Is this the start of a real conversation?

I know you disagree with it but how intriguing is it going to be next weekend? Will you go?

The more I think about it, the more it it’s puzzling me! The NMAA set their schedule. The NMAA set Bloomfield’s schedule. Grants went 4-0 and got snubbed? This is a prime example why seeding by committee is a terrible idea! There is absolutely nothing to justify this short of Grants choosing not to play in this game.

Saturday Preview, Picks, & Predictions

NMPreps.com's guide to New Mexico high school football today. #nmpreps

PREVIEWS

Cleveland (3-0) vs Las Cruces (3-0). 4 pm, at the University of New Mexico. It is fitting that we have the new football power city taking on the original football power city in the unofficial 6A state championship. Cleveland is the defending state champions and sitting at 3-0 has looked phenomenal in their three games. They have more talent than I like an all-you-can-eat buffet at the casino. Las Cruces is playing the underdog title in this game, that is no secret, and quarterback Marcos Lopez (LCHS) will do battle against Jeff Davison of Cleveland, the two are also in the running for the quarterback of the year.

Los Lunas (2-0) at Belen (2-0). 1 pm. The Los Lunas Tigers have played up to their hype with a very impressive two wins over Capital and La Cueva. Belen on the other hand has been much improved with a pair of 50-0 shutout wins this season. Belen quarterback Ben Hirschfeld (2021) and running back Anthony Roybal (2021) have led the way. Hirschfeld with 213.5 total yards per game.

Rio Rancho (2-1) at Goddard (2-1). 2 pm. Rio Rancho travels to Roswell today and gets to experience the Wool Bowl. The Rams a talented 6A squad that owns a win over Clovis and the lone loss to Cleveland is traditionally a strong opponent. I feel the Rams are still getting accustomed to new head coach Gerry Pannoni. Nate Stone, Larry Luna, Sammy Zaragoza are players to watch for the home team today.

Roswell (2-1) at Clovis (2-2). 2 pm. I feel we could have squeezed another game in at UNM today, this could have been that game. Clovis brings their talented roster into the contest, more specifically defensive end Jaden Phillips (2021) who is an absolute beast on defense. Roswell has been the staple in 5A football and if any 5A is going to challenge a 6A it would be the Coyotes. Roswell's offense can score and that will create some issues for Clovis who hadn't looked sharp on offense (or to expectation) up until putting 55-points last week on Carlsbad. Maybe we get a shootout.

St. Michael's (2-0) at Raton (2-1). 1 pm. St. Michael's likely should have played on Thursday against Socorro, that would have been fun, but now we get the chance to see them against regional opponent Raton. St. Michael's has talent this season and could be one of their better teams of the last four years. Raton is experiencing the start of their most talented roster and has dudes like Cayden Walton, Dylan Quartieri, and Matthew Quartieri.

St. Pius X (1-2) at Portales (3-1). 1 pm, at Eastern New Mexico University. The Sartans of SPX enter the contest with the high-low type of season but both losses come to teams that were perfect up until last night. Portales dropped a late contest but the 2019 state champs still have a lot of hype to watch today and Baylor Diaz (2021/QB) and Braydon Mignard (2021/LB) are the reason. Diaz on offense is averaging 230 yards per game while Mignard is averaging a sack a game and around 9 tackles.

Other games to watch: Matthew Lopez (Santa Teresa) and Joey Reza (Deming) highlight the battle down south with Santa Teresa (2-0) traveling to Deming (2-1). Piedra Vista (2-2) will travel to Capital (2-1) to take on a Jaguars team that is either going to show up or be upset with a late shift of things. Johnny Herrera (Volcano Vista/2021) emerged as a top player this Spring and will help guide the Hawks (1-1) against a winless La Cueva Bears (0-2) team. Del Norte (2-0) has poured in points this season and has been somewhat under the radar, Highland (0-2) has yet to score a point and struggled through a Spring season.

Predictions
Los Lunas 42, Belen 13
Centennial 33, Carlsbad 20
Cibola 35, Eldorado 27
Del Norte 28, Highland 15
Cleveland 44, Las Cruces 36
Capital 28, Piedra Visa 20
Rio Rancho 24-21.
Clovis 21, Roswell 20
Deming 27, Santa Teresa 22
St. Michael's 35, Raton 34
Portales 37, St. Pius X 10
Valley 10, Valencia 0
Volcano Vista 26 La Cueva 20

Grine Picks
Los Lunas
Centennial
Cibola
Del Norte
Cleveland
Piedra Vista
Rio Rancho
Roswell
Deming
St. Mikes
Portales
Valley
Volcano Vista

Saturday Morning Coffee: Friday Night Review
Grine | NMPreps Site Manager

NMPreps.com's guide to New Mexico high school football today. #nmpreps.

