Grine: Making The Case
Joshua J Grine of NMPreps.com
Today, we take a look at our favorites to run down the famous ramp at the WisePies Arena (Aka The PIT). Plenty of basketball to play but we say goodbye to January with clear eyes on our favorites.
RANKING THE TITLE CONTENDERS
(1) Cibola Cougars (17-2, 3-0): No, we are not jumping to a quick reaction to their double overtime win over, then No. 1 Cleveland on Friday night (Okay, maybe just a bit but who's judging). The Cougars are better than expected, however and have one of the better rosters with 'basketball' players. Yes, others have depth, athletes and quality teams. I like this Cougars team though with the roster and when they are attacking they look unstoppable. Not given enough praise but Desmond Carpenter is a kid I like, guard flat out is a hooper. Had 21 against Cleveland and just makes smart decisions with the ball. Senior Isaac Maldanodo in the paint is solid as they come and sophomore wing Cameron Dixon has the shooting confidence of a vet. Don't worry I'm not forgetting about senior guard Carlos Barela who made huge plays in the fourth quarter.
(2) Cleveland Storm (16-5, 2-1): The Storm fell on Friday but they have the roster to battle with any team in 6A basketball and have those athletes most schools could just hope for. Marcus Williams, is good, and without questions one of the top players in the state of New Mexico. The other players we like were sophomore Jayden Phillips and junior Marcus Hill, who has come on strong as of late. Hill, not sper quick, but uses his body well creating space and getting his shot. Would love to see post Adam Cook on the block more as he would be more of a threat like he was in the second half than floating by the elbow.
(3) Onate Knights (18-3, 3-0): We all know the name, Johnny McCants, is as good as advertised. The forward can beat you from the outside but also runs in transition and finishes above the rim. The thing we like about the Knights is that they can beat you running (yes, they push tempo more this season) but they have the statistic you can't measure with a high chemistry team. Hunter Thomas (Jr) is known to knock down from the outside but have weapons through the roster.
(4) Valley Vikings (13-6, 2-1): The Vikings are an interesting team, much like Rio Rancho who you will also find on this list. The Vikings have talent but youth might be prevailing in some of the losses. Sophomore point guard Anthony Chavez is without question one, if not, the best point guards in the state. Sophomore win Segun Oyeku can score in the paint or knock down from the three. Teton Saltes, is a beast in the paint, but maybe needs to be more 'beastly' and just own the paint.
(5) Albuquerque Bulldogs (12-7, 3-0): The Bulldogs are coming on strong as of late with a (3-0) start to district play, taking a first place leap in the district. Not to sure what has come over the Dogs but they are riding a 5-game winning streak and playing well as of late. Gabe Bump is good and the name to know along with wing Allonzo Armijo. Depth is not their strong suit but this duo has won them games before and could be winning them games now. Hesitate to take them above Valley, even though they beat them just this week. This is no knock to the Dogs as they played upset last March and why not take them low again. The reason I have them at 5th right now is they have one of those players like Bump who if given the green light will/could win you games when needed.
(6) Carlsbad Cavemen (16-6, 2-0): I have a hard time putting the Cavemen at 6th as I initially wanted to put them at 4. I said their backcourt was hurting when I seen them in Decemeber. Since then? Point guard Ralph Cueto has had a pair of solid games. I like Brenden Boatright, a lot as a division one player and when he gets healthy could maybe play cinderella in March. I've said it better coach Brown is one of my favorites, if we had a ranking he would be Top-3. This team might be one of the better defensive teams on the list of Top-6.
(7) Rio Rancho Rams (14-7, 2-1): The Rams have played with my heart a little bit. Why? Well, I like them a lot and they have a stud in Clay Patterson. However, they win a good game then play close with others that maybe they should blow out if they want to be a Final Four contender. This team is good but they might be in that year of experience. However, this is why I am still high on them being an upset team in March. Youth! Yes, that sounds like a contradiction but when they get out of the first round these good young players like Juan Hurt and Patterson might 'instinctly' go to work and win you a game. They will create problems in the open court and if you have shaky guards on O or D they will (could) expose you real quick. The difference between them and Valley? Might be Saltes to the very young backcourt for the Rams.
(8) Sandia Matadors (8-8, 3-0): This season hasn't been the one we have expected from the Matadors at (8-8) on the season but they have played well as of late winning 6 of their last 8 games. Yes, the competition hasn't been the best as they beat six teams outside of playoff talk minus Mayfield. However, they went into double overtime with Valley, falling 74-71 in week 11 that might say they are back as a possibility. Caleb Wroten at 6'9'' is one of the better senior forwards in the state and a perfect next level post. The Matadors have been sort of searching for an identity this season, going far into their bench but lacking that go-to scoring guard. I liked Kobe Smith who is much like Marcus Hill of Cleveland and also a player for the future in Elijah Ferguson but his time will come. Point guard Eric Sandlin penetrates well and I took notice. They are missing that outside shooter much like Carlsbad. Take note that Bobby Tapia didn't play when I seen them in action who was a March headline in 2015.
The Rest On Our Eye Test
(9) Rio Grande: I like Marshall Moore and Jose Rodriguez Jr. as Top 30 players.
(10) Mayfield: Most have said inconsistent and that's true. But new coach and system. They are peaking when you want them too. Jay Arnold is a top forward, I mentioned Holguin early in December and he's playing better.
(11) Gadsden: Tomas Cano is a quality spot up shooter who sort of does everything inside and outside. Kevin Medrano is a new name for you.
(12) Hobbs: Pierre Swain is good but in my opinion the flex offense is interesting for a high tempo tradition (I'll be broad).
(13) Atrisco Heritage Academy: Estevan Martinez a big that does good things but mixture of youth might be a one game team in state.
(14) Santa Fe: They earned their first district win since joining 6A. They have some athletes that are playing with more confidence.
(15) Las Cruces: Marus Collins is fun to watch but team is not deep enough but future is bright.
(16) La Cueva: Flying under the radar and have some good pieces but like the other LC they could be a year away.
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(17) Volcano Vista: Might be home in March but had to add them because their roster is too good. Comier is good, similar to a McCants of Onate. Freshmen Gray is a name to remember.
Joshua J Grine is NMPreps.com's basketball analyst. This feature was in response to a question asking us to rank our favorites in 6A at NMPreps.com. If you like features like this or have an idea just shoot us a text or email.
