#1 Hobbs Lady Eagles

Record: 26-2 (District: 5-1)

Head Coach: Joe Carpenter

Preview: Well, well, well. Here we are a year later and Coach Joe Carpenter is returning with another talented Hobbs team looking to make it two straight state championships. This year, though, his backcourt is led by a familiar senior in Amiah Smith while the other is the eighth-grade bright star in Wisdom Anthony. This duo along with the other key contributors like MacKenzye Gibson, Ayanna Smith, and A'Niya Heckard have helped Hobbs in their successful campaign through much of the season that culminated in another district championship. I’m not keen on what Hobbs has in store for this March run, but you can bet there’ll be plenty of that: running.

Last Championship: 2018 vs. Cibola


#2 Piedra Vista Lady Panthers

Record: 24-3 (District: 5-1)

Head Coach: Joe Reed

Preview: The dark horse entering this year had some low expectations especially considering the district they were entering with preseason mentioned title contenders West Mesa and La Cueva. Yet, here we are and after an overwhelming surprise regular season that included a season sweep of West Mesa and a district championship, many are still counting out the Lady Panthers. Led by one of the state’s best defenders in Celina Watson, and a trio of outstanding shooters in Hallie Blackie, Tiontai Woods, and Lanae Billy, PV has all the makings of a title run this postseason.

Last Championship: None with no title game apperances


#3 West Mesa Lady Mustangs

Record: 24-3 (District: 6-2)

Head Coach: Manny Otero

Preview: This is it. I mean, year after year of regular season success and we’re wondering if this the March the duo of Army -West Point commit, Esperanza Varoz and New Mexico Highlands commit, Maiah Rivas lead this team to the state championship. It could very well be considering the bevy of talent this team has. Two stellar shooting forwards in Jaden Castellano and Cece Barela. Plus, the ever tenacious and turnover creating Emily Burk. This team has the makings and I don’t have to say much more. Just look at the two road wins they got in Carlsbad and in Hobbs. But of course, what matters is March. After coming up short again and again in district, it lit a match and they’re ready to make an angry run at the last Saturday of the season.

Last Championship: None with no title game appearances.


#4 Carlsbad Cavegirls

Record: 24-5 (District: 5-1)

Head Coach: John Zumbrun

Preview: Carlsbad is one of those teams I think folks are overlooking. Coach Zumbrun has a solid group of experienced players that all have had time playing at the high level against quality opponents. They beat Hobbs in Hobbs this year. They have the Idaho State commit in the quick scoring guard, Carsyn Boswell. They have Kaliyah Montoya, a skilled post player with a great ability to pass. Plus, Baylee Molina, Teran Tiller, and Dayshaun Moore that are key contributors night in and night out on both ends of the floor. They’re not the most exciting team in the field, but with the likes of Coach Zumbrun they figure out ways to win.

Last Championship: None with no title game appearances.


#5 Volcano Vista Lady Hawks

Record: 21-5 (District: 7-1)

Head Coach: Lisa Villareal

Preview: Well, if you don’t know then now you’ll know. The talents of the freshmen on this team is fun to watch and may only be rivaled by those at La Cueva. Led by freshman Jaelyn Bates and Natalia Chavez, this Volcano Vista has been on a tear all season long. You absolutely have to know where Bates is at all times and despite teams having some modest success in slowing her down, she has had help from Chavez, Giannah Aragon, Storm Anaya-Gonzales, and Kennedy Brown. There’s no denying this will be a team to watch in future seasons, but they have a great opportunity to make a splash in their first state tournament appearance.

Last Championship: Won 2016 vs. Cibola (last title appearance)


#6 Mayfield Lady Trojans

Record: 23-5 (District: 12-0)

Head Coach: George Maya

Preview: There’s those “blue-bloods” in girls hoops in this state and the girls basketball program from Mayfield is definitely one of them. Coached 21 seasons by the hall of famer, George Maya, the Lady Trojans took over their district to the mark of an undefeated 12-0 run. Led by Colby Community College commit, Alize Ruiz, the Lady Trojans have one of the best team defenses in the class. Contributions from Alyssa Madrid, Laila Flores, and Genesis Tellez have also been significant to their success this season.

