Biggest Surprise Two Weeks Into The Season?

Top Performers From Week Two

Week Two Leaders
Points Leaders

1. John Paul Garcia, Tucumcari - 41 points.
2. Michael Castillo, Hatch Valley HS - 35 points.
3. Jose Rodriguez, Rio Grande HS - 27 points.

Rebounds Leaders

1. Nathan Bates, Evangel Christian - 13 rebounds.
2. Johnny McCants, Onate HS - 10 rebounds

Assists Leaders

1. John Paul Garcia, Tucumcari - 8 assists
2. Clay Patterson, Rio Rancho - 5 assists

Defensive Leaders

1. Johnny McCants, Onate HS - 6 blocks

Week Two Top Performers - November 23rd - 28th
Alanzo Armijo, Albuquerque High - 17 points against Rio Rancho.
Alejandro Ruiz, La Cueva HS - 13 points in win against Valley.
Andres Gurule, Atrisco Heritage - 12 points against Sandia.
Anthony Chavez, Valley HS - 12 points against La Cueva.
Cameron Dixon, Cibola HS - 13 points in win against Eldorado.
Carl Gonzales, Maxwell HS - 22 points in win against Menaul.
Clay Patterson, Rio Rancho HS - 26 points, 5 assists against Albuquerque High.
Clayton Corely, Farmington HS - 15 points against Grants.
Dakota Powell, Manzano HS - 12 points against Moriarty.
Daniel Castellano, Valley HS - 10 points against La Cueva.
Desmond Carpenter, Cibola HS - 22 points in win against Eldorado.
Eric Sonnenberg, Manzano HS - 13 points against Moriarty.
Estevan Martinez, Atrisco Heritage - 20 points against Sandia.
Gabe Bump, Albuquerque High - 24 points against Rio Rancho.
Isaac Madonado, Cibola HS - 12 points in win against Eldorado.
Johnny McCants, Onate HS - 19 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocks against Los Lunas.
John Paul Garcia, Tucumcari HS - 41 points, 8 assists against Floyd.
Jose Rodriguez, Rio Grande HS - 27 points against Santa Fe.
Joshua Salazar, Espanola Valley HS - 16 points in win over Taos.
Kayden Walker, Los Lunas HS - 10 points against Onate.
Kobe Smith, Sandia HS - 24 points in win against Atrisco Heritage.
Marcos Flores, Espanola Valley HS - 16 points against Taos.
Matthew Vail, Grants HS - 16 points against Farmington.
Marshall Moore, Rio Grande HS - 17 points against Santa Fe.
Michael Castillo, Hatch Valley HS - 35 points (4 3-pointers) in win against Animas.
Michael Chambers, Grants HS - 16 points against Grants.
Michael Ou, Menaul - 18 points against Maxwell.
Nathan Bates, Evangel Christian - 24 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks against Quemado.
Richie Lucero, Grants HS - 16 points against Farmington.
Simeon Moya, La Cueva HS - 15 points in win against Valley.
Tanner Carter, Eldorado HS - 12 points against Cibola.
Teton Saltes, Valley HS - 10 points against La Cueva.

Preseason Rankings: No. 9 Cleveland Storm

The 2015-2016 season has officially started and today we start our countdown of the top 50 programs in New Mexico Big School Division (6A-4A).

More: Preseason Rankings Home: 50-1 | Rankings 72-51 | Preseason Preview Page

Cleveland High School is coming off a season which they played for their first state championship in boy's basketball. They finished 28-3, 8-1 on the season.

Overview: The Cleveland Storm has been a program on the rise, many could consider a 'football school' but they reached the final game for the first time in school history. Now the bad news, they lose the only player playing division one basketball from the 2015 class in Ryan Jones. The good news they return one of the top 5 best players in the state in Marcus Williams (6'4/W-F/2016) who recently signed with the University of New Mexico football team.

Last Season
Record: 28-3, 8-1
Home Record: 9-1
Away Record: 8-0
Neutral Record: 11-2
Post Season: State Championship; Lost to Hobbs (60-56)
Points per game: 70.6 (2191)
Points against: 54.4 (1689)

Realistic Prediction: Maybe one of the best scoring offenses last season with an average of 71 points per game the Storm had options at every position. This season they lose that player in Ryan Jones who could put points in when the team needed one. This team has some talent in athletes, several football first type of players, that will fill the roster. This team could still very well be a 20-win team but playing it safe we say 15-19, closer to 19. Ranked 8th in 6A this team still a Final Four dark horse, if you're a betting man, it would be bad to take them going back to the Final Four.

