New Mexico high school football week three team rankings. #nmpreps

NMPREPS POWER 20 RANKINGS
1. Cleveland Storm (Rio Rancho, NM) - 2-0 Record - Beat Centennial, 36-21.
2. Rio Rancho Rams (Rio Rancho, NM) - 2-0 Record - Beat Clovis, 27-14.
3. Las Cruces Bulldawgs (Las Cruces, NM) - 2-0 Record - Beat Onate, 42-14
4. Goddard Rockets (Roswell, NM) - 2-0 Record - Beat Lovington, 50-0.
5. Clovis Wildcats (Clovis, NM) - 1-2 Record - Lost to Rio Rancho, 27-14.
6. Farmington Scorpions (Farmington, NM) - 3-0 Record- Beat Bloomfield 49-28.
7. Centennial Hawks (Las Cruces, NM) - 1-1 Record - Lost to Cleveland, 36-21
8. Volcano Vista Hawks (Albuquerque, NM) - 1-0 Record - Beat Eldorado, 47-43.
9. Mayfield Trojans (Las Cruces, NM) - 1-1 Record - Beat Deming, 28-7.
10 Los Lunas Tigers (Los Lunas, NM) - 1-0 Record - Beat La Cueva, 31-20.
11. Carlsbad Cavemen (Carlsbad, NM) - 2-1 Record - Beat Hobbs, 27-21.
12 Alamogordo Tigers (Alamogordo, NM) - 3-0 Record - Beat Silver, 24-6
13 Artesia Bulldogs (Artesia, NM) - 1-2 Record - Beat Roswell, 43-28.
14. Roswell Coyotes (Roswell, NM) 1-1 Record - Lost to Artesia, 43-28.
15. Portales Rams (Portales, NM) - 3-0 Record - Beat Ruidoso 45-10.
16. Grants Pirates (Grants, NM) - 3-0 Record - Beat Gallup, 51-0.
17. Eldorado Eagles (Albuquerque, NM) - 0-1 Record - Lost to Volcano Vista, 47-43.
18. La Cueva Beats (Albuquerque, NM) - 0-1 Record - Lost to Los Lunas, 31-20.
19. Socorro Warriors (Socorro, NM) - 3-0 Record - Beat Hatch Valley , 47-6.
20. Capital Jaguars (Santa Fe, NM) - 2-0 Record - Beat Pojoaque Valley, 59-6.

6A FOOTBALL
1. Cleveland 2-0: Beat Centennial, 36-21
2. Rio Rancho 2-0: Beat Clovis, 27-14
3. Las Cruces 2-0: Beat Onate, 42-14.
4. Clovis 1-2: Lost to Rio Rancho, 27-14.
5. Centennial 1-1: Lost to Cleveland, 36-21.
6. Volcano Vista 1-0: Beat Eldorado, 47-43.
7. Carlsbad 2-1: Beat Hobbs, 27-21.
8. Eldorado 0-1: Lost to Volcano Vista, 47-43.
9. La Cueva 0-1: Lost to Los Lunas 31-20.
10. Cibola 0-0: Idle
11. Sandia 0-0: Idle
12. Atrisco Heritage 1-0: Beat Manzano 53-8.
13. West Mesa 1-0: Beat Albuquerque, 26-13.
14. Santa Fe 1-1: Beat Los Alamos, 40-0.
15. Hobbs 0-3: Lost to Carlsbad 36-21.
16. Onate 0-2: Lost to Las Cruces, 42-14.
17. Albuquerque 0-1: Lost to West Mesa, 26-13.
18. Manzano 0-1: Lost to Atrisco Heritage, 53-8.
19. Gadsden 0-1: Lost to Santa Teresa, 22-0.
20. Rio Grande 0-1: Lost to Del Norte, 30-6.

Movement: Volcano Vista, with an epic game, moves up this week with their 47-43 win over Eldorado. We did shift things in the middle section with La Cueva dropping, Carlsbad staying put and Cibola slipping back with Sandia after their game was cancelled.

Big Winners: Perhaps the biggest movement and story of the season is Atrisco Heritage under a new head coach and looking like it was a change needed. They beat Manzano 53-8 and looking at this program over the last three years, you wouldn't believe that score. West Mesa also looks much improved this season.

State Championship: Right now, I'd say we have three teams in the running, for this short season. Cleveland and Rio Rancho rematch seems fitting; Las Cruces is also in the argument as of today.

