Daily Dimes: Tuesday, December 3rd
By J Grine

Welcome back to the Daily Dimes, where we spotlight the must-see matchups in New Mexico high school basketball. Here's a look at tonight's games:

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Hobbs (1-0) at Centennial (1-1)
The Hobbs Eagles are out to prove their No. 3 (5A) ranking is legitimate after a commanding win over Brownfield, TX, with guard Abraham Pena (14 points, 4 assists) stepping up as a playmaker. Centennial had a rough opener, losing 58-27 to El Paso-Franklin, TX, but rebounded with a 56-29 victory over Los Lunas. Can they show consistency in week two? Real or No Deal in week 2.
Favorite: Hobbs, -7.5

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Gallup (1-1) at Pojoaque Valley (1-0)
Gallup is on a rollercoaster start, dropping their opener 52-35 to Valencia but squeaking by Deming 57-54. Meanwhile, Pojoaque Valley is gaining traction as a preseason dark horse after a 48-39 win over Albuquerque Academy. The hosts will look to maintain momentum.
Favorite: Pojoaque Valley, -11.5

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St. Michael's (0-0) at St. Pius X (1-0)
The Dakota Montoya era at St. Michael's begins with a road test against St. Pius X, fresh off a nail-biting 55-53 win over Valley. With both teams dealing with limited rosters after last weekend’s football games, this Catholic-school showdown promises intensity.
Favorite: St. Pius X, -3.5

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Valencia (2-0) at Del Norte (1-0)
Valencia is looking like an early sleeper with convincing wins over Deming (45-35) and Gallup (52-35). Del Norte, while ranked, remains somewhat of an unknown despite an emphatic 70-32 win over Cottonwood Classical. This could be the game that sets the tone for both squads moving forward. Another early Real or No Deal.
Favorite: Del Norte, -1.5

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Volcano Vista (1-0) at La Cueva (0-1)
Volcano Vista's powerhouse program is poised to roll past La Cueva, which has struggled with roster turnover and a downward trend in recent seasons. Expect this one to be a lopsided affair.
Favorite: Volcano Vista, -20.5

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Stick with Daily Dimes all season for expanded coverage, including more games and our watchlist of the Top 25 Players in New Mexico High School Basketball.

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2024 New Mexico High School Football Coach of the Year Finalists

Today, we announce the finalists for the prestigious 2024 New Mexico High School Football Coach of the Year award! These exceptional leaders have achieved remarkable success, joining a legacy of greatness in New Mexico high school football history.

Vote now to select the coach who will etch his name alongside the best in state history. Cast your vote and make your voice heard! #nmpreps

Finalists​

Bob Gilbreath, Texico High School
Back-to-back 2A state championships for Gilbreath and the Wolverines, finishing 12-0 in what was supposed to be a minor rebuild.

Curtis Flakes, St. Pius X School
In just his second season, Flakes led the Sartans to a 10-3 record and a berth in the 4A state championship game.

Dino Facio Jr., Gadsden High School
Facio Jr. transformed Gadsden from a struggling program into a playoff regular, reaching the 5A semifinals with an 8-4 record this season.

Gary Bradley, Mayfield High School
Bradley spearheaded a strong turnaround, guiding the Trojans to the 5A semifinals and a 6-7 overall record.

Jeff Lynn, Roswell High School
Lynn led the Coyotes to the 5A state championship with an 11-1 record, adding to his legacy as a two-time winner of this award.

Joey Fernandez, St. Michael's High School
Fernandez reached 200 career wins and claimed back-to-back state titles, finishing a perfect 13-0 this season.

Joseph Frias, Chaparral High School
Frias made history, leading the Lobos to their first-ever playoff win and a quarterfinals appearance, finishing 4-8 as a 12-seed.

Mike Kovacs, Bloomfield High School
Kovacs captured his second state title with the Bobcats, boasting a 35-2 record over the past three seasons.

Robert Garza, Cleveland High School
Garza led the Storm to a 12-game win streak, defeating top-ranked La Cueva to win the 6A state championship, finishing 12-1.

Sonny Duran, Dexter High School
Duran has turned Dexter into a 3A powerhouse, finishing 12-1 and reaching the state championship game.

Previous Winners:

2023: Anthony Gonzales, Lovington High School

2022: Jeremy Maupin, Artesia High School

2021: Heath Ridenour, Cleveland High School

2020: John Cobos, Bernalillo High School

2019: Jeff Lynn, Roswell High School

2018: Jeff Lynn, Roswell High School

2017: Chad Adcox, Manzano High School

2016: San Juan Mendoza, St. Pius X School

2015: Miguel Medina, Espanola Valley High School

2014: David Howes, Rio Rancho High School/Cooper Henderson, Artesia High School

2013: Patrick Quillen, Foothill School

2012: Jim Miller, Las Cruces High School

2011: Brad Hirsch, Aztec High School

2010: Michael Bradley, Mayfield High School

2009: Fred Romero, La Cueva High School

2008: Charlie Dotson, Eldorado High School

2007: Louie Baisa, Lordsburg High School

2006: Cooper Henderson, Artesia High School