Week 10: Saturday Night Hoops

Another hoops nights with a buzzer-beating three, a pair of upsets and the look around the state on Saturday night.

Top-25 Recap

No. 4 Hope Christian 81, Santa Fe Indian 52: The fourth ranked Hope Christian Huskies cruised along to an 81-52 win over Santa Fe Indian on Saturday Night. The Huskies improve to (17-2, 2-0) record with the win on their way to a 7-game win streak.

No. 6 Grants 84, West Las Vegas 64: Mike Chambers poured in 20 points to lead the Grants Pirates to (15-3) record on the season with the win on Saturday afternoon. The Pirates earn big respectable win over a solid 4A basketball team. JP Sena paced the way for the Dons of West Las Vegas (15-4) with 17 points on the night.

No. 7 Valley 60, No. 22 Volcano Vista 37: In the North Valley on Saturday night it was all the Vikings on their way to a (13-5, 3-0) record on the season. After a 25-21, Vikings lead, close first half the Vikings pulled away in the third and never looked back. Volcano Vista drops its third straight game falling to (7-11, 0-3) on the season.

No. 11 Carlsbad 49, No. 5 Roswell 48: Down 29-18 at the half the Cavemen did what other teams have struggled to do and hold the Coyotes to under 50-points on the season. It wouldn't be the only excitement for the night as the Cavemen were down 48-46 with 9 seconds left on the clock, when Malachi Calderon hit a buzzer beating three from the wing to give the Cavemen the signature win of the season. Ralph Cueto was the high point man again with 15 points on the night. Big man Chris Johnson also with 8 points and 12 rebounds on the evening.

No. 14 Albuquerque 53, Santa Fe 35: Winning their third consecutive game, the Bulldogs win one of their final non-district games improving to (10-7, 1-0) on the season. Santa Fe falls to (7-12, 0-1) on the season.

No. 17 Espanola Valley 70, Del Norte 56: The Sundevils start the district slate 1-0 after a home win over Del Norte, 70-56 on Saturday night. The Sundevils were led by a combined 43 points from Marcos Flores with 22 points and Uriah Arellano with 21 points.

No. 18 Hobbs 66, Artesia 54: The Artesia Bulldogs came out hot in the first quarter behind a 25-14 lead. It was all the Hobbs Eagles after that point on their way to a 66-54 road win for the 18th ranked team in the state. The Eagles move to (9-7) snapping a three game losing streak.

No. 23 Belen 63, Valencia 50: The Belen Eagles sit on top of District 3-5A with a (12-3, 2-0) record after beating the Valencia Jaguars.

Bernalillo 52, No. 9 Capital 46: On the biggest upset of the night it was the No. 9 Capital Jaguars falling on the road to unranked Bernalillo, 52-46. The Jaguars lost star guard Eric Coca early in the first quarter and fall to (17-3, 1-1) on the season. Bernalillo's Ty Darnell put on a shooting clinic hitting 8-threes on his way to 36 points on the night.

Outside the Top-25

Cliff 67, Hot Springs 41: Holt Shelley is making the case as a 1A prospect with 16 points and 20 rebounds as the Cowboys get a win over 4A Hot Springs. Cliff improves to (10-4) on the season with the win.

Top Performers for Saturday Night

Ty Darnell, Bernalillo - 36 points vs Capital. 8 3-pointers.
Bryce Rewalt, Cenntenial - 28 points vs Highland. 6 3-pointers.
Marcos Flores, Espanola Valley - 22 points vs Del Norte.
Uriah Arellano, Espanola Valley - 21 points vs Del Norte.
Mike Chambers, Grants - Scored 20 points vs West Las Vegas.
Martin Trujillo, Los Lunas - Scored 17 points vs Santa Teresa.
Holt Shelly, Cliff - 16 points and 20 rebounds vs Hot Springs.
Ralph Cueto, Carlsbad - 15 points vs Roswell.
Cesar Molina, Centennial - Scored 14 points vs Highland.
Tenesse Owens, Centennial - Scored 10 points and 8 assists vs Highland.

