Southwest Bracket

I am still being amazed at the speed here in Texas. We have a Soph and 2 Juniors running on our sprint relay. Soph is 6'3" and starting WR, Kennedy Brooks who is our starting RB and has about 20 offers so far is a JR and Saied Adebo who just received an offer from ND is starting WR and DB. These 3 with a Senior ran a 40.7 sprint relay and a 1:25.8 4X200. If you want to see some amazing times go to the link

http://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/MeetResults.aspx?Meet=270175#4625http://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/MeetResults.aspx?Meet=270175#4625

With the news of Cooper retiring, who would you put on the Mount Rushmore of NM HS Football Coaches?

CLIFF COWBOYS Win Class 1A



Recap

The Cliff Cowboys controlled the game from start to finish led by there size and 6-foot-9 post Holt Shelley who would go on to score 19 points along with pulling down 19 rebounds.

The Cowboys started the game with a 21-15 lead pounding the ball inside to post player Shelley and senior forward Jace Jenkins who would finish the day with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

Early into the second quarter though is was an early shooting attack by sophomore Taylor Barnwell (6 points) and Health Henderson (9 points) knocking down from the outside. The Cowboys would finish the half with a 38-23 lead only allowing 8 points for the Springer Red Devils and never looking back.

The second half was all the Cowboys with a balanced inside out attack getting production from Tyger Parkey (6 points) and Matt Overstreet (6 points).

This is the second title under head coach Brian Shock as the Cowboys move to 22-6 on the season.

Cliff Player of the Game

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Stats

Holt Shelley - Cliff - 19 points, 19 rebounds.
Jace Jenkins - Cliff - 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists.

FG% - 22 of 52 - 42%
3PT - 4 of 13 - 31%
FT - 8 of 11 - 73%

Steals - 7
Blocks - 2

Videos

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Alamogordo opened as reported by Peter Dindinger.

Just a few seconds from the 6A tournament in Texas - Is it me or does this look like College?

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Possibly the best in the State regardless of classification.

District Champs Capital take on District Runner Ups Española Valley for the 5th time Saturday for all the marbles.

Girls Coach of the Year?

Revisiting as we enter late January.

Having a son whose senior season ends by injury is a tough thing to watch and despite mine and my spouse's best efforts, parental words doesn't ease that athlete's pain. But what a coach did today at the state tourney will no doubt give him a sense of connection to the Pit/State Tourney from now on.

With under 7 seconds left and Espanola leading 44-39, Centennial Coach Steve Heredia subbed in senior SG Bryce Rewalt whose season ended on February 6th against Los Lunas with a torn ACL. He is pending ACL surgery and getting to finish his high school career on the Pit floor meant the world to him. Despite the enormity of Coach's team losing and being eliminated from the state tourney, this leader of young men had the thoughtfulness to carry out this simple gesture that was most likely unnoticed by the 7-8000 in attendance. But it meant a lot to a certain 17 year old and his parents and family.

Thank you Coach Heredia, and thank you to all you other coaches that do these things for our sons/daughters every season.

What a great game to watch tonight, two really good teams stacked with athletes. Watching RRHS vs Cleveland it was easy to see a significant difference in the level of talent on those two teams versus the few other games I saw. Great season for both teams and Go Rams!

5A - Roswell
4A - Hope
3A - Texico
2A - Melrose
1A - Elida

All Scores And Updates Will Be Posted Here Throughout The State Tournament

Times & Dates
https://nmpreps.n.rivals.com/news/new-mexico-high-school-state-basketball-tournament-times-and-dates

Brackets
https://nmpreps.n.rivals.com/news/new-mexico-high-school-basketball-state-tournament-brackets

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To our staff this week: Josh Grine, @Apollo221 and @KaitlynG for their great efforts this week

State Tournament Top Performers

Post here or text them in to (505) 414-4313

State Championships


Clay Patterson - Rio Rancho - 17 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds
Juan Hurt - Rio Rancho - 17 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds.
Derrick Reyes - Rio Rancho - 12 points, 4 rebounds.
Jeremy Anaya - Capital - 9 points, 2 assists.
Jerome Arroyos - Capital - 9 points, 2 assists.
John Paul Garcia, 28 points on 9 of 24 shooting including 5 of 17 from beyond the arc.
AZ Salazar added 9 points on 3 of 7 but going 4 of 6 from the line. And James Archuleta hit 3 of 7 and went 1 for 1 from the line to get 7 points. AZ Salazar finished one point shy of a double-double.
Nathan Phipps - Texico - 22 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists.
Brannon Karger - Texico - 24 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists.
Braden Fraze - Texico - 13 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists.
Holt Shelley - Cliff - 19 points, 19 rebounds.
Jace Jenkins - Cliff - 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists.
Daniel Lopez - Tucmcari - added 8 points.
Tyler Ferguson - Tucumcari - added 6 points
Jose Flores-Duran - Tucumcari - added 4 points
Jacob Quintana - Springer - 8 points with 4 rebounds
Damien Blahbach - Springer - 5 points with 3 rebounds
Isaiah Garcia - Springer - 5 points with 3 rebounds