Last Championship: Won 2011 vs. Cibola; last title game appearance in 2014 vs. Volcano Vista


#7 Farmington Lady Scorpions

Record: 21-8 (District: 4-4)

Head Coach: Larenson Henderson

Preview: They’re one of the surprise teams though not entirely unknown to those in the northwest corner. Farmington was expected to return with talent that included senior forward Jordan Vasquez, and freshman guard Kiiyani Anitielu. First year head coach, Larenson Henderson has shaped this roster into similar run-and-gun style teams he coached in Shiprock. With that, they’ve blazed their way to their first 20+ win season since the 2014-15 season. Help on the interior from Chloe Finch and the shooting stroke of Germaine Steven have also led to the Lady Scorps’ success.

Last Championship: Won 2002 vs. Kirtland Central; Last title game appearance in 2004 vs. Kirtland Central


#8 La Cueva Lady Bears

Record: 18-7 (District: 3-5)

Head Coach: Robert Perea

Preview: La Cueva has one of the best one-on-one playmakers and scorers in junior Kaya Ingram. But it hasn’t just been her this season. Leaning on the defense of the senior duo, Rachael Hathoot and Deja Sandoval, the Lady Bears have been truly successful at allowing Ingram to focus on the offensive end. That paired with the emergence of a talented freshmen line up in Carolina Romero, Rylie Ottman, and Teona Savic has led to La Cueva to being one of the dominant favorites this season. True, they didn’t make a splash in district like they might have wanted but it’s a new season, and with Ingram looking to return to the playoffs since missing last season’s appearance, they’re gunnin’ for that title game.

Last Championship: Won 2009 vs. Cibola; Last title game appearance in 2017 vs. Sandia.


The Rest of the Field:

#9 Rio Rancho Lady Rams (17-11; 7-1) – If it’s not the senior Laura Gutierrez lauching threes, then it’s freshman guard Kelcie Hawkins or Julia Chavez helping lead the charge for the Lady Rams.


#10 Cleveland Storm (19-10; 4-4) – Cleveland boasts one of the best three-guard defensive lineups in 5A with the likes of Desiree Forster, Kaylee Caldwell, and Alycia Harriott.


#11 Sandia Lady Matadors (19-6; 10-0) – A wealth of talented youth in Viane Cumber and Marisa Griego combined with the playmaking of the lone senior, Sapirah Broussard could make it interesting in almost any game despite their inexperience in the tournament.


#12 Alamogordo Lady Tigers (21-8; 8-4) – They won’t leave you with a “whoa” impression in their playmaking, but Alamogordo’s defense along with Faith Silva’s scoring ability have the means to win any way they need to win.


#13 Centennial Lady Hawks (14-13; 7-5) – A bit of an up-and-down season, but the Lady Hawks still have a lot of talent in junior guard Jessica Rios and senior forward Dianne Hefner.


#14 Onate Lady Knights (15-13; 6-6) – Led by one of the state’s best forward/centers in senior Estrella Avalos, the Lady Knights had a successful regular season with help from sophomores Sydney Hobbs and Angel Jones.


#15 Eldorado Lady Eagles (9-16; 0-8) – Struggled through much of district, but I don’t think senior guard Colexi Brazier and the interior duo of Breanne Edgar and Bella Escobar are ready to wrap up the season just yet.


#16 Deming Lady Wildcats (16-11; 5-7) – Possess one of the best freshman guards in the state in Harmanie Dominguez. They play big too with size in the interior with Vanessa Garcia and Adriana Giron. First season under head coach Kim Garcia.

UPSET-MINDED (Likely Upset): (12) Fort Sumner at (5) Cliff
I normally don't like to pick games with so much travel, but I like Fort Sumner's odds in this one. Cliff has been dominant through most of the district season (except that last one versus Animas). In this one though, it wouldn't surprise me if Cliff overlooks Fort Sumner and we have ourselves a game late. Coming from a district with Logan and Melrose, I'm sure Fort Sumner is up to the challenge.
Trip Stats: 6 hrs 38 minutes; 387.4 miles for Fort Sumner

INTRIGUING GAME: (10) Jemez Valley at (7) Animas
Jemez Valley is one of those small schools that year-in and year-out they have a decent team and find themselves ranked and tournament bound. Animas was the third place team out of probably the toughest district in the class. I'm curious to see how Jemez Valley matches with Animas as far as the offense and physical play. It's quite a ways too.
Trip Stats: 5 hrs 37 mins; 361.1 miles for Jemez Valley