5A FOOTBALL
1. Goddard 2-0: Beat Lovington, 50-0.
2. Farmington 3-0: Beat Bloomfield, 49-28.
3. Mayfield 1-1: Beat Deming, 28-7.
4. Los Lunas 1-0: Beat La Cueva, 31-20.
5. Alamogordo 3-0: Beat Silver, 24-6
6. Artesia 1-2: Beat Roswell, 43-28.
7. Roswell 1-1: Lost to Artesia, 43-28.
8. Capital 2-0: Beat Pojoaque Valley, 59-6.
9. Piedra Vista 2-1: Beat Aztec 43-0.
10. Belen 1-0: Beat Valencia, 50-0
11. Santa Teresa 1-0: Beat Gadsden, 22-0.
12. Del Norte 1-0: Beat Rio Grande, 30-6.
13. Deming 1-1: Lost to Mayfield, 28-7.
14. Valley 1-0: Beat Highland, 8-0.
15. Highland 0-1: Lost to Valley, 8-0
16. Los Alamos 0-2: Lost to Santa Fe, 40-0
17. Miaymura 0-3: Lost to Kirtland Central, 33-21

What We Learned: 5A has plenty of parity and would have been a fun playoff to watch with 8-teams that could really look like a chance at winning it all. Top-8 are strong with the next group being quality opponents.

Movement: Farmington is the new number two, Mayfield stayed at 3 and Goddard took over the top spot at number one. They right now have earned and looking like the best of the top-8.

4A FOOTBALL
1. Portales 3-0: Beat Ruidoso, 45-10.
2. Grants 3-0: Beat Gallup, 51-0
3. Lovington 2-1: Lost to Goddard, 50-0
4. Kirtland Central 3-0: Beat Miyamura, 33-21.
5. Bloomfield 1-2: Lost to Farmington 49-28
6. St. Pius X 1-1: Beat Moriarty, 21-6.
7. Taos 1-1: Lost to St. Mikes, 48-3.
8. Moriarty 1-2: Lost to St. Pius X, 21-6
9. Silver 0-1: Lost to Alamogordo, 24-6.
10. Bernalillo 2-0: Beat Albuquerque Academy, 43-0.
11. Ruidoso 0-3: Lost to Portales, 45-10
12. Valencia 0-1: Lost to Belen, 50-0
13. Aztec 0-3: Lost to Piedra Vista, 43-0.
14. Albuquerque Academy 1-2
15. Shiprock 2-1: Beat Cuba, 7-6
16. Pojoaque Valley 0-2: Lost to Capital, 59-6.
17. Gallup 0-3: Lost to Grants, 51-0.
18. Espanola Valley 0-1: Open

3A FOOTBALL
1. Socorro (3-0): Beat Hatch Valley, 46-7.
2. St. Michael's (1-0): Beat Taos, 48-3
3. Dexter (2-1): Beat Tucumcari, 50-0.
4. Raton (1-1): Beat Estancia, 36-12.
5. NMMI (1-2): Beat Hope Christian, 19-7.
6. Hatch Valley (1-1): Lost to Socorro, 46-7.
7. Hope Christian (2-1): Lost to NMMI, 19-7.
8. Tohatchi (3-0): Beat Newcomb, 50-0.
9. Hot Springs (0-3): Lost to Tularosa, 43-6.
10. Tucucmari (0-3): Lost to Dexter, 50-6.
11. Cuba (2-1): Lost to Shiprock, 7-6.
12. Crownpoint (2-1): Beat Thoreau, 32-6
13. Newcomb (0-3): Lost to Tohatchi, 50-0.
14. Thoreau (0-2): Lost to Crownpoint, 32-6.

2A FOOTBALL
1. Eunice (3-0): Beat Loving 42-6.
2. Texico (3-0): Beat Santa Rosa, 43-21
3. Santa Rosa (1-1): Lost to Texico, 43-21
5. Jal (2-1): Beat Hagerman, 62-19.
6. Tularosa (0-1): Beat Hot Springs, 43-6.
4. Hagerman (1-2): Lost to Jal, 62-19.
7. Estancia (1-2): Lost to Raton, 36-12.
8. Mescalero Apache (1-0): Open
9. Capitan (1-0): Open
10. Lordsburg (0-1): Lost to Mesilla Valley, 54-40.
10. Loving (0-3): Lost to Eunice 42-6.
11. Questa (0-2): Open

WEEK FOUR ONE LINERS

Each week we will breakdown the games taking place across the state of New Mexico. We give our one line on each game plus a prediction.

