24 Days Until the State Football Announcement
Gatorade 2023 - 2024: Player of the Year

Girls Basketball - New Mexico

athletes playing Girls Basketball
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GIRLS BASKETBALL

Sydney Benally

Guard
SANDIA HS
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
JUNIOR
Height: 5-FOOT-9
Press Release

Peak Performance

20.8

Average Points (per game)

6.4

Average Rebounds (per game)

4.2

Average Assists (per game)

3.4

Average Steals (per game)
“She’s a tremendous athlete who can score at will and defend at the highest level. What sets her apart from other players in the state is how unselfish she is and how she elevates the game of every player on her team. She’s a great passer and creates open looks for her teammates as well.”
Lori Selby
Head Coach head coach at Las Cruces High
excellence star

Athletic Excellence

At the time of her selection, the 5-foot-9 junior guard had led the Matadors (25-3) to the quarterfinals of the 5A state tournament, averaging 20.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.4 steals per game through 28 games. The District 2 co-Player of the Year, Benally shot 54.2 percent from inside the arc, 42 percent from 3-point range and 72.9 percent from the free throw line entering the postseason round of eight.

a graduation cap

Academic Achievement

Benally has maintained a 3.97 GPA in the classroom. She will begin her senior year of high school this fall.

first place ribbon

Exemplary Character

Benally has volunteered locally with “Keeping Albuquerque Clean,” picking up trash along the side of the road. She has also donated her time with the Albuquerque Read-Aloud service, reading to area youth in addition to serving at the San Juan Veterinary Facility in Farmington, where she helps care for small animals.