FINAL FOUR SURPRISE (5-16 seeds): (6) Quemado
Quemado opens up with the district runner up Des Moines who has to make the looong drive from the north to the southwest corner-ish of the state. I like Quemado's odds with their tough district schedule and overall ability to win tough games against quality opponents. I think potentially taking on a Logan team in the next round that is still coming 'round to playing together is exactly the kind of team they want to face. I like their road to the final four.
Trip Stats: 6 hrs 22 mins; 409.9 miles for Des Moines

BEST GAME: (9) Elida at (8) Cimarron
This one might be a fun one. A good measure of the strength of each district. Elida has fallen off their dominance and Cimarron has found themselves to be a tough northern team to beat. The speed and tempo that Cimarron plays at might provide some opportunities for Elida to stay in the game, but Elida will need to keep pace with Cimarron. If this becomes too much of an up-and-down game into the second half, Cimarron might run away with it by the mid-3rd quarter.
Trip Stats: 4 hrs 20 mins; 274 miles for Elida

SUBS NEEDED: (4) Pine Hill vs. (13) Roy/Mosquero
As most of you know, I like the Lady Blues with their 5-player roster. I don't think they know exactly what they're in for heading to Pine Hill in probably the one of the most high tempo games they'll have all season. Roy/Mosquero did decently hanging with Cimarron, but I think Pine Hill is a different level of tempo that the Lady Blues might not have the personel to match.
Trip Stats: 5 hrs 8 mins; 331 miles for Roy/Mosquero

UPSET MINDED (Upset Pick): (12) REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN AT (5) ESTANCIA
I really like Rehoboth's odds. Especially with their height against Estancia. Now of course, I think Estancia fans will be all out in the stands on Friday (they don't have travel plans on Saturday) so it'll make for some tense energy there. Of course, Rehoboth struggles at times, but with the kind of games they've won, both close and low-scoring, I think the Lynx can pull this one off.

INTRIGUING GAME: (13) NEWCOMB AT (4) DULCE
I'm not the biggest fan of first round games being district repeats, but this one could prove to be more interesting than the first time around. Newcomb has defeated Dulce once before this season and it took overtime to pull that one off in Newcomb. The second time not so much by Newcomb as Dulce went on to win convincingly. But in the district tournament championship, Dulce won by only two points, at home! Now with the pressure of the state tournament and being back home, I'm curious if Dulce comes out tense. I know Newcomb Coach McLaughlin probably doesn't like the return trip, but he knows Dulce is beatable with the team he has.

FINAL FOUR SURPRISE: (7) CLAYTON
Clayton has seemed to have corrected the ship and with so many talents I think they have the road to sneak into the semifinals. The tough test at home starts against an Alamo Navajo team they can't take lightly. But if they get to the quarters, they will likely have Penasco. Now Penasco returns all their starters for this year's run. But Clayton has been tested through the season more so than Penasco, I believe. And on a neutral court, I'm not sure if Penasco (not playing at Bernalillo HS) will have the shooting touch down. Clayton likes that interior scoring with their interior players so I like that matchup that leads to Clayton in the final four.

BEST GAME: (8) MESCALERO APACHE VS. (9) MAGDALENA
This will be a fun one. Not too bad of a road trip for Magdalena, and Mescalero is familiar with them. Their head-to-head record dating back to January 2007 is 3-8 in favor of the Lady Steers. But both teams have had might marks and low marks this season. What I'm looking forward to is the scoring battle between Mescalero Apache's Fallon Velasquez and Magdalena's Kourtney Lewis. I think Magdalena has the better all-around squad but Mescalero Apache has shown they can hang with almost any team they've faced all season. This is the 2A game I would attend on Friday.

DOUBLE DIGIT DELIGHT
I think we could see the most upsets in this class. I'm probably wrong, but just looking at the key matchups, it's interesting. I'm curious how Pecos responds to Tse' Yi' Gai and whether Tse' Yi' Gai will make the road trip worthwhile and give Pecos a game. Same with Newcomb and Dulce. That's two top four seeds that could find themselves in games on Friday.

UPSET-MINDED (Most Likely to Upset): (7) Socorro vs. (10) Crownpoint
Crownpoint has had a better second half of the season than the first. Socorro has had a poor close out to the season with a loss to Cobre (twice). Now it'll take some gettin' from Crownpoint because this Socorro team is no slouch. But I think the match-up is favorable for Crownpoint. Socorro hasn't defended their home court well lately and Crownpoint probably knows they could've played better in that district championship game.