Three Takeaways From Friday Night

1) Farmington and Eunice claim unofficial state championships: Farmington looked as advertised, for the portions of the game I was able to see in their win over Mayfield, 48-28. Mayfield, has some pieces coming back this fall and we could see these two in the semifinals or finals again but in December or November. For the Eunice and Texico game, it was definitely one to watch, Eunice won 26-19. My takeaway was the two monster running backs in TJ Martinez (2021) for Eunice and Brayden Bender (2022) for Texico. Bender is a name to watch and you'll hear about him all season. I can't leave this without saying how impressed I was with Hayden Dean (2021/QB) for Eunice as well.

2) The Shockers: The West Mesa Mustangs are here folks. Who took them in Pick 'Em? I would say none of you! I didn't either but that coach of the year voting could earn him a few more votes as they defeated Sandia, 37-26. Bernalillo used the bulletin board material and upset the Pirates, 7-6 on Friday night. This was the best I see the Spartans play, especially Fort Lewis commit AJ Madrid, and likely the worst (or maybe flat) I've seen the Pirate offense outside the 80-yard touchdown run by Terrell Hocker (2021) of Grants. Albuquerque Bulldogs beating Manzano, 24-10, and Artesia scoring 55 on Alamogordo (55-28).

3) Games at "The Den" University of New Mexico Stadium: Second time I'll mention this but it looked awesome and each team has talked highly about the experience. I know the home site folks will always fight for the home site for the state championship but if I'm an Albuquerque school and was to host, and NMAA had the option, UNM should host a state title game. People will travel too, I believe Artesia and St. Pius packed Community stadium one year, imagine if the headline was they'd play at UNM, I guarantee more people would have gone. I'd also say do away with live streaming the games and more people would go to the game.

Albuquerque 24, Manzano 10 - F
Artesia 55, Alamogordo 28 - F
Aztec 40, Miyamura 8 - F
Bernalillo 7, Grants 6 - F
Eunice 26, Texico 19 - F
Farmington 48, Mayfield 28 - F
Hondo Valley 47, Elida 19 - F
Santa Rosa 49, Hagerman 9 - F
Silver 40, Kirtland Central 7 - F
Tohatchi 34, Gallup 20 - F
West Mesa 37, Sandia 26 - F

Chris Johnson - West Mesa (2021) - Two receiving TDs (20-yard; 40-yard) vs Sandia
Daniel Ayala - West Mesa (2021) - Four passing touchdowns vs Sandia. 210-yards.
Hayden Dean - Eunice (2021) - Rushed for 2 TDs, Passed for 1 TD vs Texico.
Malachi Thymes - Sandia (2023) - Three rushing TDs vs West Mesa. 152-yards.
TJ Martinez - Eunice (2021) - Rushed for a TD, one INT.

Cleveland vs Las Cruces +775 pts (LC is the upset 1000 pts)

Farmington vs Mayfield +725 pts (MHS is the upset 1000 pts)

Lovington vs Bloomfield +725 pts (Bloom is the upset 1125 pts) **

Socorro vs Dexter +750 pts (Dexter is the upset +950 pts) **

Eunice vs Texico +750 pts (Texico is the upset +950 pts)

La Cueva at Volcano Vista +875 pts either way

Carlsbad vs Centennial +725 pts (Carlsbad is the upset +1000 pts)

Alamogordo vs Artesia +925 pts either way

Hope Christian vs Hatch Valley +850 pts (HV is the upset +1100 pts) **

Los Lunas vs Belen +775 pts (Belen is the upset +1000 pts)

Raton vs St. Mikes +800 pts either way

Grants vs Bernalillo +775 pts (Bern is the upset +1100 pts)

Clovis vs Roswell +950 pts either way

Rio Rancho vs Goddard +775 pts (Goddard is the upset +1000 pts)

Cibola vs Eldorado +925 pts either way

Onate vs Hobbs +725 pts (Onate is the upset +1000 pts) **

Santa Teresa vs Deming +850 pts either way

West Mesa vs Sandia +950 pts either way

Piedra Vista vs Capital +875 pts either way

Clovis Christian vs Mountainair +950 pts either way

What game are you at this weekend?

James Yodice reported that coach Bob Allcorn is retiring. Coach Allcorn has always been a good dude. Happy retirement to him.

Moving forward would a Spring 7-on-7 league work (Maybe more club-ish style)

Or should we be allowed to have a couple of spring games every year (maybe make this a big school thing)?

