of-attack defense was as precise as it was punishing. In a scheme that values execution above all, Baca embodied the standard. He posted 3.0 steals per game to just 1.3 fouls per game in 24-25.
Devin Falk-Ramirez-Eastwood-Sr.
True two-way players are rare—especially ones who carry a major offensive load without letting their defense slip. DFR never did. He was grounded, focused, and positionally elite. On-ball or off, he rarely gambled, never played upright, and rarely fouled. His steal numbers weren’t flashy, but his soundness stood out. High school basketball is full of energy guys who run around and pressure—DFR showed what mature, composed defense looks like. He checked every box.
Keyshaun Lawrence-Chapin-Jr.
Chapin defenders don’t react—they impose. That mentality didn’t change with a new coach, and Lawrence fully bought in. As a junior, he carved out minutes with hustle and toughness. As a starter, he scaled up without losing his edge. He’s a strong lateral mover who attacks offensive players like a driver breaking down a defense—physical, persistent, and in your face. Classic Chapin. Lawrence will be an interesting player to watch going forward because he will shoulder an even bigger load next season without big man Jayden Leverett behind him.
Julien Falk-Ramirez-Eastwood-So.
JFR was the perfect yin to his brother’s yang. Where Devin was measured, Julien brought heat. He defended with aggression—never reckless, just assertive. And when he missed, his brother was right behind him, cleaning it up. His standout moment came Jan. 17 in a 38-point rout of Eastlake—a game for sole possession of first place in 6A. JFR made it a mismatch. His second half on-ball pressure led to a string of turnovers against one of the top guard units in the city. It wasn’t just effort—it was impact.
DPOY: JAYDEN LEVERETT (CHAPIN)
There’s not much need for debate here. If you watched even a half-quarter of Chapin basketball this season, the answer was obvious—Jayden Leverett was the Defensive Player of the Year.
Let’s cut to it: Leverett changed the geometry of the floor. Any shot taken in his vicinity was, in my opinion, a bad decision. If it happened more than once, it was negligent coaching.
Now, Chapin’s stat-keeping took a hit this year with a new program leader, and what was once a reliably posted box score became inconsistent. Still, the number they did share—7.4 blocks per game—isn’t a stretch. I witnessed multiple double-digit block performances live and caught several more on film. These weren’t just clean-up blocks on undersized drivers either. Leverett turned away jump shooters, midrange pull-ups, and finishers alike.
He won games with his defense.
He was Chapin’s insurance policy.
Seven shot attempts a night—gone. And that’s just the ones he got hands on. The number of shots he altered, forced to reset, or scared out of the paint? Untrackable. But if high school hoops had matchup field goal tracking, I’d wager his direct opponents shot close to zero.
This wasn’t just rim protection—it was defensive dominance.
BENCH PLAYER OF THE YEAR
There’s no such thing as a true sixth woman in high school basketball. Starting lineups are fluid, and few teams have a defined bench player who mirrors a starter’s role every night. That’s why this award is now called Bench Player of the Year. It honors the most impactful player who primarily came off the bench—even if they weren’t always part of a team’s finishing five. This is about recognizing value beyond the starting lineup.
To be considered for Bench Player of the Year, a player needed to meet the following criteria:
Primarily came off the bench (occasional starts didn’t disqualify)
Ranked top six on their team in overall statistical production
These requirements ensure the award goes to a high-impact contributor who made the most of a non-starting role.
THE FINALISTS
Marcus Bennett-Eastwood-Sr.
Yes—this one bends the rules a bit or a lot. Technically, Marcus Bennett came off the bench in stretches for Eastwood this season. But the context matters: he entered the year with a knee injury that altered the trajectory of his senior campaign. His bench status wasn’t performance-based—it was injury management. And truthfully, I just needed an excuse to talk about him. Bennett is one of the most versatile players in the Borderland, regardless of gender or classification. He’s been vital to Eastwood’s success throughout his high school career, and while 2024–25 didn’t unfold the way he—or anyone—hoped, his impact when healthy was clear. I’ve spent plenty of time discussing the Falk-Ramirez brothers, but Bennett deserves his place in the Trooper legacy, too.