Three Things From Saturday

1. Studs of the night. A three point contest type of night as Ty Darnell knocked down 8 3-pointers on his way to 36 points. Also in 5A basketball it was Bryce Rewalt hitting 6 on his way to 28 points. Are the making the case as candidates for some post season awards as the under the radar type of players.

2. One or the Other: A NMPreps Nation member made a great point that Volcano Vista and Santa Fe could be in a playoff series for one of the final spots in the state tournament and I agree. Both have shown signs as a playoff team but at other times they could be on the outside looking in. Whoever goes 2-1/3-0 could be dancing, both could be left out or if they steal a win on the back end of the district slate they have a chance. Right now I say one or the other, not both.

3. Out of nowhere again?: The Kirtland Central Broncos sit at (2-0) in one of my favorite district races last season. The same Broncos team that only has 6 wins on the season (around the same as last season) and they make their way into the state tournament. The battle in this district won't be as crazy as last season but Bloomfield gets a big win over Shiprock. They go to 2-0 with KC, Shiprock and Wingate at 1-1 and this four horse race might only have room in the state tournament stall for three teams.


Saturday Scoreboard

Albuquerque 53, Santa Fe 35
Belen 63, Valencia 50
Bernalillo 52, Capital 46
Bloomfield 64, Shiprock 37
Carlsbad 49, Roswell 48
Centennial 85, Highland 64
Cliff 67, Hot Springs 41
Cobre 49, Morenci (AZ) 42
Espanola Valley 70, Del Norte 56
Grants 84, West Las Vegas 64
Hobbs 66, Artesia 54
Hope Christian 81, Santa Fe Indian 52
Kirtland Central 69, Thoreau
Los Lunas 57, Santa Teresa 30
Pojoaque Valley 64, Ruidoso 40
Portales 54, Bosque 24
Santa Rosa 71, Laguna-Acoma 66
Silver 45, Mesilla Valley 40
Springer 62, Maxwell 55
Valley 60, Volcano Vista 37

Post all in game updates here or text them in to 505-414-4313

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Noah Sweitzer - Eldorado - Linebacker
Class of 2016
Uncommitted

Offers from: Adams State, Western State Colorado, Highlands, Eastern New Mexico, and Ft. Lewis
Also hearing from Hawaii as of late. Just received offer from West Texas A&M on January 23rd. He told me today that he will commit sometime just before signing day. Whomever lands him is going to be in for a real treat. Kid is explosive!



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Division I

Bryce Alford - La Cueva 2013/UCLA - 2013 NMPreps.com Mr. Basketball.
John Dawson - Clovis 2013/Liberty University - Averaging 15 points per game, 5.5 rebounds and 6 assists.
TJ Holyfield - Manzano 2014/Stephen F. Austin
Connor Joy - Rehoboth 2012/University of New Mexico (SR)
Cullen Neal - Eldorado 2013/University of New Mexico (r-SO) - 2012 NMPreps.com Mr. Basketball. Averaging 14.9 points, 5.2 assists per game.
Tim Jacobs - Onate 2011/University of New Mexico (SR) - The 2011 NMPreps.com Mr. Basketball runner-up is averaging 1.4 points and 2.2 assists.
Adam Cumber - Sandia 2014/University of New Mexico (r-FR)
Christian Mackey - Kirtland Central 2014/Denver University - Averaging 3.8 points and 2.4 boards.
Ryan Jones - Cleveland 2015/UMass-Lowell - 2015 NMPreps.com Mr. Basketball.
Christian Cunningham - Cibola 2015/Jacksonville State - Starting as a freshman.
Preston Bungei - Cibola 2013/Norfolk State