FRIDAY, MARCH 26TH
Bloomfield (1-2) at Aztec (0-3): Bloomfield at 1-2 is one of the best teams under .500 but that will change tonight with a struggling Aztec team that has allowed 114 points with only 6 points scored. Bloomfield by 25+
Capitan (1-0) at Mescalero Apache (1-0): Plenty of unknowns but both opened with nice wins; Mescalero ranked 8th, Capitan 9th in 2A football could be a sneaky quality game. Capitan by a TD.
Carrizozo (0-2) at Hondo Valley (1-1): Hondo Valley is the better of the two and will roll in this contest as Carrizozo heads into the off-season 0-3. Hondo Valley 28-7.
Cuba (2-1) at Newcomb (0-3): Newcomb had too much to replace this season, Cuba has surprised some and despite the 7-6 loss to Shiprock last week have played well. Cuba but close.
Gateway Christian (2-1) at Lake Arthur (2-0): Hello 6-man football, both teams only won 2-games last season and looking much improved this season. Lake Arthur defense wins it.
Hagerman (1-2) at Dexter (2-1): Marco Munoz of Dexter is putting up points and yards while Hagerman coming off a crushing 62-19 loss last week. Dexter wins by ten.
Hatch Valley (1-1) at Hot Springs (0-3): The Hatch Valley Bears offense should get going tonight against a Hot Springs team that allows a handful of points. Hatch by a pair of 6's.
Hope Christian (2-1) at Estancia (1-2): RB Marino Rivera-Noblitt can get going for Estancia although they've dropped two in a row while Hope is coming off their first loss. Estancia upset by a three pointer.
Logan (1-2) at Tatum (2-1): A pair of gamers to watch in this game with Wyatt Wright (Logan) against Taylor Garner (Tatum) but Tatum has the better O and D. Tatum, 38-15.
Melrose (3-0) at Fort Sumner (3-0): Do we have an unofficial 8-man playoff/state championship type game. Tate Sorgen and Devon Bailey get the dub by 8.
Portales (3-0) at Lovington (2-1): Who is number one in 4A football? Portales is the defending champs, Grants is ranked two, but Lovington has made a statement for being in consideration. Lovington shocks here by a bakers dozen.
St. Pius X (1-1) at Bernalillo (2-0): Bernalillo has been much improved and things are rolling but St. Pius X has a little too much talent at this point. Spartans score but Sartans win, 24-17.
Taos (1-1) at Los Alamos (0-2): Taos Tigers on the prowl. Taos by a lot.
Thoreau (0-3) at Shiprock (2-1): Shiprock has had a nice season to this point and should head into the offseason at 3-1. Shiprock by 20.
Valencia (0-1) at Pojoaque Valley (0-1): The new game of the night gives us an evenly matched contest that Valencia should still win by 18 plus.

Game of the Night

Portales has quarterback Baylor Diaz who is averaging 233 total yards on the season and has the defending 4A state champs at 3-0 this season. Lovington, despite the loss last week, has played extremely well this season and much of that success is thanks to new name Jared Jeffrey (QB).

Upset of the Night

I picked Lovington above for the NMPreps predictions. I also for Grine's Picks am going to roll with Estancia over Hope. Estancia could struggle on the defensive side of the ball, some, but a scoring battle should come down to a late RB TD.

Friday Lines

St. Pius X -7.5
Shiprock -20
Hatch -12

Three intriguing but bold picks at the same time. St. Pius, historically is a 20 point favorite over Bernalillo but the Spartans with a pair of D2 commits is not your usual cellar team. Shiprock is better than Thoreau, Thoreau is down...way down. Hatch Valley and Hot Springs could be close but I like the Bears heading into the off-season at 2-1.

Honey, We're Going Streaking

Portales has won 12 straight.
Melrose has won 10 straight, 7-0 last season.

Mr. Football Candidates?

Devon Bailey, Melrose
Baylor Diaz, Portales
Marcos Rodriguez & Tres Arreola, Lovington

Yes, I know, two players won't win but have to highlight two very underrated defenders from Lovington. The seniors could be the x-factor tonight. Baylor Daiz of Portales was a name to know entering the season and is doing this in the air and on the ground with nearly 300-yards rushing. Devon Bailey is a next level player looking to help Melrose to another perfect season.

5A Football: Preview, Picks, & Predictions

Friday, March 26th

Artesia (1-2) at Hobbs (0-3): The 13th ranked Artesia Bulldogs (5A) is coming off a much needed win over Roswell last week. Running back Jake Barrera (2022) with a coming out party rushing for 180-yards and three touchdowns in the win is a name to follow. Hobbs (6A) is struggling as of late, finding themselves unranked this week, looking for one last splash to end the season. Junior Colton Graham (QB) has played well and one to keep an eye on heading into the off-season.
Grine's Pick: Artesia
Line: Artesia -10

Capital (2-0) at Santa Fe (1-1): 7pm. The battle in Santa Fe as the 20th ranked Capital Jaguars (5A) will look to hold off Santa Fe High School (6A). The Santa Fe Demons have been on the uptrend and after years of both teams in the cellar, we have one ranked, and plenty of meaningful football in this contest. Santa Fe will need to contain a Capital team that is averaging over 50-points per game.
Grine's Pick: Capital
Line: Capital -12.5

Del Norte (1-0) at Valley (1-0): 7pm. The Del Norte Knights came out swinging against Rio Grande last week winning 30-6 and looking to make case for the top 5A team in Albuquerque. The task this week will be against Valley, which is also coming off a much-much needed win over Highland, 8-0. You can expect the clock to be moving in this one as running back Isaiah Ortiz, Del Norte (2021) will be looking to get plenty of touches. Valley will also stay the course of a ground and pound but points will be needed to keep up with Del Norte in this one.
Grine's Pick: Del Norte
Line: Del Norte -9