Jason Montoya-El Dorado-Fr.
It’s rare for a freshman to crack a varsity rotation on the boys’ side—especially on a winning team. But Montoya earned his minutes at El Dorado, not through flash, but through control. His production wasn’t headline-grabbing, but he was poised, limited his mistakes, and stepped up when one of the starting guards was off the floor. He posted a positive assist-to-turnover ratio and shot 44% on 2-point attempts. For a freshman guard playing meaningful minutes in 2-5A, that’s more than enough to earn recognition.
BPOTY: CARLOS PUENTE (CHAPIN)
This win for Chapin’s Carlos Puente carries double meaning. First, it recognizes his individual ability—his versatility, poise, and value coming off the bench as a sophomore. But it also speaks to something bigger: the depth and culture that continues to define the Chapin program.
Put Puente on almost any other varsity roster in the Borderland, and he’s starting. On several of those teams, he’s likely a centerpiece. But at Chapin, talent alone doesn’t dictate status—buy-in does. For the better part of six years, Chapin players have been asked to sacrifice, embrace roles, and trust a bigger plan. That didn’t change with a new head coach in 2024–25, and Puente leaned in fully.
His selection isn’t just a nod to skill—it’s a salute to sacrifice. That’s not exaggeration. What doesn’t get said publicly—because I don’t report it—is that complaints about playing time are common across the Borderland, coming from players, AAU coaches, and parents alike. The stories pile up.
Puente, one of the top 2027 prospects in the region, accepted a bench role on a loaded Chapin roster and still made impact plays in winning situations.
If he can buy in, what excuse does anyone else have?
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
The transition to varsity basketball isn’t easy—especially in the Borderland, where physicality, pace, and defensive intensity often catch underclassmen off guard. The Newcomer of the Year award recognizes the first-year varsity player who made the biggest immediate impact, regardless of class year. Whether they were a freshman or an upperclassman finally getting their shot, this award honors a player who didn’t just adapt—they stood out.
To be considered for Newcomer of the Year, a player needed to meet the following criteria:
Be in their first year of varsity play, or have played 10 games or fewer in a prior season (to account for injuries or late debuts)
Serve as an impactful starter or bench player based on production and role within their team’s rotation
THE FINALISTS
Jayden Brisby-Las Cruces-Fr.
This area seldom produces players who combine size, agility, and early production. Las Cruces High landed all three in freshman Jayden Brisby. He played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ three-win improvement and their jump from fourth to second in District 3-5A. To be clear, Brisby isn’t a traditional big—he stands 6’2” and isn’t the tallest player on the roster—but relative size matters in a region where it's scarce. His most consistent contributions came inside, particularly on the offensive glass, where he gave Cruces second chances and interior toughness. The Bulldogs have a strong building block for the next three seasons.
Jacob Villalobos-El Dorado-So.
Villalobos’ first varsity season was on par with the best 2027s in the Borderland. He played a leading role in one of the biggest year-to-year turnarounds in the region. A true combo guard, his perimeter scoring profile stood out—with shooting splits that project elite offensive upside in the near future.
More impressive than the numbers, though, was his poise. Regardless of classification or matchup, Villalobos looked like he belonged—and then some. El Dorado’s rise isn’t a one-off, and he’s going to be a major reason they stay in contention moving forward.
NOTY: TORAINO JOHNSON JR. (ANDRESS)
Is there anything more exciting than a freshman bursting onto the scene with real upside? I don’t think so—which is why Toraino Johnson Jr. takes home Newcomer of the Year.
The Andress combo guard still had flashes of being a typical freshman, but those moments were constantly interrupted by dazzling finishes and semi-polished scoring skill. It left me with the undeniable feeling that this might be the next Division I talent to come out of the Sun City. That outcome is far from guaranteed, but the foundation is there.
