What do you have?

Where you at this week?

Heading into Week Five what does your rankings look like?

Who should make a move up?

Who might drop?

Citizens Bank Tournament (December 20th - December 22nd)

While most big schools are on their break here’s one of two big time tournaments going on in the state in girls basketball. The highly touted Lady Wolverines of Texico will play host to a number of area teams that should provide for a very competitive tournament.

Clayton vs. Robertson

Clayton (6-2) is just off winning their first back-to-back Cowbell tournament in some time and a big win over Des Moines. Now, Clayton will turn their eyes to a 3A favorite in the Lady Cardinals of Robertson. Robertson (7-0) boasts one of the state’s best defenders with her length and agility in Alianza Darley. Clayton will need to look to Keegan Geary and Mandy Crisp to get past this challenging first round opponent.

Eunice vs. Tucumcari

Eunice’s new head coach, Dustin Tippit is betting on youth as his Lady Cardinal lineup has only three seniors listed. Eunice (2-3) will take on the other 3A favorite in the tournament field, Tucumcari. Tucumcari (5-1) brings their highly skilled starting lineup from last year and it's anchored by 5’7” junior Ashley Shipley. A Tucumcari win would possibly give them another shot at Texico, the only team to hand them a loss this season by two points.

Tularosa vs. Texico

Tularosa (5-2) got off to a bit of a rough going starting 1-2 but have since won four-straight. This opening matchup should be a good test for the Lady Wildcats who will look to senior Ember Cervantes and junior Shacie Marr. Texico (7-2) look like they haven’t lost a step since March of last season when they won the 3A state championship. They have yet to lose to a New Mexico opponent as their only two losses are to the Texas team of Farwell, their state-ranked neighbors to the east.

Tohatchi vs. Farwell (TX)

Tohatchi (4-4) heads out to Texico just off of defeating their old district rivals to the north in Shiprock. Now, the Lady Cougars will have to face their toughest opponent yet in a 2A state-ranked Farwell team that is 18-1 on the season. Tohatchi will once need a joint effort from the likes of Genae Morris, Cameron Tsosie, and Samantha Belone to get the first round upset.


Prediction
Championship: Farwell defeats Texico in third matchup this season.
3rd Place: Tucumcari defeats Robertson to send early message and a potential preview of March.

Ben Lujan Tournament

Pojoaque is set to host their annual tournament. This year it’ll be quite the diverse showcase of talent from a large set of 3A and 2A schools with host Pojoaque Valley being the largest in class 4A. That shouldn’t short the competitive nature of some of theses schools though. Especially in this opening round, this year’s Ben Lujan will be one you’ll need to see.

Dulce vs. Tierra Encantada

Tierra Encantada (0-3) is coming off an above-.500 season that included 18 wins. This year though despite returning a large part of their roster, it hasn’t translated to wins right away. While they’re still a potential challenger in their own district to win, they’ll have their hands full in this first round game against the Lady Hawks of Dulce. Dulce is coming off three straight wins against quality 3A opponents, and will look to make their mark in class 2A as state contenders. With the trio of Vigils and Vicenti duo this Lady Hawks team is not one to overlook throughout the rest of the season.

Bernalillo vs. Penasco

Bernalillo (6-4) is heading into Ben Lujan winning four of their last six games, including three straight. Their star freshman guard, Juliana Aragon, is every bit the scoring talent she’s talked to be. The lefty has helped lead this mix of juniors into a surprising start for a team that hasn’t finished above .500 since their 2011-2012 season. But they’ll be tested by one of the north’s best small schools in Penasco. Penasco (5-1) returned all their starters from last year’s 2A championship run. With a flurry of their fans looking to make the trip down to Pojoaque, Penasco could earn some wins here that would help position them for a quality run in March. They’ll look Bianca Contreras to help lead the Panther pack.

Santa Fe Indian vs. McCurdy

McCurdy (2-3) ended a three game skid with a win over Coronado last Thursday. The new District 2-2A favorite will get an opportunity to showcase why they’re the team to beat and hopefully channel some of that upset magic they had when they beat SFIS in the opening round three seasons ago. Santa Fe Indian (3-1) is one of the top 3A teams active this weekend, and they’re hoping to get a shot at the host in the championship. But before that, they’ll need to dispatch of two potential district champions if they want Pojoaque in the tourney title game. SFIS will look to the frontcourt sisters of LeAnna and Camilla Lewis.