INTRIGUING MATCH-UP: (11) Sandia Prep vs. (6) Tularosa
Hey, look. Sandia Prep has to feel somewhat slighted that they have to go on the road as a district champion. Sure, I get it. I think they're well coached enough to channel that against a Tularosa team that has shown some inconsistencies all season long. I'm not saying Tulie is bad, but rather you don't know which Tulie team is going to show up. I think if there's a Sandia Prep team that could win on the road, it's this one. And if there's a Tulie team that could take this Sundevil team lightly, at least for a half, it's this Tularosa team.

FINAL FOUR SURPRISE (5-16 seeds): (5) Navajo Prep
Navajo Prep started the season 1-4 but then grinded out four straight into the end of December. Then won 7 of 11 games in January. They've got a fairly solid core that's driven most of the team from a mediocre district start that included an upset loss to Crownpoint to a dominant finish in the district championship game. I think they have the personel to make that run given their first round and potential quarterfinal opponents matchup-wise.

BEST GAME: (8) West Las Vegas vs. (9) Tohatchi
If you like up-and-down tempo basketball with plenty of shooting THIS is the game for you! Both teams can put up 50 points with relative ease. And I personally think this game could end up in the 60s. Fact of the matter is both teams are more than capable of winning this game, as are most 8-9 match-ups. But this one will definitely be a fun one. Especially if the Tohatchi faithful make the trip east to the West side.

TOP-FOUR OVER/UNDER: Those first four seeds are as good as it gets in 3A, but I'm curious which one will be closer than expected. I'm putting the line at 25.5 for each game in that top four.

UPSET-MINDED: (12) LOS ALAMOS vs. (5) HIGHLAND
Los Alamos completely caught most of us off-guard this season. I had them finishing in fourth place in district behind Moriarty. But there they were, stealing games against Pojoaque and Espanola Valley. They didn't have the best regular season with a few questionable losses, but Los Alamos has a great shot at giving a Brooklyn Crawford-less Highland team a run. It's the height that's a difference maker and with two six footers in Becca Green and Natalie Gallegos, Los Alamos has key players to do this. They'll need to make sure they stay out of foul trouble against the likes of sophomore sensation Cailee Crawford who has the inside-out game as well as getting her teammates involved with her quality court vision. I like Los Alamos' odds in this one.

INTRIGUING MATCH-UP: (6) SILVER VS. (11) GODDARD
You know, Silver has been getting all kinds of angst from some of our readers, but I'm not so sure how to evaluate them given their schedule. Much like Highland (who played a heavy metro schedule) it's hard to figure how the match-ups will go when teams don't play many other in-class teams. Thankfully these two teams have already played each other before earlier this season at Artesia's City of Champions tournament. Silver came out with the 49-33 win in the consolation semis. I know Silver can play and they got Katelyn Limardo who is a clear mismatch. But Goddard has "playoff" mode and one of the best all-around ball players in the state in Bailey Beene. I almost made this my upset pick, but I'm going to wait this one out. Both teams have high ceilings but Goddard's floor is lower than Silver's. I'm curious to Coach Neighbors' game plan

FINAL FOUR SURPRISE (5-16 seeds): (10) HOPE CHRISTIAN
Okay, first off, that first round match-up is a slug-fest. I'm going to avoid guessing exactly how many free throws we could see in that one given how defensive minded SPX is. But I like Hope based on talent and ability. St. Pius X can play and compete but Hope has been itching for a chance to showcase what they can do (and probably be done with that long district season). I like Hope's chances in this game and the next against potentially Los Lunas. No hate on the Lady Tigers. They're about as good as last year's team was. But again, I think they overlook's Hope's talent and Hope finds a way to finally get it together and make a run. Or it could end up with a Hope Christian donor yelling obscenities at the coaching staff and players. Both possible.

BEST GAME: (4) POJOAQUE VALLEY VS.(13) ESPANOLA VALLEY
Now I told Coach Estrada that if this game were to happen I would attend. So here I am scrounging up whatever loose change I can get and hope I can make the drive fast enough northward to catch this game. I like both of these teams and I'm just as annoyed they have to play again in the first round (a quarterfinal would've been amazing). But nope, we gotta run this one back in Ben Lujan one more time. I missed the first classic and I'm making sure I don't miss the second one. I like the style both teams play with and I think it'll make for one of the best first round games through ALL the classes.