Division II

Brady Patterson - Rio Rancho 2015/Eastern New Mexico University
Deyton De La Cerda - Roswell 2011/Eastern New Mexico University
Kevin Saiz - Cibola 2014/Eastern New Mexico University
Lucas Bowens - Clovis 2013/Eastern New Mexico University
Willie McCray - Clovis 2015/Western New Mexico University
Adam Kesler - Silver 2012/Western New Mexico University
Josey Mills - Alamogordo 2015/Western New Mexico University
Trevin Ramirez - Carlsbad 2015/Western New Mexico University
Seth Warfield - Volcano Vista 2014/New Mexico Highlands University
James Healey - Cibola 2013/New Mexico Highlands University
Joe Anaya - Valley 2014/New Mexico Highlands University
Jake LaMay - Capitan 2014/New Mexico Highlands University
Andres Gallegos - West Las Vegas 2015/New Mexico Highlands University
Marcus Arrington - Carlsbad 2013/Lubbock Christian - 10.6 points per game, 5.2 assist and 4.7 rebounds.
Kane Martinez - Eldorado 2013/Fort Lewis College
Ross Buchman - Cibola 2013/Fort Lewis College
Kody Salcido - Sandia Prep 2012/Fort Lewis College

DIVISION III

Tyler Day - Alamogordo 2014/East Texas Baptist University


JUNIOR COLLEGE

Jacob Holland - Los Lunas 2014/Otero JC
Jordan Jones - Sandia 2014/Otero JC
Zac Lee - Eldorado 2013/Otero JC

NAIA

Rodney Coles - Espanola Valley 2011/Northern New Mexico College - 2011 NMPreps.com Mr. Basketball
Michael Nolan - Manzano 2013/Northern New Mexico College
Austin Gibson - Los Lunas 2013/Northern New Mexico College
Daniel Delgado - Del Norte 2015/Northern New Mexico College
Malik Woods-Williams - Las Cruces 2014/Northern New Mexico College
Gillie Garcia - Valley 2011/Northern New Mexico College
Ose Idiake - Valley 2015/Northern New Mexico College
Jim Coleman - Tularosa 2011/University of the Southwest (Hobbs)
Emery Coleman -Tularosa 2013/University of the Southwest (Hobbs)
Terrell De'rouen-Onate 2011/Jarvis Christian College(SR)-is averaging.11.9 points and 4.4 rebounds

Feel free to add players or send in stats, information on listed players.e

Moment You Decided To Hang Up Your Cleats?

What do you remember?

Why did you do so?

Where was your last game?

Andres Campos OL

And Cory Noel LB

Vicent Delgadillo TE

All offered by Eastern New Mexico on Friday, January 22nd

What does it look like?

Manzano Athlete
Orlando Perez
Commits to Eastern New Mexico



Manzano Senior Orlando Perez has made his college commitment. The 5-foot-9, 175 pound athlete is headed to play for the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds.

Perez played a variety of positions while at Manzano, this past year as a senior he threw for 784-yards and 6 touchdowns, he was also the team's leading rushing racking up 893-yards on the ground and 11 touchdowns. With Perez announcing he is headed to Eastern, that makes a total of 8 in-state commitments.

“Orlando Perez is a very dynamic athlete, has a cannon for an arm, and we’re moving him to quarterback this year, He is also a great runner, and will bring some excitement to the table," Said Manzano Head Coach Chad Adcox.

Great story and great for the kid. There are great stories that happen like this here and there...and if the kid makes it and gets drafted...Hollywood movie material.

I'm assuming the kid has good grades, the Lottery Scholarship and the local scholarship that Artesia kids get. I have heard of one kid ever on a true "full ride" in baseball. That was Brooks Kieschnick at the U of Texas. He was an All American pitcher and hitter there and did both in the Big Leagues.

Taking nothing away from the young man...if he did everything right to get all of his education paid for...great for him. Definitely a story I will be following!

Grine: Revisit Time for District 3-6A
Joshua J. Grine

With roughly one week left of non-district basketball games before we start the district slate we take a look at each district. We look at where we were wrong, right and were we pushed.

