4A New Mexico High School Baseball: One Month Review
As we immerse ourselves in the excitement of the baseball season, it's time to take stock of the performances of our top high school teams across the state. With five weeks behind us and April on the horizon, let's evaluate where these teams stand as we approach the midpoint of the 2024 season.
No. 1 Goddard High School (Roswell, NM)
The Rockets endured a challenging weekend at the Sal Puentes Tournament in Rio Rancho, ending with a 1-2 record. Despite this, they maintain a solid 7-4 overall record, with all four losses against formidable 5A opponents - Rio Grande, Carlsbad, Rio Rancho, and Cleveland. Noteworthy is their recent victory over Albuquerque Academy, securing a 7-4 scoreline in the Rio Rancho tournament.
No. 2 St. Pius X School (Albuquerque, NM)
The Sartans have faced stiff competition, with losses against 5A teams Eldorado (twice), Atrisco Heritage, La Cueva, and Volcano Vista. However, they remain unedfeated against 4A competition, with a commendable 10-5 overall record heading into April.
No. 3 Grants High School (Grants, NM)
The Pirates continue to build on their early-season momentum, boasting a 10-5 overall record. After dropping their season opener double-header to Volcano Vista, they embarked on a six-game winning streak. Though they faced setbacks against Goddard, Piedra Vista, and Uintah (Utah), they enter April riding a four-game win streak.
No. 4 Artesia High School (Artesia, NM)
Despite a 6-7 overall record, the Bulldogs have shown resilience, securing a crucial win over Albuquerque Academy. Notable losses include encounters with 5A opponents Belen, Clovis, Piedra Vista, Cibola, Carlsbad, La Cueva, and Cleveland, indicating a challenging schedule.
No. 5 Albuquerque Academy (Albuquerque, NM)
The Chargers maintain an 8-6 overall record but are facing a tough stretch, currently on a three-game losing streak. Their losses include matchups against formidable 5A opponents, highlighting the competitiveness of their schedule.
No. 6 Bernalillo High School (Bernalillo, NM)
The Spartans boast a solid 10-3 overall record, marked by a key win over Belen. Despite losses to Valencia and Aztec, they enter April on a four-game win streak, showcasing their potential.
No. 7 Belen High School (Belen, NM)
After a slow start, the Eagles surged with seven consecutive wins before stumbling against Bernalillo. With a 10-4 overall record, their losses mainly come against 5A programs, underscoring their competitiveness.
No. 8 Chaparral High School (Chaparral, NM)
The Lobos have made a promising start with a 10-6 overall record. Despite losses to Texas-based teams and a double-header setback against 3A Cobre, their quality win over El Paso Leadership Academy East positions them as a dark horse to watch.
No. 9 Santa Teresa High School (Santa Teresa, NM)
The Desert Warriors hold a 5-7-1 overall record for the season. They've faced tough competition, including losses against 5A teams such as Gadsden, Las Cruces, Mayfield, and Hobbs, as well as El Paso Leadership Academy (Texas). Notably, they split a double-header with Cobre, securing a victory with a 10-8 scoreline and earning a tie in the second game.
No. 10 Valley High School (Albuquerque, NM)
No. 10 Valley High School (Albuquerque, NM) - The Vikings hold a 6-7 overall record for the season. They've faced challenges in the past two weeks, managing a 2-4 record in their last six games. Among their losses are matchups against formidable opponents such as St. Pius X, Albuquerque Academy, Rio Grande, Volcano Vista, Cibola, and a double-header setback against Organ Mountain. However, a significant victory over Hope Christian underscores their potential for success.
No. 11 Hope Christian School (Albuquerque, NM)
The Huskies maintain a strong 10-4 overall record, with recent success in four of their last five games. Though they've faced setbacks against Belen, Cleveland, and Valley, their resilience is evident as they continue to compete.
No. 12 Bloomfield High School (Bloomfield, NM)
The Bobcats boast a solid 6-2 overall record, with losses solely to Bernalillo High School. A key victory over Valencia underscores their potential as they enter April and prepare for district play.