Girls' BORDERLAND 50: Part I—Tier 5 Prospects (No. 50–40)
Part I of the Girls’ Borderland 50 captures the spark—raw talent, meaningful minutes, and flashes of real potential.
This project has been months in the making—live game coverage, hours of film, and conversations with coaches, players, parents, and media. Since the 2023–24 season tipped off, I’ve watched over 200 games—both in person and on tape. Every player ranked here has been seen at least four times. Many, a dozen or more.
With the Boys’ Borderland 50 now complete, the focus shifts to the girls’ side—where the competition is just as fierce, and the talent pool just as deep.
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 is part of the competitive ecosystem.
This list evaluates players through the lens of their high school careers—not just projection or AAU buzz. While I did speak with AAU coaches for additional 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 opens the series: players with flashes of upside, defined roles, or contextual value—some raw, some polished, but all among the region’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 we move closer to the higher-ranked prospects, the evaluations naturally become more in-depth, and with that, so do the critiques. My goal is to provide honest, well-rounded assessments backed by thorough research, data, and qualitative judgments, often informed by conversations with knowledgeable sources. These honest critiques are essential, as I believe they fill a gap in our basketball community—a gap where we often shy away from providing the truth about these players, their deficits, and their overall talent. The intention is not to undermine, but to offer real, constructive feedback that will ultimately help these players grow and reach their potential.
Enjoy Part I.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
The first entry in the Girls’ Borderland 50 is a complicated one—not because of talent, which isn’t in question—but because she didn’t play a single varsity minute this past season. After transferring from Andress, Martin-Lewis was sidelined by the ultra-punitive 365 transfer rule, which forced her to sit the year. It was a loss on multiple levels. First, it’s a rule applied inconsistently. Second, it’s simply a bad rule—one that hurts kids more than it helps programs. Nor does it create competitive play. Had she played, Martin-Lewis likely would’ve shifted the entire 1-5A title race in Chapin’s favor. That’s how much impact she holds. Even without logging a minute, her presence still loomed.
PROJECTING FORWARD
With some senior depth graduating, Martin-Lewis returning to the lineup re-stabilizes Chapin’s backcourt and arguably makes the Huskies the preseason favorites in 1-5A. The big question is how she’ll look after a full year off from varsity play—but she hasn’t been dormant. She’s remained active with El Paso Heart, one of the city’s premier AAU programs, and should hit the ground running.
GROWTH AREAS
It’s tough to pinpoint specific growth areas for a player I’ve only seen in a preseason setting. But one thing was clear across the board in my evaluation of Borderland basketball prospects—boys or girls, ranked or fringe: ball-handling and ball security remain underdeveloped at the guard spot. Martin-Lewis has the tools. If she’s added polish to her handle, her ceiling gets even higher.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
After a standout freshman season in 2023–24—where she statistically held her own against the top players in 2-5A—Palomo’s sophomore campaign saw a dip in production, with her shot attempts down 30.4 percent. The reduced volume impacted her efficiency, but she still posted a box score season comparable to the top 2027s in the region. Part of the decline stemmed from Bel Air’s tougher schedule, both in and out of district. But the real shift came with the addition of Americas—formerly a 6A powerhouse—reshaping the entire 5A landscape.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Bel Air returns most of its core, so Palomo’s role shouldn’t change significantly—though her shot volume should tick back up. I currently have her ranked fifth in the 2027 class, behind a top four whose production and role impact were simply on another level. That said, Palomo still has two seasons to grow—and now she’ll be doing it against better in-district competition, thanks to realignment.
GROWTH AREAS
This might sound like a recurring theme throughout the series, but more players—especially undersized guards—should be studying Jordan Sapien’s tape. The Pebble Hills standout is the best prospect I’ve evaluated and the gold standard for undersized yet effective guard play. She’s the blueprint. As for Palomo specifically, developing a reliable off-the-dribble midrange pull-up should be a priority. It would help diversify her shot profile and create easier scoring opportunities.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Jazlyn Hernandez made waves on the outskirts of El Paso County by shouldering an offensive load few in the Borderland matched. She averaged 15.5 points per game—accounting for 46.1% of San Elizario’s total scoring. Her shot volume was high, yes, but her efficiency outpaced her teammates by a wide margin. San Eli had three seniors with 169 plus field goal attempts; none posted an adjusted field goal percentage over 30%. Hernandez wasn’t just the offense—she was the only reliable option every trip down the floor.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Playing in 2-4A doesn’t offer many looks against the Borderland’s best, so San Eli’s pre-district schedule will be critical for Hernandez’s growth. That said, it’s hard to imagine her not scaling her scoring output over the next three seasons. The bigger question is whether her efficiency will scale with it.