Preseason Rankings

1. Onate (No. 4 Preseason Top-25)
2. Las Cruces (No. 13 Preseason Ranking)
3. Gadsden (No. 17 Preseason Ranking)
4. Mayfield (No. 32 Preseason Ranking)
5. Deming (No. 53 Preseason Ranking)

Week 10 Rankings

1. Onate (Ranked No. 2 in Week 10)
2. Gadsden (Ranked No. 12)
3. Las Cruces (Ranked No. 24)

Grine Talks the District

The district pretty much looks as predicted. The Trojans, have a new head coach and a young roster. I like that roster too. Las Cruces had a slow, 4-8 start, but lately on a 6-game win streak and back in the Top-25 for the first time since week 2. Gadsden has a huge question mark with "Do they have a head coach"? Too much of a good thing at Gadsden for their own good? Onate, well coach Perez doing what he does best - creates a great program environment/chemistry. This team reminds me of my first year at NMPreps.com and they won the title.


Predictions Heading Into the District Season

1. Onate (16-3, 1-0): They have likely the only division one basketball player on the market in Johnny McCants. They also have shooting specialist Hunter Thomas. This team is deeper than highlighted each week.

2. Las Cruces (10-8, 1-0): Yes, Gadsden is ranked higher in the Top-25 right now and might be the favorite here at 2nd in district. However, the Bulldawgs are playing well lately and like them here. Markus Collins the point guard for the Dawgs along with Uribe are a very unappreciated duo in the backcourt.

3. Gadsden (11-7, 0-1): The Panthers have some internal question marks with their head coach right now. They got beat solid by Onate and they might be on the down trend.

4. Mayfield (7-11, 0-0): My favorite team..... next season, they have a good roster. They are just young age wise, and young into the program of head coach Billy Keys. This program has a bright future.

5. Deming (9-10, 0-1): I like the young man in Ochoa but Villa is playing well. Could play spoiler on any given night.

State Tournament Team Predictions

Onate (1-2 Seed)
Las Cruces (More IN this season, 10-14 seed area)
Gadsden (IN but could be 10-14 as well)

District Player of the Year Race

Johnny McCants, Onate: Will also be up for the NMPreps.com Mr. basketball.

Markus Collins, Las Cruces: Sophomore is playing extremely well. A 29 point night last week and other 23, 20 point nights.

Tomas Cano, Gadsden: Status took a dip with no information on games. Might affect post season awards also if Gadsden doesn't get out of the first round.


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Grine: Revisit Time for District 2-6A
Joshua J. Grine

With roughly one week left of non-district basketball games before we start the district slate we take a look at each district. We look at where we were wrong, right and were we pushed.

Preseason Rankings

1. Sandia (Preseason Ranking No. 8)
2. Highland (Preseason Ranking No. 23)
3. Eldorado (Preseason Ranking No. 25)
4. La Cueva (Preseason Ranking No. 35)
5. Manzano (Preseason Ranking No. 43)

Week 10 Rankings

No team is ranked in the Top-25

Grine Talks the District

No other district has been more of a let down. To see this district, the once power it was, not have a single team in the Top-25 is crazy. However, not one team is above .500 and should be a one bid league minus a really good week 9 with Eldorado beating then No. 9 Hobbs and Manzano upset then No. 8 Rio Grande.


Predictions Heading Into the District Season

1. Sandia (6-7, 1-0): Sandia was not only a favorite for the district title but a Final Four team at the seasons start. I could still see them as the DC, call me crazy maybe, but the roster make up is too good not to.

2. Manzano (5-11, 0-0): It was hard not to place the Monarchs at 2nd place in the district with their recent play. They have a win over Sandia, 54-53, two weeks ago. They also recently beat a Top-10 ranked Rio Grande as mentioned above. Good, young roster that I like more in 2015-2016.