Final Four

John Paul Garcia - Tucumcari - 34 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists.
Eric Coca - Capital - 21 points, 10 rebounds.
Augustine Larranaga - Capital - 8 points, 6 rebounds.
Richie Lucero - Grants - 10 points, 13 rebounds.
Michael Anzures - Grants 10 points, 6 rebounds.
Marcos Flores - Espanola Valley - 17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Ralph Cueto - Carlsbad - 10 points.
Marcus Hill - Cleveland - 12 points, 6 rebounds.
Marcus Williams - Cleveland - 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists.
Clay Patterson - Rio Rancho - 17 points, 2 assists.
Joe Elmahly - Rio Rancho - 15 points, 9 rebounds.

Quarterfinals - Elite 8

Cesar Molina - Centennial - 29 points, 5 rebounds a 2 assists.
Johnny Worrell - Gateway Christian - had 31 points, 18 rebounds and 6 blocks today
Alex Baez - Centennial - 13 points, 7 rebounds and 1 assist.
Tennessee Owens - Centennial - 11 points and 2 assists.
Garret Smothermon - Roswell - 15 points, 1 rebound.
Daniel Amador - Roswell - 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assists.
Chris Mesquita - Roswell - 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists.
Marcus Williams - Cleveland - 13 points and 6 rebounds.
Marcus Hill - Cleveland - 13 points and 9 rebounds.
Damian Banks - Cleveland - 10 points.
Dakota Yancey - Rio Grande - 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Jose Rodriguez Jr - Rio Grande - 12 points.
Eric Coca - Capital - 22 points, 5 steals, 4 assists, 4 rebounds.
Jeremy Anaya - Capital - 13 points, 3 rebounds.
Augustine Larranaga - Capital - 7 points, 7 rebounds.
Martin Trujillo - Los Lunas - 10 points, 6 rebounds.
Kayden Walker - Los Lunas - 9 points , 2 rebounds, 3 assists.
Bradley Hatten - Grants - 16 points, 6 rebounds.
Mike chambers - Grants - 10 points, 3 rebounds.
Richie Lucero - Grants - 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists.
Colton Lowely - Gallup - 12 points, 5 rebounds.
Shawn Eskeets - Gallup - 11 points, 2 rebounds.
Juan Hurt - Rio Rancho - 24 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds.
Clay Patterson - Rio Rancho - 20 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists.
Joe Elmahly - Rio Rancho - 9 points, 5 rebounds.
Desmond Carpenter - Cibola - 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists.
Cameron Dixon - Cibola - 14 points, 4 rebounds.
Carlos Barela - Cibola - 10 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds.
Jordan Leake - 17 points - 7 of 10 shooting + 2 of 4 from FT line
Nelson Longmire - 17 points - 8 of 16 shooting
Marcus Medina - 8 points
Dustin Gaddis - 21 points +11 rebound (double-double) - 8 of 14 shooting + 4 of 6 from FT line
Jack Henderson - 13 points + 6 rebounds
Daniel Stell - 9 points
Cade Barnard - Melrose - 22 points.
Brenden Boawright - Carlsbad - 16 points, 13 rebounds.
Ralph Cueto - Carlsbad - 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists.
Daniel Castellano - Valley - 12 points, 8 rebounds.
Anthony Chavez - Valley - 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists.
James Archuleta - Espanola Valley - 12 points and 6 rebounds.
Azaziah Salazar - Espanola Valley - 7 points and 11 rebounds.
Austin Darnell - Bernalillo - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist.
Diego Sedillo - Bernalillo - 12 points, 4 rebounds.
Ty Darnell - Bernalillo - 12 points, 3 rebounds.
Nathan Smith - Hobbs - 11 points.
Clay Strasner - Hobbs - 4 points and 11 rebounds.
Johnny McCants - Onate - 16 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists.
James Beck - Onate - 11 points, 5 rebounds.
Joshua Harrison - Onate - 11 points, 3 rebounds.
Miguel Sena - 16 points on 4 of 5 shooting including going 7 of 9 from the free-throw line.
Isaiah Gallegos - 8 points on 3 of 5 shooting plus 5 steals
Nick Gurule - 6 points on 3 of 5 shooting
Malachi Pablo - 20 points on 6 of 12 shooting, including going 5 of 10 from beyond the arc.
Adriano Stevenson - 17 points on 3 of 6 shooting including 10 of 11 from the free throw line and 6 steals.
Ty Padilla - 10 points off 4 of 10 shooting
Christian Chavez - 9 points shooting 4 of 6 from the field
Santiago Laumbach - 15 points on 5 of 10 shooting including 5 of 6 from the FT line.
Emmerick Martinez - 14 points on 7 of 14 shooting along with 8 rebounds
Travis Romero - No points but contributed 8 rebounds and two team-highs with 4 assists and 4 steals.
Danny Serrano - 12 points on 4 of 10 shooting, all 4 were from the 3-point line.
Samy Porragas - 11 points on 4 of 11 shooting.
Michael Ou - 10 points + 11 rebounds (double-double)
Kyrie Hu - 10 points off 5 of 11 shooting from the field.
Sebastian Gonzales - 24 points on shooting 9 for 13 from the field, including 2 of 3 from the 3-point line.
Warren Fulgenzi - 12 points on 5 of 11 shooting
Erik Encinias - 5 points on 2 of 6 shooting.
Jordan Davis - 23 points + 11 rebounds (double-double)
Jeremie Karngbaye - 10 points on 5 of 13 shooting, and 8 rebounds
Jr. Ramirez - 8 points on 3 of 10 shooting
Isaiah Garcia - 19 points on 7 of 18 shooting +3 rebounds
Erik Gutierrez - 15 points on 3 of 8 shooting, including 2 of 6 from 3 points land and 7 for 7 from the line
Xavier Varela - 9 points + 3 steals.
Anthony Pino - 16 points on 7 of 11 shooting + 6 rebounds
Jorrell Mirabal - 11 points + 7 rebounds + 5 assists

