Who Are The Biggest Favorites Entering 2016?

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Who Wins The College Football National Championship?

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7:30PM CT
Monday, January 11th, 2016

Who's attending? Taking place in early January in Santa Fe at St. Michael's

Week 9: Tuesday Night Hoops
Joshua J. Grine of NMPreps.com

We kick off separation week with a handful of Top-25 teams in action, along with several 5A and 4A must see games. We highlight the action from the night.

TOP-25 RECAP

No. 2 Onate 49, EP Cathedral (TX) 35: The second ranked Onate Knights move to (12-4) on the season with a 14-point win on the road at El Paso-Cathedral (TX). The Knights extend their win streak to 4-games with the win.

No. 4 Hope Christian 53, No. 21 Volcano Vista 32: The fourth ranked Hope Huskies move to (12-2) on the season with a convincing win on the road at No. 21 Volcano Vista on Tuesday night. The Hawks of Volcano Vista fall to (6-6) on the season. With the loss the Hawks drop their fourth game in the last six.

No. 6 Capital 57, No. 20 La Cueva 37: The sixth ranked Jaguars win their 14th straight game improving to (15-1) on the season with the win over No. 20 La Cueva. The La Cueva Bears move to (3-9) on the season dropping their sixth game in the last seven tries. The Jaguars were led by junior guard Jeremy Anaya who dropped 25 points in the win. Augie Larranaga also in double figures for the Jaguars with 15 points.

No. 7 Roswell 95, No. 11 Centennial 74: In an impressive showing the Roswell Coyotes, ranked seventh in the state, ran over the No. 11 Centennial Hawks, 95-74. The Coyotes improve to (12-1) on the season with the Hawks dropping to (8-4) on the year. NMPreps.com Mr. Basketball Candidate Daniel Amador solidifies himself among the best players in the state with 38-points on the night.

No. 10 Grants 70, No. No. 16 Espanola Valley 58: The tenth ranked Pirates re-group after a loss last week with a Top-25 win over No. 16 Espanola Valley. The Pirates improve to (12-3) on the season with the Sundevils falling to (12-5) on the year. Pirates post Bradley Hatten led the way with 13-points on the night. Mike Chambers, 12 points, and Richie Lucero, 10 points, also in double figures for the Pirates. Az Salazar paced the way for the Sundevils with 10 points.

No. 15 Carlsbad 66, Artesia 34: In a regional match-up the 12-4, Cavemen (No. 15) ran all over the Artesia Bulldogs on the road Tuesday night. Caveman big man Chris Johnson poured in a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds on the evening. Brenden Boatwright finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds for the Cavemen.

No. 18 Farmington 72, Kirtland Central 53: The 18th ranked Scorpions run over the Kirtland Central Broncos in a regional match-up in the Northwest corner of New Mexico. Farmington improves to (12-2) on the season with the win.

No. 22 Robertson 51, Moriarty 35: The 4A Robertson Cardinals, ranked 22nd in the state, take a 16-point win over 5A Moriarty on Tuesday night. The Cardinals improve to (11-2) on the season with the win.

Santa Fe 63, No. 24 West Las Vegas 55: Earning a signature win at home over a Top-25 team the Santa Fe Demons improve their record to (7-8) on the season. David Marquez dropped 16 points in the win for the Demons. Santi Gonzales also in double figures for the Demons with 11 points. DJ Bustos paced the way for the Dons with 23 points.

MORE RECAPS

Lordsburg 81, Hot Springs 56: One of the top teams in small school division basketball the Lordsburg Mavericks remain perfect on the season at (12-0) with the big win over Hot Springs. Jacob Esquivel led the way for the Mavericks with 26 points. Four Mavericks finished the night in double figures; Johnny Plowman (16), Raymond Saucedo, Brandon Strain and JJ Escobar with 10 points each.

THIS AND THAT

One Perfect Team Left: Lordsburg at (12-0) get the win.
Bubble Pop: Alamogordo drops a contest to fellow bubble team Mayfield, 63-50.
Seed Game: Pojoaque sneaks out a close one with St. Mikes, 54-45.
Picks: Grine goes 1-2 on his picks for Tuesday Marquee games. Picked St. Mikes, Grants and Centennial.