Pojoaque Valley vs. Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa (3-3) looks to upend the hosts’ tourney title plans with a first round upset. Santa Rosa has struggled offensively this season though against tougher opponents. If they’re upset-minded, they’ll need more than senior duo Jaelyn Sanchez and Kylee Harrison to get past Pojoaque Valley. The Elkettes (7-0) are far more defensive minded and patient on the offensive end than in seasons past. That strategy has so far paid off as shown by their unblemished record. They’ll rely on their senior guard Taylor Roybal along with wing Michaela Martinez. The team is anchored by the silent but dominant play of center/forward Ashten Martinez.


PREDICTION
Championship: Pojoaque Valley and Santa Fe Indian put on a classic. The host close out the game late and win.
3rd Place: Penasco and Dulce put on an offensive display and combine for over 100 points. Penasco claims the win.

The last day of hoops before a three day break and we dive right back in on Wednesday. Saturday has plenty of hoops across the board in every class. Here's what you should keep an eye out for.

NMpreps.com Game of the Week: Highland at La Cueva
La Cueva (6-0) fresh off a big win at Rio Rancho comes home to host a ramblin' 4A Highland (5-2) team who earned a tough win against Eldorado. La Cueva boasts one of the best scoring guards in the state with Kaya Ingram, a guard with the ability to get to the hoop with either hand. Highland has a talented prospect in Cailee Crawford, a 6'1" forward with guard skills and the ability to score from almost anywhere on the floor. This is definitely not one to miss.

SEE ALSO...

Cleveland at Mayfield
Road game. Trap game. Both teams will be coming off Friday wins, but Cleveland has to make the bus trip south for the 1:30PM tip-off. Both teams are fun to watch in the halfcourt run their offense and apply defensive pressure. Alize Ruiz and Alyssa Madrid help run this Mayfield squad on the court while Desiree Forster and Kaylee Caldwell guide the Storm. This will be a fun one to watch if you're in the area.

Carlsbad at Onate
Carlsbad is looking to rack up another win against an Onate squad that is off a dominant win over an El Paso team. Three players with 20+ points puts Onate in a favorable matchup, especially with Estrella Avalos in the paint. But Carlsbad can match up with Kaliyah Montoya and the scoring threat Carsyn Boswell. Onate will have their hands full, but if they can repeat their offensive performance, maybe they can get the upset.

Rio Rancho at Farmington
Farmington was not ready for Cleveland last weekend, but the Lady Scorpions will get a second chance against a Rio Rancho team when the Lady Rams come up north for a late tip-off. This game would normally have an upset-watch written all over it, but the guard play is the big difference. Farmington will have to figure out how to play against guards that apply full defensive pressure. Rio Rancho should come away with this one though. (Barring those notorious northwestern officials impact on the Rio Rancho defense). Again, eyes on Farmington's Jordan Vasquez and Kiiyani Antielu. Make note of Rio Rancho's Laura Gutierrez and Julia Chavez.

Tournament Watchlist

Texico vs. Robertson
Robertson beat a Farwell team that is responsible for the only two losses Texico has on the season. Texico handled a Tucumcari team much better and could keep their winning steak against New Mexico teams going here.

Pojoaque Valley vs. Penasco
2A Penasco and 4A Pojoaque Valley. It'll be a fun one with the Penasco loyal showing up in full effect. Pojoaque has one of the best teams in years. This northern showdown will be one to watch if Penasco can match up with Pojoaque's size. A great test for the size and play Penasco has in their class.

Santa Fe Indian vs. Dulce
I'm hoping for a big offensive outburst in this game. I'm talking 100+ points between two great native-based schools. But this is a top ten showdown for 3rd Place so if it's a close game in the 60s or 30s, I'll be happy.

FINAL NOTES...

First Win Watch: Rio Grande (0-6) vs. Del Norte (0-7)

Flashback Rematch: Tohatchi vs. Eunice in Citizens Bank 7th Place game

Post performances here.

How many players from NM went D1 from the 2017 season?

What are some things you’ve done with Hs teams in the community?

Post thoughts from this weeks games

Opening Rounds at Pojoaque and Texico tournaments have set up some very, very competitive and intriguing semifinal matchups. On the other end, some quality non-tournament based games are set to tip off the holiday break.

The Win Streak - Highland at Eldorado
Besides a road win at Centennial, Eldorado is missing some big wins. None would be more helpful right now than this one against a good Highland team. The Lady Eagles haven't lost to Highland since February 2007. They've rattled off 17 straight wins against the Lady Hornets since then.

5-0 Showdown - La Cueva at Rio Rancho
A great matchup between two guard heavy teams. This is definitely one to make your way to Rio Rancho to see. Both are favorites to win their district.

