This one is for current and former coaches.

At the end of the season, what areas do you spend more time on in regards to improving your program? For example, which areas listed below do you reflect on the most, or which ones do you look at:

1. Scheme: Go back and self-scout, offensively and defensively
2. Player development: Practice plans, drills, film sessions - what worked/didn't work
3. Travel: What worked best for traveling to away games, what do we need to change?
4. Organization: Better equipment issuing/turn-in, ordering equipment, paperwork (i.e., doctor notes)
5. Summer Plan: Team building, Team camps, schedule, etc.

As most of us are done with the season this year, I know there is a lot of time to reflect as we watch the final game. Just curious where some of you have spent your time improving your program, and what has/has not worked. Thanks.

This weekend marks a very busy one for girls basketball as there are several tournament happening throughout the state.

The 41 annual John Lomasney tournament begins today as Gallup (3-0) will be hosting Tohatchi (2-0) in the first round, while St Pius (0-2) and Miyamura (1-0) will round out the bottom half of the bracket. At the top half, Grants (0-1) plays Kirtland Central (0-0) while Winslow (Arizona) takes on Cleveland (1-1).

The Jerry Richardson Memorial Tournament kicks off this weekend at Shiprock. Thursday’s games include San Juan (Utah) vs. Red Mesa (Arizona), West Las Vegas (4-0) vs. Farmington (1-1) and Shiprock (0-1) vs. Navajo Pine (0-2). Friday will have West Las Vegas playing Red Mesa, Navajo Pine playing Farmington and San Juan taking on hosts Shiprock.

Desert Academy will be hosting the High Desert Classic. Santa Fe Waldorf (0-1) will take on Questa (1-0) and Desert Academy (1-0) will try to hand NMSD (0-1) their second loss. Quemado (0-1) will look to get a victory over Tierra Encantada (2-5) and Monte Del Sol takes on Walatowa.

Melrose(0-0) also is hosting a tournament this weekend, where they will take on Cloudcroft (1-0) in the first round. The other teams include Elida (0-0), Floyd (0-1), Escalante (0-1), Friona (4-2), Mountainair (2-1) and Dexter (0-2).

A few teams are starting their season off at the J.P Stone Invitational in Dora (0-1) this weekend, as Dora hosts Morton (Texas) (1-1). Grady (0-1) will take on Hagerman (0-0) to finish out the bottom half of the bracket. The top half includes Eunice (0-0) vs. Jal (0-0) and powerhouse Tatum (0-0) vs. Portales JV.

The Lady Braves Classic begins today as Taos (2-1) plays Piedra Vista (2-0) and Navajo Prep (0-1) takes on Robertson (0-1). On the other side of the bracket, Jemez Valley (1-1) plays Pecos (1-0) and Santa Fe Indian School (0-1) hosts Dulce (1-0)

Santa Rosa (1-0) hosts the Lady Lion Classic this weekend as they take on Academy for the Technology and the Classics (1-1), while Tucumcari (1-0) plays Mora (0-0). Tularosa (2-0) will battle against Rehoboth (1-1) and Fort Sumner (1-0) plays Estancia (0-0).

Capital gets to host the Al Armendariz Classic and take on Chaparral (0-3) Other first round matchups include Deming (3-2) vs. Gadsden (3-3), Goddard (1-1) vs. Espanola (0-0) and Santa Fe (1-0) vs. Aztec (0-0).

In non-tournament games, Lovington opens the season today as they host Ruidoso (1-1). The Warriors fell to 5A Goddard and beat Robertson so far this season.

Hobbs (2-2) travels to Amarillo tomorrow to take on Palo Duro (2-1). The Dons have already defeated Clovis this week and look to go 2-0 against New Mexico teams. The Eagles are looking to end their two game losing streak.

The Undefeated La Cueva Bears (2-0) take on 4A state champions Hope Christian today and the Bears play host to defending 5A state champions, the Los Lunas Tigers (1-0) on Friday.

In perhaps what might be the biggest game of the weekend, Volcano Vista (2-0) will travel to Los Alamos (3-0) in a battle of two state contender teams in their respective classification. It’ll be a battle of some of the state’s top scorers in Volcano’s Deezha Battle and Kayla Salazar of Los Alamos.