Biggest Questions: Will they all play hoops? Will they have a football hangover (State title prediction)?

Chances
District Champ: 90%
Playoff Team: 100%
Elite Eight: 95%
Final Four: 85%
Title Game: 75%

Returning Players: We mentioned Williams above but this team will also feature a solid junior in Adam Cook. On top of Williams signing a D-1 football scholarship, Gabe Ortega (UNM Commit) and Henry Hattis () are also D-1 football players. The athletes are there and this team might be one of the top teams, you have to love two-sport athletes.

Roster
Marcus Williams (2016)
Roope Henry (2016)
Henry Hattis (2016)
Justin Davis (2016)
Andrew Garcia (2016)
Gabe Ortega (2016)
Marcus Gibson (2016)
Adam Cook (2017)
Jayden Phillips (2018)

How commonplace is it that student/athletes are held back a year so that they may perform better? I hear about it quite often but wonder if it is quite prevalent.

Poll: Who Wins Mayfield or Cleveland

Might as well start off Monday with a bang!!!!

Week One: Espanola Valley, Hobbs and Alamogordo Roll
Joshua J. Grine of NMPreps.com

The first Friday night with the highlight games of the evening. Oh yeah the first sell out of the season, in NOVEMBER!

BOYS

No. 22 Española Valley 62, Gallup 49: The Sundevils (1-0) open the season with a huge road win in Gallup, where they sell out a game in November. Not many places like this and this environment only takes place in certain towns. Uriah Arellano poured in 29-points in the win for the Sundevils.

No. 7 Hobbs 79, No. 12 Las Cruces 64: The defending champs extend their win streak to 9-games, improving to (2-0) on the season. The Las Cruces Bulldawgs fall to (0-2) on the young season.

Alamogordo 69, Deming 64: The Alamogordo Tigers are off to a (2-0) start with another win this week. Another Tiger led the way tonight with Dee Smith putting up 24-points in the win. Bishop Woodruff (14), Kamiron Bickham (13) and Jared Session (11) were others in double figures for the Tigers.

Week One: Top Performers (Men's)

WOMEN'S

No. 6 (6A) Hobbs 61, Lubbock-Coronado (TX) 54: One player we mentioned early this preseason was Amaya Lewis and she backed up her status with a 31-point night to lead the Lady Eagles to a (1-0) start.

No. 10 (6A) Alamogordo 64, Deming 36: Kristyn Archuleta broke an all-time school record on Friday night of career points. Archuleta who finished with 19 also passed the 1,150 point mark giving her the record. The Lady Tigers move to (2-0) on the season.

No. 5 (5A) Valencia 77, No. 8 (4A) Sandia Prep 26: The Lady Jaguars moved to (1-0) with an opening night thrashing of the 4A Sandia Prep Lady Sundevils (0-1).

Week One: Weekend What To Watch (Women's)

Crazy to think that if things pan out right ! 3 cruces teams can play for a state championship next weekend !!! Wow and if u add hatch Valley to the list it's a possibility of having the 6a/5a/4a state championship in the cruces area

Kaitlyn Romero (Espanola) also signed with NMHU

What team will be the most improved in 5A?

Week 14 Questions To Answer

What has made the City of Rio Rancho a rising power in high school football?
Will Coach Jim Miller of Las Cruces retire after this season?
Who is up for the Message Board Poster of the Year Award?
Who was the most improved team this year?
Which team was the biggest overachiever this year?

Bonus
Ask me a tough question, put me on the spot.

Game time will be moved to 1pm (due to weather)

I'd like to apologize to Kyle for the way I used the information he works so hard to compile day in and day out, to viscously attack the North!

I'd also like to apologize to the Coaches, Players, Parents & Fans of City of Rio Rancho & Albuquerque. I had no right to drag you into a battle of words.

I'd also like to personally apologize to 4321destiny, for verbally attaching you when all you were doing was stating facts.

I know there is no excuse for my harsh words yesterday on these messages boards. I am extremely passionate about football and my teams. My passion has gotten me into a few jams over the years. Trust me I know what the Bible says about bridling your tongue, well in this instance it was my thumbs! My intention weren't to upset anyone even though they came off antagonistic. I pray each and everyone of you on here can find it in your hearts to forgive me.