Importantly, Johnson Jr. wasn’t handed anything. He was brought into a varsity program with structure and accountability—he didn’t get to play freely without consequence. I wouldn’t go as far as to say he was Andress’s best player this season, but on certain nights, he absolutely was. That says a lot, especially given the talent on that roster.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
The Most Improved Player award recognizes a prospect who made a clear and measurable leap from the previous season—whether in skill development, statistical production, role expansion, or overall impact. This isn’t just about bigger numbers. It’s about visible growth, tangible refinement, and the kind of year-to-year jump that reshapes how a player is viewed.
To be considered for Most Improved Player, a candidate needed to show:
Increased statistical production from the prior season
Improved efficiency, especially in scoring or playmaking
Noticeable skill development across one or more areas of their game
THE FINALISTS
Jayden Leverett-Chapin-Sr.
It might seem odd to nominate a future Division I player—someone who’s been nationally recruited for the better part of 18 months—for Most Improved. But that only seems odd if you haven’t watched the tape. The version of Leverett on the floor this season was not the same player from a year ago. His biggest leap wasn’t skill-based—it was physical. His agility, mobility, and overall athleticism took a major step forward, transforming him into the dominant force everyone around Chapin had envisioned. Improving athleticism in a near seven-foot frame is no small feat. It takes time, discipline, and behind-the-scenes work. Credit goes to Leverett and to Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Paris Wall, who helped get him there.
Tristan Anderson-Eastlake-So.
Anderson’s leap might look at first like a simple product of increased opportunity—and to some extent, that’s true. He went from spot minutes as a freshman on a senior-heavy squad to Eastlake’s best player as a sophomore. But the jump wasn’t just about minutes. What stood out was the refinement—his ability to deliver consistent, efficient production in a lead role. That level of steadiness, responsibility, and dependability under pressure is earned, not assumed. Anderson didn’t just get a bigger role—he maximized it.
MIP: JOSH PICHARDO (AMERICAS)
I’ve already spoken at length about Pichardo’s ultra-efficient junior season, which unfolded within a deeply methodical and measured offensive system. But within that same system last season—granted with a smaller role—he didn’t produce the same level of efficiency across the board that he did this year. Let’s break it down, level by level:
FG%: 90% volume increase + 12-point efficiency increase
3P%: 31.2% volume increase + 5-point efficiency increase
FT%: 50% volume increase + 3-point efficiency decrease
TS%: 7.4-point increase
The proof is in the numbers: substantial efficiency gains across the board, even with scaled-up volume—with free throw shooting being the lone exception.
THE EFFORT AWARD
The Effort Award honors the player whose motor, toughness, and commitment never wavered—regardless of the score, matchup, or moment. It’s not about stats. It’s about presence. These players dive on the floor, fight for rebounds they have no business getting, and play with a level of intensity that lifts everyone around them.
Additionally, this is a non-finalist award—reserved for a singular player whose effort stood out for unique, undeniable reasons. It’s special recognition for the kind of impact that can’t always be quantified but is always felt.
To be considered for the Effort Award, a player needed to:
Pass the effort eye test consistently across multiple viewings
Show end-to-end involvement on both sides of the floor
Be a consistent 50-50 ball winner
Play as a top rotation player (serious minutes, not a spot contributor)
EA: ELNATHAN PIERI (JEFFERSON)
I want to be careful with my words here, but a point needs to be made to justify this pick: Jefferson does not have a good basketball program. That’s not a slight against any player, coach, or athletic director associated with Jeff. It’s just the reality—the Silver Foxes have won 21 games over the past four seasons, averaging just over five wins a year.
Pieri—to my knowledge—has been on varsity for three years (Jefferson doesn’t have a full available roster for the 2021-22 season). He’s seen far more losses than wins. But every time I’ve checked in—periodically across the past two seasons—his effort has never wavered. His body language has never slipped. And that’s exactly why he deserves this award.
He has clear physical tools and flashes of next-level ability. But more importantly, he shows what many others in better situations often fail to: consistency of effort in the face of inevitable defeat. I watch more prospects than I can count—from dominant to middling to barely functioning teams. I’ve seen players with far more support let minor frustrations drain their effort or warp their attitude.