This weekend is sure to bring lots of basketball drama as teams look to start their season off with a bang.

Is Tularosa Open?

How It Works: The NMPreps.com Mr. Football Award Powered By The Tate Branch Auto Group is given to the best high school football player in the State of New Mexico after each season. Each week during the football season, NMPreps.com tracks the progress of each player, and during the quarterfinal week of the playoffs a final set of candidates will be released. We also take into account coaches thoughts and fan's input based off the NMPreps Message Board. This works just like the Heisman Trophy award.

Great Time To Get Your Family A Subscription To Vote!!!

2015 NMPreps.com Mr. Football Candidates

Gabe Ortega - Quarterback - Cleveland - Class of 2016 - Has thrown for 2,087-yards this year with
27 touchdowns

Henry Hattis - Offensive Linemen - Cleveland- Class of 2016 - 6-foot-7, 265 pound offensive tackle
that is committed to Stanford

Isaac Amaya - Quarterback - Hobbs - Class of 2016 - Has thrown for 3,641-yards and scored 45
touchdowns

Isaac Vance - Running Back - Mayfield - Class of 2017 - Has rushed for 1,750-yards and scored 30 touchdowns

Justin Houghtaling - Quarterback - Artesia - Class of 2016 - Has thrown for 2,900-yards and 31 touchdowns

Kameron Miller - Quarterback - Las Cruces - Class of 2016 - Has thrown for 2,548-yards, rushed for
1,715-yards, and scored 46 touchdowns

Noah Sweitzer - Linebacker - Eldorado - Class of 2016 - Has over 191 total tackles, has over 650
yards rushing

Semifinalists

Bronte Staugaard - Running Back - Portales - Class of 2016 - Has rushed for 1,639-yards and 29 total touchdowns

Jimmy Gallegos - Running Back - Sandia - Class of 2016 - 1,500-yards rushing, 19 touchdowns and 50 tackles on defense

Dominic Montano - Escalante - Quarterback - Class of 2016 - Has rushed for 2,255 yards, thrown for 607-yards, and scored 53 touchdowns.

Week Three Who Makes A Statement?

What games have you been to where the Host did it right and hosted a great Title game. From parking to seating to crowd control.

Joe (JR) and Jorell (FR) both ruled ineligible, will miss the season as reported by James Yodice of the ABQJOURNAL.

Preseason Rankings: No. 2 Rio Rancho Rams

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

The Rio Rancho Rams are coming off one of their most successful years under head coach Wally Salata, a 23-9 season that resulted in a Final Four showing.

Overview: Head coach Wally Salata is coming off one of his most successful years as a head coach and reaching his first Final Four. The Rams lose a top player in Brady Patterson who was one of the best players in the state but the Rams welcome back a roster loaded with young talent. One player who caught our eye during the Final Four run was a 6-3 wing/forward by the name of Jeremy Snider (2017) who could basically do it all from rebounding, to bringing up the ball and also hitting mid-range jumpers. He's not flashy but someone who does a lot of the little things.

Last Season
Record: 23-9, 7-4
Home Record: 9-3
Away Record: 7-4
Neutral Record: 7-2
Post Season: Final Four; Lost to Hobbs (99-76)
Points per game: 75.45 (2339)
Points against: 65.67 (2036)

Realistic Prediction: Well if a No. 2 ranking overall and in 6A isn't an indicator of how high we are on the Rio Rancho Rams this season, I don't know what is. Head coach Wally Salata has put his style on the Rams program and this will be one of his deepest teams. The Rams are a 20-win team and State Title contender in our predictions.

Biggest Questions: The team has one senior, will the juniors be able to take it all? They have experience but do they have enough experience?

Percentage we would pick them
District Champ: 99%
Playoff Team: 100%
Elite Eight: 100%
Final Four: 98%
Title Game: 95%

Returning Players: Snider was mentioned but they have a trio that could go toe to toe with any team out there. Two players we really like in this backcourt are Clay Patterson and Juan Hurt. Patterson is super quick and the ability to manage a game. Hurt is the PG that can penetrate and dish. This team was fun to watch this summer, I made sure to watch them a couple times.