GRINDHOUSE AT THE RAC: (8) PORTALES VS. (9) ARTESIA
These two are more than likely sick of each other. Probably disappointed they have to play against each other to get to the quarters. But I like this to go one more time because that district championship got out of hand early than I expected. I thought this was going to be much like the first time Artesia played Portales at the RAC when Artesia nearly stole that one before Portales stole it right back. They may hate it, but I love it. What better way to stoke the flames of a rivalry heading into next season than to have a win-or-go-home state tournament game to close out the season for someone.

Most Likely to Upset: (12) Alamogordo vs. (5) Volcano Vista
We in hoops know the first place you look is that 5-12 match-up. Although I like the youthful core of Volcano Vista, I'm not sure they'll have such an easy time against Alamogordo. I think Alamogordo showed when they come to play they're grinding out games and can play close. It was either this or Cleveland's chances in the north.

Interesting Game: (9) Rio Rancho vs. (8) La Cueva
I think it'll be interesting to see if Rio Rancho's clutch card has been maxed out. La Cueva is probably glad they don't have a first round district match up but to have to potentially see Hobbs in the next round might be a huge distraction. That's usually the case in the 8-9 battles. Someone is always looking to the next round and maybe that's how Rio Rancho makes it game early.

Unlikely Final Four Team (5-16 Seed): (6) Mayfield
Yeah, yeah. They have to go through West Mesa, but first let's not overlook the tempo setting first round game against Sandia. Mayfield prides itself on the defense they play. Whatever they establish through that first round could carry over into the quarters against a West Mesa team that hasn't found it's shooting stroke yet. Now the last time they met, Mayfield in the LCPS tournament championship against West Mesa 50-32. I think a quarterfinals game could go different. Plus, I like Coach Maya's odds.

Best Game: (12) Cleveland vs. (7) Farmington
Just because of how far each team has come from their meeting in December. I think Farmington, offensively is better while Cleveland, through a rough district stretch, will probably dig deep and see if they can make a run for the senior group. All I know is I want to see if Jordan Vasquez can go for 50 this time around since her last meeting against Cleveland gave her 37 points.

CHALK DUST: Each of the top four seeds matchups.
I've seen each of these teams at least once and I'm not sure the lower seeds have the firepower or defensive prowess to hang around with their top-ranked opponents.

Whole bracket for any class. We will use Grine's scoring settings.

First Round
1 point for correct picks
-2 for incorrect picks

Second Round
2 points for correct picks
-1 for incorrect

Final Four
4 points for correct picks
0 for incorrect

Championship
8 points for correct picks
2 points for picking both in the finals

Fill out a complete bracket.

FIRST ROUND – 1A PICKS AND PREDICTIONS

#1 Melrose vs. #16 To’hajiilee

Melrose sets the tone and routs To’hajiilee.

Prediction: Melrose 70 To’hajiilee 37


#2 Tatum vs. #15 Dora

Tatum routs.

Prediction: Tatum 80 Dora 51


#3 Logan vs. #14 Hondo Valley

Logan gets off to a slow start but wake up and dominate.

Prediction: Logan 62 Hondo Valley 31


#4 Pine Hill vs. #13 Roy/Mosquero

Roy/Mosquero tries to keep the pace down but Pine Hill gets out and gets the Lady Blues in foul trouble.

Prediction: Pine Hill 72 Roy/Mosquero 42


#5 Cliff vs. #12 Fort Sumner

Fort Sumner plays a tough half, but ultimately fall short with a bad quarter.

Prediction: Cliff 57 Fort Sumner 33


#6 Quemado vs. #11 Des Moines

Quemado plays faster and quicker with more experienced players.

Prediction: Quemado 59 Des Moines 33


#7 Animas vs. #10 Jemez Valley

Animas holds off the Jemez Valley scoring streaks to win.

Prediction: Animas 46 Jemez Valley 34


#8 Cimarron vs. #9 Elida

The toughest 1A game to call (obviously with the 8/9 matchup). I like Cimarron to hold off Elida in a close one.

Prediction: Cimarron 52 Elida 48


SHARE YOUR PREDICTIONS BELOW

FIRST ROUND – 2A PICKS AND PREDICTIONS

#1 Texico vs. #16 Loving

Tough draw for the champions from district 4. Texico advances.