TOP PERFORMERS

Daniel Amador - Roswell - Scored 38 points vs Centennial.
John Paul Garcia - Tucumcari - 30 points and 9 rebounds vs Estancia.
Jacob Esquivel - Lordsburg - Scored 26 points vs Hot Springs.
Jeremy Anaya - Capital - Scored 25 points vs La Cueva.
DJ Bustos - West Las Vegas - Scored 23 points vs Santa Fe.
David Marquez - Santa Fe - Scored 16 points vs West Las Vegas.
Johnny Plowman - Lordsburg - Scored 16 points vs Hot Springs.
Augie Larranaga - Capital - Scored 15 points vs La Cueva.
Bradley Hatten - Grants - Scored 13 points vs Espanola Valley.
Mike Chambers - Grants - Scored 12 points vs Espanola Valley.
Chris Johnson - Carlsbad - Scored 12 points and 10 rebounds vs Artesia.
Brenden Boatwright - Carlsbad - Scored 12 points and 7 rebounds vs. Artesia.
Richie Lucero - Grants - Scored 10 points vs Espnola Valley.

SCOREBOARD

Bernalillo 56, Albuquerque Academy 36
Bloomfield 55, Aztec 38
Capital 57, La Cueva 37
Carlsbad 66, Artesia 34
Cobre 49, Tularosa 35
Durango (CO) 72, Piedra Vista 55
Farmington 72, Kirtland Central 53
Goddard 74, Clovis 46
Grants 70, Espanola Valley 58
Hagerman 50, Capitan 46
Hope Christian 53, Volcano Vista 32
Lordsburg 81, Hot Springs 56
Lovington 48, Portales 41
Mayfield 63, Alamogordo 50
Mountainair 60, Corona 39
Onate 49, EP Cathedral (TX) 35
Pojoaque Valley 54, St Mikes 45
Robertson 51, Moriarty 35
Roswell 95, Centennial 74
Ruidoso 59, Hatch Valley 50
Sandia Prep 75, Socorro 57
Santa Fe 63, West Las Vegas 55
Wingate 53, Tohatchi 51

Thanks @Freezysmalls

Jorge oropoza former DC at espanola will be the new HC at Pojoaque

This is just hitting the social media airwaves... The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association is no longer allowing the words, "Air Ball, scoreboard" at Wisconsin High School Games as it hurts kids feelings. Peter Burns of ESPN just mentioned this.

What teams are doing better than predicted or worse?

Don't know anything else.

Grants varsity basketball job is open

6A Mid-Season Prediction Time
Joshua J. Grine

Each season I give my predictions, it's always too early, but I love to debate and on the rare occasion I have nailed my predictions. Today, I take a spin at my choices.

Home Brew: Top-8 Seeds

Cibola - The Cougars have made me a believer with the 16-point win over Rio Rancho this week. And yes along with being 9-1 on the season.
Cleveland - Will battle with the Cougars (and Rio Rancho) for the DC in 1-6A. The resume should get them a home game no matter who finishes as the DC or runner up.
Valley - The Vikings are ranked number one in New Mexico it would be crazy to not predict them as a top 8-seed. Secondly, the runner up is up for grabs now with a Bulldogs team dipping lately.
Onate - The front-runner in 3-6A and might come out squeaky clean after district play.
Carlsbad - Still the favorite, and it's closer then expected now, but could get a top 8 as a DC.
Rio Rancho - Resume might be a bit cloudy but have enough for right now but hard to justify if they fall to third.
Gadsden - Can't afford a loss in district play outside of Onate and the runner up could get them a home game.
La Cueva - Pain as it may be but the Bears could be a DC favorite right now in 2-6A and we give a home game to a DC. Might not happen this year but for now they own the Valley win on their resume as part of the criteria.

9-12: Quality Control

Rio Grande - Maybe an edge over Albuquerque High at the moment for the DRU.
Hobbs - Could play itself into the Top-8 but Alamogordo might have a say, who knows?
Albuquerque - Need to get on a roll - now.
Atrisco Heritage - Playing well as of late but need to get into the mix against Rio Grande and Albuquerque High.