Deming (1-1) at Alamogordo (3-0): 7pm. We knew Alamogordo would be solid this season and now they have the opportunity of going 4-0 and adding to the hype for the fall. Sean Hays leads the way for running backs with 376-yards on the season and could have a breakout performance against a Deming team that has shown troubles against the run at times. Deming does bring Joey Reza (2022/RB) and Marcos Aguilar (2023/QB) into the contest. Reza is coming off a solid performance last week against Mayfield.
Grine's Pick: Alamogordo
Line: Alamogordo -10.5

Gallup (0-3) at Miyamura (0-3): 7pm. Well, the good news for Gallup is that one team will have a win before they head to the hardwood. Miyamura has had much of the success in this contest and right now it's a coin flip on what could happen. Taking a winner, I am going with Miyamura as Gallup has still yet to find the endzone this season.
Grine's Pick: Miyamura
Line: Miyamura -4.5

Goddard (2-0) at Roswell (1-1): 7pm. This could have been the unofficial state championship had Roswell beat Artesia last week. Now we will just settle for a VERY good match-up between crosstown rivals. Goddard right now is looking like they take the crown as best team in 5A football. Roswell, well they still have one of the top head coaches in the state and have talent surrounding the roster. This one will be physical but it will be that second half adjustment that could determine it all.
Grine's Pick: Roswell
Line: Goddard -8.5

Piedra Vista (2-1) at Farmington (3-0): 12pm. The sixth ranked Farmington Scorpions (No. 2 in 5A) enters this contest with plenty of eyes watching this very talented squad. The have Caleb Carrillo (2022/QB), Macen Alley (2021/RB), Peyton Halliburton (2021/WR) and Chance Carrillo (2021/WR) that have this squad looking like one of the best. Maybe, we could get a Goddard and Farmington game, if they both win. We remember who won in the last state championship between the two. Back to this one, Piedra Vista is going to come out looking for an upset to end the season. Watch for Michael Candelaria to get his name in the known among the others from the region.
Grine's Pick: Farmington
Line: Farmington - 8

Taos (1-1) at Los Alamos (0-2): 7pm. The Taos are back? Taos is coming off a loss but looked impressive in their opener. They should control this contest as the Los Alamos Hilltoppers have given up 95 points and only seen the lights on the scoreboard once.
Grine's Pick: Taos
Line: Taos -18.5

Saturday, March 27th

Highland (0-1) at Belen (1-0): 1pm. The Belen Eagles, much improved in year two under head coach Ty House, coming off a 50-0 win over Valencia High School. The Eagles will again look to a quietly good roster that returned quarterback Ben Hirschfield (2021) but the story last week was Emmanuel Aragon (2022/RB) who finished with three TDs last week in the win. Another name for the Eagles is sophomore Elijah Romero (WR) who reached the endzone last week. Highland, the success story from 2019, fell in their opener 8 to 0 against Valley.
Grine's Pick: Belen
Line: Belen -12.5

Mayfield (1-1) at Onate (0-2): 1pm. With 2021 being 2021 could we consider this the trap game of the day? No. 11 Mayfield (5A) had it's one bad season a few years back but something about how this short Spring season bring weird outcomes could a recharged Onate squad pull the upset? Mayfield has the duo in the backfield however, in Calvin Cox (2022) and Derrick Martinez (2021) that can brake lose at any moment for a touchdown. Daniel Granados (2021/QB) and JJ Davis (2022/WR) also a connection to watch for the Trojans. Can the defense, led by Aiden Rosser (2022/SS) and Joseph Johnson (2022/LB) carry the Onate Knights to the win? Also, watch out for receiver Beto Garcia (2022/WR) who will make the Knights a dark horse in the fall with the 2022 class of talent.
Grine's Pick: Mayfield
Line: Mayfield -15.5

6A FOOTBALL PREVIEW, PICKS, & PREDICTIONS

Friday, March 26th

Artesia (1-2) at Hobbs (0-3): The 13th ranked Artesia Bulldogs (5A) is coming off a much needed win over Roswell last week. Running back Jake Barrera (2022) with a coming out party rushing for 180-yards and three touchdowns in the win is a name to follow. Hobbs is struggling as of late, finding themselves unranked this week, looking for one last splash to end the season. Junior Colton Graham (QB) has played well and one to keep an eye on heading into the off-season.
Grine's Pick: Artesia
Line: Artesia -10

Atrisco Heritage (1-0) at West Mesa (1-0): 7pm. It's been sometime that we've seen both Atrisco Heritage and West Mesa with a winning record. Both teams looking sharp in the opener as both have new head coaches changing things up - Knezevich (AHA; first year) and Ansotgue (WMHS; second year). Both bring next level talent into the game as Jaden Cowley (AHA/2021) hit the scene with 166-rushing yards last week will battle against Eastern New Mexico commit Ja'Calvin Newsom (WMHS/RB) who went for 146-yards and 2 touchdowns last week. The winner could actually find themselves ranked in the Top-20, that would be huge!
Grine's Pick: Atrisco Heritage
Line: Atrisco Heritage - 8.5