Prediction: Texico 58 Loving 25


#2 Penasco vs. #15 McCurdy

Another tough draw for a district champ from district 2. Penasco advances

Prediction: Penasco 70 McCurdy 36


#3 Pecos vs. #14 Tse’ YI’ Gai

Interesting one that I’m not sure how it could play out given Pecos’ inconsistency late this season.

Prediction: Pecos 55 Tse’ Yi’ Gai 35


#4 Dulce vs. #13 Newcomb

This is a stay away game. I like Dulce at home, but Newcomb was the only team to defeat Dulce in district.

Prediction: Dulce 51 Newcomb 50


#5 Estancia vs. #12 Rehoboth Christian

My upset pick. I’m second guessing this now, but I made the pick and I’ll stick with it despite Estancia having Rehoboth beat in almost every category.

Prediction. Rehoboth 45 Estancia 44


#6 Lordsburg vs. #11 Cloudcroft

This is a district re-run that I wish would be a lot closer. But Lordsburg has Madison Miller and Cloudcroft does not have an answer.

Prediction: Lordsburg 54 Cloudcroft 35


#7 Clayton vs. #10 Alamo Navajo

Clayton is are favorites to make “dark horse” run.

Prediction: Clayton 57 Alamo Navajo 32


#8 Mescalero Apache vs. #9 Magdalena

Mescalero showed they can’t really be reliable at home. So I’m taking the coaching over the matchups.

Prediction: Mescalero Apache 49 Magdalena 43


SHARE YOUR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS BELOW

CLASS 4A - FIRST ROUND PICKS AND PREDICTIONS

#1 Kirtland Central vs. #16 Shiprock
Look I have it on good knowledge that Shiprock hasn't been practicing after their district tournament loss. Meanwhile, KC is practicing for their tournament run. And I'll be honest, not a lot of folks expected SHS to be in the tournament field, but they got enough votes to get in ahead of Valley. Maybe Shiprock makes it a game for a quarter, but after that near 50 and 40 point thrashing this district season, I find it hard to see if KC blows this one.
Prediction: Kirtland Central 73 Shiprock 35

#2 Los Lunas vs. #15 Bernalillo
I was seriously hoping for a Los Lunas 1-seed just to see the quarterfinals and semifinals matchups that would fall their way. This Bernalillo squad is a tough one. They're scrappy and with the smoove lefty Juliana Aragon, they're still one not to take lightly. Los Lunas is just a different machine though with every player knowing exactly where they need to be. It's good that Berna' ended their tournament drought, but it's going to be an early exit for the Lady Spartans in this one.
Prediction: Los Lunas 61 Bernalillo 25

#3 Gallup vs. #14 Grants
Because of this preview if I'm not covering state next week, you know why (Hahahaha! I'm kidding). Look, Grants has the makings to be a solid team in the coming seasons. But because Gallup has an all-district player like Ashley Antone and the bevy of defensive pressuring guards, they're a tough team to beat ESPECIALLY in Gallup. We've all seen crazier things, but it'll take Grants playing four full quarters for the upset. One bad quarter and suddenly it's a double-digit, uphill climb.
Prediction: Gallup 44 Grants 32

#4 Pojoaque Valley vs. #13 Espanola Valley
In my honest opinion, the winner of this game could find themselves in the final four next week. That's how good these two teams are. And if you're doubtful of that, you have to see them play. The methodical Pojoaque team versus a dynamic Espanola team. This should be a quarterfinal game, but you bet the conspiracy theorist are already marking their walls with string and brackets. My guess, if you're in the area, get there. But I can't like, I don't have the slightest idea who might win given their history.
Prediction: Coin toss

#5 Highland vs. #12 Los Alamos
Now this was my upset pick but it'll take some big play from Los Alamos in getting past this tough metro-based Highland team. Now Highland has the best prospect in Cailee Crawford, but what they're lacking is the rim protection of her sister, Brooklyn. Withouth Brooklyn, Becca Green and Natalie Gallegos will have a field day on the interior. If either of those two can get Crawford in foul trouble, it'll be a close game. The best matchup to watch will be between the guards, LA senior Alex Calderon versus Highland's freshman Denice Ryan.
Prediction: Los Alamos 50 Highland 48

