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#1 KIRTLAND CENTRAL CRUISE PAST #8 PORTALES

FINAL SCORES
#1 Kirtland Central 71
#8 Portales 39

RECAP
Two basket exchanges early in the game looked like it might be a close one between the two quarterfinalist. But a flurry of Portales turnovers shifted the game and through six minutes Portales had only scored one basket. Portales did adjust and make a short run to get back within 7 in the early second quarter, and were able to play with Kirtland Central scoring wise. But the Ramettes weren't able to cut into the deficit by halftime. Then a lop-sided 3rd quarter left Portales reeling and what was once a manageable deficit ballooned to a 30-point Kirtland Central lead. The fourth was near even in scoring but the damage was done. KC punches their ticket to the semifinals against #13 Espanola Valley at 8AM on Thursday at Dreamstyle Arena.

TEAM STATS

Portales
FG% - 17/41 - 41%
3PT% - 0/8 - 0%
FT% - 5/9 - 56%

9 bench points
30 turnovers
38 rebounds and 6 steals
28 points in the paint
10 fast break points

Kirtland Central
FG% - 28/60 - 47%
3PT% - 6/22 - 27%
FT% - 9/15 - 60%

35 bench points
13 turnovers
28 rebounds and 16 steals
16 fast break points
40 points in the paint

PLAYER STATS

Portales
Taylee Rippee - 21 points (10/16) and 10 rebounds
Teagan Faust - 7 points on 2 of 6 shooting and 6 rebounds and 3 assists
Alexis Ryen - 6 points on 3 of 4 shooting and 6 rebounds

Kirtland Central
Monique Shim - 16 points and 4 rebounds
Tatelyn Manheimer - 14 points and 3 rebounds and 4 assists
Aisha Ramone - 10 points
Aubrey Thomas - 7 points
Avery Begay - 7 points

5A Elite Eight: #2 Piedra Vista vs #7 Farmington

#11 GODDARD CINDERELLA RUN COMES UP SHORT AGAINST #3 GALLUP

FINAL
#3 Gallup 72
#11 Goddard 60

It went exactly how Goddard might've wanted: a slow pace, methodical game while defending Gallup's multiple options as best they could. It worked nearly perfect for a half. But a rough 3rd quarter doomed their efforts and put them in a hole. Some late game heroics by Goddard's Bailey Beene nearly put the game back within reach for Goddard, but it wasn't to be. Behind the efforts of Ashley Antone and contributions from across the roster, Gallup held off the Goddard rally.

TEAM STATS

GODDARD
FG% - 17/43 - 40%
3PT% - 7/15 - 47%
FT% - 19/32 - 59%

7 steals
26 turnovers
3 blocks
18 points in the paint
14 bench points

GALLUP
FG% - 22/60 - 37%
3PT% - 10/24 - 42%
FT% - 18/24 - 75%

14 steals
19 turnovers
1 block
22 points in the paint
23 bench points

PLAYERS

GODDARD
Bailey Beene - 36 points on 11 of 20 shooting including 5 of 9 from the arc and 9 rebounds
Alexis Sandoval - 7 points on 2 of 9 shooting

GALLUP
Ashley Antone - 14 points on 5 of 11 shooting and 10 rebounds
Amanda Mitchel - 11 points on 3 of 5 shooting
Cearra Williams - 11 points on 4 of 12 shooting
Kamryn Yazzie - 10 points on 1 of 10 shooting (7 of 10 from the line)
Mckleigh Begaye - 10 points on 3 of 5 shooting

What do you have?

CLASS 5A

#1 Hobbs vs. #9 Rio Rancho - Rio Rancho makes it close in the first half but Hobbs finds separation thanks to balanced offensive attack.
Prediction: Hobbs 55 Rio Rancho 41

#4 Carlsbad vs. #5 Volcano Vista - Volcano Vista takes the early lead, but the lack of experience and game management leads to a Carlsbad comeback and win.
Prediction: Carlsbad 46 Volcano Vista 43

#3 West Mesa vs. #6 Mayfield - Mayfield makes it a close game early, but West Mesa is throwing up fireballs from the arc with a solid night from the arc and from the free throw line.
Prediction: West Mesa 50 Mayfield 46

#2 Piedra Vista vs. #7 Farmington - It'll be a close one early as Farmington takes the lead through most of the game, until Piedra Vista comes storming back and claims the win by one point.
Prediction: Piedra Vista 53 Farmington 52