Capital (2-0) at Santa Fe (1-1): 7pm. The battle in Santa Fe as the 20th ranked Capital Jaguars (5A) will look to hold off Santa Fe High School. The Santa Fe Demons have been on the uptrend and after years of both teams in the cellar, we have one ranked, and plenty of meaningful football in this contest. Santa Fe will need to contain a Capital team that is averaging over 50-points per game.
Grine's Pick: Capital
Line: Capital -12.5

La Cueva (0-1) at Eldorado (0-1): 7pm. The 18th ranked La Cueva Bears (NMPreps Top-20) will look to wipe away their opening game loss to Los Lunas (No. 7). The Bears will look to senior WR Brad Thomas again who had a pair of touchdown catches last week. Eldorado (No. 17), also coming off a loss in the opener in what some could call the game of the night (47-43 loss to Volcano Vista) is looking to rebound. Nick Petty (QB) and Elijah Goree (RB) combo is one to see.
Grine's Pick: Eldorado
Line: Eldorado -2.5

Las Cruces (2-0) at Centennial (1-1): 7pm. The Bulldawgs of Las Cruces enter the contest ranked 3rd in the state and looking to lock up a perfect start to the season before a possible bowl game. Centennial (No. 8) coming off a loss to the top ranked Cleveland Storm is looking to get back on the winning side. Both teams can score putting in more than 30 points per game, Las Cruces defense could be the x-factor.
Grine's Pick: Centennial - upset watch?
Line: Las Cruces -6.5

Rio Rancho (2-0) at Cleveland (2-0): 7pm. Could this be the unofficial state championship game for 6A football this season? The is a high possibility unless the winner takes on a Las Cruces team (granted they win on Friday night too). Cleveland ranked No. 1 in the state vs Rio Rancho ranked No. 2 in the state is also the headline for tonight. Jeff Davison (CHS/2021) put his arm on display last week and looking to continue the winning ways for the Storm. New Rio Rancho QB Joey Cave is coming off a nice second half showing last week, can he overcome a stout Cleveland defense this week? Well, this is the rematch we've all wanted, lets hope the streams work or they allow enough of us in.
Grine's Pick: Cleveland
Line: Cleveland -1

Saturday, March 27th

Albuquerque (0-1) at Rio Grande (0-1): 5pm - Milne Stadium. An evenly match contest taking place at Milne as both teams searching for the win of the season. A few Top 250 players to watch in this contest like Luke Mummert (AHS/LB/2021) who is an unsigned talent that could breakout here. Rio Grande fell 30-6 in the game to 5A Del Norte last week and looking to have some success on the football field.
Grine's Pick: Albuquerque
Line: Albuquerque -10.5

Cibola (0-0) at Volcano Vista (1-0): 5pm - Community Stadium. The Metro-West neighbors will square off in what could be a game of the weekend, in an underrated way. Without the game last week, Cibola, with top rated quarterback Aden Chavez (2023) are outside the NMPreps Power-20. That likely changes with a game under their belt but that doesn't mean the Cougars wouldn't love to upset No. 9 Volcano Vista Hawks this Saturday. The Hawks are coming off perhaps the game of the week, last week, beating Eldorado (No. 17), 47-43 in the final seconds. We also said hello to Johnny Herrera whom passed for 316-yards with 5 TDs, in the win and rushed for another 50. Acen Aguilar (RB/2022) also had a showing out party with 117-yards rushing in the win and we can't forgot the WR performance by Kaden Valdez with 137-yards.
Grine's Pick: Volcano Vista
Line: Volcano Vista -8

Clovis (1-2) vs Carlsbad (2-1): 5pm. This could be the statement game for both teams as we look to end the Spring season. Clovis (No. 5 NMPreps Top-20) has dropped the last two games to the top ranked Cleveland Storm (No. 1) and last week to Rio Rancho (No. 2). Carlsbad enters the game ranked 10th in the state and looking to end the season on a positive note and above .500. The Cavemen are coming off a win over Hobbs at home last week, 27-21.
Grine's Pick: Carlsbad
Line: Clovis -3.5

Mayfield (1-1) at Onate (0-2): 1pm. With 2021 being 2021 could we consider this the trap game of the day? No. 11 Mayfield (5A) had it's one bad season a few years back but something about how this short Spring season bring weird outcomes could a recharged Onate squad pull the upset? Mayfield has the duo in the backfield however, in Calvin Cox (2022) and Derrick Martinez (2021) that can brake lose at any moment for a touchdown. Daniel Granados (2021/QB) and JJ Davis (2022/WR) also a connection to watch for the Trojans. Can the defense, led by Aiden Rosser (2022/SS) and Joseph Johnson (2022/LB) carry the Onate Knights to the win? Also, watch out for receiver Beto Garcia (2022/WR) who will make the Knights a dark horse in the fall with the 2022 class of talent.
Grine's Pick: Mayfield
Line: Mayfield -15.5

