Has coaching evolved over the years, and if it has, in what ways? Have student-athletes changed, and if so, how? Alternatively, is it the standards themselves that have shifted? I'd love to hear your thoughts on coaching, the development of student-athletes, and the landscape of high school athletics as a whole.

Week 9: New Mexico High School Baseball Rankings & More

2024 New Mexico High School Baseball Rankings for April 22nd: Contenders and Pretenders Revealed #NMPreps

No. 1 Rio Rancho (19-3 overall, 5-0 district)
The Rams have gone 4-0 since our last rankings maintaining a perfect record in District 1-5A play. They are currently on a 10-game win steak.

No. 2 La Cueva (19-2 overall, 6-0 district)
La Cueva has won all six of their game since we posted our week 7 rankings and keeping a stronghold on our second slot in this weeks rankings.

No. 3 Sandia (14-4 overall, 2-0 district)
The Matadors are 1-3 since week 7 dropping a double header to La Cueva and splitting with Eldorado.

No. 4 Cleveland (16-6 overall, 3-1 district)
The Storm went 2-2 beating Volcano Vista and Atrisco Heritage but fell to the top ranked teams Rio Rancho (16-4) and La Cueva (5-4)

No. 5 Rio Grande (16-4 overall, 6-0 district)
The Ravens have soared to a 5-0 record since our Week 7 ranking, firmly establishing control in District 5-5A. They secured victories against Manzano and Albuquerque High in doubleheaders, as well as overcoming Del Norte.

No. 6 Volcano Vista (17-5 overall, 2-3 district)
The Hawks dropped two games winning one since our last ranking and currently sitting at 17-5 overall and 2-3 in District 1-5A.

No. 7 Carlsbad (13-7 overall, 2-1 district)
The Cavemen have returned to action with a strong 3-1 record since our Week 7 rankings. They kicked off District 4-5A play by going 2-1 against Clovis, securing a victory in the single game before splitting the doubleheader on the road.

No. 8 Centennial (15-5 overall, 8-1 district)
The Hawks have gained momentum, boasting a 5-1 record since our Week 7 rankings and maintaining an impressive 8-1 standing in District 3-5A play. They secured victories in all three matchups against Gadsden and won two out of three against Mayfield.

No. 9 Hobbs (12-8 overall, 2-1 district)
The Eagles have posted a 4-1 record in their last five games, keeping pace with Carlsbad as both teams hold a 2-1 standing in District 4-5A play. In their recent matchups, the Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Roswell, alongside dominant wins against Santa Fe (23-0; 13-0).

No. 10 Organ Mountain (17-3 overall, 9-0 district)
The dark horse in our rankings, the Organ Mountain Knights, boast an impressive 17-3 record on the season, having gone undefeated at 6-0 since our last ranking. They completed sweeps of Las Cruces and Alamogordo during this stretch.

No. 11 Eldorado (15-6 overall, 4-2 district)
The Eldorado Eagles have shown solid form in recent games, tallying a 5-1 record over the two-week period since our week 7 rankings. They've also posted a 4-2 start in District 2-5A play, with their lone loss coming against Sandia after splitting a doubleheader with the Matadors on April 13th.

No. 12 Las Cruces (13-7 overall, 5-4 district)
The Bulldawgs took a tumble from our third slot in the rankings, going 2-4 since our Week 7 ranking. The district play opener stung, especially with three losses to Organ Mountain, alongside a 2-1 record against Gadsden.

Possible Ranking Shakers:

These teams are potential playoff contenders currently occupying our 12-16 slots. With two weeks remaining, they have the opportunity to shake things up with a crucial win or two in the district race.

• Clovis (9-6 overall, 0-0 district): Split their last four games with a notable victory over Carlsbad.
• Los Lunas (13-8 overall, 6-0 district): Started District 5-5A play strong with a 6-0 record and have remained undefeated since Week 7.
• Piedra Vista (8-9 overall, 1-1 district): Posted a 3-2 record since our last ranking, with both losses against ranked La Cueva.
• Mayfield (9-11 overall, 4-5 district): Currently on a four-game winning streak, including a significant 5-2 victory over ranked Centennial.

Contenders or Pretenders:

Rio Rancho (No.1) and La Cueva (No. 2) are securely positioned in the top two ranking slots, but does this guarantee a smooth path to a state championship showdown? Sandia and Cleveland, along with a coin flip between Centennial and Organ Mountain, complete our NMPreps list of contenders. With only five slots available, our pretenders include Rio Grande, Carlsbad, Hobbs, Volcano Vista, and Eldorado. Do you agree or disagree with this breakdown? Which five teams would you place on your contenders list, and which five would you classify as pretenders?

We will include 4A and 3A soon

Ronald Ross named head coach

Scores will be updated here. Please send in updates to 505-414-4313 or post here.