CLASS 4A

#1 Kirtland Central vs. #8 Portales - Portales keeps it close by halftime, but a huge 3rd quarter outburst creates separation for KC to go on and win.
Prediction: Kirtland Central 60 Portales 49

#5 Highland vs. #13 Espanola Valley - Espanola finds their shooting stroke at some point during the game and that's the turning point after they struggle against Cailee Crawford and the Lady Hornets.
Prediction: Espanola Valley 49 Highland 48

#3 Gallup vs. #11 Goddard - It's close for a half and possibly three quarters. But Gallup's ability to make turnovers into points creates a run that the Lady Rockets can't overcome.
Prediction: Gallup 57 Goddard 45

#2 Los Lunas vs. #10 Hope Christian - Hope Christian takes the early lead, but falters when Los Lunas converts turnovers into points.
Prediction: Los Lunas 65 Hope Christian 50


CLASS 3A

#1 Robertson vs. #8 West Las Vegas - Valiant effort by West but the rivalry doesn't show up on the defensive end for the Lady Dons as Robertson dominates the paint for the win.
Prediction: Robertson 58 West Las Vegas 45

#4 Hatch Valley vs. #5 Navajo Prep - Navajo Prep takes the early lead, but Hatch Valley makes it game in the 3rd quarter. Navajo Prep gets it done through baskets in transition and the 3-point arc.
Prediction: Navajo Prep 52 Hatch Valley 48

#3 Tucumcari vs. #6 Tularosa - Too many weapons versus "two" few weapons. It's Tulie in a battle and deficit they can't overcome.
Prediction: Tucumcari 59 Tularosa 39

#2 Santa Fe Indian vs. #7 Socorro - The youth of Socorro will make an impression but not enough points on the board to upset the Lady Braves.
Prediction: Santa Fe Indian 65 Socorro 37


CLASS 2A

#1 Texico vs. #8 Mescalero Apache - It's close through halftime as the Lady Chiefs trail by two possessions. Texico uses a big third quarter after adjustments to win decisively.
Prediction: Texico 62 Mescalero Apache 46

#4 Dulce vs. #5 Estancia - It's another battle for Estancia but this time despite their confidence they lose to a quicker team that finds their way to the line.
Prediction: Dulce 48 Estancia 47

#3 Pecos vs. #6 Lordsburg - It's a stunning performance by Lordsburg after Pecos can't find their rhythm until it's too late.
Prediction: Lordsburg 44 Pecos 42

#2 Penasco vs. #7 Clayton - I'm going to be cheap and hedge my prediction. Penasco comes out swinging and ready and defeats Clayton after a close second half run.
Prediction: Penasco 51 Clayton 47


CLASS 1A (Wednesday's Prediction)

Posted later Tuesday

Where do you sit

5A Elite Eight: #1 Hobbs vs #9 Rio Rancho

I'm sure there will be many more but just got word that Alamo @ Valencia is cancelled...

Top places to eat in Albuquerque during State

#2 LOS LUNAS HOLDS OFF #10 HOPE CHRISTIAN

FINAL SCORE
Los Lunas 57
Hope Christian 44

They've met previously at the Hope Christian tournament final and much like that game, Hope had their opportunities but came up short. Sophomore Hayley Valencia had a terrible shooting night throught the game missing key baskets at or around the rim. Meanwhile, Los Lunas took some time to get going, but eventually found their groove against the stout Hope defense. Long balls and forcing turnovers helped Los Lunas extend their lead late and maintain that level of pressure through the rest of the game. Although Hope was within striking distance several times in the early second half, they couldn't find the offense or make count the opportunities.

Los Lunas moves on to the semifinals Thursday at 11:30 AM against the winner of #3 Gallup and #11 Goddard.

TEAM STATS

Hope Christian
FG% - 17/45 - 38%
3PT% - 2/16 - 13%
FT% - 8/18 - 44%

16 turnovers
34 rebounds
8 steals and 4 blocks

3 bench points

Calicia Perea - 12 points on 5 of 8 shooting and 7 rebounds
Rachel Lovato - 12 points on 4 of 6 shooting
Savanna Lewis - 10 points on 5 of 5 shooting and 5 rebounds

Los Lunas
FG% - 17/42 - 40%
3PT% - 6/21 - 29%
FT% - 17/21 - 81%

9 turnovers
33 rebounds
7 steals and 0 blocks

25 bench points

Marissa Weldon - 24 points on 8 of 13 shooting and 3 rebounds
Natalie Jojola - 11 points on 2 of 9 shooting and 4 assists
Mia Guest - 8 points
Feleena Gabaldon - 8 points

Elite Eight: #4 Carlsbad vs #5 Volcano Vista

#13 ESPANOLA VALLEY ADVANCES PAST #5 HIGHLAND

FINAL SCORE
Espanola Valley 54
Highland 44

As soon as the teams were warming up for this early morning tip-off, one thing was noticeable: Where's Cailee Crawford? Highland had to make due and Espanola was looking forward to the meeting.