Would it work to have football go from December to March every year? Basketball could be September to December, Baseball from mid-March to mid-June..

Give me an itinerary on a good combine/camp here in New Mexico? What do you want to see done at say the NMPreps Combine?

Friday Preview, Picks, & Predictions

Friday, April 2nd - games at 7, unless noted
Alamogordo at Artesia
Bernalillo at Grants
Crownpoint at Shiprock
Elida at Hondo Valley
Farmington at Mayfield, 6 pm (at UNM)
Hagerman at Santa Rosa
Magdalena at Mescalero Apache
Manzano at Albuquerque (Milne)
Menual at Cloudcroft, 4pm (at Carrizozo)
Miyamura at Aztec
NMMI at Jal
Silver at Kirtland Central 2 pm (Los Lunas)
Texico at Eunice, 2 pm (at UNM)
Tohatchi at Gallup
West Mesa at Sandia (at Wilson)

Alamogordo (3-1) at Artesia (1-3): The Alamogordo Tigers are having another solid season, averaging 24 points per game and highlighted by senior RB Sean Hays. Hays is averaging 117 yards per game and looking to end his career with a big win over regional foe Artesia. Artesia at 1-3 is on their way to a losing season, although a short season of only five games, they have some key pieces for the future. Pick: Alamogordo. Prediction: Alamogordo 28, Artesia 24. Line: Alamogordo -3.5.

Bernalillo (3-0) at Grants (3-0): 7 pm. Former basketball town rivalries will now take it to the football field for the bowl game to end the 2021 spring season. Both also experiencing their best teams in recent football history should provide us with a quality finale. Grants led by RB Terrell Hocker (2021) averaging 191.3 rushing yards per game and Shane Barron (2021) on defense. Pick: Grants. Prediction: Grants 34, Bernalillo 22. Line: Grants -9.5

Farmington (4-0) vs Mayfield (2-1). 6 pm, University of New Mexico. The buzz around the University of New Mexico was high yesterday as the atmosphere and players loved the experience. We have a perfect match-up here for the evening game. Caleb Carrillo (2022) is one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in New Mexico and now on the big show will get to display his arm and this electric offense. For Mayfield, it's Calvin Cox (2022/RB) and JJ Davis (2022/WR) to watch and the duo is just starting as they'll be top players to watch in the Fall. Pick: Farmington. Prediction: Farmington 44, Mayfield 42. Line: Farmington -2.5

NMMI (1-3) at Jal (3-1): 6 pm. A sneaky good game down south with a pair of bruising football programs. NMMI has senior Daniel Xibille (ATH) is looking to end his career in a big way and a bowl win would be key. Jal has been impressive this season and features Division-1 prospect Rogelio Carreon (2022) who has plenty of next-level interest. Pick: Jal. Prediction: Jal 26, NMMI 12. Line: Jal -12.5

Texico (4-0) at Eunice (4-0). 2 pm, University of New Mexico. The small school battle could bring plenty of excitement. This is a re-match of the 2019 state championship game, one Eunice won 56-27. Eunice, the three-time defending state champions have won 40 of their last 41 games. Senior Hayden Dean has been the go-to player for the Cardinals this season passing for 660-yards and rushing for another 334-yards; he has 13 total touchdowns (9 passing) this season. Texico has Gabe Dickerman (2021) and Josh Meyers (RB/LB/2021) a pair of seniors looking to guide the Wolverines in the game of the year for 2A football. Pick: Eunice. Prediction: Eunice 40, Texico 36. Line: Eunice -7.5

TWO FOR FRIDAY

Well, small brag is the fact I went 5-0 yesterday with Grine picks. Yes, bragging because I've been terrible this season when it's come to picks after a pair of good Pick 'Em seasons.

I love seeing the games at UNM and reading the Albuquerque journal it sounds like the players from all corners of the state loved the experience.

Post Here

Thursday, April 1st
Dexter at Socorro, 1 pm (at UNM)
Estancia at Tularosa, 6 pm
Hope Christian at Hatch Valley, 6 pm
Lovington at Bloomfield, 5 pm (at UNM)
Onate at Hobbs, 6 pm
Ramah at Animas, 4 pm