Round 1

Andre Joe - Shiprock - Scored 23 against Silver
Anthony Chavez - Valley - Scored 20 against Atrisco Heritage
Antony Pino - Magdalena - Scored 32 and 12 boards
Augie Larranaga - Capital - Scored 17 against Artesia
Brandon Karger - Texico - Scored 20 against Tohatchi
Brant West - Ft. Sumner - Scored 13 against Dora
Brendon Charley - Bloomfield - Scored 22 against SFIS
Bryson Dowdy - Kirtland - Scored 18 against Portales
Cade Barnard - Melrose - Scored 10 against Cloudcroft
Cesar Molina - Centennial - Scored 31 against St. Pius X
Clay Patterson - Rio Rancho - Scored 21 (5 3's) against Albuquerque
Dakota Yancey - Rio Grande - 11 points and 11 boards
Daniel Amador - Roswell - Scored 31 with 9 rebounds against Del Norte
David Cromier - Volcano - Scored 13 against Carlsbad
Dominic Gonzales - Rio Grande - 6 points, 8 assists, 5 steals
Eric Coca - Capital - Scored 10 against Artesia
Estevan Martinez - Atrisco Heritage - Scored 13 against Valley
Isaac Maldonado - Cibola - Scored 17 and 15 boards against Las Cruces
Jarrett Graham - Piedra Vista - Scored 9 against Espanola
Jeremy Anaya - Capital - Scored 8 against Artesia
Johnny McCants - Onate - Scored 12 points and 9 blocks against Eldorado
John Paul Garcia - Tucumcari - Scored 27 and 9 boards 7 assists against Desert Academy
Jorrell Mirabal - Magdalena - Scored 22 and 11 boards, 6 steals
Jose Rodriguez - Rio Grande - Scored 14
Juan Hurt - Rio Rancho - Scored 16 against Albuquerque
Jude Segura - Ft. Sumner - Scored 13 against Dora
Justin Houghtaling - Artesia - Scored 17 and 8 blocks against Capital
Keegan Acosta - Piedra Vista - Scored 14 against Espanola
Lucas Bowman - Tohatchi - Scored 19 against Texico
Marcus Hill - Cleveland - Scored 15 against La Cueva
Marcus Williams - Cleveland - Scored 16 against La Cueva
Marshall Moore - Rio Grande - Scored 12 against Gadsden
McCarty - La Cueva - Scored 11 against Cleveland
Michael Anzures - Grants - Scored 10
Mike Chambers - Grants - Scored 10
Ralph Cueto - Carlsbad - Scored 16 against Volcano Vista
Richie Lucero - Grants - Scored 25 and 13 boards against
Ryan Bone - Grady - Scored 19 against Cimarron
Sam Silva - Las Cruces - Scored 14 against Cibola
Teton Saltes - Valley - Scored 20 against Atrisco Heritage
Tony Cano - Gadsden - Scored 23 against Rio Grande
Trenton Lee - Grady - Scored 156 against Cimarron
Tyler Ferguson - Tucumcari - Scored 21 against Desert Academy
Wyatt Williams - Melrose - Scored 19 against Cloudcroft