3. La Cueva (5-10, 1-0): The Bears had a dominating performance on Wednesday night smashing Highland. The Bears have a win over Valley. They have the potential to be very good. I like point guard Triston McCarty being that JJ Barera type of guy that can knock down, lead in transition or dish.

4. Eldorado (4-12, 0-1): The Eagles were the prom king last week with the shot heard around the land of enchantment. They have a solid JV roster, so the future will be bright but this year I just can't see them to far into March or at all.

5. Highland (4-10, 0-1): Maybe my biggest flop in the NMPreps.com preseason rankings as I bought high on the roster. Not much else to write to this story as the pages are blurred with struggles.

State Tournament Team Predictions

Sandia, Manzano and maybe, just maybe, La Cueva.

District Player of the Year Race

Braxton Bouyer, Sr, Manzano HS: Bouyer has played well through the season and had good numbers at 12.8 points per game and 3.3 assists per game.

Caleb Wroten, Sr, Sandia HS: Put in 18 points and 18 rebounds in the first district game of the season.

Devonte Smith-Vines, SR, Highland: Has good numbers but likely won't see much more of him.

If we had some numbers from La Cueva they could have one on the board as well with Simeon Moya and Alejandro Ruiz playing well lately.

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Grine: Revisit Time for District 1-6A
Joshua J. Grine

With roughly one week left of non-district basketball games before we start the district slate we take a look at each district. We look at where we were wrong, right and were we pushed.

Preseason Rankings

1. Rio Rancho (Preseason No. 2 in the Top-25)
2. Cleveland (Preseason No. 9 in the Top-25)
3. Volcano Vista (Preseason No. 11 in the Top-25)
4. Cibola (Preseason No. 16 in the Top-25)
5. Santa Fe (Preseason No. 39)

Week 10 Rankings

1. Cleveland (Ranked No. 1 in the Top-25)
2. Cibola (Ranked No. 3 in the Top-25)
3. Rio Rancho (Ranked No. 13 in the Top-25)
4. Volcano Vista (Ranked No. 22 in the Top-25)
5. Santa Fe

Predictions Heading Into the District Season

1. Cleveland (13-4): The Storm are the predicted team to win the district with the amount of talent they have on the roster. They have one of the best players in the state in Marcus Williams but a wealth of depth is only maturing into a tough team. Predicted record: 7-1 (Loss to RR)

2. Cibola (12-2): The Cougars are one of those teams you fully believe in or you don't. We didn't for many weeks. Now, we have been made believers with a runner up finish at the APS Metro and 12-2 start to the season. Predicted record: 5-3 (Beat RR, SF, SF, VV, VV)

3. Rio Rancho (12-6): We took them as the team to beat in this district this preseason. However, we might of been a bit unfair to the Rams. They start 3 juniors and 2 sophomores this season and only returned 3 players with varsity experience. Still a good team with maybe too much pressure too early. I still really like this team and predict the one loss above to Cleveland is from Rio Rancho: Predicted record: 5-3 (Beat Cleveland, Cibola, SF, SF, VV)

4. Volcano Vista (7-7): The Hawks might be in the conversation for the debate on underachieving teams so far this season. They have some talented players but at (7-7) we expected them to produce more if you see our preseason No. 11 ranking in the entire state. The Hobbs win last week (week 9) helps however. Predicted record: 2-6 (beat SF, RR)

5. Santa Fe (7-9): The Demons are better. However, this district will be tough and will be among the hardest opponents that they have faced all season. They won't go winless this year though and they could end the losing streak in district play. Predicted record: 1-7 (beat VV)

State Tournament Teams

Cleveland (1-2 Seed)
Cibola (3-6 Seed)
Rio Rancho (7-10 Seed)
Volcano Vista (11-13 Seed)
Santa Fe (15/16 - OUT)

District Player of the Year Race

Marcus Williams, Cleveland: Will be ranked in the Top-5 players in the NMPreps.com Top 100 players but has been consistent along with the talent. Fun player to watch.