Sandia (0-0) at Manzano (0-1): 5pm - Wilson Stadium. The Manzano Monarchs are looking for some answers after a 53-8 loss during their opening weekend. Sandia didn't get to play last week and hoping to hit the field this week to get a season or game under their belt.
Grine's Pick: Sandia
Line: Sandia -10

Here are the week results and the current standings in the pursuit of the illustrious league pickem championship! Brown Beaver and a few others had only 2 wrong but he was able to get the better games picked correctly and nudged out 3 of us for the weekly top points and COACHED13 suffered a terrible week and fell out of the top spot as Piratefan02 is now the overall leader. Depends on this week and a pick or 2 could make or break anyone’s season.

Anyone on the board an official Football or Basketball? In the SW region?

What do you have?

2021 Preseason All-New Mexico Team

NMPreps.com's All-New Mexico team for the 2021 basketball season. The list was voted on and nominations received after the 2020 season.

Natalie Jojola, 2021 (Los Lunas High School)
Scoop: Jojola is one of the top five players in the state of New Mexico, a fearless defender and a knock it down from well beyond the three-point line. The Tigers looking for their third straight championship.

Viane Cumber, 2021 (Sandia High School)
Scoop: Cumber, a University of New Mexico commit, returns for her senior season after averaging a double-double as a junior (23 points and 11 rebounds per game). Cumber is a must-see player and could take the Lady Matadors back into the Final Four.. or more.

Jaelyn Bates, 2022 (Volcano Vista High School)
Scoop: Will be a four-year starter for the Hawks when it's all said and done. Bates is one of the top guards in the state of New Mexico, she's coming off a 16 ppg season and only improving.

Natalia Chavez, 2022 (Volcano Vista High School)
Scoop: Natalia Chavez was the most outstanding players I seen at the 5A state basketball tournament. Length, size and a high IQ on the court. She has forward size but guard skills which allows her to play all over. Led the Hawks in scoring last season with 18 ppg behind a 26-3 overall record.

Wisdom Anthony, 2023 (Hobbs High School)
After she graduates Wisdom Anthony will place her name among the best ever in New Mexico. A starter since 8th grade Anthony continues to excel and has led the Lady Eagles to two state championships (2018, 2020) and a runner up (2019).

Cailee Crawford, 2021 (Highland High School)
One of the most talented players in the 2021 class is Crawford, a 6-foot-1 point-forward that has smooth handles, a jumper and the ability to take over. When she wants to take over a game, she can.

Lanae Billy, 2022 (Piedra Vista High School)
Already a four year varsity starter, Billy is looking to keep the Piedra Vista Panthers at the top of 5A basketball. She averaged 16 points per game last season.

Kiiyani Anitielu, 2022 (Farmington High School)
Some consider her the best shooter in the state of New Mexico and she backs it up dropping 22 points per game as sophomore last season for the Scorpions.

Juliana Aragon, 2022 (Bernalillo High School)
Part of a really talented class, Aragon continues to excel and led the Spartans to the Elite Eight last season. She averaged 22 points per game as a sophomore.

Hailey Martin, 2021 (Navajo Prep School)
She guided her squad to a state championship and was named to several post season awards. Martin will look to repeat as state champions and looking at Miss Basketball nomination.

Skyyla Guck, 2021 (Cobre High School)
We've had the watch on Guck for a pair of years now. The shooting guard went for 24 points per game last season for the Cobre Indians.

Hermanie Dominiguez, 2022 (Deming High School)
Likely the biggest secret and most underrated prospect heading into the season is Dominiguez. We seen her in Artesia last season and clearly one of the top players in the state. She helped guide Deming to an 18-11 record and state tournament bid.

Larissa Laborin, 2022 (Centennial High School)
5-foot-9 guard that is consider one of the top in the state of New Mexico. Helped the Hawks to a 27-5 record and Elite Eight showing last season.

Feelena Candalaria, 2021 (Los Lunas High School)
Arguably the best post player in the state of New Mexico, Candalaria is a walking double-double. A D1 talent that has plenty of upside and looking to help the Tigers to another state championship.

Riley Clavel, 2021 (Roy High School)
Part of the 20 points per game group last season, Clavel will look to again lead the way for the Roy/Mosquero team.

Best Hostess Snack!