Dexter (3-1) vs Socorro (4-0): 1 pm, University of New Mexico (Abq, NM). The Dexter Demons ranked third in 3A football enter the contest 3-1 led behind freshman quarterback Manny Fuentez on offense. Fuentez has passed for 323-yards and 3-touchdowns. Tyler Brisco (2021) on defense have guided the Demons to a pair of shutout wins heading into this final contest. The Socorro Warriors a clear number one in 3A football will look at finishing the spring season a perfect 5-0. The Warriors have several weapons from Nathaniel Fresquez (QB/2021), Davon Hardin (2021), and Dylan Avalos (2021) to name a few. Caden Moreland (2023/CB), Marcus Armijo (2023/RB), and Adadrian Jackson (2022/ATH) is a group of major contributors that we will also see in the fall. Pick: Socorro. Prediction: Socorro 34, Dexter 12. Line: Socorro -18.5

Estancia (1-3) at Tularosa (1-2): 6pm. The Estancia Bears travel south to take on the Tularosa Wildcats for the final game of the season. Estancia has been led by RB Marino Rivera-Noblitt. The Wildcats go-to player is Colton Gililland (2022) who has passed for 150-yards, rushed for 252-yards, for a total of three touchdowns. Pick: Tularosa. Prediction: Tularosa 22, Estancia 20. Line: Tularosa -3.5.

Hope Christian (3-1) at Hatch Valley (2-1): 3 pm. Perhaps one of the more evenly matched contests of the day between the Hope Huskies and Hatch Bears. Hope, the 2019 state champion travels south led by quarterback James Jenkins (2022) a talented prospect that returns in the fall for the Huskies. Hatch Valley turns to Gonzalez and Gonzalez in the final game of the season. Oscar Gonzalez (2021/QB) has passed for 300-yards and rushed for another 126-yards this season with 7-touchdowns; Jesus Gonzalez (2021) has rushed for 336-yards and a pair of TDs. Pick: Hope Christian. Prediction: Hope Christian 27, Hatch Valley 21. Line: Hope Christian -7.5

Lovington (3-1) vs Bloomfield (2-2): 5 pm, University of New Mexico (Abq, NM). The Lovington Wildcats looking to top off a stellar season as they travel to Albuquerque with a game against Bloomfield. The Wildcats led by Jared Jeffrey (2021) a talented quarterback who is averaging 200 total yards per game. The Bloomfield Bobcats at 2-2 have played well for a season in which they should have been rebuilding. Pick: Lovington. Prediction: Lovington 28, Bloomfield 12. Line: Lovington -10.

Onate (0-3) at Hobbs (1-3): 6 pm. The Onate Knights have shown a lot of improvement and hoping for a last push for a win. They have experienced prospects now for the future in quarterback Aiden Rosser (2022), and WR Beto Garcia (2022). Hobbs coming of a quality win over Artesia is looking to head into the post season with a win and some steam. They will return 2022 quarterback Colton Graham, who has passed for 506-yards and 3 touchdowns this season, and Kaden Trevino (RB/2023) who has rushed for 136-yards and a pair of TDs. Pick: Hobbs. Prediction: Hobbs 28, Onate 13. Line: Hobbs -12.5

What do you have for you breakdown?

Girls Basketball: Top 20, Players to Watch, & Predictions

The NMPreps.com's preview of the 2021 spring season in New Mexico high school basketball.

NMPreps New Mexico Top-20 Rankings
1. Hobbs Eagles (5A)
2. Volcano Vista Hawks (5A)
3. La Cueva Bears (5A)
4. Los Lunas Tigers (5A)
5. Farmington Scorpions (5A)
6. Sandia Matadors (5A)
7. Mayfield Trojans (5A)
8. Piedra Vista Panthers (5A)
9. Highland Hornets (4A)
10. Portales Rams (4A)
11. Centennial Hawks (5A)
12. Eldorado Eagles (5A)
13. Cibola Cougars (5A)
14. Las Cruces Bulldawgs (5A)
15. Gallup Bengals (4A)
16. Kirtland Central Broncos (4A)
17. Cleveland Storm (5A)
18. Deming Wildcats (5A)
19. Espanola Valley Sundevils (4A)
20. Navajo Prep Eagles (3A)
Next 5: Carlsbad (5A), Bernalillo (4A), Tohatchi (3A), West Las Vegas (3A), Robertson (3A)

Grine's 5A Starting Five
Wisdom Anthony, G, Hobbs
Natalia Chavez, W, Volcano Vista
Cece Barela, G, Eldorado
Kiiyani Anitielu, G, Farmington
Viance Cumber, F, Sandia

Grine's 4A Starting Five
Cailee Crawford, F, Highland
Juliana Aragon, G, Bernalillo
Kylyie Paden, F, Portales

Grine's State Champ Picks
5A: Hobbs: Joey Carpenter is the top three top head coaches in New Mexico (boys or girls), he has a few players that will be All-New Mexico, maybe Miss New Mexico. Hobbs goes undefeated but Volcano Vista and Los Lunas will be in the Final Four.
4A: Highland: Highland took the Los Lunas Tigers to the wire last season in the Final Four while Gallup and KC disappeared against LL.
3A: Navajo Prep: Rainy Crisp is one of the top coaches I've seen on the ladies' side. I was left amazed by the adjustments, player development, and overall humble person. Tohatchi is scratching at the door again though and the Cougars might just get it.