All Scores And Updates Will Be Posted Here Throughout The State Tournament

Times & Dates
https://nmpreps.n.rivals.com/news/new-mexico-high-school-state-basketball-tournament-times-and-dates

Brackets
https://nmpreps.n.rivals.com/news/new-mexico-high-school-basketball-state-tournament-brackets

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Just wanted to say thank you for continuing to provide great updates during the baseball season. This board rocks because we have a great fan base from all regions. I'll be back after the state hoops tournament. Please continue to post updates/scores inside the areas you see fit.

Thank you!

Who do you have winning in the Final Four?

We will post here like we did yesterday for all boys recaps.

6A: No. 4 Carlsbad 27, No. 1 Onate 25 (OT)

The 4-seed Carlsbad Cavemen upset the 1-seed Onate Knights in the Final Four of the 6A bracket. Carlsbad overcame the Onate Knights using a stall method to keep the game low in scoring with top player Johnny McCants struggling in foul trouble. Ralph Cueto, the senior point guard led the way for the Cavemen with 10 points and 1 rebound. Dylan Beck led the way for the Knights with 13 points. The Cavemen will move on and play in the 6A State Championship against the winner between 11-Rio Rancho and 2-Cleveland.

No. 5 Espanola Valley 44, No. 8 Centennial 39

The fifth seed Espanola Valley Sundevils move into the 5A State Championship with a win over the defending champion Centennial Hawks. Marcos Flores with 17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists led the way for the Sundevils in the win. The Sundevils went down in the third, not scoring a basket, but came out with a 22-11 fourth quarter to get the win. Centennial got 13 points from forward Alex Baez.

Championship Friday Is Set

8:00AM No. 6 Silver vs. No. 3 Hope at WisePies Arena

9:45AM No. 3 West LV vs. No. 2 Robertson at WisePies Arena

11:30 AM No. 1 Elida vs. No. 4 Springer at WisePies Arena

1:30 No. 1 Tularosa vs. No. 2 Texico at WisePies Arena

3:30 No. 5 Hope Christian vs. No. 2 Shiprock at WisePies Arena

5:30 PM No. 1 Logan vs. No. 7 Melrose at WisePies Arena

7:30 PM No. 2 Roswell vs. No. 1 Gallup at WisePies Arena

Just wanted to give my congrats to the Carlsbad Basketball Team, as you all know I am a Hobbs Eagle to the fullest. I give credit where credit is due, they are one heck of a team, in no way am i jumping on the bandwagon. Just wanted to say Congrats to that team and staff, they have changed the basketball culture in Carlsbad and now they are a True Hobbs rival, im looking forward to some great rivalry games in the future. With that being said, Go Hobbs Eagles, let's get ready for next season.

Alamogordo's Tom Shields Resigns

According to the Alamogordo Daily News

Two great New Mexico sports stories out of NMJC in Hobbs. The Lady Thunderbirds won their 26th consecutive game claiming the Region V tournament. Their season record is 30-2. They now head to nationals at nearby Lubbock, Texas which should be helpful. In the all conference selection news... the T-Birds claimed 4 of the top 7 positions. They also won every individual category award except one. Including the Coach of the Year Award to Drew Sanders. That was his fifth consecutive coach of the year award. Amazing. Good luck to the Lady Thunderbirds in Lubbock and beyond.

The other great story is that the Lady T-Bird track and field team won second place in the national title meet. Sadly, the T-Birds were robbed of the national championship in the final event. Heavily favored Christina Moss was tripped from behind while in the lead near the end of the race. The win would have given the T-Birds the national championship again. The other runner was disqualified but that is all that could be done. Anyway, congratulations to two New Mexico teams that excel nationally.

