Basketball enthusiast and Four Corners hoops expert Christian “CK” Kolesar has spent years scouting talent throughout the Four Corners Corridor. Recently, he organized a showcase event highlighting standout boys and girls players from New Mexico and Arizona. The event attracted a large crowd and garnered strong attention from the media, scouts, and even Phoenix College. Top scouts in attendance include Leo Scott (Western Arizona Basketball), CK (928 Hoops) and myself (GC3 Hoops). I had the chance to catch the girls’ game, which was nothing short of electric. Here are some of the top prospects who stood out:
Nicole Hipps 2025 Guard Snowflake (AZ)
Hipps is an exceptional all-around athlete who brings intensity, grit, and physicality to both ends of the court. She plays with a relentless motor, showcasing a strong mid-range game, the ability to finish through contact at the rim, and a defensive presence that consistently disrupts opponents. Her combination of toughness and skill makes her a high-level competitor who could absolutely thrive in college basketball. Interestingly, despite her clear potential on the hardwood, she has committed to continue her athletic career in soccer, signing with Mesa Community College.
Trinity Mitchell 2026 Guard Valley Sanders (AZ)
Mitchell is a true hidden gem—an under-the-radar prospect with a deadly shooting touch. She has the ability to light it up from beyond the arc and consistently knocks down shots with confidence and range. Beyond her scoring, she displays a high basketball IQ, a strong feel for the game, and excellent court awareness. Whether it’s finding open teammates, reading defenses, or moving without the ball, Mitchell plays with a savvy and poise that sets her apart.
Latisha Mutte 2025 Guard Monument Valley (AZ)
Mutte stood out as the premier defender at the event, setting the tone with her tenacity, hustle, and unmatched motor. She brings a relentless energy on every possession, applying constant pressure and making life difficult for opposing ball-handlers. What truly separated her from the rest was her knack for forcing turnovers—whether through on-ball steals, jumping passing lanes, or sheer effort plays. Offensively, she showed flashes of explosiveness, attacking the rim with confidence and finishing through traffic. But it was her defensive presence and work ethic that left the biggest impression and made her one of the most impactful players on the floor.
Markayla Shirley 2026 Guard Chandler (AZ)
Shirley is a dynamic playmaker who consistently made smart decisions and found ways to keep her team competitive throughout the game. She has a versatile offensive skill set, showing the ability to score effectively at all three levels—whether it’s knocking down perimeter shots, pulling up in the mid-range, or finishing at the rim. Her composure and confidence with the ball in her hands stood out, and she demonstrated a strong sense of timing when it came to making key plays. Shirley is definitely a prospect worth keeping an eye on, as her all-around game and leadership qualities suggest she has the tools to excel at the next level.
M.J. Tiznado 2027 Guard Catalina Foothills (AZ)
Tiznado is quickly proving to be one of Southern Arizona’s best-kept secrets—a rising talent whose game continues to impress each time she steps on the floor. She plays with a maturity beyond her years, showcasing a high basketball IQ, sharp decision-making, and a natural feel for the flow of the game. Whether she’s creating for others, making smart reads under pressure, or finding ways to score efficiently, Tiznado brings a calm, composed presence that elevates her team. Her scoring ability is solid at all levels, and as her confidence continues to grow, she’s emerging as a well-rounded guard with the potential to make serious noise at the next level.
Kayden Tsosie 2027 Forward Gallup (NM)
Tsosie is simply a baller—someone who plays the game at a high level and makes an impact in every facet. She brings a high basketball IQ to the floor, consistently making smart decisions and reading the game with poise. Offensively, she’s a true three-level scorer, capable of hitting from deep, pulling up in the mid-range, and finishing strong at the rim. But her game doesn’t stop there—Tsosie rebounds well for her position and takes pride in her defensive effort, often guarding the opposing team’s top players. With her all-around skill set and leadership qualities, she’s poised to be a major factor in Gallup’s push for a deep playoff run next season.
Mykeia Vicente 2027 Guard Gallup (NM)
Vicente is a player I’ve been high on for quite some time—and for good reason. She brings a complete skill set to the floor, starting with her elite ball-handling, which allows her to break down defenders and control the tempo of the game. Offensively, she’s a true three-level threat, capable of knocking down shots from deep, creating off the dribble in the mid-range, and finishing at the rim with craft and confidence. What sets her apart even further is her ability to facilitate an offense—she sees the floor well, makes smart reads, and gets her teammates involved. Combine all that with a high basketball IQ, and it’s clear Vicente has the tools to be a difference-maker at the next level.
Rylee Whitehair 2025 Forward Gallup (NM)
Whitehair delivered a show-stopping, MVP-worthy performance that powered her team to a thrilling come-from-behind victory. The UTRGV commit left no doubt about who the top player of the event was, dominating across every statistical category—scoring at will, crashing the boards, racking up steals, dropping dimes, and swatting shots. Her ability to take over the game on both ends of the floor was nothing short of elite. Whitehair plays with intensity, skill, and a competitive fire that elevates everyone around her. Simply put, watching her in action is a treat—she’s the kind of player who makes every possession exciting and is absolutely worth the price of admission.
Raquel Wilson 2025 Guard Show Low (AZ)
Wilson is a prospect I’m extremely high on—and it’s easy to see why. She brings a rare combination of length, skill, and basketball IQ that makes her stand out every time she steps on the court. Offensively, she’s a versatile scorer who can create her own shot, finish in traffic, and stretch the floor when needed. Defensively, she’s a force—using her length, instincts, and work ethic to disrupt plays and guard multiple positions. What truly sets her apart, though, is her natural leadership ability and presence on the floor. She communicates, competes, and leads by example. As one of the top unsigned prospects in Arizona, Wilson is a hidden gem who won’t stay under the radar for long.