Post Here

Who do you have winning it all? Will Gonzaga continue its ways and beat UCLA by 15 plus? Gonzaga vs Baylor?

1. Las Cruces Bulldawgs
2. Cleveland Storm
3. Volcano Vista Hawks
4. Rio Rancho Rams
5. Alamogordo Tigers
6. Santa Fe Demons
7. Hobbs Eagles
8. Atrisco Heritage Jaguars
9. Sandia Matadors
10. La Cueva Bears
11. Eldorado Eagles
12. Capital Jaguars
13. Roswell Coyotes
14. Mayfield Trojans
15. Los Lunas Tigers
16. Clovis Wildcats
17. Carlsbad Cavemen
18. Albuquerque Bulldogs
19. Onate Knights
20. Deming Wildcats
21. Farmington Scorpions
22. Manzano Monarchs
23. Centennial Hawks
24. West Mesa Mustangs
25. Cibola Cougars
26. Piedra Vista Panthers
27. Gadsden Panthers
28. Rio Grande Ravens

Overview
I could see up to 19 teams making an argument or run at a state tournament bid. The classification is very good and loaded with quality teams. This spring is the unknown outside of I would say my top 10. It's going to be tough seeing only 8 teams make it this season with so many good teams in the class. I still don't like or understand why we can have a 6A in football but not basketball. We should have football classifications for all sports. Anyhow, the defending champ Las Cruces Bulldawgs have a stellar roster, I've watched Cleveland twice now, and the story is true as it was last season, a lot of talent. Alamogordo is the dark horse, they are sound. Rio Rancho and Volcano Vista will both bring talent and one of those, if they are hot they are hot.

List Here

Most Likely to Upset in Week 5

100th Career win according to the journal.

Waiting to see what APS/NMAA does in regards to C team (15U) schedule. If the schedule is done in May we will have a 15U division with either HS or club teams (or a combination of both)

Favorite Comedian

Thursday, April 1st
Dexter at Socorro, 1pm (at UNM)
Estancia at Tularosa, 6pm
Hope Christian at Hatch Valley, 6pm
Lovington at Bloomfield, 5pm (at UNM)
Onate at Hobbs, 6pm
Ramah at Animas, 4pm

Friday, April 2nd - games at 7, unless noted
Alamogordo at Artesia
Bernalillo at Grants
Crownpoint at Shiprock
Elida at Hondo Valley
Farmington at Mayfield, 6pm (at UNM)
Hagerman at Santa Rosa - Blue Hole Bowl
Magdalena at Mescalero Apache
Manzano at Albuquerque (Milne)
Menual at Cloudcroft, 4pm (at Carrizozo)
Miyamura at Aztec
Moriarty at Taos
NMMI at Jal
Rio Grande at Atrisco Heritage (at Community)
Roswell at Clovis
Texico at Eunice, 2pm (at UNM)
Tohatchi at Gallup
West Mesa at Sandia (at Wilson)

Saturday, April 3rd - games at 1pm, unless noted
Belen at Los Lunas
Carlsbad at Centennial, 2pm
Cibola vs Eldorado, 5pm (Community)
Clovis Christian at Mountainair, 2pm
Dora at Carrizozo
Gadsden at Ruidoso
Highland vs Del Norte, 5pm (Milne)
Las Cruces at Cleveland, 4pm (at UNM)
Mesilla Valley at Tatum
Piedra Vista at Capital, 2pm
Pojoaque Valley at Espanola Valley
Rio Rancho at Goddard, 2pm
Santa Teresa at Deming, 1pm - Borderland Bowl
Silver vs Kirtland Central, 2pm - TBD site
St. Michael's at Raton
St. Pius X at Portales (at ENMU)- Peanut Bowl
Valley at Valencia
Volcano Vista vs La Cueva, 5pm (Wilson)

No. 1 Highland Hornets
The Highland program has been on the rebuild and excelling under head coach Justin Woody. The Hornets are coming off a 21-win season and state championship appearance. They'll replace plenty of key pieces but welcome back top-5 player Jose Murrillo (2022) a top junior that has the tools to be a D-1 player. He averaged 14 points and 12 rebounds a game last season.