FINAL FOUR: No. 1 Gallup vs No. 4 Espanola Valley
5A Basketball

Final - No. 1 Gallup 53, No. 4 Espanola Valley 33

Led by senior forward Ni'asia McIntosh the Gallup Lady Bengals will move past Espanola Valley and into the 5A State Championship where they will face the 2-seed Roswell Lady Coyotes. McIntosh, finished with 24-points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists on the evening. The Lady Bengals shot 41% from the field (21 of 51). Espanola Valley will exit the state tournament but was led by stellar play by Kaitlyn Romero who had a team high 14 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in the loss.

Halftime - No. 1 Gallup 26, No. 4 Espanola Valley 17

In the first half of action the 1-seed Gallup Bengals take a 26-17 lead over the 4-seed Gallup Lady Bengals. Ni'asia McIntosh led the way for the Lady Bengals with 14 points and 10 rebounds in the half. Pacing the way for Espanola Valley is Kaitlyn Romero with 6 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.


FINAL FOUR: No. 2 Shiprock vs No. 6 Santa Fe Indian
4A Basketball

First Quarter - No. 2 Shiprock 25, No. 6 Santa Fe Indian 4

The Shiprock Chieftains came out firing pouring in 25-points in the opening corner behind 8 of 13 (62%) shooting from the field. Shontai Grey and Melanie Secody opened the game with 6 points each with Grey also having 5 rebounds.

Halfitme - No. 2 Shiprock 40, No. 6 SFIS 10

The Shiprock Chieftains continue to play well into the second quarter taking an even more commanding lead at 40 to 10. The Chieftains are fueled by a fullcourt press and knocking down open looks. Shontai Grey leading the way with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in the first half.

Final - No. 2 Shiprock 58, No. 6 Santa Fe Indian 23

The Lady Chieftains continued to roll in the second half winning the third quarter 14-7 extending their lead on their way to a 58-23 victory. Shontai Grey led the way for the Shiprock Lady Chieftains with 14 points and 9 rebounds on the day along with 3 assists. Santa Fe Indian didn't have a player in double figures. The 2-seed Chieftains move on and will face 5-seed Hope Christian in the 4A State Championship.

Players of the Game
Shontai Grey (Shiprock) - 14 points and 9 rebounds.
RanDee Toya (SFIS) - 9 points and 4 rebounds.

Stats
Shontai Grey (Shiprock) - 14 points and 9 rebounds.
Tanisha Begay (Shiprock) - 9 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds.
RanDee Toya (SFIS) - 9 points and 4 rebounds.

Team
Shiprock - 22/43 - 51%
SFIS - 9/34 - 26%


FINAL FOUR: No. 2 Roswell vs No. 3 Los Lunas
5A Basketball

First Quarter - No. 2 Roswell 11, No. 3 Los Lunas 11.
The Los Lunas Tigers and Roswell Coyotes came out shooting from the outside in the opening quarter. The Los Lunas Lady Tigers were led by Jordan Holland with 6-points coming off a pair of threes. Jaedyn De la Cerda led the charge for the 2-seed Roswell Lady Coyotes with 9-points coming on three 3-pointers.

Halftime - No. 2 Roswell 19, No. 3 Los Lunas 14

The Roswell Coyotes held the Los Lunas Tigers to three points in the second quarter, an early three hit by Jordan Holland to make that 9 points on the game for the Los Lunas wing. The Roswell Lady Coyotes got production from guard Melanie Martinez with a late three and Gail Sanchez hitting a jumper (she has 4 on the game). Leading at the half is Jaedyn De la Cerda of Roswell with 9.

Third Quarter - No. 2 Roswell 31, No. 3 Los Lunas 19

The Lady Coyotes opened it up with a 12-point third quarter performance led by Jaedyn De la Cerda with 6-points and 15 total of the Tigers 31 points. Jordan Holland leads the Tigers with 13 points after scoring four in the third. Roswell held Los Lunas to 5 points in the quarter.

Final - No. 2 Roswell 57, No. 3 Los Lunas 36

The 2-seed Lady Coyotes of Roswell with a dominating performance in the second half led by junior sensation Jaedyn De la Cerda who finished with 22 points on 9 of 9 from the field including 3 of 3 from the three point line. The Lady Coyotes move on and will play the winner of Espanola Valley and Gallup for the 5A State Championship. Jordan Holland paced the way for the Lady Tigers of Los Lunas with 15 points. After a close start in the first half, 11 at the end of the first, it was all the Lady Coyotes as they opened a lead and never looked back shooting very well from the field at 63%.

Players of the Game
Jaedyn De la Cerda (Roswell) finished the day with 22 points and shooting 100% from the field. Jordan Holland (Los Lunas) paced the way for the Lady Tigers with 15 points .