RANKINGS
1. Sandia Prep
2. Hot Springs
3. Bosque
4. St. Michael's
5. Robertson
6. West Las Vegas
7. Socorro
8. Raton
9. Tucucmari
10. NMMI
11. Cuba
12. Navajo Prep
13. Newcomb
14. Santa Fe Prep
15. Dexter
16. Thoreau
17. Tohtachi
18. Zuni
19. Crownpoint
20. Hatch Valley
21. Cottonwood Classical
22. East Mountain

PRESEASON ALL-3A TEAM
Sam Henderson, Sandia Prep (2021)
Verrels Lukman, Hot Springs (2021)
Wyatt Vanmeter, Bosque (2021)
Matthew Gonzales, Robertson (2022)
Anthony Sanchez, Bosque (2022)
Javiel Garcia, Cobre (2021)
Daniel Xibille, NMMI (2021)
Devin Flores, St. Michael's (2022)
DJ Byron, West Las Vegas (2021)
Nathan Salcido, Hot Springs (2021)
Adadrian Jackson, Socorro (2022)
Jesus Ramos, Tucumcari (2022)

MVP WATCH
Sam Henderson, the 6-6 forward, for the Sandia Prep Sundevils is the early favorite but the Lukman from Hot Springs could be the majority favorite at the end of the short season.

3A OVERVIEW
Sandia Prep will again enter the season as the top team in the classification with the return of top player and a preseason all-New Mexico selection athlete in Sam Henderson. However, sitting 2-6 are all teams that could end up winning the state championship at the end of the season. Bosque, the defending champ as a duo in Vanmeter and Sanchez that are coming in sort of as an underdog being preseason ranked third. Hot Springs the 2019 champ has a duo with rings as well as Lukman and Salcido are going to be fun to watch this season - having a seasoned front court like this is going to be huge.

3A PICKS
State Champ - Hot Springs
Final Four - Hot Springs, Sandia Prep, Robertson, St. Mikes

Rank Teams in Each District
Two Players to Watch on Each Team

Most Likely to Upset in Week 4?

Post Here

Go!

Grants has hired Jeffrey Grinder as Head Coach. Coach Grinder was most recently coaching at Los Alamitos Middle School in Grants.

Let’s go!!!

2021 ALL-NEW MEXICO PRESEASON TEAM

NMPreps.com's will announce the 15 players to make up the All-New Mexico Preseason Team (All Classifications). Each day we will highlight one player on the roster. Media and coaches have given their nominations and votes.

William Benjamin, Las Cruces HS (2022)
- Scoop: A physical, explosive, scoring guard with good vision. Very confident and attacks the basket with the best of them and a threat to shoot off the dribble.

Junior Hodnett, Rio Rancho HS (2021)
-Stat Line: 10ppg, 2rbs, 2steals. Scoop: Hodnett has plenty to like and might have one of the better shooting forms. His strength is a knock it down spot up shooter. Also, plays tough defense with a a nice bounce.

Jose Murrillo, Highland HS (2022)
-Stat Line: 14ppg, 12rebs, 3blocks. Scoop: Hands down Murrillo is one of the most impactful forwards in the state of New Mexico. Murrillo helped guide the Hornets to the 2020 4A state championship game and could be a favorite to get back.

Derick Chavez, Valley HS (2021)
-Scoop: The Valley Vikings will look different when the basketball season tips-off as longtime head coach Joe Coleman has retired and many of the key players on the back-to-back championship teams have graduated. All things turn to first team all-state point guard Derick Chavez.

Tre Watson, Cleveland HS (2021)
-Scoop: Watson could be the top overall athlete in New Mexico this season as the top hoops player is also considered a top-5 football talent. Watson has committed to play football for Fresno State University (Mountain West). He averaged 17 points per game last season and could see that number grow and could be a 20-10 type.

Sam Henderson, Sandia Prep (2021)
Scoop: Henderson makes the Sundevils a heavy favorite and anything but a state championship will be a let down for the talent surrounding the Devils. After falling in the title game as a 1-seed last season this off-season has been on getting back.

Taymon Burrola, Roswell HS (2021)
Scoop: The six-foot-three shooting guard for the Coyotes has been considered among the top players in the state for three years now. Burrola averaged 16-points per game last season (1127 career points), along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Burrola looked impressive down the stretch averaging 22 points and going 4-1 in the final 5-games of district play.

Abdul Khweis, Taos HS (2021)
Khweis has played well and has been one of the top players in 4A basketball the last two years. He averaged 17 points per game last season and helped the Tigers earn a bid to the state tournament. Behind Khweis the Tigers could be a final four type team.

Jalen Goar, Hobbs (2022)
The Hobbs guard is coming off a sound sophomore season averaging 15 points per game and helping the Eagles to 18-wins. Goar is known for his outside shooting but has shown his abilities getting to the rim.

Isaiah Carr, Las Cruces (2022)
The Bulldawgs big man is looking to have a breakout season and has already hit the recruiting scene picking up an offer this summer.

Ivan Bernal, Alamogordo (2021)
A stat stuffer and point guard that will have his name blow up this season. Averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.

Joaquin Ortega, Gallup (2022)
Ortega, a three year starter to this point (started as an 8th grader), could become one of the most decorated by the time he graduates. He has a 2nd team all district (8th grade) and a two-time first team all-district. Averaged 15.1 points per game last season and won defensive player of the year on his team with nearly 5 steals per game.