I pray each and everyone of you have a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday! For those of you traveling to see family and watch games this week I pray God watches over you and your family and y'all have safe travels! I'd also like to pray for every Coach & Player involved in games this week that each and everyone of you stepping on the field will leave it without injury and Praise in your Hearts!!!

Any predictions from this week?

Preseason Rankings: No. 42 St. Michael's Horsemen

The 2015-2016 season has officially started and today we start our countdown of the top 50 programs in New Mexico Big School Division (6A-4A).

More: Preseason Rankings Home | Rankings 72-51 | Preseason Preview Page

By normal standards, not a down year, but the St. Mike's Horsemen are not a normal 4A program and they are used to playing for the state title. Well, 18-2, 7-3 and "only" (use that loosely) an Elite Eight game is the title for the Horsemen in 2014-2015.

Overview: Head coach Ron Geyer has created one of the top programs in New Mexico and the Horsemen are a consistent Top-25 team even as a 4A school. The Horsemen only graduate four players from the 2014-2015 season and return a wealth of talent and size at the 4A level. Right now we are waiting to see if this Horsemen team will live up to the hype. Six seniors and three juniors who gained experience last season will create more depth and talent for the Horsemen. Normally, the Horsemen like to keep the games in the mid-40's/low 50's and will again be that type of team again especially with a few posts over 6-foot.

Last Season
Record: 18-12, 7-3
Home Record: 7-4
Away Record: 7-6
Post Season: Elite Eight; Lost to Portales 54-49.
Points per game: 51 (1531)
Points against: 48.2 (1448)


Realistic Prediction: The Horsemen have on of the best coaches in New Mexico regardless of classification. Ron Geyer will have his team ready ever night and season, they do lose a lead assistant in Apodaca who has been a huge part of their program (became the head coach for Santa Fe High girls program). They will be another 16 plus win team, closer to 20, and a playoff team. That we all know, you know, I know that. Next, is how far will this team go in March. Plenty of teams are improving, Silver, West Las Vegas, Portales and maybe Kirtland Central are all in the hunt this season and create a threat to them reaching the title game again.

District Champ: 70%: Seems low but reminder they play with Hope.
Playoff Team: 100%:
Elite Eight: 80%
Final Four: 50%
Title Game: 50%

Returning Players: They return 10-players from last season and several names have been mentioned to us. They have a serious height for a 4A program which will play into their system. The Horsemen return second team all-state player Cameron Conway (2016/Post/6'2") who will be the player to watch.

Roster
Andrew Griego (2016)
Marc Senteney (2016)
Cameron Conway (2016)
Adrian Perez (2016)
Luke Wink-Moran (2016)
Thomas Pacheco (2017)
Luke Archuleta (2017)
Curtis Rogers (2017)
Alex Garcia (2018)

Week 1 All-NMPreps.com Basketball Team
By: NMPreps.com Staff

Please continue to send us top performers to nmpreps@yahoo.com throughout the season

Vote for the Week 1 overall Player of the Week Here

Boys Team

Nathan Bates, Evangel Christian - 41 points, 16 rebounds, 6 steals

Dee Smith, Alamogordo - 24 points in win against Deming

Eric Coca, Capital HS - 18 points, 3 steals in win against Santa Fe Indian

Francis Castillo Y Mulert, Santa Fe Prep - 29 points in loss against Bosque

Uriah Arellano, Espanola Valley HS - 29 points in win against Gallup

Carlos Xibille, NMMI - 21 points (6 3-pointers) in win against

Brayan Gallegoes, Mayfield HS - 19 points in win Chaparral

Johnny McCants, Onate HS - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks against EP Americas

Aiden Reardon, Bosque- 13 pts, 11 rebs, 3 assists. against Santa Fe Prep

Girls Team

Amaya Lewis, Hobbs HS - 31 points against Las Cruces

Carsyn Boswell, Carlsbad HS - 14 points in win against Chaparral

DeAna Lopez, Onate HS - 13 points in win against EP Montwood

Kristyn Archuleta, Alamogordo HS - 25 points, 12 rebounds in win against Artesia

Lauryn Wade, Carlsbad HS - 15 points in win. against Carlsbad

Week 1 All-NMPreps.com Basketball Team
By: NMPreps.com Staff

Please continue to send us top performers to nmpreps@yahoo.com throughout the season