Stats
Jaedyn De La Cerda - Roswell - 22 points, 1 rebound.
Gali Sanchez - Roswell - 11 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds.
Melanie Sanchez - Roswell - 10 points and 1 rebounds.
Jordan Holland - Los Lunas - 15 points.

Team
RHS - 19/30 - 63%
LLHS - 10/35 - 29%


FINAL FOUR: No. 1 Portales vs No. 5 Hope Christian
4A Basketball

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First Quarter - No. 1 Portales 6, No. 5 Hope 6

Both teams come out cold with Portales going 1-9 (11%) and Hope going 2 for 15 (13%) from the field. Hope hit the first bucket but a 6-6 tie ended the quarter. Kambrey Blakey for Portales with 4 led the way.

Halftime - No. 1 Portales 21, No. 5 Hope 15

The 1-seed Portales Rams came out with a 4-0 strike to start the second quarter behind Kambrey Blakley who who finish with 8 points in the quarter (12 for the game). Hope Christian found some shooting Charity Murphy had 5 in the second quarter (8 for the game). Portales shot better in the second quarter at 5-for-9 after a slow first quarter.

Third Quarter - No. 1 Portales 27, No. 5 Hope 23

The Hope Huskies used an 8 to 4 quarter to cut the margin in this contest. Alivia Lewis the post for Hope Christian had a big quarter and has 6 points, 11 rebounds on the day. Kambrey Blakley was the only Lady Ram to score in the third with all four points to improve her total to 16.

Final - No. 5 Hope 35, No. Portales 34

The Hope Christian Hukies looked inside to their dominating post in the second half of the game and they came out with an upset victory, 35-34. It ends a great morning game with a free throw hit by Hanna Valencia of Hope. Avilia Lewis finished the night with 11 points and 13 rebounds along with 4 blocks to help the Huskies in the upset. Kambrey Blakely of Portales was held scoreless in the fourth and finished with a team high 16. The Huskies move into the Championship game to face the winner of No. 6 Santa Fe Indian and No. 2 Shiprock.

Players of the Game
Avilia Lewis (Hope) and 11 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. Kambrey Blakely (Portales) had 16 points and 6 rebounds.

Stats
Hanna Valencia - Hope - 12 points, 2 assists.
Avilia Lewis - Hope - 11 points, 13 rebounds.
Kambrey Blakley - Portales - 16 points, 6 rebounds.

Team
Hope - 11/40 - 28%
Portales - 10/37 - 27%

Quarterfinals: Previewing the 2016 Elite Eight
Joshua J Grine

Today, we take a look at the Elite Eight field and what to expect on Wednesday - hands down the best day for boys basketball.

MUST SEE GAMES IN EACH CLASS

No. 11 Rio Rancho vs No. 3 Cibola, 1:15p (WisePies)
Not only does it feature the Cinderella story of the 2016 State Tournament but it also puts two of the best guards in the state against each other. Desmond Carpenter (Cibola) vs Clay Patterson (Rio Rancho). They each have supporting cast members that will be a sight to see as well.

No. 7 Gallup vs No. 2 Grants, 3:00p (WisePies)
Two regional rivals in Grants and Gallup will square off again this post season at the PIT in what could be a must see classic as both have split against each other this season winning on each others home court. Grants features Richie Lucero a 6-5 wing that put in 25 and 13 in the opening round. Gallup features 6-5 Colton Lowely a forward with a jumper and handles.

No. 5 Silver vs No. 4 Pojoaque Valley, 9:45a (Santa Ana Star Center)
Two of the best teams in 4A basketball will square off in what will put two disciplined half-court teams. Pojoaque Valley features one of the top players in 4A basketball in James Garcia but it could be supporting cast members like Dominic Roybal and Devon Escobedo.

No. 5 Santa Rosa vs No. 4 Tucumcari, 7:00p (Cleveland HS)
The two have met in district play and the two will meet again as each of the other games have been what you look forwarded too in New Mexico High School basketball. It puts two of the best coaches in 3A basketball against each other, two I really enjoy watching

HEADLINES

Top Seed On Alert: Cleveland (2-Seed 6A)
This match up brings some extra story headline to it as Rio Grande head coach Sean Jimenez was an assistant coach to Brian Smith (Cleveland) while at Rio Rancho in 2007 when they won the state championship. Rio Grande played well, better than we expected and Cleveland struggled with a 15-seed.

