METRO GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jaelyn Bates, 5-4, soph., G, Volcano Vista:

Averaged 18.5 points as a freshman, and already so polished and court savvy. Knocked down 80, 3-point field goals last season.

Cailee Crawford, 6-1, jr., G, Highland:

On the list of the best all-around and talented players in New Mexico, Crawford’s name would have to appear VERY near the top. Scored 22 and grabbed six rebounds a game last season.

Kaya Ingram, 5-8, sr., PG, La Cueva:

Perhaps nobody is more adept at getting to the basket and creating scoring opportunities than Ingram, who has signed with Cornell of the Ivy League.

Viané Cumber, 5-10, jr., G, Sandia:

Cumber averaged 17.5 points a game last season, but the All-Stater is valuable in so many ways for the Matadors, it’s hard to measure. Juliana

Aragon, 5-6, soph., G, Bernalillo:

Aragon was a 4A All-State, second-team choice last season, and why not? She poured in over 22 points a game for the Spartans.

Natalia Chavez, 5-10, soph., G, Volcano Vista:

The other half of that Hawks’ backcourt averaged almost 15 points a game last season, and she can rebound, too.

Cece Barela, 5-6, jr., combo G, Eldorado:

This is her third varsity team, after Robertson and West Mesa. Had a huge game in state semis last March, 19 points against Piedra Vista to help

Mustangs into the final.

Emily Burk, 5-4, sr., PG, West Mesa:

This is Burk’s team now, but it’s easy to overlook how valuable this four-year starter was for the Mustangs in their championship run. Signed with New Mexico Highlands.

Natalie Jojola, 5-5, jr., G, Los Lunas:

Was a first-team All-State selection last season for the Tigers, and was integral during their run to the Class 4A state title.

Adamari Waddell, 5-10, sr., SG, Cibola:

Waddell could have a chance to play at the next level, and the Cougars hope she plays with that drive this season.