Roster
Javier Deleon (2016)
Clay Patterson (2017)
Jeremy Snider (2017)
Juan Hurt (2017)
Anthony Armijo (2017)
Joe Elmalhy (2018)
Von Dalton (2019)

Meet The Head Coaches
By: Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com

Today we highlight the 8 high school football head coaches that are coaching their teams in this weekend's New Mexico High School Football State Championships.

Class 6A

Cleveland Head Football Coach: Heath Ridenour
Years As Head Coach at Cleveland: 4
High School: Lovington
College: Eastern, New Mexico
Previous Coaching experience: Offensive Coordinator at Cleveland, assistant at Clovis
Interesting Note: Good friends with Brian Urlacher
State Titles Won: Zero as Head coach

Eldorado Head Football Coach: Charlie Dotson
Years As Head Coach at Eldorado: 10
High School: Eldorado
College: New Mexico
Previous Coaching experience: Wrestling Head Coach at Del Norte & Eldorado
Interesting Stat: Was 4-time high school state wrestling champ: 1984, 85, 86, and 87
State Titles Won: Zero as Head Coach

Class 5A

Artesia Head football Coach: Cooper Henderson
Years As Head Coach at Artesia: 27
High School: Artesia
College: Eastern, New Mexico
Previous Coaching experience: Head Coach at Ruidoso, assistant at Portales
Interesting Stat: His father LG Henderson won 5 state championships at Artesia
State Titles Won: 14 state titles won, 249 career wins at Artesia

Centennial Head Coach: Aaron Ocampo
Years As Head Coach at Centennial: 4
High School: Grants
College: New Mexico
Previous Coaching experience: Head Coach at Manzano
Interesting Stat: 32-5 over the last three years at Centennial
State Titles Won: Zero as Head Coach

Class 4A

Hatch Valley Head Coach: Jack Cisco
Years As Head Coach at Hatch Valley: 8
High School: Roswell
College: Western New Mexico
Previous Coaching experience: Was Head Coach at Roswell High School
Interesting Stat: Was inducted to the NM Hall of Honor in 2003
State Titles Won: 1

Robertson Head Coach: Leroy Gonzales
Years As Head Coach at Robertson: 6
High School: Holy Cross, San Antonio
College: San Antonio JC, New Mexico Highlands
Previous Coaching experience: NA
Interesting Stat: Has a record of 29-8 over the last three seasons
State Titles Won: 1

Class 3A

Estancia Head Coach: Stewart Burnett
Years As Head Coach at Estancia: 4
High School: Moriarty
College: New Mexico
Previous Coaching experience: Assistant at Moriarty
Interesting Stat: 28-years old, won state title
State Titles Won: 1

Eunice Head Coach: Ken Stevens
Years As Head Coach at Eunice: 1
High School: Please send to nmpreps@yahoo.com
College: Please send to nmpreps@yahoo.com
Previous Coaching experience: Offensive Coordinator at Carlsbad
State Titles Won: Zero as Head Coach

Who Were The Top Defensive Backs This Year?

Albuquerque High vs Eldorado
Capital vs Rio Grande
Cleveland vs Onate
Clovis vs Santa Fe
Espanola Valley vs Rio Rancho

6A - Eldorado @ Cleveland - Saturday, December 5th at 1PM

5A - Artesia @ Centennial - Saturday, December 5th at 1pm


4A - Robertson @ Hatch Valley - Saturday, December 5th at 1PM


3A - Eunice @ Estancia, Saturday, December 5th at 1PM

NMPreps.com has learned that Centennial Assistant Football Coach Roger Grays has passed away this evening. Grays and Hawk Senior Linemen Cameron Burkely were involved in a serious car accident last Thursday. According to a Las Cruces Sun News Report Grays was in critical but stable condition at an El Paso Hospital following the accident. Burkley who is a 5-foot-10, 265 pound All-State Linemen was uninjured. This report was confirmed by Head Centennial Football Coach Aaron Ocampo. More to follow.