GROWTH AREAS
Ball security is the most obvious area for improvement. Hernandez averaged 5.5 turnovers per game and posted an assist-to-turnover ratio of 0.38—roughly three turnovers for every assist. That’s fixable, especially with improved decision-making and added structure. Beyond that, remixing her shot profile could raise her scoring efficiency. Nearly half of her attempts (45.1%) came from beyond the arc. Developing a more reliable midrange pull-up would add a needed layer to her game and give her easier scoring options inside the line.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
The first of four Montwood Rams in the Top 50, Natalyn Lechuga filled a very specific role for the 1-6A squad. She was their top defensive presence, leading the team in stocks-to-personal fouls ratio—a useful indicator of efficient, controlled disruption. (“Stocks” combines steals and blocks.) Her physicality and willingness to sacrifice her body mirrored a program built on effort. That presence earned her a spot on the 2nd Team All-Defensive Team in my Girls’ Borderland Basketball Awards.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Lechuga returns for one final season alongside a strong senior core—six key rotation players—giving Montwood a real shot to make noise in 6A. Her role likely won’t shift much, but that’s not a knock. She’s good at what she does and can help push Montwood to the top of district and into better footing for the brutal bi-district round.
GROWTH AREAS
Ball-handling, pace control, and three-point shooting are key development points for Lechuga. She doesn’t need to become the team’s lead ball-handler, but added on-ball composure would boost Montwood’s offensive flexibility. Her three-point volume was low—and her conversion rate even lower. Adding that layer, even modestly, would keep defenses honest. Lastly, learning to throttle down in transition and scan the floor will elevate her play in fast-break scenarios.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
She wasn’t the best player on a loaded Americas roster, but she may have been their biggest X-factor—especially given the Trail Blazers’ lack of size. In her second varsity season, Na’sya Atkins saw a clear uptick in role and shot volume while maintaining solid efficiency around the rim. She converted 49% of her 2-point attempts—tied for the team lead—and her rebounding and ability to run the floor were essential to Americas’ dominance in 2024–25.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Atkins is part of a strong 2026 core that puts Americas a step above 99% of Borderland programs. Even if their playoff region limits the chance of a deep run, the Trail Blazers are poised to contend—and Atkins is going to graduate as a winner either way.
GROWTH AREAS
Despite leading the team in 2-point efficiency, there’s still room to grow. Nearly all her attempts came within four feet, and many of her misses were makeable. Becoming more clinical around the basket would reinforce her value as Americas’ X-factor. Her free throw shooting also needs tightening—she’s currently a “make one, miss one” type. And while she’s a good athlete on the glass, improving her fundamentals—especially boxing out and tracking the ball to the apex—could elevate her into the conversation as the Borderland’s top rebounder. Her athletic tools give her that ceiling.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Canutillo hovered around .500 for most of the year, with one true signature win. But they had a senior in Mikira Wilkes—a 5’10” lanky, athletic wing—who consistently stood out. Her box score numbers weren’t eye-popping, but she was the team’s most efficient and reliable scorer. She’s also a legitimate volleyball talent, serving as a middle attack for the Eagles. Her volleyball tape is revealing—it shows just how fluid and explosive she is athletically. Her best basketball performance came in a late-season upset of Chapin, where she scored 16 points and hit four threes. Canutillo had lost to Chapin by 17 just 18 days earlier, making the win one of the most surprising results of the season.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Wilkes plays AAU for the West Texas Blazers—one of El Paso’s top club programs—so there’s potential for her game to extend beyond high school. I say “potential” because her volleyball film might be even more compelling than her basketball work, but with the right fit and development, she has the tools to play at the next level.
GROWTH AREAS
Improving her on-ball skills would significantly expand her impact. Wilkes moves well off the ball, thrives on catch-and-shoot opportunities, and finds pockets in the defense at the 5A level. But those advantages won’t translate as easily to the college game. At 5’10”, becoming a more confident self-creator could be a game-changer for her long-term ceiling.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
It was an up-and-down season for Centennial. The team brought in three new freshmen and leaned on veteran upperclassmen, but never quite found its rhythm, finishing 12–16. One constant, though, was senior Joy Hunt—one of the top bigs in Las Cruces. She led the team in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots, averaging 1.6 blocks per game—one of the highest marks I’ve recorded for a Borderland prospect this cycle.
PROJECTING FORWARD
Hunt signed with Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona—a move I think makes perfect sense. Pima is one of the top JUCO programs in the NJCAA, finishing 29–6 and reaching the DII Women’s Basketball National Championship. Two years in that environment could elevate her game significantly and set her up well for the next stage.
GROWTH AREAS
Most of Hunt’s touches and scoring opportunities came within four to six feet of the rim. She had a number of makeable misses, so improving her touch around the basket will be key. Learning to consistently use the backboard—especially from the left and right low post—could help reduce the need for precision finishing. At 5’10”, with her game centered in the deep paint, expanding her range and offensive versatility will be key—especially as her height advantage diminishes at the college level.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
The Andress girls’ program had some intriguing individual pieces but not enough overall talent to avoid an 11–19 season. Still, Gianna Gulley emerged as a standout on a limited squad. She’s quick with the ball, unafraid to take over, and often had to. Gulley led Andress in points, assists, and steals per game—shouldering much of the team’s responsibility on both ends.
PROJECTING FORWARD
For Gulley’s ceiling to rise, Andress needs to improve across the board. But it’s not just about her teammates—she has to grow too. The encouraging sign: Andress returns its top three players, Gulley included. With Burges and possibly Chapin taking a step back in 2025–26, the window is there to improve the win total. Gulley is raw and unpolished in several areas, but there's no doubt—she has college-level potential if she puts the work in.