Maybe I missed the nights Pieri mailed it in and maybe he has. But I doubt it’s frequency because I’ve seen him more than just a few times—and every time, he showed up. True effort isn’t best measured in wins. It’s clearest when the outcome is stacked against you, and you give a damn anyway. That’s Elnathan Pieri from my vantage point.
COACH OF THE YEAR
The Coach of the Year award recognizes the head coach who had the greatest impact on their team’s success—whether through overachievement, program culture, player development, or postseason results. But let’s be clear: this is a hard award to give—because coaching is hard to assess.
I’m not in practices. I don’t hear timeouts. I don’t have full insight into subbing patterns or the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape game outcomes. Nor am I privy to the non-basketball issues that inform coaching choices. What we see on the court is never the full story. Coaching is easy to criticize, but hard to truly understand from the outside.
So, I’m sticking to what can be evaluated.
To be considered for Coach of the Year, a candidate needed to:
Coach a team with a winning record
Show improvement or sustained success compared to the previous season
Deliver strong overall team performance across district and postseason play
THE FINALISTS
William Benjamin-Las Cruces (3-5A)
At a glance, Las Cruces’ improvement from 2023–24 to 2024–25 might not seem dramatic: three more wins, a jump from fourth to second in 3-5A, and a first-round playoff exit. But a closer look justifies Benjamin’s place on this list. Yes, they only won three more games—but did so against a tough non-district schedule filled with elite New Mexico programs. Yes, they only climbed two spots in the standings—but turned a .500 district record into an 8–2 mark, pushing a dominant Organ Mountain squad. Yes, they lost in the opening round—but drew No. 2 seed Hobbs, a state semifinalist, and cut a 30-point regular-season loss into a competitive showing. All this with a young, inexperienced starting lineup. The growth is clear. Benjamin belongs.
David Ortega-Coronado (1-6A)
David Ortega has spent a decade riding Coronado’s highs and lows—but this year’s turnaround was different. After four straight .500 or worse seasons, the Thunderbirds posted a 12-win improvement and notched key victories over proven Borderland programs. Coronado beat 10 playoff teams across 2-4A, 1-5A, 2-5A, and 1-6A—including sweeping Americas, beating Eastwood by 13, and pushing Chapin in one of their tightest local games all year. Ortega ran a deep rotation, even platooning lineups at times. Yes, seven of their 11 losses came by five points or fewer, and some might say that reflects poorly on coaching. Fair. But context matters: last season, they lost 11 games by double digits. This year, they were healthier, more competitive, and far harder to beat. That’s a credit to coaching.
Tevin Caldwell-Chapin (1-5A)
Chapin won big, lost rarely, and made another deep playoff run. But that was expected. What puts Tevin Caldwell on this list isn’t the wins—it’s the circumstances under which he sustained them. Caldwell took over late in the offseason. That means less time to install systems, build rapport, or shape the program. He inherited immense expectations, a historic winning streak, and a reputation that invites criticism with even the slightest misstep. Case in point: Chapin’s underwhelming preseason Jamboree showing, which Caldwell wasn’t even allowed to coach, became fuel for detractors predicting the team’s fall against El Paso’s top programs. I’ve heard the takes—I just won’t publish them. Instead, Caldwell made the program his own: blending what worked before with his own concepts, navigating pressure, and delivering the same elite results. That’s not maintenance—that’s leading under scrutiny.
Peter Morales-Eastwood (1-6A)
Another season, another 20+ wins for Peter Morales. What’s new? Nothing—and that’s the point. Sustained success is his norm, regardless of program: Bowie, Socorro, Coronado, now Eastwood. Eastwood’s 26-win season included a near-perfect district run and an Area round appearance. The twist? They did most of it without Marcus Bennett, their second-best player and interior anchor. Losing a key two-way piece like Bennett would derail most teams—especially one without size. But Morales kept Eastwood clicking. His schemes, in-game discipline, and willingness to hand the keys to his best player when needed are what make him a perennial presence on this list. Results don’t lie, and neither does the tape.