Vote for the Week 1 overall Player of the Week Here

Boys Team

Nathan Bates, Evangel Christian - 41 points, 16 rebounds, 6 steals

Dee Smith, Alamogordo - 24 points in win against Deming

Eric Coca, Capital HS - 18 points, 3 steals in win against Santa Fe Indian

Francis Castillo Y Mulert, Santa Fe Prep - 29 points in loss against Bosque

Uriah Arellano, Espanola Valley HS - 29 points in win against Gallup

Carlos Xibille, NMMI - 21 points (6 3-pointers) in win against

Brayan Gallegoes, Mayfield HS - 19 points in win Chaparral

Johnny McCants, Onate HS - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks against EP Americas

Aiden Reardon, Bosque- 13 pts, 11 rebs, 3 assists. against Santa Fe Prep

Girls Team

Amaya Lewis, Hobbs HS - 31 points against Las Cruces

Carsyn Boswell, Carlsbad HS - 14 points in win against Chaparral

DeAna Lopez, Onate HS - 13 points in win against EP Montwood

Kristyn Archuleta, Alamogordo HS - 25 points, 12 rebounds in win against Artesia

Lauryn Wade, Carlsbad HS - 15 points in win. against Chaparral

Check this out. Playoffs in Illinois

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Week Two: What To Watch This Week
Joshua J. Grine of NMPreps.com

Normally we will break our "What To Watch" into two segments but with the holiday weekend we have a low amount of games and a jam packed top half.

The Albuquerque Metro area opens up the season on Monday night with plenty of must see action.

THE BIG FIVE

Each week we have the big five, highlighting the three must see games around the state.

No. 16 Cibola (0-0) vs No. 25 Eldorado (0-0): Opening up the season with a Top-25 match-up the Cibola Cougars and Eldorado Eagles will square off. Desmond Carpenter (2017), who has college teams looking at him, will be the one to watch for the Cougars. The Eldorado Eagles will be missing some players that are still playing football but look for Mykol Lagarde (2017) to have a coming out party.
Prediction: Cibola
Point Spread: Cibola by +6
Date: Monday, at 5:30PM (Cibola High School)

No. 3 Valley (0-0) vs La Cueva (0-0): The number three team in the state of New Mexico opens the season with unranked La Cueva on Monday night. The Valley Vikings have a top-10 player in Anthony Chavez (2018/PG) who is receiving plenty of hype this preseason. Also, look for transfer Jason Ernest (2017/6'7/F) to have an impact. The La Cueva Bears look to Amarante Rhoades and Thomas Jensen to bring the respect back to the Bears.
Prediction: Valley
Points: Valley by +11
Date: Monday, at 5:30PM (La Cueva High School)

No. 10 Grants (0-0) vs Farmington (0-0): The number one team in 4A basketball opens its season at home against unranked Farmington on Tuesday night. The Pirates led by a wealth of talent look to the return of senior wing Richie Lucero a 6'5 do everything type of player. The Pirates will also have Mike Chambers a transfer from Magdalena have his welcoming party. Matt Vail a 5'10 shooting guard is another player we are looking forward to having a big year. The Scorpions of Farmington look to a wealth of returning players of their own and Top-10 ranking in 5A basketball. Clayton Corely will lead the backcourt this season.
Prediction: Grants
Points: +3
Date: Tuesday, at 7PM (Grants High School)

No. 4 Onate (1-0) vs No. 19 Los Lunas (0-0): A match-up that will answer plenty of question on who these teams are. Two Top-25 teams that have new players and plenty of things to be excited about. The Onate Knights have one game under their belt and the excitement of Johnny McCants playing his first contest in the metro area. Los Lunas has several young players to be excited about in Hunter Wisneski (2017), Kayden Walker (2017) and Zanen Zeller (2019).
Prediction: Onate
Points: Onate +4
Date: Tuesday, at 7PM (Los Lunas High School)

No. 17 Gadsden (4-2) vs Alamogordo (2-0): Many teams are opening their season this week while the Gadsden Panthers will have their seventh game of the season. Gadsden is led by rising prospect Tomas Cano who led the Panthers in scoring several times in the opening six games. The Alamogordo Tigers are off to a 2-0 start and have been led by several players. Dee Smith had 24-points in a win over Deming last week.
Prediction: Gadsden
Points: Gadsden by +2
Date: Tuesday, at 7PM (Gadsden High School)