Must See Player Match Up: Cesar Molina (Centennial) vs Daniel Amador (Roswell)
They likely won't guard each other but what's not to like in a battle of two of the best players in 5A basketball. Molina, trying to take the defending champs back to the Final Four or Amador Aka The Mayor of Roswell with top numbers each week.

NMPreps.com Mr. Basketball Award Could Come Down To This Week: We have a short list of players to take the overall player of the year and this could be the final chance to take the vote. Names to keep an eye on - Johnny McCants (Onate), Daniel Amador (Roswell), John Paul Garcia (Tucumcari), Richie Lucero (Grants), Clay Patterson (Rio Rancho), Desmond Carpenter (Cibola), Marcus Williams (Cleveland) and Anthony Chavez (Valley).

1-Seed That Looks Like A 1-Seed Should: Lordsburg
The Mavericks are playing well and minus the one loss, they are hands down the team to beat and at this point look unstoppable.

QUARTERFINAL PICKS

Onate
Carlsbad
Cleveland
Rio Rancho

Roswell
Bernalillo
Grants
Capital

Hope Christian
Silver
Portales
West Las Vegas

Lordsburg
Tucucmari
Texico
Laguna-Acoma

Melrose
Escalante
Mora
Magdalena

Cliff
Springer
Hondo Valley
Maxwell


6A PREVIEW

No. 7 Rio Grande vs No. 2 Cleveland, 9:45a (WisePies)
Players: Marshall Moore (Rio Grande) v Marcus Williams (Cleveland)
Why Rio Grande: They are playing well and will have some confidence going into the Elite Eight. Welcome to the PIT. The Storm have bigs that create issues for teams but Rio Grande has Dakota Yancey as the x-factor a player playing well lately.
Why Cleveland: The have the depth and maybe shaking off the one bad game, a close one in the opener. They have that type of take over player in Marcus Williams. The ball will be in his hands to make plays.

No. 11 Rio Rancho vs No. 3 Cibola, 1:15p (WisePies)
Players: Clay Patterson (Rio Rancho) vs Desmond Carpenter (Cibola)
Why Rio Rancho: They have guards that can make big plays from outside or off the dribble. They have a staff who was in the Final Four last season and could only be peaking at the right moment.
Why Cibola: They have depth in the backcourt, plenty of it, and a forward who is playing extremely well. He can hit outside treys or off the dribble.

No. 8 Hobbs vs No. 1 Onate, 4:45p (Wisepies)
Players: Pierre Swain (Hobbs) v Johnny McCants (Onate)
Why Hobbs: The Eagles shine in March, they have been to three Final Fours in the last three years. Pierre Swain could go off for 25 plus any night, this might be the option to do that.
Why Onate: The Knights are one of the better basket offensive teams. The last time they were ranked number one they took it all. Also, they have the best player in the state.

No. 5 Valley vs No. 4 Carlsbad, 8:15p (WisePies)
Players: Anthony Chavez (Valley) v Brenden Boatwright (Carlsbad)
Why Valley: This team has likely one of the best trios in Chavez, Segun Oyeku and Teton Saltes. Valley can handle ball pressure well.
Why Carlsbad: When a team (or program) plays in the PIT for the first time it could be sort of shell shocking. That happened last season to the three seed Cavemen. This year they are continuing to get better all season long and this could be one of the most dangerous teams in the PIT right now with the make up and style of play with intense pressure on Chavez and Oyeku.

5A PREVIEW

No. 6 Los Lunas vs No. 3 Capital, 8a (WisePies)
Players: Mario Trujillo (Los Lunas) v Eric Coca (Capital)
Why Los Lunas: They have some talent in Walker, Zeller, Trujillo and Wisneski creating a deep backcourt. However, they love the games to be played at the basket and this one will be played in the halfcourt.
Why Capital: The Jaguars and Tigers will be a game at the basket, maybe a coin flip at this point but if they pull this one out it will be because the senior leadership.

No. 8 Centennial vs No. 1 Roswell, 11:30a (WisePies)
Players: Cesar Molina (Centennial) v Daniel Amador (Roswell)
Why Centennial: They are the defending champs and they have beat Roswell this season (one of two teams). Also, they can counter much of what Roswell likes to do.
Why Roswell: The Coyotes are the hottest teams right now and when you have a player as special as Amador you have an edge any game.

No. 7 Gallup vs No. 2 Grants, 3p (WisePies)
Players: Colton Lowely (Gallup) v Richie Lucero (Grants)
Why Gallup: This program has been here and they are one of the few teams in New Mexico to beat the Pirates. Gallup backcourt is under appreciated or under mentioned and they will play a big part.
Why Grants: The Pirates are number two for a reason. They are also one of the deeper teams in 5A. The X-factor will be forcing Gallup to take contested shots, Gallup can run and score early but they will have pressure consistently on them.