Clay Patterson, Rio Rancho: The junior is one of the best players regardless of graduation year. HE is super quick, has a solid pull up jumper and can see the floor.

Desmond Carpenter, Cibola: Underrated talent that has gone for 20 points a few times this season. Look for him to continue to rise on the charts.

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Poll: Is New Mexico a Football, Basketball, or Baseball State?

The North/South All-Star Game This Weekend...
Grine

With the NBA All-Star game around the corner, announcement of All-Star starters, I wonder what an All-Star game would be like mid-season in New Mexico. In short what I am looking at is the 30 best players right now regardless of classification or graduation class to this point. Throughout the years we compare ideas of All-Star games, or tournaments to the NBA or College like. Today, we take a stab at the NBA All-Star Game.

Because we all agree the All-Star game shouldn't be in July...right?

We all know the weekend or day after the state tournament is the best time. For some reason we won't change that because of money or whatever it may be...

Who would make the mid-season All-Star Team?

NORTH

Starters
Clay Patterson, Rio Rancho, 2017, G
Marshall Moore, Rio Grande, 2016
Marcus Williams, 2016, W
Caleb Wroten, Sandia, 2016, C
David Cormier, Volcano Vista, 2017, F

Reserves
Gabe Bump, Albuquerque, 2016, G
Eric Coca, Capital, 2016, G
Jordan Leake, Hope Christian, W
Desmond Carpenter, Cibola, W
Bradley Hatten, Grants, 2016, C

Jarrett Graham, Piedra Vista, 2018, G
Michael Chambers, Grants, 2016, G
Sebastian Gonzales, Robertson, 2016, G
DJ Bustos, West Las Vegas, 2016, G
Anthony Chavez, Valley, 2018, G
Estevan Martinez, Atrisco, 2016, G

SOUTH

Starters
Daniel Amador, Roswell, 2016, W
Brenden Boatwright, Carlsbad, 2017, F
Noah Waide, Goddard, 2016, G
Johnny McCants, Onate, 2016, F
Markus Collins, Las Cruces, 2018, G

Reserves
Jorrell Mirabal, Magdalena, 2016, G
Dalton Privett, Dora, 2016, F
Pierre Swain, Hobbs, 2016, F
Martin Trujillo, Los Lunas, 2017, G
Cesar Molina, Centennial, 2016, G

Hunter Thomas, Onate, 2017, G
Jordaan Gonzales, Hobbs, 2016, G
Chris Johnson, Carlsbad, 2017, F
LeAnthony Harrison, Goddard, 2017, G

Why? Most numbers and stats. I threw a few that we have stats on from submitting to us. Also, is your team winning. Of course I will miss some players so let me know who they are but more importantly why.

Gallup Linebacker Makes Commitment
Xavier Hoover
6-foot-2, 205 Pounds
Linebacker/Defensive End

Coach from Coach Olsen at Gallup " Every offense we played had to make game plans just for him. Always got doubled teamed or they paid the price."



Junior Year Highlights

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Complete List of Commitments
https://nmpreps.forums.rivals.com/threads/scholarship-offer-list-updated-january-21st-2016.8277/

Top Forwards in the Class of 2017
Joshua J. Grine

We continue releasing our Top Prospects Report listing the top players in each classification and position.

Already Released: Top Forwards in 2018

Top 5 Forwards

#1. Brenden Boatwright 2017 6'7 F Carlsbad HS (Carlsbad, NM)

Boatwright is being considered as one of the top overall players in the state of New Mexico and is likely the most Division One prospect in the state. Boatwright has the body type, footwork and has a nice looking jumper.

#2. David Cormier 2017 6'2 F Volcano Vista HS (Albuquerque, NM)

Cormier goes under the radar right now in Albuquerque as we have yet to get stats and also the Hawks are under preforming to most standards. However, Cormier is a talent and athlete through and through. He's one to keep an eye on this season. Cormier recently received an offer for football from the University of New Mexico.