Immediately though Highland jumped out to a 6-0 lead off Sharahya Ortega's three point shooting. As the game went on though Espanola slowly climbed back into the game with a flurry of offense led by senior Kaylee Chavez's game high 18 points. The open offense that Espanola has come to master plus the threat of the 3-point shot opened the Highland defense. But Highland was not to be denied so easily. Freshman Deniece Ryan was the quickest threat that Espanola struggled to stay in front of early. At the break, it was Espanola who jumped to the 31-26 lead.

Highland showed a spurt in the 3rd quarter that included taking the one point lead but Espanola had an answer for every basket. By the time the 3rd wrapped, Espanola was back up six and wouldn't look back. Espanola moves to their first semifinal since the Roybal era and they'll face the winner of the #1 Kirtland Central-#8 Portales game on Thurday morning at 8AM.

PLAYER STATS

Espanola Valley
Kaylee Chavez - 18 points (5 of 13 FG), 2 of 4 from the arc, 6 of 8 from the FT line.
Kaylinn Martinez - 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Destiny Valdez - 12 points on 4 of 11 shooting (4/10 from 3pt line).
Anita Deaguero - 12 points on 5 of 10 shooting (3 rebounds and 3 assists)

Highland
Sharahya Ortega - 13 points on 4 of 7 shooting (3/8 from the FT line) plus 4 rebounds.
Deniece Ryan - 12 points son 6 of 12 shooting, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists
Zoriah Jackson - 6 points and 6 rebounds

TEAM STATS

Espanola Valley
FG% - 19 of 51 for 37%
3PT% - 8 of 23 for 35%
FT% - 8 of 10 for 80%

16 rebounds
20 steals
8 turnovers
26 points in the paint

Highland
FG% - 18 of 33 for 55%
3PT% - 3 of 6 for 50%
FT% - 5 of 13 for 38%

41 rebounds
25 turnovers
28 points in the paint

Which program has the biggest turnaround this year?

UPSET MINDED - #7 Clayton vs. #2 Penasco
Look, rewatching game film of this Clayton team, they're one of the best passing teams in the class. They have multiple scoring options in Mercedes Sandoval, Mandy Crisp, Barbara Cruz, and Keegan Geary. The Penasco team they're facing is on a mission though, but how clear that focus shows up at an 8AM game will be telling. Playing in maybe the toughest 2A district should provide some confidence for the Lady Yellowjackets.

INTERESTING GAME - #6 Lordsburg vs. #3 Pecos
Madison Miller meet your double-double tournament debut. The sophomore has been outstanding for Lordsburg and is the clear mismatch against Pecos. If Pecos is back at 100%, they're back in this. But I don't like the match up. If Pecos can get back to their pace of play against a really stout Lordsburg team, they have a shot at the final four. But this is going to be a tough hill for the Lady Panthers.

BEST GAME - #4 Dulce vs. #5 Estancia
If the Rehoboth-Estancia was any indication of what this next round offers, then it'll be a thrilling one. Keep in mind, Estancia had to hit a basket with less than 10 seconds left to win that first round game. And this is a Rehoboth team from Dulce's district. This Dulce team is quick and athletic. I'm curious to see how both teams match up for the first time this season. Even more so, I'm curious how Estancia adjusts to playing a high-tempo team.

CINDERELLA or PUMPKIN?: #1 Texico vs. #8 Mescalero Apache
This is a HUGE mountain to climb for Mescalero and it'll take more than Fallon Velasquez to win this game against a talented Texico team. Is it impossible? No. Mescalero has as big a shot as anyone. But again, the youth of Mescalero Apache will have to come through in big moments in this game on both ends of the floor and can't expect Velasquez to carry them through this one. It's a tough draw for Mescalero in their fourth straight quarterfinal game facing elimination.

UPSET-MINDED: #8 West Las Vegas vs. #1 Robertson
Reasons are 1. it's a rivalry game and 2. it's a on a neutral floor. There's nothing left to lose for West and East is flying high. Sure, Coach Medina probably won't allow for lazy, unfocused play and Robertson has shown their overall talent can overcome whatever obstacles are ahead of them in this class. But I'm giving West the rivalry nod and thinking they can come through and at least make it game through four quarters.

