If you are deciding to attend the 2012 State Tournament, well how could you not as a basketball fan. The field will be loaded with talented players on just abut every team that will play in the State Tournament this season.

The state tournament is when names are made or where they are blown up more than they already are all season long. Each year we list our top players to watch, and each year we leave the tournament with a new list of top players to watch.

I will list my top players to watch for the 2012 State Tournament and also some honorable mentions that are more than worthy of being mentioned.

1. Cullen Neal, Eldorado High School: we all know the name and we have read all the headliners this season about Cullen Neal. Neal is for-REAL. The high profile guard could go down as one of the best to play in New Mexico after all is said and done.

2. Bryce Alford, La Cueva High School: we couldn't name Neal without Alford in the sentence of top players to watch during the State Tournament. Both players are being regarded as the best in the state of New Mexico and are finalist for the Mr. Basketball award.

3. Mando Marshall, Las Cruces: I couldn't make a list of a starting five without Mando Marshall. Marshall the number one senior this season could be one of the most athletic players in the entire bunch.

4. James Healy, Cibola: you want a shooter well look no further than James Healy of the Cibola Cougars. The senior guard from Albuquerque has everything you want in a leader in the backcourt.

5. Dane Pannell, Hobbs: anytime a player can get you 20-points, 20-rebounds in one game it is very special. But if he can do it several times then you have to say his name among the top players in the state.

1. Chase Salazar, Goddard: I have said this name since last seasons state tournament as one of the top players to see. Salazar was a few possessions from a state title last year, you better bet he is a favorite.

2. Christian Martinez, Capital: The Jaguars have been spoken several times as a team to beat and the main player to stay consistent was Martinez. He has seen just about everything and could be a name for you to know.

3. Saul Carrillo, Roswell: Carrillo could challenge anyone in a three point contest and he will more than likely win that challenge. Look out for him on an open court this post season.

4. Nick August, Gallup: Nick August seems to have been around forever and the senior guard will look to end his fantastic career with a Championship. He plays with tons of "smooth-passion" that I've seen.

5. Micah Sanchez, St. Pius X: He made a name for himself late last season and though we haven't heard muh from the junior guard you can bet this come from behind top notch scorer will be playing deep into March.