COTY: JUSTIN AVALOS (EL DORADO)
A 16–16 record might not seem like enough to warrant Coach of the Year recognition—especially with several strong finalists in the mix. But context matters.
El Dorado won just six games last season, including a 1–15 district record. They lost 16 of 23 games by double digits, and eight by 20 or more. It was a rough start to the Justin Avalos era. To make things tougher, the team graduated its top three scorers heading into 2024–25.
The drop from 1-6A to 2-5A was seen as a potential reset—a chance to compete, not necessarily to win. But Avalos and his team did more than just compete: they improved by 10 wins, played tight games against more experienced rosters, and showed visible growth across the board.
That’s where Avalos deserves immense credit. His top player was a first-year varsity sophomore. Several key rotation pieces were juniors with limited experience. One of his key bench contributors was a freshman, and he kept an arguably more talented freshman on JV—not to hold him back, but because it made developmental sense.
That’s program building. That’s long-view leadership. And that’s why Justin Avalos earns this Coach of the Year nod.
TEAM OF THE YEAR
It’s pretty simple: Team of the Year recognizes the best overall squad from the 2024–25 season. The evaluation isn’t just about wins—it’s about the full picture. I considered depth of talent, coaching quality, and how a team performed when it mattered most.
To be considered for Team of the Year, a program needed to meet the following criteria:
Finish with a winning record and make the playoffs
Show elite performance in district play
Have notable playoff success
Feature top-tier coaching and/or player talent
This award goes to the team that didn’t just win—but did so with identity, execution, and sustained excellence.
THE FINALISTS
Ysleta Indians: 23-11, 2-4A District Champions
Moving down to 2-4A didn’t change much for Ysleta. Last season, the Indians won the 2-5A district title and a bi-district playoff game in a 20-win campaign. This year, they did the same—winning district and bi-district again, finishing with 23 wins, their most since the 2008–09 season. Much of that success came through star wing Azaiah Thompson, with fellow senior Jayden Herrera offering strong floor spacing and solid rebounding from the frontcourt. With Thompson graduating, Ysleta’s grip on 2-4A may loosen next season—but this final chapter of their current four-year cycle deserves recognition beyond just one standout player. Four years ago, Ysleta won four games and struggled to compete. Their competitiveness grew alongside Thompson’s emergence. Both truths hold: this is a good program, led by a great player.
Americas Trail Blazers: 21-11, 2-5A District Champions
Another realignment team, Americas dropped into 2-5A and didn’t miss a beat. They ran the district table—undefeated, with 10 of 12 wins by double digits—behind the familiar formula of Mike Brooks basketball: deliberate tempo, disciplined execution, and strangulating defense. They took a few surprising losses early in non-district play, but nothing that shifted the outlook. Many have questioned the Mike Brooks blueprint—even I have at times—but few have figured out how to beat it. If anything, the Trail Blazers look poised to establish a firm grip on 2-5A for the foreseeable future.
Organ Mountain: 23-6, 3-5A District Champions
The leadup to this season gave plenty of reasons to doubt Organ Mountain’s chances. Head coach Rocky Gonzales, who won 54 games and reached a state final over the past two years, was out—with nothing publicly said about why. Two key seniors graduated, and the team’s top returning player opted to focus on football before the season began. Behind the scenes, four independent sources educated me on serious culture concerns that contributed to the coaching change—some of which still lingered. But instead of unraveling, Organ Mountain posted 23 wins, went undefeated in district, and embraced a more egalitarian offensive identity under new head coach Randy McBroom. Yes, the early playoff exit stings—but regular season dominance still counts. In a year when major struggle felt possible, the Knights held firm. Every program deals with drama. Few turn it into 20-plus wins. Credit where it’s due—to a program that’s maintained a remarkable standard in Las Cruces: 29–1 in district play over the past three seasons.