Monday, April 15th
Gateway Christian 14, Elida 0 - F
Jemez Valley 11, Penasco 4 - F
Logan 11, Cimarron 1 - F
Melrose 6, Grady 3 - F
Portales 11, Eunice 5 - F
Red Mesa, AZ 10, Northwest 4 - F

Tuesday, April 16th
Albuquerque Academy 8, Los Alamos 7 - F
Artesia 16, Portales 2 - F
Artesia 7, Portales 4 - F
Aztec 13, Kirtland Central 3 - F
Belen 13, Valencia 9 - f
Bernalillo 7, Valley 2 - F
Bloomfield 8, Miyamura 6 - F
Cleveland 27, Atrisco Heritage 2 - F
East Mountain 17, Tucumcari 1 - F
El Paso-Cathedral TX 3, Mesilla Valley 0 - F
Eldorado 10, Cibola 0 - F
Hope Christian 18, Del Norte 1 - F
Hozho Academy 18, Jemez Valley 7 - F
Jemez Valley 10, Hozho Academy 9 - F
Loving 11, Jal 1 - f
Mayfield 10, Alamogordo 3 - F
McCurdy 20, Questa 3 - F
Navajo Prep 12, Tohatchi 3 - F
New Mexico Military 17, Ruidoso 3 - F
Organ Mountain 9, Las Cruces 6 - F
Rio Rancho 14, Volcano Vista 4 - F
Robertson 23, Raton 12 - F
Sandia Prep 13, Rehoboth Christian 3 - F
Santa Fe Indian 14, Pecos 1 - F
Santa Rosa 20, Texico 7 - F
St. Michael's 19, West Las Vegas 9 - F
St. Pius X 12, Highland 2 - F

Wednesday, April 17th
Centennial 9, Gadsden 7 - F
Cobre 14, Hatch Valley 0 - F
Goddard 18, Lovington 1- F
La Cueva 5, Cleveland 4 - F
Melrose 19, Magdalena 7 - F
Mora 19, Penasco 5 - F
Moriarty 5, Taos 2 - F
Penasco 15, Mora 12 - F
Pojoaque Valley 10, Espanola Valley 4 - F
Socorro 11, Hot Springs 10 - F
Zuni 12, Laguna-Acoma 2 - F

Thursday, April 18th
Artesia 3, Portales 2 - F
Aztec 13, Gallup 3 - F
Bloomfield 11, Kirtland Central 7 - F
Carlsbad 7, Clovis 5 - F
Chaparral 9, Deming 1 - F
Chaparral 9, Deming 5 - F
Estancia 10, Navajo Pine 0 - F
Estancia 15, Navajo Pine 0 - F
Goddard 10, Lovington 2 - F
Goddard 8, Lovington 5 - F
Jemez Valley 17, Wingate 7 - F
Jemez Valley 23, Wingate 9 - F
Laguna-Acoma 12, Rehoboth Christian 2 - F
Lamar CO 11, Raton 1 - F
Miyamura 10, Shiprock 7 - F
Mora 12, Questa 2 - F
Mora 15, Questa 0 - F
Rehoboth Christian 14, Laguna-Acoma 3 - F
Rio Grande 11, Del Norte 10 - F
Robertson 10, Santa Fe 6 - F
Robertson 5, Santa Fe 3 - F
Roswell 10, Hobbs 0 - F
Ruidoso 13, Tucucmari 3 - F
Ruidoso 20, Tucumcari 1 - F
Santa Rosa 24, Clayton 3 - F
Santa Teresa 12, Silver 0 - F
Silver 8, Santa Teresa 4 - F
St. Michael's 4, Santa Fe Indian 3 - F

The best TV mom of all time? Think back to the best sitcoms or TV shows.

Please post here or text to 505-414-4313

Sandia will play for the state championship in 2025?

District 5-4A or 6-4A team wins the championship in 2025?

Team that misses the 2025 state tournament (pick one) - Los Lunas, Organ Mountain, Farmington after making the playoffs in 2024?

Most likely to return and win a playoff game - Rio Rancho, Hobbs, Carlsbad

Officially posted and open per AD

What players should be on the 2024 preseason All-New Mexico team?

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Who’s attending today?

Most iconic movie quote or scene?

*****Week 7 Scoreboard (April 8th-13th)*****

Do you see the Cleveland Storm, the most recent football powerhouse and dynasty, trending downward, staying at the top, or have they plateaued? Will they make it to a sixth consecutive state championship game? They lost more games (4) than they had in any season in the past five seasons after posting a remarkable 51-5 record from 2018 to 2022. What teams are favored to replace them in the title game in 2024?

What do you have?

Post here or text to 505-414-4313

Top Defensive Ends & Tackles to Watch in 2024

NMPreps continues its player rankings in anticipation of the 2024 New Mexico high school football season. In this feature, we'll spotlight the top defensive ends and tackles to keep an eye on for the upcoming season. #nmpreps

Jedrek Jozwiak - Taos High School - Class 4A - 2025
Jozwiak, a 6-foot-3, 165-pound athlete for the Taos Tigers, showcased his talent as a standout defensive end during the 2023 season. As a junior, he made significant contributions to the team's defense, and expectations are high for him to build upon his impressive performance. Jozwiak recorded impressive stats, tallying 73 total tackles, including 48 solo tackles. Additionally, he notched 12 tackles for loss (TFL) and recorded 10 sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His relentless pressure also resulted in 3 hurries, further highlighting his impact on the field.