RAPID FIRE

• Future Bubble Talk: Gallup vs Del Norte - Gallup needs a rebound after a big loss at home to Espanola Valley. Del Norte looking to build off last season.
• Ranking Showdown: No. 8 Sandia vs No. 11 Volcano Vista - Could be or should be in the Big Five for games to watch this week. This has all the spotlight to watch.
• Region Rivals: Moriarty vs Manzano - Both unranked, both looking for big years as both head coaches enter year two of their era.
• 5A/4A Clash: No. 12 Roswell vs Mayfield - This game could be a lot more interesting this season with an already improved Mayfield Trojans team.
• Top-10 Clash: No. 2 Rio Rancho vs No. 6 Albuquerque High - The Rio Rancho trio in Snyder, Patterson and Hurt taking on the Gabe Bump led Albuquerque High Bulldogs.

TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH - Possible Mr. Basketball Candidates

Players that we have heard about, maybe long shots, but we feature five that play this week who, if they have a big year, could be candidates for the top award.

Dustin Gaddis, Sandia Prep: The 6-6 Forward will look to solidify himself among the best players in the state. The Sundevils take on West Mesa.

Noah Waide, Goddard: The sweet shooting 5-foot-9 spot up shooter hopes to have the breakout season for the Rockets. The Rockets take on Albuquerque Academy.

Jake Flaming, Moriarty: The 6-8 forward lost some hype after a big freshman season but should be back on the scene with an improved Pintos team. Moriarty takes on Manzano.

Marshall Moore, Rio Grande: We have mentioned the guard but now he gets the chance to prove if the Ravens are legit this season. Rio Grande takes on Santa Fe.

Bobby Tapia, Sandia: Tapia has a big state tournament last season and the big man for Sandia gets the spotlight but Tapia is one who could carry this squad. Sandia takes on Volcano Vista.

WEEK TWO SCORES | POST SCORES HERE
Text in Live Updates & Final Scores (505) 414-4313

Monday, November 23rd
Animas vs Hatch Valley
Atrisco Heritage Academy vs Sandia
Eldorado vs Cibola
Menaul vs Maxwell
Santa Fe Prep vs McCurdy
Valley vs La Cueva

Tuesday, November 24th
Alamogordo vs Gadsden
Albuquerque vs Rio Rancho
Aztec vs Wingate
Bosque vs East Mountain
Centennial vs Socorro (TX)
Espanola Valley vs Taos
Farmington vs Grants
Gallup vs Del Norte
Goddard vs Albuquerque Academy
Highland vs Cleveland
Mayfield vs EP Cathedral (TX)
Menaul vs ATC
Monument Valley (AZ) vs Newcomb
Moriarty vs Manzano
Onate vs Los Lunas
Raton vs Penasco
Sandia Prep vs West Mesa
Santa Fe vs Rio Grande
Shiprock vs San Juan
Socorro vs Belen
Tucumcari vs Floyd
Valencia vs Los Alamos
Volcano Vista vs Sandia

Friday, November 27th
Wingate vs West Las Vegas

Saturday, November 28th
Dulce vs Navajo Pine
Mayfield vs Roswell
Pojoaque Valley vs Socorro
Springer vs Questa

I think that the Kenny Thomas, AJ Bramlett, Taymon Domzalski was by far the most talented class NM HS's have produced. What do you all think is the deepest class in terms of next level players? The 2017 class may have a few D1 players at best, but I see a whole lot of D2 and NAIA talent in this years junior class. Players like Jason Earnest (Valley), Fabian Roybal (Highland), Jeremy Anaya (Capital), James Garcia (Pojoaque), Dakota Yancey (RG), Juandero Hurt (RR), Chis Mesquita (Roswell) and Jeramie Kargnbaye (Portales) all have a real good shot at playing at the next level and have at least some of their tuition covered. I think the D1 guys for 2017 are DJ Bustos, Brenden Boatwright and Bryce McCalister (both Carlsbad)

Best football movie of all time. Brought back lots of memories as I was growing up! Inspirational. Go see this movie...

NMPreps.com's Small School Division (3A-1A) Preview
Joshua J. Grine of NMPreps.com

The gyms that are filled with locals that, if you ask, likely know the school fight song and could tell you unforgettable stories.

