PREP BASKETBALL: METRO GIRLS TO WATCH

Amaya Brown, 5-11,

sr., G, Cibola: The state’s best player returns after missing her junior season; she’s improved her outside shot, is as quick as ever and has gained 10 pounds of muscle. Vianè Cumber, 5-10, fresh., combo G, Sandia: She’s already got a handful of college offers, and she’ll bring a level of intrigue — not to mention basketball acumen — to the defending state champions. Kaya Ingram, 5-6, soph., PG, La Cueva: Ingram is an exceedlingly fast guard and practically undefendable in the open court. Has an offer from Clemson. Esperanza Varoz, 5-6, jr., PG, West Mesa: The Mustangs terrific guard makes her return, as well, after missing the end of last season. And she was missed. Has an offer from Army. Second-team AllState

last season. Cailee Crawford, 6-1,

fresh., PG, Highland: It should be a blast to watch Crawford and Cumber — they could meet up early next month at the Academy tournament — during the next four seasons. Crawford will be hard to miss, as much as she’ll have the ball in her hands. Camryn Hawkins, 5-10, sr., combo G, Rio Rancho: There’s a lot to like in this future D-1 player, who has signed with UT-Arlington. Does it all for the Rams. Hayley Torres, 5-8, sr., FW, Los Lunas: Torres is one of New Mexico’s premier female athletes; she

just helped the Tigers to a state volleyball title, and was a second-team AllState selection last winter for Los Lunas. Maya Trujillo, 5-6, jr.,

SG, St. Pius: Also was a second-team All-State player last season at the point, but has been moved to shooting guard. She already was averaging 15 a game for the Sartans. Esperanza Crespin, sr./ Natazanya Crespin, sr.: The Highland High sisters (Esperanza is a 6-foot post, Natazanya a 5-10 guard) both have signed with D-1 Hampton, Va.