Manny Rodriguez - Chaparral High School - Class 4A - 2025
As a standout defensive end for the Chaparral Lobos, the 2025 prospect, Rodriguez, topped the team in total tackles with an impressive 141 (91 solo) and 2 sacks. Serving as a two-way player for the Lobos, he aims to play a pivotal role in helping the team rebound from a winless 2023 season. Keep an eye on Rodriguez as he becomes a key player to watch in the upcoming 4A football season.

Note: NMPreps will continue to release top players to watch throughout the off-season. Post players below or coaches can text nominations to (505) 414-4313 or grinejosh@yahoo.com.

Will they defend their title as the state champions?

Are they considered the leading football program in New Mexico high school football, irrespective of classification? If not, which program holds that distinction?

Is this regarded as the most challenging coaching position?

Post Here

Coach Jeff Houghtaling has retired.

Who experiences greater success in their inaugural year, and who demonstrates superior success over a longer period of time, sustained success?

NMPreps Week 7 Class 5A Team Rankings: April 8th

In the dynamic realm of New Mexico high school baseball, Week 7 sees a myriad of shifts and surprises, reflecting the competitive landscape across the state. As NMPreps presents the latest Class 5A Team Rankings, we delve into the standings, highlighting each team's performance and notable developments from the previous week.

No. 1 Rio Rancho (15-3 overall, 1-0 district)
Last Week's Result: Defeated Atrisco Heritage 11-0.
The Rams maintain their stronghold at the top with an impressive victory, setting the tone for their continued dominance in the district.

No. 2 La Cueva (14-2 overall, 2-0 district)
Last Week's Result: Swept West Mesa in a doubleheader.
La Cueva's offensive prowess was on full display as they cruised to two commanding victories, solidifying their standing in the rankings.

No. 3 Las Cruces (11-3 overall, 3-0 district)
Last Week's Result: Secured a doubleheader sweep against Mayfield.
The Bulldawgs' stellar performance underscores their resilience and capability to excel under pressure, further cementing their place among the top contenders.

No. 4 Sandia (14-4 overall, 2-0 district)
Last Week's Result: Clinched victories against Farmington and suffered an upset loss to Rio Grande.
Despite a minor setback, Sandia's overall strong showing keeps them in contention, showcasing their ability to bounce back and compete at a high level. Dropped from the second spot in week 6.

No. 5 Cleveland (14-4 overall, 1-0 district)
Last Week's Result: Notched a win against Farmington.
The Storm's consistent performance solidifies their position in the rankings, demonstrating their resilience and determination on the field.

No. 6 Rio Grande (11-4 overall, 2-0 district)
Last Week's Result: Secured victories over Capital and Sandia.
Rio Grande's recent successes propel them up the rankings, highlighting their momentum and capability to compete against formidable opponents.

No. 7 Volcano Vista (16-3 overall, 1-1 district)
Last Week's Result: Suffered a surprising loss to Atrisco Heritage and secured a wins against Valleyand Cibola.
Despite a stumble, Volcano Vista remains a force to be reckoned with, showcasing their resilience and determination to bounce back from setbacks.

No. 8 Carlsbad (10-6 overall, 0-0 district)
Note: Did not compete last week.

No. 9 Centennial (10-4 overall, 3-0 district)
Last Week's Result: Swept Alamogordo in a doubleheader and secured an additional win over the Alamogordo Tigers going 3-0 last week.
Centennial's dominant performance underscores their strength and depth, positioning them as formidable contenders in the district.

No. 10 Hobbs (8-7 overall, 0-0 district)
Last Week's Result: Secured victories against Artesia in a doubleheader.
Hobbs' recent successes propel them into the rankings, highlighting their capability to compete at a high level.

No. 11 Organ Mountain (11-3 overall, 3-0 district)
Last Week's Result: Swept Gadsden in a doubleheader and secured an additional win.
Organ Mountain's impressive performance underscores their consistency and determination to maintain their position among the top contenders.

No. 12 Eldorado (10-5 overall, 1-1 district)
Last Week's Result: Split a doubleheader with Piedra Vista and secured victories against Roswell.
Eldorado's mixed results keep them teetering on the edge, emphasizing the fierce competition vying for the coveted playoff spots.

Teams to Keep an Eye On:

• Clovis (9-6 overall, 0-0 district)
• Los Lunas (9-8 overall, 2-0 district)
• Piedra Vista (8-9 overall, 1-1 district)
• Atrisco Heritage (8-8 overall, 1-1 district)

With the playoff picture intensifying, these teams on the cusp of the top 12 rankings are poised to make their mark, adding an extra layer of excitement to the postseason race.

Possible Ranking Shakers:

• Roswell (8-6 overall, 0-0 district)
• Cibola (8-10 overall, 0-2 district)

As the regular season unfolds, these teams lurk as potential contenders to disrupt the status quo and secure coveted playoff spots, making the playoff race all the more thrilling and unpredictable.