Stories about the best coaches, players who were the best and games that if this or that happened they would have won the title. Or about them being the best team they have ever seen and that player could have played for any college.

Today, we take a look around the schools that still have plenty of stories to tell in the small towns across New Mexico.

NMPREPS.COM'S TOP-20

1. Mesilla Valley Christian Son Blazers (Las Cruces, NM)
2. Lordsburg Mavericks (Lordsburg, NM)
3. Tucumcari Rattlers (Tucumcari, NM)
4. Cliff Cowboys (Cliff, NM)
5. Texico Wolverines (Texico, NM)
6. Santa Rosa Lions (Santa Rosa, NM)
7. Escalante Lobos (Escalante, NM)
8. Melrose Buffaloes (Melrose, NM)
9. Magdalena Steers (Magdalena, NM)
10. Logan Longhorns (Logan, NM)
12. Laguna-Acoma Hawks (Casa Blanca, NM)
13. Clayton YellowJackets (Clayton, NM)
12. Mora Rangers (Mora, NM)
13. Springer Devils (Springer, NM)
14. Santa Fe Prep Blue Griffins (Santa Fe, NM)
15. Eunice Cardinals (Eunice, NM)
16. Tularosa Wildcats (Tularosa, NM)
17. Navajo Prep Eagles (Farmington, NM)
18. To'hajiilee Warriors (To'hajiilee, NM)
19. Dora Coyotes (Dora, NM)
20. Pecos Panthers (Pecos, NM)

2015-16 Preview

The Mesilla Valley Christian SonBlazers have been one of the top programs in small school division hoops the last five years. A pair of titles, one coming last season under third year head coach Jeremy Roman and the SonBlazers are the program you think of when you look at 3A basketball.

The SonBlazers ran to a title last season led by a few talented, departed, seniors but will again be the team to consider as the favorites in the division. Dalton Rice (2016/Forward) and Josh Estrada (2017/Guard-Wing) are the two that will look to continue the winning tradition alive for the SonBlazers.

Also, from class 3A is the Lordsburg Mavericks who check in at No. 2 on our NMPreps.com Top-20 rankings. The Mavericks return their entire roster off a 15-14, 4-3 state tournament team. This could be the most experienced team in the classification this season. Look for Jacob Esquivel and Raymond Saucedo to lead the stampede for the Mavericks this season.

The third ranked Tucumcari Rattlers have one of the top overall prospects in Small School Division basketball in John Paul Garcia. Garcia, is one of the most feared shooters and basketball minded payers in the state. Look for him to take the Rattlers back to the WisePies Arena aka The PIT in March. If you like stories and players that will be talked about in Tucumcari for years to come, John Paul Garcia is the one to go watch.

Rounding out the top-5 is the Cliff Cowboys (4) and the Texico Wolverines (5). The Cliff Cowboys are coached by one of the top head coaches in the state of New Mexico and return a stud player of their own in Holt Shelly. The Wolverines return Brannan Karger to the team as they look to finally reach the promise land after two close encounters.

20 PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS SEASON

Starting Five: All-NMPreps.com Preseason Team

John Paul Garcia, Tucumcari HS/2016: The senior shooting guard is quick, has a good basketball IQ and by far one of the most clutch 3-point shooters in the state.

Francis Castillo Y Mulert, Santa Fe Prep/2016: Another guard that you already know about but you need to go watch this kid. A 6'1 shooting/point guard who can truly hoop.

Jorrell Mirabal, Magdalena HS/2016: Another small town basketball junkie that understands the game and can shoot with the best of them.

Cade Barnard, Melrose HS/2016: When you think of athletes that are all-around athletes in small school hoops Bernard is likely atop that list.

Nathan Bates, Evangel Christian/2016: Smart guard with great size for 1A basketball. Bates, plays year-round basketball and can beat you with a confident shooting touch or off the dribble.

Best of the Rest: All-NMPreps.com Preseason Team

Christopher Lucero, Laguna-Acoma
Joseph Esuibel, Santa Rosa
Holt Shelly, Cliff
Brannan Karger, Texico
Dalton Rice, Mesilla Valley
Raymond Saucedo, Lordsburg
Jacob Esquivel, Lordsburg
Joseph Hurd, Escalante
Dalton Prviett, Dora
Jacob Naranjo, Clayton
Mario Archuleta, Pecos
Nachae Nez, Navajo Prep
Tyrell Barela, Carizozzo
Tomas Madrid Jr., Questa
Gavyn Quiroz, Hagerman

This and That

Rick Horner longtime head coach at Piedra Vista takes over at Navajo Prep. This could be an intriguing team this season.