Wildcats Come To Town - Clovis at Sandia
A long week off and Sandia will look to welcome a Clovis team who handed a Cleveland team their only loss of the season. Since then, Clovis has had some struggles. Sandia is looking to knock out two games in two nights with wins before their Metro Tournament appearance.

Hawks Fly Into The Storm - Centennial at Cleveland
A final road trip north for one game for the Lady Hawks. Both teams have statement wins. This is a great clash in that mid-tier of the rankings to bump a team up one or two spots. Cleveland has this game before making the drive down to Las Cruces for an early afternoon game against Mayfield.

Who's Real? - Elida at Fort Sumner
Fort Sumner has some tough losses and not-so-impressive wins. Much is the case for Elida as well. If both teams are looking for a quality win, this is the game to build on. Last lost against Fort for Elida was January 2012 (Lost to the co-op FS/House in each of the last two seasons).

Small School Upset Watch - Logan at Des Moines

TOURNAMENT RANKED GAMES
1. Tucumcari vs. Texico at Citizens Bank Tournament - I'm buying the DVD of this. Bootleg or not.
2. Santa Fe Indian vs. Penasco at Ben Lujan Tournament - Points, points, and more points.
3. Robertson vs. Farwell (TX) at Citizens Bank Tournament - The best test Robertson has seen all season long.
4. Pojoaque Valley vs. Dulce - I want to put Pojoaque on upset alert, but the Elkettes are too good!

Awards: Top Quarterback in New Mexico Finalist

CLICK HERE

If they made a movie about a sports story in New Mexico what would it be and why? Not a documentary.

Week 4: Top Games To Watch This Week


No. 3 Atrisco Heritage Academy (5-1) vs No. 4 Eldorado (5-1): Perhaps the game of the week is between the third and fourth ranked teams. The Atrisco Heritage Jaguars will face off with their second top four ranked team of the season. The defending champs being battled champs early on. The Eldorado Eagles will also have to square off with the No. 6 Volcano Vista Hawks on Saturday of this week.

No. 7 Santa Fe (7-1) at Los Lunas (5-0): Tuesday. The Santa Fe Demons will take on the 4A No. 1 ranked team in Los Lunas High School. The Demons are looking to rebound after their first loss of the season after a 7-0 start. This also features Zanen Zeller (committed to Biola University) against JB White of Santa Fe who has D-1 offers. Both players could be in play for the 2019 New Mexico Mr. Basketball Award. The Demons will also take on the number one team in 3A - St. Michael's (5-1).

No. 8 Roswell (6-2) vs Goddard (4-3): The Roswell Coyotes and Goddard Rockets are meeting up in December. The two have been longtime members of the same district but with Roswell moving UP in classification now puts this contest early in the season.

Grants (4-4) vs Farmington (5-2)- Thursday. A nice start up to the Eddie Pena Classic this week as the Pirates play host to the Farmington Scorpions in the opening game. The Pirates will then take on Capital (5-2) on Friday in a re-match from an earlier contest that took place in Santa Fe.

Artesia (4-2) at Hobbs (5-4), Valley (3-2) at La Cueva (2-4), and Onate (5-3) at Carlsbad (5-4). The Onate Knights play a pair of trap games this week, one against Carlsbad but they also take on Silver (5-1) on Tuesday. Artesia travels to Hobbs in a tough road game against one of the top up/down teams of the season. Valley received love in the coach poll but this will tell more on the Vikings this season. They also square off with 5A ranked Manzano on Saturday.

Top basketball stories in New Mexico high school basketball history?

Top ten basketball teams of all-time?

Was looking through UNM Recruits expected to sign a letter of Intent today. Has anyone else looked at their class? Tons of JUCO kids which is what coaches do when they must win now and a few high school kids from around the country. Not one NM kid.

What bothers me the most is the size of some of these guys being signed. We always hear well NM kids don't pass the eye test, aren't big enough etc.

UNM is signing a couple DBs. 5'8 165lbs.

UNM is signing a RB 5'6 164lbs.

I am sure speed is a factor for sure. But for example a few guys in our state are fast enough. Blaine grant is probably a 10.7 100 guy (Translates to somewhere in the 4.5-4.6 range.)

Montez wright is a 10.8 100 guy.

Both these guys are the size and speed of the guys being recruited and not one phone call from UNM.

Whk do you have?

Two major tournaments going on in the north and east, but for the most part it's down to single matchups for the weekend. Here's a few key games to keep an eye on tonight.