#6 Silver vs. #11 Goddard
Now any other match up and it's a tough prediction. But given their previous meeting I can see Silver pulling this one out. It'll take a monster effort though to contain Bailey Beene, so what Silver may do is let Beene get her baskets and defend everyone else. Katelynn Limardo didn't have a great game the last time they played anyways, so it'll be interesting how far these two measure up in March.
Prediction: Silver 47 Goddard 40

#7 St. Pius X vs. #10 Hope Christian
Tough, tough, tough draw for the Sartans. I think everyone I know that aren't SPX fans have Hope pulling this one out on the short drive. Now the difference will be how well St. Pius defends against the likes of Hayley Valencia and Savanna Lewis. If they can do that, half the battle is won. Other half? Trying to put up points when you know the Lady Huskies are focused on SPX's senior shooting guard Maya Trujillo. This might be the best 4A game to catch if you're in the metro. Well, second to that Highland-LA game.
Prediction: Hope Christian 44 St. Pius X 38

#8 Portales vs. #9 Artesia
District foes meet again and this time with a quarterfinal bid on the line. The last time Artesia won, they let Portales' Taylee Rippee have a career high of 38 points at Artesia. In the second game, Artesia had the game won, but lost it with under a minute left off missed free throws. The district championship was a wash with Portales winning with relative ease. In their fourth meeting, I'm fairly certain Portales wins because it is hard to win in the RAC, but I think Artesia forces something similar to that second game they had against each other. It'll come down the final minute.
Prediction: Artesia 54 Portales 51


SHARE YOUR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS BELOW

CLASS 5A - FIRST ROUND PICKS AND PREDICTIONS

#1 HOBBS VS. #16 DEMING
Tough draw for the young Deming team that made leaps and bounds this past season. Led by a stellar freshman guard in Harmanie Dominguez, Deming will need big games from the supporting cast as well. Hobbs got a sweet draw from their former district (last season) and it'll definitely be a fun up-and-down game that could easily be over by the first quarter if Deming doesn't take care of the ball. Look to the intriguing defensive assignment with Hobbs' Amiah Smith or Wisdom Anthony guarding Deming's Dominguez.
Prediction: Hobbs 66 Deming 31

#8 LA CUEVA VS. #9 RIO RANCHO
La Cueva's Coach Perea was IRATE and went to social media stating that the seeding and selection methodology is a "flawed system" and that "You get rewarded for not having any quality wins as long as your record is good."
Well the La Cueva Lady Bears won't have to hit the road, but they'll have to host a Rio Rancho team that may have maxed their "clutch" credit card. Rio Rancho does have the makings in a first round upset, but I think the impassioned head coach of La Cueva will not allow for that. It'll be a guard heavy match-up when Rio Rancho makes the short trip to La Cueva on Friday.
Prediction: La Cueva 52 Rio Rancho 35

#5 VOLCANO VISTA VS. #12 ALAMOGORDO
Volcano Vista had some trouble early with Cleveland but eventually found a spark of offense from Jaelyn Bates in the district tournament finale. Now the Lady Hawks will play host to the district runner-up Alamogordo Lady Tigers. Alamogordo is led by an effective and quick guard Faith Silva who has had numerous big games this season. Her scoring ability combined with the defensive efforts of Calysta Jacob and Justyse Martin have been successful in the past. The question is can they score enough points or apply enough defensive pressure on the likes of the youthful firepower that Volcano Vista has in Bates, Natalia Chavez, and Giannah Aragon? Everyone likes a 5-12 upset bid. Is this it?
Prediction: Alamogordo 46 Volcano Vista 45

#4 CARLSBAD VS. #13 CENTENNIAL
Centennial has been one of the most up-and-down inconsistent teams this season. BUT, they have the makings to be something special if they can get more than Jessica Rios scoring the points. Carlsbad is coming out of their district 1-3 against Hobbs and looking to put some points on a team. Led by senior guard and Idaho State commit, Carsyn Boswell, the Carlsbad Cavegirls should have an easy time with their steller defense against Centennial. Carlsbad's Kaliyah Montoya matching up against Centennial's Diane Hefner should be a fun battle.
Prediction: Carlsbad 56 Centennial 29