Eastwood Troopers: 26-7, 1-6A District Champions
It’s easy not to name Eastwood Team of the Year—only because of the team standing just ahead of them. But don’t let that overshadow what the Troopers accomplished. Led by the Falk-Ramirez brothers and the steady hand of Peter Morales, Eastwood turned in another excellent season. When Marcus Bennett went down, I expected regression. Instead, they stayed strong, delivered clutch comebacks, and dropped a 38-point statement win over Eastlake in a pivotal district showdown. They closed with a hard-fought area round loss, but once again proved themselves as one of the most stable, well-run programs in the Borderland—from coaching and player development to promotion, stat accessibility, and top-tier facilities. Eastwood gets it right. Every year.
TOTY: CHAPIN HUSKIES
No surprise here. And if you’ve followed my work, you know I’ve said just about everything there is to say about this program. Sometimes that’s misread as fandom reporting—but over two years covering this space, I’ve realized many people don’t value historical precedent even when it’s right in front of them.
Maybe it’s bias. Maybe it’s loyalty to alma maters or programs their kids play for. Maybe it’s deeper than that. I won’t speculate here. Let’s stay focused on what happened this season.
Chapin continued its dominant, historic run through El Paso high school basketball, racking up convincing wins over elite Borderland teams and leaving no doubt—again—about who holds the crown. A fifth straight regional semifinal. A third straight regional final. This isn’t just a top-tier Borderland program—it’s a state-level power.
Anytime I talk to scouts—or the rare coach—in Central or East Texas, they don’t know much about El Paso. But they know Chapin. This team represents El Paso basketball. It has put the city on the map.
You don’t have to root for Chapin. You can cheer for whoever you want. You can even look forward to their winning streak—which will likely surpass 100 games next season—finally ending, especially if it’s your team that ends it. That moment will be historic. But don’t overlook the history that made it possible in the first place.
I advocate for this program because I believe people are missing the point—and an even bigger opportunity: to study and adopt the blueprint built by Rodney Lewis seven years ago and now carried forward by Tevin Caldwell. Chapin has transformed a Northeast high school into a collegiate feeder system, creating real chances for social mobility in a city that too often ignores what’s happening in its divested communities.
That’s my final soapbox. Chapin isn’t just winning. They’re a proof of concept—that El Paso basketball can be elite.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Let me make this abundantly clear: MVP is not a copy-and-paste of the Borderland’s best prospect. That’s what the Top 50 rankings are for—rankings I spent the last seven months building to separate long-term projection from present-day value.
This award is about context. Who a player plays for—and who they play with—matters. Stats don’t exist in a vacuum. Role, usage, and team structure affect everything.
Players on stacked rosters aren’t automatically more valuable. More talent around you often means cleaner looks and better efficiency. Good players on good teams rise to great performances. But great players on average teams have to do everything. They’re floor raisers, not ceiling polishers—and that kind of workload carries real value, even if the box score isn’t spotless.
To be considered for MVP, a player needed to:
Play for a winning playoff program
Be a top-two prospect on their roster
Post elite stat production across several categories
MVP isn’t about perfection. It’s about irreplaceability. It goes to the player whose presence shaped their team’s identity, outcomes, and ceiling more than anyone else.
THE FINALISTS
Austin Bonilla-Canutillo-Sr.
Much of Bonilla’s case has already been made in his Offensive Player of the Year brief. So let’s distill it to the core: he creates easy buckets. That’s it. That’s the value. His basketball IQ, anticipatory reads, and touch passes consistently generate high-quality looks—especially in tight halfcourt sets. He doesn’t do it alone. Guards like Donovan Mozer and Jovanni Ortiz deserve credit. So does head coach Larry Morales, who trusts Bonilla through every highlight assist and every turnover. That kind of freedom isn’t given lightly—it’s earned. Bonilla is arguably the most underrated prospect in the region, and we know why: he’s small, and low-hanging fruit is easy to pick. But watch the tape. You won’t find another player in Borderland boys’ basketball who makes the game easier for his teammates.
Tristan Anderson-Eastlake-So.