No. 4 Kirtland Central at No. 1 Los Lunas
It's a great clash of top-4 teams in 4A, as No. 4 Kirtland Central visits No. 1 Los Lunas in what will likely be a potential March showdown. Kirtland Central (6-2) is on a three game winning streak since their loss to Piedra Vista. Los Lunas (4-2) has won three of their last four games and nearly all their games have been against tough 5A competition. Both teams are hearing the early season hype and this will no doubt be one to watch. The defense of Dani Ross and Jaidyn Schollander will be key in their matchup against KC. Kirtland needs a big game from their guards and manage the turnovers. They'll need big games from Tiajhae Nez and Siigrid Lii'bilnaghahi.

Goddard at Roswell
A bit of the shine has faded from this matchup, but it's still a big city rivalry that both teams need to win. Roswell (2-5) was just one quarter away from the upset over a good Alamogordo team. The Lady Coyotes are looking for a win to get a good run at the Hobbs Holiday tournament next week. Goddard (5-3) is not off to a bad start but have missed a few valuable wins that could've helped them later in the season. Regardless, their three game win streak is on the line and they'd love to get one more before they start their own Goddard Holiday Classic next week. Bailey Beene is once again at the helm for the Lady Rockets.

No. 4 Pine Hill vs. No. 7 Cloudcroft (at Carrizozo)
No idea the geographical reasoning to meet at Carrizozo, but tip-off is at 4pm for a four hour trip back home for Pine Hill. 2A's No. 7 team in Cloudcroft will face 1A's No. 4 team in Pine Hill. A win would be beneficial for both teams, but the advantage is with Cloudcroft considering the 4-hour bus ride for Pine Hill. The Lady Bears' Britney and Kaylee Hickman will both look to lead Cloudcroft against the runnin' gunnin' Lady Warriors' Joy Pino and Tia DuBoise.

No. 10 Roy/Mosquero at No. 3 Logan
Another big small school matchup is set to happen in Logan as 1A's No. 10 "Iron Five" of co-op Roy-Mosquero (4-1) will look to take on the No. 3 Lady Longhorns (6-1). It's somewhat of an uneven matchup as Roy-Mosquero only has FIVE players listed on their roster versus Logan's thirteen. I'm not sure if the Lady Blues can even afford to foul but they'll need everything to go just right to earn this win over a top three team in Class 1A. Jordan Hines will pace Logan while the Lady Blues will be led by Riley Clavel.

No. 11 Dora at No. 8 Melrose
Melrose (3-3) is sitting right at .500 after dropping a tough one in overtime against Bernalillo in the Alice King consolation championship. Led by the quick and aggressive play of Nataley Mondragon, Melrose is looking to get back on track after so far this season trading wins and losses to end up at .500. Dora (6-2) is coming off three-straight wins (Sidebar: There's a lot of three-game winning streaks. I know.). The Lady Coyotes have number of wins but none are against teams above .500. This win wouldn't exactly end that trend, but on the road against a back-to-back state runnerup and program like Melrose would be a huge win for Dora. Plus, the Lady Coyotes have won five-straight against Melrose dating back to February of 2016.

EMERGENCE OF A RIVALRY
Cottonwood Classical Prep at Mission Achievement & Success
This it it folks. The genesis of a new charter school rivalry. The Bulls of MAS and the Coyotes of CCP.
All games between these two quality educational institutions shall from henceforth be called either "The Motivational Poster Showdown" or "The GPA Classic". How has no team in the state claimed "Bulls" as a mascot. "Longhorns"? Sure. "Steers"? Okay. But zero schools with "Bulls" as their mascot? Wow. To be fair, a lot of schools are much older and "Bulls" WAS once synonymous with Success (I see what they did there).
But so what? This is Red versus Blue. A new I-25-ish rivalry. A season opener for MAS and a really good 4-2 Lady Coyotes of CCP who happen to be ranked No. 10 in NMpreps.com's Class 3A rankings. Coach Sam Gavaldon has done very well for CCP's program with more wins so far this season than last season total. So already we have a favorite "blue" blood in CCP and an upstart underdog in MAS. I think this is a start of a beautiful friendship rivalry.

Wondering what everyones' thoughts are about players only being able to play the position they were selected for in the all star game. In years passed the coaches for each team were able to decide how to utilize each player regardless of the position they were chosen for. Looking for coaches' thoughts on this but also fans and parents.

In addition to Greg Brown, Royce Olney, Kenny Thomas etc

Favorite Sports Movie of All Time

Who are some of the most influential people in New Mexico high school athletics?
-Coaches, players, administrators, media, etc....If we had a countdown of 100 people that have impacted New Mexico high school athletics who would make the list?