Bubble Is Interesting

Volcano Vista - Resume has taken a hit and need any wins now to justify before a brutal district slate.
Alamogordo - Maybe playing itself into the conversation but need a signature win.
Mayfield - I like this team to peak in late January/February.
Manzano - Hard to see the district getting two in but Manzano might have the nod with the win over Sandia.

The Crystal Ball

1 Valley over 16 Manzano
2 Onate over 15 Alamogordo
3 Cleveland over 14 Mayfield
4 Cibola over 13 Volcano Vista
5 Carlsbad over 12 Atrisco Heritage
11 Albuquerque High over 6 La Cueva
10 Hobbs over 7 Gadsden
8 Rio Rancho over 9 Rio Grande

1 Valley over 8 Rio Rancho
2 Onate over 10 Hobbs
3 Cleveland over 11 Albuquerque
5 Carlsbad over 4 Cibola

FINAL FOUR PICKS
1 Valley over 5 Carlsbad
3 Cleveland over 2 Onate

CHAMPION PICK
3 Cleveland over 1 Valley

Eastern New Mexico Picks Lands Two In-State Prospects

Jeremiah Burke - Silver - Athlete - Committed to Eastern New Mexico
6-foot-1, 190 pounds, ran a 4.4 at the NMPreps.com Elite combine



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Idan Urrutia - West Mesa - Defensive End - Committed to Eastern New Mexico
Ran a 4.4 at the NMPreps.com Elite Combine



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With the season around the corner, I thought I would post a team preview of the La Cueva Bears.

La Cueva is coached by Gerard Pineda and competes in 6A-2. Last year lost in the semifinal round of the state tournament to district rival Eldorado.

List of players I believe will be competing to be on the varsity roster by class:

Seniors (9)
Brian Fitzgerald
Derrick Gallegos
Dustin Schwartz
Josh Hathoot
Chase Wilson
Derek Trujillo
Ryan Hoff
Stone Romero
Anthony Robles

Juniors (6)
Jonathan Stroman
Ryan Phillips
Richard Ware
Isaac Standridge
Devin Borin
Chris Campbell

Sophomores (4)
Jack Pineda
Austin Schlagel
Ryan Johnson
Jackson Spiller

While I think the sophomore class overall may be the deepest and most talented group at La Cueva, especially guys like Johnson, Schlagel, and Pineda, its doubtful we'll see many of them get a varsity opportunity other than Pineda. La Cueva has just too much depth at every position. Of course injuries can change everything.

Lineup I'd expect to see:

DH - Jack Pineda LH
SS - Richard Ware RH
CF - Ryan Phillips LH
1B - Brian Fitzgerald RH
C - Stone Romero RH
3B - Chris Campbell RH
LF - Devin Borin RH
RF - Isaac Standridge LH
2B - Derrick Trujillo RH

The offense won't be as potent as last years team with the huge loses of Pratt, Bell, McCalister, and so many other seniors. However, they should still put up big offensive #'s in large part to a break out season for Ware and big years from seniors Fitzgerald and Romero.

The addition of some strong juniors, who saw limited or no varsity time last year in Phillips, Borin, and Standridge should really help provide some quality hitting and defense in the OF. Phillips and Standridge should provide some speed on the base paths with Borin providing a little pop from the right side.

The bench will be very strong with 1B/DH Chase Wilson, 2B Derrick Gallegos, and OF Josh Hathoot all taking time from starters and providing very good defensive substitutions when necessary. In the case of Wilson, his bat could garner him time at 1B with Fitzgerald getting pushed to DH or OF.

Rotation I'd expect to see:

SP - Jonathan Stroman RHP
SP - Anthony Robles RHP
SP - Devin Borin RHP
SP - Ryan Hoff RHP
RP - Derek Trujillo RHP
RP - Chris Campbell RHP
RP - Richard Ware RHP

Last years pitching staff will be hard to beat, but I think this group has the potential to be very good. The rotation will be anchored by Jonanthan Stroman (90+) with another year under his belt and throwing even harder. Add in three guys who pitched JV last year in Robles (88-90mph), Borin (86-88mph), and Hoff (84-86mph), you have a group of hard throwers with good secondary stuff. I'd expect all four of these guys to be pitching in college once they graduate. Anthony Robles has already committed to Eastern Arizona.