Ja'Kwon Hill, Volcano Vista (2022)
Hill and the Hawks could be ready for a return to the final nights of the season. Hill, a 6-foot guard has plenty of positive hype heading into the season.

Shane Douma-Sanchez, Del Norte (2023)
Freshman of the Year last season in New Mexico, Douma-Sanchez led the Knights in scoring with 14 points per game, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per contest. Picked up an offer from Highlands this off-season.

Evan Gonzales, Cleveland (2021)
One player on a continued power in Cleveland that doesn't get the spotlight he should. After a solid start to the season with his first eight games he was putting in some big scoring numbers. He would finish averaging around 10 points per game last season. He could be ready for a breakout season.

NMPreps.com's will announce the 15 players to make up the All-New Mexico Preseason Team (All Classifications). Each day we will highlight one player on the roster. Media and coaches have given their nominations and votes.

Top New Mexico High School Basketball Players - Class of 2023

NMPreps.com's list of the top players from the 2023 class in New Mexico high school basketball. #nmpreps

CLASS OF 2023

Shane Douma-Sanchez - Del Norte High School (Albuquerque) - Freshman of the Year last season in New Mexico, Douma-Sanchez led the Knights in scoring with 14 points per game, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per contest.

Exodus Ayers - La Cueva High School (Albuquerque) - Plenty of upside for the 5-11 guard for the La Cueva Bears. Played well at showcases this summer and in conversation for top 2023 player in the state.

Donovan Black - Onate High School (Las Cruces) - The 6-foot-5 forward is getting plenty of hype and will need to take on a big role as a sophomore for the Knights as he must become a go-to player this season.

Chris Para - Atrisco Heritage Academy (Albuquerque) - The 5-7 guard has plenty to grow, in terms of on the court and size wise but he seen action as a freshman on one of the top 5A teams last season.

Judah Casaus - Del Norte High School (Albuquerque) - Casaus will team-up with Douma-Sanchez on this list and create a top front court next season. Casaus averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds per contest last season.

Tony Pacheco - Atrisco Heritage Academy (Albuquerque) - 5-9 guard that mimics the game of many several guards who've come through the Jaguars program. Quick, penetrating guard that has a nice bounce to him.

Gideon Harris - Legacy Academy (Albuquerque) - Next on the list is Harris, a 5-foot-11 guard who averaged 23 points per game as a freshman. It will be a wait and see more as he develops and the program plays more in the NMAA.

Damian Molina - Cleveland High School (Rio Rancho) - Molina is a new name on the list and one that could be very well known by his senior season. Also, might be one of the best spot up shooters on the list.

Note: NMPreps.com will continue to add players. Feel free to email/text in your players to grinejosh@yahoo.com or 505-414-4313

Pojoaque Boys is open.

What did we learn from Friday night?

THURSDAY
Cibola (0-0) at Sandia (0-0), 7pm - cancelled
Atrisco Heritage 53, Manzano 8 - F
Valley 8, Highland 0 - F

FRIDAY
Artesia 43, Roswell 28 - F
Bernalillo 43, Albuquerque Academy 0 - F
Carlsbad 27, Hobbs 21 - F
Eunice 42, Loving 6 - F
Farmington 49, Bloomfield 28 - F
Goddard 43, Lovington 0 - F
Grants 51, Gallup 0 - F
Jal 62, Hagerman 19 - F
Las Cruces 42, Onate 14 - F
Santa Fe 40, Los Alamos 0 - F
Shiprock 7, Cuba 6 - F
Socorro 46, Hatch Valley 7 - F
St. Pius X 21, Moriarty 6 - F
Texico 36, Santa Rosa 13
Thoreau 50, Crownpoint 0 - F
Tohatchi 50, Newcomb 0 - F
Tularosa 43, Hot Springs 6 - F

The local TV stations are reporting that the state will be reopening youth sports, with some restrictions.

What are you watching?

Most Intriguing Score From Friday

Cibola at Sandia +375 pts either way (Thurs)

Bloomfield at Farmington +350 pts either way

Roswell at Artesia +350 pts (Artesia is the upset +400 pts)

Hobbs at Carlsbad +375 pts either way

Santa Rosa at Texico +375 either way

Gadsden at Santa Teresa +375 either way

Belen at Valencia +350 (Valencia is the upset +400 pts)

Deming at Mayfield +325 (Deming is the upset +425 pts)

La Cueva at Los Lunas +350 (LL is the upset +450 pts)

Cleveland at Centennial +325 (Centennial is the upset +400 pts)

Clovis at Rio Rancho +300 (Clovis is the upset +400 pts)

Volcano Vista at Eldorado +350 pts either way

Portales at Ruidoso +325 (Ruidoso is the upset +375 pts)

Raton at Estancia +350 pts (Taos is the upset +300 pts)

Tatum at Melrose +375 either way