INTERESTING GAME: #4 Hatch Valley vs. #5 Navajo Prep
I like both teams. But I believe the match-up favors Navajo Prep. Now, I don't think Hatch gets enough credit though. They got plenty of chemistry and a heckuva playmaker in Tavyn Trujillo. Plus a nice knockdown shooter in Maddi Williams. This one could be a lot closer than expected and I can honestly see both teams in the final four.

BEST GAME: #3 Tucumcari vs. #6 Tularosa
It's simple, there's the offensive machine in Tucumcari with four kids who can score and then there's Tularosa with two quality scorers at their highest level in their senior season. It's really going to come down to who can take care of the ball and get stops, but I'd be surprise if this one doesn't end up over a combined 100 points scored.

FAN FAVORITE: #2 Santa Fe Indian vs. #7 Socorro
Late game and the Lady Braves fans will crowd the Santa Ana Star Center. It's a good game for Soccoro if they're looking to make a statement with a younger team. But the cards are stacked against them in this one. SFIS boasts multiple scoring options and it's really a "pick your poison" kind of team. If someone is having an off-night someone usually steps up and gets the team going. Socorro has their work cut out for them, but if SFIS comes out slow like they did against Laguna-Acoma, maybe the Lady Warriors of Socorro have a shot?

UPSET-MINDED: #13 Espanola Valley vs. #5 Highland
8AM games are the best if you're the underdog. Highland is fairly young while Espanola has plenty of experience. Sure, there's talent with the Lady Hornets, but the clear advantage may be who is familiar with which style? Espanola has had success with large lineups and guard play (Pojoaque and Los Alamos), but I'm not sure Highland has had success against teams like Espanola who can open the floor up with their shooting. Highland is the favorite but I think Espanola has the stars and moon aligned for this upset.

INTERESTING GAME: #2 Los Lunas vs. #10 Hope Christian
These two met in the Hope Christian Invitational title game where Los Lunas led the entire way just around double-digits. Hope was more than capable of never letting the game get out of hand and staying within striking distance until there wasn't enough time left. We could be in for a similar meeting but we'll have to wait and see what adjustments both coaches make in this one. This is the only quarterfinal meeting that is a repeat. All the others are first time match-ups this season.

BEST GAME: #1 Kirtland Central vs. #8 Portales
Kirtland Central is back in their old form of sharing the ball and playing outstanding defense. Portales is very similar but lack the experience that KC has. That could be the only telling difference as Portales has plenty of talent in their youth from Taris Rippee to Mattison Blakey. This might turn into a closer game than suspected if Portales plays up to the level they're capable of. And who knows? The Ramettes have played from behind numerous times this season and have made games from deep deficits. Maybe they have one more to get past this KC team?

CINDERELLA or PUMPKIN?: #11 Goddard vs. #3 Gallup
Goddard did extremely well in playing against Silver and locking down their best player. Now they have another tough test in which they'll have to deal with a serious x-factor in the hundreds of Gallup faithful rocking Dreamstyle Arena. Goddard cannot run with Gallup, but they most certainly can control the pace and play to the point that Gallup plays itself out of the game. Gallup is on a hot streak though. It may take more than Playoff-Goddard-Mode to get the Lady Rockets past the Lady Bengals.

UPSET MINDED: #7 Farmington vs. #2 Piedra Vista
What we all know is that it's hard to beat a team three, four, maybe even five times in a single season. This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams and I'm sure Farmington hasn't forgotten their embarrassing outing the last time at home against PV. PV has all the makings to get to the championship but it'll take another dominant showing against their cross-town rival. And as you know, rivalry games add another layer of uncertainty.

INTERESTING MEETING: #3 West Mesa vs. #6 Mayfield
It's small-ball versus small-ball and it's going to be a fight. Two quality teams that play solid man-to-man defense will require every scoring opportunity to be seized. Whether it's in transition, off turnovers or from the free-throw line. This could be a great offensive exhibition or one that could be decided from the free-throw line.

BEST GAME: #4 Carlsbad vs. #5 Volcano Vista
The slow paced Carlsbad Cavegirls versus the explosive Volcano Vista squad. This will be a fun one and a great test in control of pace for Volcano Vista should they get the lead. Carlsbad may not seem to have the offense to match but with Carsyn Boswell and Kaliyah Montoya have the ability to stop the clock and get to the free throw line with the best of them. Volcano may not be out of the game, but the decision-making in this one will be critical.