Hagerman is not in the Top-20 but don't be surprised if you see this team late in March.

Pecos is led by a sophomore and this will be their best team since they had the big run a few years back. Archuleta is one to keep an eye on.

Clyde Sanchez takes over at Santa Fe Prep.

Santa Rosa has been floating around the last couple years, their point guard is one to watch. His name is the same as their head coach, reason why he is a smart hoops player?

Eunice could be this intriguing team this season, their head coach is solid and have heard nothing but great things on her. Met her once and can tell she is ready to take them into March.

Did you know that Omar N'Diaye (Monte Del Sol) is playing college basketball at division one Northern Arizona? I didn't.

Joshua J. Grine works for NMPreps.com, he can be reached at (505) 414-4313 or grinejosh@yahoo.com

Interested to know how many high school teams in NM play their players one way? How many of them are successful in the playoffs? Doesn't seem like there's enough talent on most teams to hold your best athletes out when your playing against a quality opponent.

3 out of 4 No. 1 Seeds Are On The Road In Semifinals
Cleveland, Eldorado trying for 1st Ever Metro Championship
Artesia trying to reach finals for 8th time since 2001
Escalante, Melrose, Hondo Valley all repeat as champs

• No. 1 Cleveland at No. 5 Mayfield - Saturday, November 28th at 1pm
• No. 1 Portales @ No. 4 Robertson - Saturday, November 28th at 2PM
• No. 1 Estancia @ No. 5 Lordsburg -Saturday, November 28th at 1PM
• The three No. 1 seeds have a combined record of 33-0
• Only No. 1 Centennial is hosting next weekend.
• Out of the 8 semifinal playoff games: 5 lower seeds are hosting
• Cleveland has a 238 mile drive on Thanksgiving weekend to Las Cruces
• Eldorado has a 223 mile drive on Thanksgiving weekend to Las Cruces
• Portales has a 227 mile drive on Thanksgiving weekend to Las Vegas
• Estancia has a 305 mile drive on Thanksgiving weekend to Lordsburg
• 50% of the home teams won in the 6A quarterfinals
• 100% of the home teams won in the 5A quarterfinals
• 100% of the home teams won in the 4A quarterfinals
• 75% of the home teams won in the 3A quarterfinals
• Escalante won the 2A state title at home against Ft. Sumner this year
• Melrose won the 8Man state title at home against Gateway this year
• Hondo Valley won the 6Man state title at home against Floyd this year
• There is has never been an All-Metro Big School State Championship
• The last time either Mayfield or Las Cruces did not reach the big school state title game was in 2004
• Past Big School State Champs
• 2014: Rio Rancho 33, Mayfield 31
• 2013 Las Cruces 27, Mayfield 26
• 2012 Las Cruces 35, Sandia 28
• 2011 Cleveland 48, Mayfield 28
• 2010 Mayfield 69, Manzano 42
• 2009 La Cueva 31, Mayfield 14
• 2008 Las Cruces 26, Eldorado 21
• 2007 Mayfield 49, Clovis 48 OT
• 2006 Mayfield 31, Alamogordo 7
• 2005 Mayfield 17, Clovis 7
• 2004 La Cueva 40, Clovis 0
• Artesia trying for 8th football championship since 2001
• 2014 Artesia 49, Belen 21
• 2010 Artesia 45, Aztec 34
• 2007 Artesia 58, Goddard 31
• 2006 Artesia 28, Goddard 23
• 2004 Artesia 42, Silver 0
• 2003 Artesia 35, Aztec 14
• 2001 Artesia 17, St. Pius X 20
• Small School Repeats
• 2015 Escalante wins 2A defeating Ft Sumber 28-20
• 2014 Escalante wins 2A defeating Hagerman 34-30
• 2015 Melrose wins 8Man defeating Gateway 30-28
• 2014 Melrose wins 8Man defeating Logan 76-37
• 2015 Hondo wins 6Man defeating Floyd 40-22
• 2014 Hondo wins 6Man defeating Lake Arthur 72-33

Also, When will you post top coach, middle blocker, libero and setter of the year????