Watching Tristan Anderson last season, I didn’t understand why he wasn’t playing more. After this season, I don’t understand how he wasn’t starting from day one. To be clear, that’s not a veiled critique of head coach Matthew Taylor—who gave Anderson full command this year. He let his sophomore take the big shots and run the show. And in return, Anderson delivered a season that reshaped Eastlake basketball. What changed? The Falcons let a pure competitor play with confidence. They had talent last year too—but no one who stepped into moments the way Anderson did. No one who led with posture, poise, and production the way he did.
THE FINAL THREE
These final three MVP candidates deserve a deeper look—not out of editorial flair, but because each one has a genuinely compelling case. And to keep this from turning into a stat dump, we’re skipping the box scores and getting straight to the heart of it: why each player matters, and what separates them. From there, I’ll walk you through the reasoning behind my final decision—so you can see how I got there, not just where I landed.
Azaiah Thompson-Ysleta-Sr.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: this kid puts his team on his back. His coach knows it. His teammates know it. And I know it—because I’ve watched them play. They turn to him repeatedly, game after game, possession after possession. What stands out is the freedom he’s given—not to chase stats, but to stay aggressive. He’s rarely pulled. Rarely reined in. And unlike others in the Borderland who clearly hunt numbers, Thompson’s motor is rooted in purpose. He plays hard, and he plays for his team. If MVP means lifting a program, there’s no clearer case than Thompson.
Jayden Leverett-Chapin-Sr.
It’s easy to overlook game-wrecking dominance when it comes from a player surrounded by talent. But that’s what makes Leverett’s case so impressive—he didn’t do this last year. He leveled up. His defensive presence anchored Chapin’s dominance, especially in a season when the Huskies relied far less on full-court pressure. That shift matters. Under Tevin Caldwell, Chapin played more halfcourt possessions, and that meant greater reliance on their big man. And let’s not forget what they lost: Brandon Hymes—my 2023-24 DOPY, Bryce Prather—an elite POA defender who guarded 84 feet, and Mudia Gbowa—the most versatile defensive chess piece in the Borderland last season. Three elite defenders, each irreplaceable in their own right. Leverett didn’t just fill a gap. He became the foundation.
Devin Falk-Ramirez-Eastwood-Sr.
Strip away team results and focus purely on the player—and Devin Falk-Ramirez is the most complete class of 2025 prospect in the Borderland. He’s leveled up every season, contributing to varsity from day one. His clutch shot-making, especially late in games, has been unmatched over the last two years. This season was a culmination: more volume, higher efficiency, and the same elite two-way impact. And under Peter Morales, Falk-Ramirez looked like the perfect fit: educated in the system, tactically sharp, and fully bought in on both ends.
MVP: JAYDEN LEVERETT (CHAPIN)
How could I not?
Jayden Leverett wrecked games—and no other prospect can truly say that. Is he the most skilled? No. Did he have the most cumulative impact over four years? Also no. But what he did this year is unassailable.
He also faced the highest bar entering the season. I knew what Azaiah Thompson would do in 2-4A—I said as much in early-season posts and podcasts. I knew what Devin Falk-Ramirez would continue doing—he was my 2023–24 MVP over several seniors ranked above him in the Borderland 50, and I still stand by that choice. He carried more value than anyone last season.
But Leverett made games look unfair. His 6’11” frame wasn’t just overwhelming—it was unmanageable. Some will say that height gave him easy results. But let’s end with two points that cut through that argument:
First, this season was something entirely different. His blocks per game skyrocketed by 290%, going from 1.9 to 7.4. That’s not just a statistical leap—it’s a statistical outlier. The number is so absurd that even context struggles to contain it.
Second, people vastly underrate what it means for a player that size to move and operate the way he does. That’s not a height advantage—it’s a coordination and development advantage, hard-earned and rarely seen—parents of tall kids go see Paris Wall. I’ve watched plenty of players 6’8” and above who still struggle to move fluidly or stay balanced. Leverett was once that kid. Now he leaves El Paso as the winningest player in city history—and as the 2024–25 Borderland MVP.