Overall the La Cueva Bears should be very competitive and should battle it out with Eldorado for the district title.

Who are the three oldest high school football coaches and three youngest high school football coaches?

Over the next few weeks leading up to National Signing Day we'll breakdown the Class of 2016 Commitments

Roland Chavez - Clovis - Tight End
Class of 2016
6-foot-4, 210 pounds
Committed to Northern Arizona

Video Highlights
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Hendo's Take
I grew more and more impressed with him each time I would watch him play and practice. What great size and speed, I think the Lumberjacks landed someone who could start maybe 3-4 years, he might not even need a red-shirt. Great hands and just a big target that can get off a block and then run downfield and make plays. He is also a good defensive end, but because of his speed and strength I like him at tight end. Has a good frame which would allow him to get to 6-foot-4, 230 losing little speed.

Complete List of Committed Prospects Here
https://nmpreps.forums.rivals.com/threads/scholarship-offer-list-updated-december-29th-2015.8277/

Hottest Team Going Into Week 9?

Over/under until he escapes again?

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Each week during the New Mexico High School Basketball Season we honor the Coach/Team/Player of the Week based off top performances from the previous week. This weekly awards story is powered by the First Financial Credit Union.

NMPreps.com Girls Coach of the Week - Lisa Villareal
The Volcano Vista Girls Basketball Team won the APS Metro Tournament defeating the Cibola Cougars 68-46 in what was really the most impressive win of week 8. Putting together the plan of execution is Coach Villareal, another outstanding Head Coach from District 1-6A. The Lady Hawks are 11-1 on the season and ranked No. 1 in Class 6A via the NMPreps.com Rankings.

NMPreps.com's Team of the Week
The Shiprock Lady Chieftains are now 11-1 on the season after a very impressive week 8 defeating Los Alamos, Fruita, Colorado, and Piedra Vista. Their lone loss comes way back in November when they lost to top ranked Gallup 83-77, but since then they are a perfect 11-0. Shiprock will enter the Hope Christian Tournament this week taking on Socorro in round one.

NMPreps.com's Girls Player of the Week
Senior Dheeza Battle scored a game high 28 points in the APS Championship game to help the Volcano Vista Hawks take on previously no. 1 ranked Cibola. On the year Battle is scoring 15.5 points per game.

Make a Bold Prediction

What is the benefit?

What is the downside?

Top Post/Forwards This Season?

Who you got?

Statewide
1. Gallup
2. Volcano Vista
3. Cibola
4. Carlsbad
5. Roswell

6A
1. Volcano Vista
2. Cibola
3. Carlsbad
4. Las Cruces
5. Mayfield

5A
1. Gallup
2. Roswell
3. Aztec
4. Los Alamos
5. Espanola

4A
1. Portales
2. Shiprock
3. Kirtland
4. West LV
5. Pojoaque

3A
1. Tularosa
2. Eunice
3. Texico
4. Clayton
5. Loving

2A
1. Ft. Sumner
2. Tse Yi Gai
3. Mescalero
4. Logan
5. Ramah

1A
1. Elida
2. Springer
3. Cimarron
4. Mosquero/Roy
5. Walatowa Charter

Santos Taylor

Cleveland

offensive linemen

Commits to New Mexico Highlands

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Who Is No. 1 In New Mexico?

Tyler Klien, 2014 Grad, has signed to play at University of the Southwest. Tyler is currently at Trinidad State Junior College! Mustangs are recruiting NM kids!

Who Are Your Top 5 Teams Going Into Mid-January???

Saturday 1/9 at 4:35 EST
Chiefs vs. Texans

Saturday 1/9 at 8:15PM EST
Steelers vs. Bengals

Sunday 1/10 at 1:05 EST
Seahawks vs. Vikings

Sunday 1/10 at 4:00PM EST
Packers vs. Redskins