No. 2 Gallup Bengals
The Gallup Bengals have played some of their best basketball the last two years under head coach Josh Dunlap and after a Final Four run 2020 they'll be eyeing another run. Back is one of the top players in the state in Joaquin Ortega a guard with potential.

No. 3 Hope Christian Huskies
The Hope Huskies were a sound club last season and reached the Final Four going 17-13 overall. Gone are some key players from this roster but welcome back a smooth guard in Sean Martinez (2021) who could keep them playing at a high level.

No. 4 Valley Vikings
Back-to-back state champ Valley High School enters a new era with longtime assistant EZ Panas. The roster will be new and plenty has left from those two title teams but they welcome top point guard Derick Chavez (2021) back a top 15 player in the state.

No. 5 Del Norte Knights
The Knights went 15-13 last season and reached the PIT again. They do lose next level player Malik Barton from last season but return freshman of the year Shane Douma-Sanchez (2023). This Knights team could be set up for a nice three-year run.

No. 6 Albuquerque Academy Chargers
The Chargers lose two key players from last seasons state tournament team in Brady Forde and Ryan Yassin but have plenty of young talent to carry the Chargers forward. Head coach Jake Herrin does a very good job at building programs and I wouldn't be surprised to see them making the eight this May.

No. 7 Artesia Bulldogs
The Artesia Bulldogs won 19-games and reached the Elite Eight last season. Although they lost some key pieces from last season, moving forward they have have a well balanced squad. Johntae Rodriguez at guard brings some strength in many categories and one of those intangible guys.

No. 8 Espanola Valley Sundevils
The Sundevils will enter year two under head coach Gabriel Martinez after going 18-10 during the 2020 season. The Sundevils also reached the Elite Eight (losing 72-47 to Gallup). They return big man Ollie Fell (2022), a 6-6 forward.

No. 9 Goddard Rockets
The Rockets consistently stay at the top of the classification with head coach Anthony Mestas at the helm. The Rockets welcome back Noah Reese (2022), James Torrez (2022), and Gabriel Campos (2021). The Rockets will do some battle in district with Artesia but a state tournament bid is on the verge, if they only take 8 this season. This Rockets team could be the darkhorse of the year and a buy low type of team.

No. 10 Valencia Jaguars
This could be a bit high for the Jaguars who are coming off an 18-win season and that reached their first Elite Eight at the PIT. They lost their top three players from last season and could be going through a mini rebuild. The two returners to watch for the Jaguars are Preston Lowery (2021) and Eric Lopez (2021) this season. Both averaged around 6 points per game but will step into bigger roles. The one for the future is 2023 Ali Abdullah who contributed some minutes last season.

No. 11 Kirtland Central Broncos
The Broncos enter the season just outside the top ten but will look to make an early statement. They return leading scorer Cameron Crawford (2021) from the team that went 17-12 and finished second in district play. The Broncos alos return Jaxson Manning (2021), Elijah Jenks (2022), and Kragen Camden (2022) who played big roles last season providing them with plenty of talent to make a push at an automatic bid. The Broncos reached the state tournament last season and look to make that run again.

No. 12 Taos Tigers
The Tigers are coming off back-to-back twenty win seasons, 21-8 overall last season and reached the state tournament. In 2019 exiting in the opening round of the state tournament after reaching the elite eight in 2018. The Tigers could have the highest floor to ceiling argument heading into this season. Many that contribute to our rankings, in debate, have the Tigers any place from 7 to 14 and maybe giving us a dark horse type of team that is well unknown. The two things that we do know; they return one of the top players in the classification in Abdul Khweis (2021) who was a New Mexico All-Tournament team in 2018 and is coming off another stellar season averaging 17 points per game in 2019. They'll need to replace Angel Limas and Noah Armijo but the depth off the bench should be enough for another run at an elite eight showing. Anthony Padilla (2022) and Isiah Jeantete (2022) are a pair of juniors that will provide Khweis with help in terms of scoring options.

No. 13 Grants Pirates
The Pirates had a roller coaster type of season with some highs and lows. They ended up going 14-14 overall and reaching the state tournament. The Pirates had another mid-season coaching change as first-year head coach Mark Teel stepped down late January for health reasons. Interim head coach Landon Chavez guided the Pirates to 6 wins of the final 9 including a close loss in the first round against Artesia. Good news for the Pirates is graduating two players, 1 starter and welcoming back some good talent to make a run again in district play. They finished tied for second place last season. Nick Trujillo (2021), Romero Hudson (2021) and 6-foot-4 post Colton Moore (2022) all return. The Pirates made a great off-season decision to remove the interim tag from Chavez title and promoted to head coach bringing some stability.

