Rio Rancho, New Mexico- For the 2026-2027 boys basketball season, I see tons of talent on the Cleveland Storm boys basketball roster that end with a 5A state title. Many players on this team stand out. With that being said, here are my five breakout candidates for the upcoming season. Just a reminder: this list is purely opinion-based.

My Breakouts

Senior Brycen Bowie (guard) –

I feel like the potential pairing of Brycen Bowie and Ajay Vigil makes for a must-watch for all Cleveland fans. Bowie is already a well-versed player in a ton of aspects. However, what impresses me the most is his connection with the team. Every time he steps onto the court, his chemistry with the team shines brighter than anything. He finds a way to draw out other defenders, leaving his teammates open for scoring opportunities. He finds all these different ways to score, and as he becomes a senior, I know his abilities will only continue to grow.

Senior Jace Bracken (wing/guard)–

I think the defensive aspect of Bracken’s game is what makes him stand out so much, but his offensive abilities and potential is sky high. He has all the capabilities in the world to be a breakout star. When I watched him this past season, I mainly saw him on defense, and his utility on offense wasn’t as much as it could have been. He is another player who will be entering his senior season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if his usage goes up even more, especially on offense.

Senior Ajay Vigil (guard)-

Vigil has spent his entire career on the varsity squad, and I believe with the departure of graduating Remy Albrecht leaves a gap to fill especially as the teams’ identity changes. Don’t worry, though, because Ajay is a player who is ready to fill it in. He is such a good leader on and off the court, and when we include his abilities on the court, it shouldn’t be crazy to think that his best is just on the horizon. While technically he is already a staple player, that does not mean he can’t improve and break out as “the guy” on the team. He is definitely a player to be looking out for in next year’s season. He is here and ready to take over, stepping up big for Cleveland.

Junior Jordan Rivera (small forward/wing) –

Rivera has it all: size, length, athleticism, and is currently listed at 6’5″. I consider myself tall, but next to him, not so much. Entering his junior year, I’d say this guy is ready to take a huge leap. I couldn’t find many flaws in his game. For a player so young to not have many flaws, he will only continue to grow as a dominant player with such a bright future for Cleveland. Rivera has huge potential upside and could be one of the best players in the state in no time.

Junior Jagger Madueño (wing/power forward) –

The Storm roster could feature a power forward position, and Jagger is someone who fits right into this roster. During the season, I had the privilege to speak with Jagger after his impressive game against Piedra Vista, and he was very respectful and determined. He stands out so much to me because of his ability to knock down 3-pointers. His game against Piedra Vista showed me that he can bring a ton of efficiency to the court regardless of how much time he is given. I couldn’t imagine his performance not leveling up this season, especially with upgraded playing time.

Honorable Mention- senior Cannon Cole (shooting guard)

What stands out most with Cole is his “3&D” playstyle. Cole stood out so much towards the latter half of the season, and it was because of that defense. Getting to watch Cleveland play during the postseason, Cole stood out a ton because of the amount of plays where he clawed at the ball, resulting in steals and points off turnovers. His contributions on the court are huge and makes Cole a great depth piece to this roster.

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