CINDERELLA OR PUMPKIN?: #9 Rio Rancho vs. #1 Hobbs
A trio of solid guards versus maybe the best team in the state. How well do the guards play versus Hobbs pressure defense? Also, Rio Rancho is sure missing Mitchel Mortensen more and more with the need for someone to match Ayanna Smith in the paint. I'm just excited to see Wisdom Anthony in person versus the likes of possibly Kelsie Hawkins.

CLASS 4A

BREAKOUT TOURNAMENT Candidates

Ashley Antone – Gallup, Senior

Bailey Beene – Goddard, Senior

Cailee Crawford – Highland, Sophomore

Natalie Jojola – Los Lunas, Sophomore

Kaylinn Martinez – Espanola Valley, Senior


SHOOTERS SHOOT Candidates

Jordan Hanley – Gallup, Junior

Kylie Crooke – Highland, Sophomore

Kaylinn Martinez – Espanola Valley, Senior

Haile’ Chase-The-Boy – Hope Christian, Senior

Aubrey Thomas – Kirtland Central, Senior

Mattison Blakey - Portales, Sophomore


BUCKETS Candidates

Hayley Valencia – Hope Christian, Sophomore

Kaylee Chavez – Espanola Valley, Senior

Tatelyn Manheimer – Kirtland Central, Junior

Cailee Crawford – Highland, Sophomore


PAINT PRESENCE Candidates

Savanna Lewis – Hope Christian, Sophomore

Lacie Schooley – Goddard, Sophomore

Taylee Rippee – Portales, Senior

Siigrid Lii’bilnaghahi – Kirtland Central, Senior

Zoriah Jackson – Highland, Freshman

Hailey Long – Gallup, Freshman


LOCKDOWN Candidates

Jaidyn Schollander – Los Lunas, Senior

Dani Ross – Los Lunas, Junior

Calicia Perea – Hope Christian, Senior

Amanda Mitchel – Gallup, Senior

Denice Ryan – Highland, Freshman


SECOND FIDDLE SLEEPERS Candidates

Marissa Weldon – Los Lunas, Senior

Kamryn Yazzie – Gallup, Senior

Destiny Valdez – Espanola Valley, Sophomore

Tiajhae Nez – Kirtland Central, Senior

Sharahya Ortega - Highland, Senior


ROOKIE Candidates

Natalie Jojola – Los Lunas, Sophomore

Jasmine Baca – Espanola Valley, Sophomore

Alexis Sandoval – Goddard, Freshman

Post stat lines here for the First Round.

Post in game of post game reactions

Tuesday, March 12th



THE PIT
8:00 AM - #5 Highland vs. #13 Espanola Valley
9:45 AM - #4 Carlsbad vs. #5 Volcano Vista
11:30 AM - #2 Los Lunas vs. #10 Hope Christian
1:15 PM - #1 Hobbs vs. #9 Rio Rancho
3:00 PM - #3 Gallup vs. #11 Goddard
4:45 PM - #2 Piedra Vista vs. #7 Farmington
6:30 PM - #1 Kirtland Central vs. #8 Portales
8:15 PM - #3 West Mesa vs. #6 Mayfield

SANTA ANA STAR CENTER
8:00 AM - #2 Penasco vs. #7 Clayton
9:45 AM - #3 Tucumcari vs. #6 Tularosa
11:30 AM - #1 Texico vs. #8 Mescalero Apache
1:15 PM - #4 Hatch Valley vs. #5 Navajo Prep
3:00 PM - #4 Dulce vs. #5 Estancia
4:45 PM - #1 Robertson vs. #8 West Las Vegas
6:30 PM - #3 Pecos vs. #6 Lordsburg
8:15 PM - #2 Santa Fe Indian vs. #7 Socorro



WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13th at Bernalillo HS

CLASS 1A Girls Hoops on WEDNESDAY, March 13th at Bernalillo HS along with Class 1A Boys Basketball.
*Denotes Boys Games



BERNALILLO HIGH SCHOOL
8AM - #2 Tatum vs. #7 Animas
9:45 AM - BBB Game
11:30 AM - #4 Pine Hill vs. #5 Cliff
1:15 PM - BBB Game
3:00 PM - #3 Logan vs. #6 Quemado
4:45 PM - BBB Game
6:30 PM - #1 Melrose vs. #8 Cimarron
8:15 PM - BBB Game

***TOP PLAYERS FROM THE FIRST ROUND***

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First Round - Click Here