No. 14 Lovington Wildcats
After going 16-13 overall last season the Wildcats are entering 2021 with some steam moving forward. This could be a very good Wildcats team as they welcome back three of their top five offensive threats this season. Cobe Sandoval (2021), Isaac Hinson (2022), and Tayten Hillard (2022) each coming into the season after averaging between 8 and 7 points on the season. The Wildcats shared the ball well last season and several players were involved in the system in 2020. Maybe, the one thing that can carry them forward is having the one player to take them over the hump and into the Elite Eight. This could be a big mover forward this season. The Wildcats ended last season on a high note winning three of the final four games and earning a bid into the state tournament.

No. 15 Bernalillo Spartans
Big things could be in store for the Bernaillo basketball team this season. The Spartans could be one of the better teams in this next group of five teams being mentioned in our NMPreps.com preseason rankings for the 2021 basketball season. They'll miss out with the graduation loss to Luis Villegas and Michael Maes but have plenty to be excited about. The Spartans led by longtime head coach Terry Darnell could have himself a very good group. Ayden Madrid (2021), a 6-foot-1 post, is one of several posts that could guide the Spartans roster this season. Pair 6-foot-4 forwards Christian Vigil and Daniel Lopez to round out the Spartans. The Spartans, playing in the toughest district in 4A, struggled to an 0-10 district showing that would keep them out of the playoffs (9-18 overall during 2019-2020). They won't have to battle with Highland this season but the district remains strong with Del Norte, Albuquerque Academy, Hope Christian and Valley. With only eight teams getting a state bid this year it becomes more of a dogfight in this district.

No. 16 St. Pius X Sartans
The Sartans are coming off a 9-16 overall season; losing nine of the final eleven games to the 2020 season. Bad news is the loss of some talented seniors that include big man Derek Rivera. The good news for the Sartans is returning some nice guards that can knock it down when left alone. Look for a core of Alec Garcia (2021), Nick Pascuzzi (2021), and Nick Vargas (2021) led by scoring guard Jonah Arnett (2021) to carry them forward this season. Let's keep in mind this will be year two under head coach Ryan Meyers as the Sartans experienced only their first under .500 season ten years. They will only continue to get better and this could be a perfect rebound season for the Sartans in a shortened season.

No. 17 Portales Rams
The Portales Rams are coming off a 10-17 season and missed the 2020 State Tournament. For, head coach Rickie McBroom it is a unknown place to be as he typically has the Rams playing late into the post season. It speaks for the change in classification the NMAA opted for during this block. The Rams lost some of their top players from last season and will have more holes to fill. They will look to senior post players Josiah Tellez and Kenevan Bailey to carry them forward. Both played well late last season and give them some experience as they look to battle in a tough four team district.

No. 18 Miyamura Patriots
The Patriots will enter year four under head coach Reyes Hernandez after going 9-19 overall and 4-6 in district play. The Patriots could be a quiet riser this season and be a sneaky bubble team that gets into the playoffs (if we happen to go back to 16 teams). I like the returning players in 6-foot-5 Christopher Mortensen (2021) and a pair of 2022 players in Cael Stewart, an athletic 6-foot-4 forward, and Mathias Rodriguez. Yes, this could be one that we had too high but it will also be a wait and see. They need to shake off their 'worst' season under Hernandez who won 15 in his first season and 16 in his second year. Year four gives is now the full culture and program under one head coach - make or break?

No. 19 Belen Eagles
The Belen Eagles have been going through a massive rebuild since winning it all in 2018. They went 12-15 in 2019 and now coming off a 7-20 overall season in 2020. The 2021 season will be year four under head coach Andrew Dunnell and will be the one that has the staple of the Dunnell tenure. The Eagles lacked some experience last season and will have some go-to players returning. Guard Josh Sisneros (2021) and Brody Jaquez (2022) will be players to watch. Jaquez, a 6-3 post, played well as a sophomore last season.

No. 20 Bloomfield Bobcats
Bloomfield is coming off back-to-back 11-17 seasons under head coach Randy Crockett who is entering his fifth season, taking over in 2016-2017, at the helm and searching for their first over .500 season since taking over (Bloomfield last went over .500 in 2015-2016 winning 20-games the season). The good news for the Bobcats looking forward is returning do-all wing Raymundo Alcantar (2021). The Bobcats could battle and be in the mix for the third place position and maybe runner up slot in this district.

No. 21 Santa Teresa Desert Warriors
The Desert Warriors are coming off a state tournament appearance and a district tournament championship. They went 11-19 overall last season and 5-1 in district play. This could be high for the Desert Warriors who could be projected to take a step back after graduating 10-players from last season and returning four experienced players. Julian Cobos (2022) is the player to watch the next two years as he'll become the focus point for the future of the Desert Warriors.