No. 13 Bernalillo vs No. 5 Espanola Valley, 6:30p (WisePies)
Players: Ty Darnell (Bernalillo) vs Uriah Arellano (Espanola)
Why Bernalillo: The Spartans can shoot and if they get hot they could outshoot the Sundevils.
Why Espanola: The Sundevils win when they push and make the game chaotic. They have a history of struggling in the halfcourt game and they have to keep the tempo moving.

4A PREVIEW

No. 1 Hope vs No. 8 Sandia Prep, 1:15p (Santa Ana Star Center)
Players: Dustin Gaddis (Prep) vs Jordan Leake (Hope)
Why Hope: They are one of the best teams in the state. Do I continue?
Why Prep: Every so often there is that under dog who shocks the state. Will the Sundevils ever actually get that gorilla of their back after several losses to Hope? Dustin Gaddis will need to completely take over and have supporting teammates knock down open looks.

No. 5 Silver vs No. 4 Pojoaque Valley, 9:45a (Santa Ana Star Center)
Players: Joshua Saenz (Silver) v James Garcia (Pojo)
Why Silver: This team handles pressure well and very disciplined on offense - kudos to great coaching - and will be able to get Pojo to take bad looks.
Why Pojoaque: They have several options and also an under valued post in Escobedo who went for a double double the last time we seen him. He cleans the glass well and you can't give them an inch from the three or they will knock it down.

No. 7 Portales vs No. 2 Robertson, 4:45a (Santa Ana Star Center)
Players: Jeremie Kargnbaye (Portales) v Sebastian Gonzales (Robertson)
Why Portales: The Rams reached the Final Four last season and this season they could be looking to finish that chapter. Head coach Rickie McBroom has placed himself among the best of them in the classification and has the roster to do so in this one. Robertson needs an answer for the big but can't forget about Staugaard or Ramirez
Why Robertson: They have basketball instinct kids. All five on the court play basketball in their sleep and it shows in their play. They can run, shoot and handle the ball.

No. 6 Bloomfield vs No. 3 West Las Vegas, 8:15pm, (Santa Ana Star Center)
Players: Charley (Bloomfield) vs DJ Bustos (West Las Vegas)
Why Bloomfield: They are sort of the unknown still even in the Elite Eight. Head coach Devon Manning has this team playing well and if they can limit DJ Bustos with the ball and not forgetting about Miguel Sena who likes to attack off the dribble from the top of the key they will do fine.
Why West: DJ Bustos. Kid can take over games.

SMALL SCHOOL BASKETBALL

3A Basketball
Lordsburg vs Mesilla Valley Christian: Edge goes to the Mavericks as they are a top shooting team in the state and loaded with juniors who can flat out play. We talk about chemistry in Onate (6A) but this team has been in the works for a few years.

Tucumcari vs Santa Rosa: Nothing like a rematch to the rematch as these two square off once again. John Paul Garcia has been a top player for a few years and I don't see a player like him falling short.

Texico vs Navajo Prep: Navajo Prep should have been seeded a tad higher, nice win, but Texico has the tradition and talent with nothing but a Final Four being short.

Pecos vs Laguna-Acoma: The Laguna-Acoma Hawks are well coached and the ability to have two gears should fluster Pecos. Pecos is talented but LA has been here before and this program is playing in an environment they are used too.

2A Basketball
No. 5 Gateway vs No. 4 Escalante (8am): Gateway is having one of those special years and with this being the last hurrah for their head coach this could add extra meaning. Escalante has relied on talent the recent past with a title in their hands, same story with a stud like Hurd.

No. 8 Ft. Sumner vs No. 1 Melrose (11:30am): Ft Sumner has played underdog throughout the season and same story here as they face a tough Buffaloes team. Sophomore Cade Banard is on the big stage now.

No. 6 Mesa Vista vs No. 3 Magdalena (3:00pm): Mesa Vista silenced critics (gulp) and they won a battle with Logan. Magdalena now is the test as the defending champions have a sophomore of their own in Jorrell Mirabal a lights out shooter.

No. 7 Menaul vs No. Mora (6:30pm): Another team not given the credit due when they were matched up in the firs round with the Menaul Panthers. Mora will be another huge test for Menaul in a battle between really good guard play vs a frontcourt that features 6-foot-8 Ou.


We will be releasing the rest of the classifications throughout the day.