#3. Chris Johnson 2017 6'5 F Carlsbad HS (Carlsbad, NM)

Chris Johnson is a talented big man that does his work in the paint. He is dominates on the glass and gets plenty of second chance points. His talent is his knack for rebounding and getting position in the paint.

#4. Adam Cook 2017 6'4 F Cleveland HS (Rio Rancho, NM)

Cook is another football prospect who dominates in the paint. Cook however does have a quality basketball athleticism but on the list if you need a strong post that will go toe to toe with any player he will be my go to guy. Can finish well with contact.

#5 Jeremie Karngbaye 2017 F Portales HS (Portales, NM)

Karngbaye at 6'5 is a solid post player and hands down, regardless of classification one of the best post players in the state of New Mexico. Boards well, among the best, and commands the paint.

Best of the Rest

Dakota Yancey 2017 F 6'7 Rio Grande HS (Albuquerque, NM)
Cael Apodaca 2017 F Highland HS (Albuquerque, NM)
Isaiah Brooks 2017 F Capital HS (Santa Fe, NM)


Grine on the List: Several players in the "Best of the Rest" could see their stock rise now in January leading up to the state tournament as we get a better eye on them. We could shuffle the list this season and will be an interesting position and class to watch

What you got?

Weekend Wire: What To Watch

5 GAMES TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND: Friday & Saturday

Class Clash: No. 2 (5A) vs No. 3 (4A) - Grants vs West Las Vegas (Saturday)
The Pirates could use the potential DC win for seeding time, West Las Vegas could use the SOS and DC win but likely a 1-3 seed no matter what.

Battle for Las Cruces: No. 2 Onate vs No. 24 Las Cruces: A couple weeks ago this wouldn't have been the game to talk about. That was when the Bulldawgs were 4-8, however since then they are on a 6-game win streak at 10-8. Onate is ranked second in the state at 16-3 on the season.

District Battle: No. 13 Rio Rancho vs No. 22 Volcano Vista: The two square off in Rio Rancho in a crucial, signature game as both need to stay above other 6-10 seed teams.

Intriguing: No. 14 Albuquerque vs Santa Fe: Albuquerque at 9-7 have been playing extremely well lately and this one could be a game that will prove they are top-8 or it will be a Santa Fe team that is about over the hill. They are looking for that one win.

3A Top-4: Santa Rosa at Laguna-Acoma: The Lions and Hawks are squaring off in a signature game in 3A basketball. The Lions have been progressing nicely all season long and could be a late season peak at the right moment. Laguna-Acoma is not the same program but they are still LA.

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THURSDAY

District Battle: Valley at Atrisco Heritage
Valley ranked in the Top-5 still in play for Top-4 seed. Atrisco coming off a loss to Albuquerque High could push them to third and out of Top-8

Scary Game of the Night: St. Pius X vs Albuquerque High
Albuquerque High coming off a solid win over Atrisco to jump back in the Top-8 of 6A. St. Pius X is that team that is always in a game with their style of play. I'm thinking upset as the Sartans are the better at the basket team.

SSD: Quemado vs Magdalena
Small school loving as both teams are in the hunt for a top seed in their respected classification. Mag' still has the sophomore shooter and Quemado at 13-3 is well coached and coming off a win to Magdalena last week.

GRINE PICKS

Valley
St. Pius X
Quemado

Making the Case for All-NMPreps Awards

Emilio Arellano (Guard) - Had a solid 25-point performance against Rio Tuesday. Could do it again tonight against Albuquerque High.

Colton Lowely (Gallup) - Haven't heard much from him, he is talented, but if he wants to make a finalist for the award a big game against Eldo tonight.

Rio foursome: Marshall Moore, Jose Rodriguez Jr, Daniel Gonzales or Dakota Yancey. Moore is the likely favorite for the NMPreps.com Mr. Basketball candidacy but all four could be in play for some awards this post season.