No. 22 Pojoaque Valley Elks
The Pojoaque Valley Elks fell short in their building process finishing with a 10-17 overall record. Head coach Thomas Vigil finishes his third season at the helm and has scene small growth going from 6 to 8 to 10 wins in his three years. The bad news: The lose their top four players from last season to graduation and have to replace a majority of their offense. They will look to Lukas Archibeque (2021), Sean Aragon (2021), and Andrew Garcia (2021) moving into the 2020/2021 season. The reality however could be another season around 8-11 wins and missing the state tournament. The district remains the same with Moriarty, Los Alamos, Taos and Espanola Valley. They could find a spot in the DC or in the cellar.

No. 23 Shiprock Chieftains
2019-2020 Record: 8-19 overall, 3-7 in district
Scoop: The Chieftains graduate eight players and could be looking at another season fighting out of the twenty range. The good news for the Chieftains will be in the hands of Shannon Dale (2021) who is a 6-foot-3 forward that can score around the hoop or knock it down from the outside. The Chieftains will go as far as he can lead them this coming season. Their district outside of the top team in Gallup could be a mixture by the end of the season with any team chopping at the runner up spot.

No. 24 Chaparral Lobos
Record: 14-15 overall, 5-1 district
Scoop: It's a brief history but the Lobos accomplished two things in 2019/2020: Highest win total in program history and reached the state tournament for the second time in its' 13-year history. Looking forward the Lobos have to replace its top three leading scorers from last season and in all they graduate six players off their 12-player roster. District play should play into their favor again with Silver and Ruidoso already making our ranking list. Joel Chavira (2021) and Ivan Barcenas (2021) will be the two to watch this season. Chavira with 5.3 points per game and 6.7 rebounds a game.

No. 25 Moriarty Pintos
Record: 7-18 overall, 1-7 district
Scoop: The Moriarty Pintos went 7-18 under first-year head coach Marcus Ortiz. The Pintos were projected to struggle some last season with the move "up" in classification and replacing some vital pieces from the 20-9 team in 2017-2018. The bad news for the Pintos is the loss of seven seniors and all of their frontcourt players. They only return one player over six foot after graduating four. This could be another build type of season for the Pintos but the good news is the district won't be extremely tough. They remain with Espanola, Taos, Los Alamos and Pojoaque Valley.

No. 26 Silver Colts
Record: 5-23 overall, 2-4 district
Scoop: The Silver Colts dropped off last season after making a head coaching change. After three consecutive season of 24 wins (2019, 2018, 2017) and a 20 win season in 2016, along with nine years in a row of an over .500 record under former head coach Brandon Siqueiros. The Colts went 5-23 overall last season and experienced their first losing season since 2010 and lowest win total since 1983 (they went 4-19 that season). The good news for the Colts is the return of just about all of their weapons and options and should escape the cellar this season. They have size and talent that returns next season. They will look to leadership from the backcourt in John Lopez (2021) and Edward Flores (2021).

No. 27 Ruidoso Warriors
Record: 7-21 overall, 0-6 district
Scoop: Unfortunately, for one of 4A's smallest schools in terms of enrollment, it could be finding itself in the 20's and on the outside looking in again. However, head coach Billy Paige will get the most out of his players and program. They enter 2020 on a 7-game losing streak and went 2-16 after the Christmas break. The good news is that they will only continue to get better and they welcome back 11 of 13 varsity players from last season. Four year lettermen Brady Mendez (2020) and 6-foot-3 post Grant Oberheu (2020) look to carry some of the load forward.

No. 28 Los Alamos Hilltoppers
Record: 7-21 overall, 2-6 district
Scoop: The bad news - the Hilltoppers graduate six players off a 7-win team. The good news - the Hilltoppers return Wesley Stanfield (2022) and Harrison Frank (2023), their top two players from last season. Frank is coming off a stellar freshman season.

No. 29 Aztec Tigers
Record: 8-19 overall, 1-9 district
Scoop: The Tigers will have a new head coach next season and coming off a 8-win season they have plenty of room to improve. They have a good foundation with former Matthew Steinfeldft giving them some stability and they return their top two players in Austin Schaub (2021) and Marcus Rios (2021); Schaub led the way with 10 ppg, and 5 rebounds per.

I got on a little late so this may have been asked.
How many schools did not take advantage of playing football this spring?

We are now less than 2 weeks from tip off! Finally!! However I haven’t seen many schedules, what do some of your schools schedules look like in the 12 game season? District only?