GROWTH AREAS
Gulley has to learn to play within a team context. What does that mean, practically? To speak plainly—Andress, last season, lacked players with fundamental coordination and basketball fundamentals. That limited Gulley’s ability to move off the ball or trust in passing sequences. She led the team in shot attempts at every level, but her efficiency was poor outside of free throws. Her turnovers were part of a broader issue—Andress had three players averaging four or more per game. Gulley’s ball-handling, decision-making, and shot selection all need refining within a more structured system. She needs to commit to moving without the ball, even if her teammates make mistakes, and work to elevate them through better passing reads. Unfortunately, Gulley is in the position of having to raise the floor around her when ideally the team would be doing that for her. But that challenge—if she leans into it—could be the very thing that sharpens her game the most.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Girls’ 6A basketball in the Borderland is a murderers’ row of elite programs, and the Socorro Bulldogs were unfortunate victims of a brutal schedule they couldn’t outrun. Still, one of their most productive players was senior Giselle Medrano. She led the team in scoring and carried the shot load by a significant margin—despite two other players attempting 266 plus shots. Medrano alone accounted for 30% of Socorro’s total field goal attempts. It was a loud-volume year.
PROJECTING FORWARD
To my knowledge, Medrano hasn’t secured a college offer—understandable given the team’s record and the depth of the 6A region. That said, if the right program gives her a runway to develop, she has the confidence and motor to carve out a role. Her shot volume alone signals a willingness to shoulder pressure.
GROWTH AREAS
The volume was loud—arguably the loudest of any player I’ve evaluated. Medrano attempted 263 threes, averaging 8.5 per game—numbers I haven’t seen matched locally. But the efficiency lagged: 22.8% from deep, with threes making up 57.3% of her total shot profile. Her game mirrors the modern perimeter-heavy style, but here's what many players—and frankly, some coaches—miss: the math only works if the shooter hits threes at 33.4% or better. That’s the tipping point: if you’re shooting below 33.4% from three, you’d actually be better off taking—and hitting—just half of your two-point shots. Most Borderland guards fall below that mark, Medrano included. That’s why developing a midrange jumper would be a pivotal next step for her. A more balanced shot profile could improve her scoring efficiency and make her more unpredictable off the catch or bounce.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Yazmin Rios was part of a core senior group that just wrapped up a special run at Riverside. She graduates with 97 career wins, a regional quarterfinal appearance in 2023, and a dominant 26-game district win streak. Rios was central to that success. Her shot attempts dropped with the arrival of a high-usage transfer, but she still led the team in assists and posted a positive assist-to-turnover ratio—a sign of her unselfish floor presence.
PROJECTING FORWARD
On April 14, Rios announced her commitment to Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. The JUCO opportunity will give her something she didn’t often get in four years of 4A district play: consistent matchups against equal or superior competition. That alone could help accelerate her development and growth as a next-level contributor.
GROWTH AREAS
Rios was an intriguing positional evaluation. I initially slotted her as a big because so much of her impact came around the paint. But with Riverside already featuring a traditional five, it made more sense to view her as a wing—even though she operated sparingly on the perimeter. At 5’8”, Rios needs significant improvement in ball-handling and quicker processing as a shooter. That said, getting out of the paint might be the best thing for her. She had a tendency to delay her shot with extra pump fakes or unnecessary dribbles. If she can develop a clean, reliable set shot—especially from the corners—she has a real shot to become a useful role player at the JUCO level.
2024-25 SNAPSHOT
Ari Galvan is best described as a 3-point gunner who plays with blistering pace—so fast, she might’ve picked up a few speeding tickets along the way. She was essential to Eastlake’s eight-win improvement and paired well with the team’s other top guards when the trio was clicking. As a starter and tertiary playmaker, she had her miscues—but if you watched closely (like I did), the raw talent and value were obvious.
PROJECTING FORWARD
I expect big things from Eastlake in 2025–26. Their core group, both on the perimeter and in the paint, should make them playoff contenders. Last year, they racked up non-district wins but lacked the depth and late-season polish to maintain momentum. That should shift next season—and Galvan will be central to that evolution.
GROWTH AREAS
Galvan’s game shows in bursts because she plays at such a high tempo you might miss the nuance—just like she sometimes misses the exit valves to better outcomes. If she can learn to throttle her pace and add a reliable mid-range jumper, she becomes a different kind of problem for defenses. A striking 62.1% of her total attempts came from three, but her process and shot selection weren’t always clean. She’s got the speed to create separation and find open mid-range looks—but she rarely hunts them. That has to change. Turnovers were also an issue, but they feel fixable: better entry passes, more patience, and letting the game come to her. If she can find that rhythm, she’s got the tools to be one of Eastlake’s engines in 6A play. Lastly, a commonality she shares with her backcourt counterparts is steal hunting. She’s too good of an athlete to play with such loose fundamentals, and she too often lets opposing ball-handlers beat her—especially in transition.