#3 WEST MESA VS. #14 ONATE
In what many are saying could be their last best chance to make a championship run, West Mesa will surely get the best out of the senior tandem guards of Army commit, Espi Varoz, and New Mexico Highlands commit, Maiah Rivas. They'll play host to the seemingly underrated Onate team anchored by star forward-center, Estrella Avalos. With the help of sophomores Sydney Hobbs and Angel Jones, Onate has made their presence known with a few key wins in the southern district. But they'll need all they can get out of their core with the likes of Cece Barela, Emily Burk, and Jaden Castellano adding woes for opponents on both ends of the court.
Prediction: West Mesa 61 Onate 41

#6 MAYFIELD VS. #11 SANDIA
Guard-centric Mayfield hosts a talented but youthful Sandia team in the first round. Mayfield is one of the top 5A teams I've see this season play outstanding man-to-man defense (quick rotation, communication, and footwork). Sandia will not only have their hands full of who to guard, other than Colby CC commit Alize Ruiz (15.6 ppg), but how to handle the pressure and depth Mayfield boasts. It'll take more than Sapirah Boussard and Viane Cumber (17.1 ppg) to get this win on the road.
Prediction: Mayfield 45 Sandia 37

#7 FARMINGTON VS. #10 CLEVELAND
A quality rematch here that'll take place up north this time around as Farmington looks to avenge their Academy tournament loss to Cleveland. Farmington has one of the best forwards in senior Jordan Vasquez. Paired with a freshman guard in Kiiyaani Anitielu, Farmington has show how offensively potent they can be. On the other end, Cleveland is one of the more team-oriented team with a quality backcourt that can matchup with almost any other 5A team. Desiree Forster, Kaylee Caldwell, and Alycia Harriott anchor a big part of the Storm squad. On the interior with Skyla Lillard and Jordan Barnard do much of the interior work. It'll be a great game seeing how far both teams have come since that December day. More importantly, will Jordan Vasquez repeat her 37 point performance?
Prediction: Farmington 52 Cleveland 47

#2 Piedra Vista vs. #15 Eldorado
Well it's looking like a district run might be necessary again if Piedra Vista wants to make their way to the championship. So far this season PV is 2-0 against Eldorado. In those two meetings they had a poor start and it was a game late. Eldorado is likely not to waste a tournament appearance just to show up. They senior squad is looking to not go quietly behind the efforts of Colexi Brazier and Bella Escobar. PV's core with the Watson sisters, Lanae Billy, and Tiontai Woods shouldn't have trouble scoring against this troubled Lady Eagles defense though.
Prediction: Piedra Vista 61 Eldorado 48



SHARE YOUR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS BELOW

Does anybody know if the Deming vs Goddard will be streamed or on the radio?

What are some that should be mentioned?

Name them.

5A

Piedra Vista's Joe Reed

Farmington's Larenson Henderson

Albuquerque's Doug Dorame

Cleveland's Susan Kubala

West Mesa's Manny Otero

Carlsbad's John Zumbrun

Hobb's Joe Carpenter

La Cueva's Robert Perea

Volcano Vista's Lisa Villareal

Alamogordo's Manny Vigil

4A

Los Lunas' Marty Zeller

Pojoaque's Seledon Martinez

Grants' Josh Grine

Kirtland Central's Devon Manning

How many sell outs in the first round? Which games?

What is the most surprising or unbelievable tournament run you've seen by a girls basketball team at state?

NMSU wins Saturday and wins two in the WAC tournament before losing the championship game. At 29-5 do they get into the NCAA tournament?

Have far are teams traveling in the opening round?

It seems like more schools are going to round-robin style tourneys where the games and times are set in advance, rather than bracket-style tournaments where winners move on to play winners and losers play losers.

Which way is better? Seems like teams that travel would like the certainty of game times in advance, and they can also plan their pitching rotation better. But the other way may be more fun in that you actually determine a tournament champion.

best and worst?
Best travelers and worst travelers?
Loudest?
Funny, common, sayings you hear yelled at every game?

Who do you think the first 1-seed to bow out will be?

To keep pace with the boys side and schedule.

Miss Basketball
5A, 4A, 3A, 2A, 1A Player of the Year
Offensive Player of the Year
Defensive Player of the Year
2019 Player of the Year
2020 Player of the Year
2021 Player of the Year
2022 Player of the Year

Any News on any new Coaching hires for the upcoming Football Season?

Texico ??
Mescalero ??

Any Others ??

#9 Artesia at #8 Portales - 6PM

Post Here