Wes Hilldale, A 6-foot-6 shooting guard, announced on his social media accounts that he has committed to the University of New Mexico.

Hilldale currently attends Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia, after playing his junior season at Trinity Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina. He spent the Grassroots season playing for Garner Road Basketball Club, where he averaged just over 13 points and nearly three rebounds per game during the Adidas 3SSB Circuit. Hilldale shot nearly 45% from beyond the arc during league play this season.

“Extremely blessed and grateful for everyone who has helped me get to this point. Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who believed in me along the way. Go Lobos”, Hilldale announced on his social media ahead of his commitment announcement.

Hilldale, who made an official visit to New Mexico earlier this month, becomes the first Lobo commit in the upcoming recruiting cycle.

Hilldale wasn’t a highly ranked recruit but had offers from Oral Roberts and Toledo during his recruitment process.

Scouting Report on Wes Hilldale: Hilldale is a high-level shot maker with great positional size and a quick release on his jump shot, and he can create space both off the catch and off the bounce on the offensive end. On the defensive end, his long frame allows him to be versatile, as he can guard multiple positions on the perimeter, alter shots around the rim, and snatch down timely rebounds, limiting the opposition from getting second-chance scoring opportunities.

 “Wes is one of the best shooters in the country. Over the course of his high school career at Garner Road, Wes has always shot the ball at an extremely high level. Lobo fans are going to love him, and he can make an immediate impact.” OTR North Carolina writer Rod Bridgers on Hilldale.

“New Mexico is getting a skilled and versatile shooting piece in Hilldale. He can create off the bounce, get downhill, and finish through contact. I especially like his value away from the ball where he spaces the floor, relocates well, cuts with purpose, and knows how to make himself available without the basketball in his hands. His ability to attack closeouts and make quick reads makes him an easy player to fit alongside other creators.” OTR North Carolina evaluator Miguel Ribiero on Hilldale.

Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast region scout for On The Radar Hoops since 2024. He has been involved in basketball scouting with various stops at Prep Hoops and Prep Girls Hoops since 2022. You can reach him via email at rossvdg14@gmail.com or follow him on X (@RossVDG14) and Instagram (ross_vdg14)