Top Power Hitters For The 2016 Season?

Who are they?

Parents of Shawn Nieto explain why they sued to gain state final eligibility for allegedly concussed son
By: Cam Smith of the USA Today

Full Link Here
http://usatodayhss.com/?p=100516783

Just before Christmas the rancor surrounding America’s ongoing concussion and head safety debate turned its attention to New Mexico, where Cleveland star running back Shawn Nieto competed in a state title game less than a week after apparently suffering a concussion on a hit in a state semifinal. The teen was only allowed to compete when his family filed a lawsuit against the New Mexico Athletic Association (NMAA) and won a temporary restraining order that allowed Nieto to compete.

Now Nieto’s parents are speaking out about their decision to have their son play in the game, and the broader impact it has on the concussion and head trauma debate in America. In an interview with The Washington Post, the Nieto family didn’t mince words.

“That’s the bogey-man blanket they’re throwing in sports now,” Peter Nieto, Shawn’s father, told the Post’s Rick Maese about concussion fears. … “We’re not rookies. We know what a concussion is.”

Essentially, the Nieto family’s argument is that Shawn didn’t actually suffer a full concussion; he just displayed possible concussion symptoms immediately after suffering absorbing a big hit. The family scheduled an appointment with their own doctor the day after the state semifinal, and that doctor evaluated Nieto and found that he exhibited, “normal cognitive ability.” Yet, because the school’s medical personnel had ruled Nieto suffered a possible concussion, NMAA protocol insisted that he had to remain on the sidelines. The evidence provided by the Nieto’s own doctor proved crucial in gaining the ability to play for Shawn Nieto, but that came before the doctor herself rescinded her own decision and accused the family of hiding salient details about their son’s injury at the time of examination.

For their part, the family insists they did what was best for their son, which was in direct contravention of what the state and concussions experts have asked others to do.

“This concussion law is just one size fits all,” Erica Nieto told Maese of New Mexico’s statute. “It’s expected to fit every situation, and it really does not allow for how to address a conflict — how do you get an independent evaluation? There’s no wiggle room at all, and I think there needs to be.”

Washington Post Story

RicK Maese

When Shawn Nieto felt the hit, he clutched the football tight, making sure not to lose his grip, even as his 16-year-old body fell limply to the ground.

When Erica Nieto saw the hit, she sprinted from her seat in the stands, down near the sideline and screamed for her son’s attention.

When the trainers at Cleveland High in Rio Rancho, N.M., saw the hit, they ran onto the field to make sure their junior running back was okay.

This much, everyone agrees on. What happened in the seconds, minutes and days that followed the state semifinal playoff game ultimately led both sides to a courtroom. School officials say Shawn was knocked unconscious for 20 to 30 seconds. He suffered a concussion, they said, which meant under state law, he was forced to sit out seven days to recover — which meant he’d miss the following week’s state championship game.

But Shawn says he never lost consciousness, and his family insists he didn’t suffer a concussion. So they hired a lawyer and filed a motion in court last month, pleading with a judge to let Shawn play in the title game.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/spor...c-11e5-9443-7074c3645405_story.html?tid=sm_tw

After checking several college rosters, I thought it might be nice to see "where are they now" . La Cueva kids from 2014 and 2015 include Div 1- Austin Bell, Andrew Pratt and Chad Smith at UNM, Ceileb McAlister at Washington State Div II-Sean Allin and Wyatt Briggs at St. Edwards JC's- Jeff Deimling and Jesse Becton at NMJC, Scott Ingle at West Hills CC (Cal.) Cub Turcotte and Alex Howard at NMMI .Please add to this list. It's good to see who is still playing.

AMAYA BROWN!!! Not 1 other girl in this state is getting the looks and offers she is!!! She plays at the highest level of girls basketball and gets it done every game. She is the player to bring the light on NM girls basketball.