Top Forwards to Watch in 2015-2016
By: Joshua J. Grine

New Mexico is known as the land of the guards or the 6-foot post. Well, this season we could see a shift as we have some solid forwards or "centers" (using center loosely) in New Mexico that could change the landscape for a season or two.

Each season we at NMPreps.com we look to promote and highlight the top players in our state. We take a stab before the season to predict the top 25 guards in the state of New Mexico.

• More: Top 25 Guards in New Mexico | Top 25 Coaches for 2015-2016

Okay, we didn't get away from releasing a 6'2" forward but from the small school division we had to mention one of the top players from the division. Dalton Privett, a three year starter for the Coyotes will be a name to reckon with this season. Privett had outstanding numbers with 22 points per contest, 10 rebounds and 3 assists. Privett plays under a solid head coach in Kevin Lackey in the small town of Dora (if you haven't seen this cool little gym - go to it). Privett will be worth the drive if you are in the area. Smart player with good footwork.


I really like Drew Wassana and what he brings to the table for the Mustangs. Likely, could have been placed with the guards and if he wants to play at the next level he will have to be a guard but for this season we will place him with the forwards. Maybe not a pure point-forward to the term but that role could improve after the graduation of some guards for the Mustangs. Wassana, is able to catch the ball on the block and face the basket to make a move. He knocks down the 15-footer, can hit from the three and also penetrate to the basket. Solid player for the Mustangs who averaged around 15 points, 8 rebounds a game last season. You will see his name throughout the season for multi awards or preseason predictions.


One of the best players in the state is Brenden Boatwright the big man from down south. Boatwright was ranked in the top-5 this summer in the 2015 NMPreps.com Player Rankings. Boatwright, is one if not the best big man in the state for the coming season and the junior will have the Caveman ranked high this preseason. He has the body, skills and mindset to be among the best the state has in big men and players. He averaged 11.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.7 block per contest last season.


Lucero much like Wassana could be in the Top 25 Guards to Watch in 2015-2016 but we opted to put the stretch four in with the forwards but he is more of a wing. The Pirates backcourt is crowded with talent and Lucero could be a four going in but you will see him catch outside the paint and do work. He has a nice 15-footer that makes him likely one of the best players in 5A with his IQ, skill and confidence. Lucero averaged 17 points, 8 rebounds a game in 2015-2016. Getting interest and a definite next level prospect.


Caleb Wroten has been on the NMPreps.com radar and Top 100 players since his freshmen days at Rio Rancho High School. Wroten a BIG, back to the basket forward that is a beast off the block. Wroten understands how to use his body and is difficult to defend in the paint. The more the Matadors go inside to Wroten the more unstoppable he and the team is in 2015-2016. Wroten averaged 12.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per game in 2014-2015.

NEXT 10 FORWARDS TO WATCH

Pierre Swain, Hobbs High School (2016/6'3"): Not huge but the workhorse gets into position and understands how to play. He boards well and is one of those forwards that gets into position for boards well, plays the bounce well.

Dakota Yancey, Rio Grande High School (2017/6'7"): Bringing height to the Ravens, Yancey is still developing but will be looking to improve his numbers and play in 2015-2016.

Teton Saltes, Valley High School (2016/6'6"): The football star is a powerful post presence for the Vikings and light on his feet is more of the clean up the glass bigs.

Johnny McCants, Onate High School (2016): One of the top names going into 2015-2016 McCants will be the face of the Knights season. Athletic and can beat you a few ways.

Marcus Williams, Cleveland High School (2016/6'5"): Athletic, can dribbile and hit the three and just the type of player that could go off any night. Williams, another player like McCants that is regarded as one of the top-5 players in the state.

Attend a game shoot a photo. Highlight the pictures from around the state.

I got to reading some threads about the realignment, that led me to read an article about how AZ redid their system that uses a promotion/relegation type system. (I cant find that link anymore). So I started to think what that would do to boys soccer here in NM.

So, I probably wasted too much time in putting this together, but let me quickly explain what I did.

I took the past 4 years worth of boys W/L records from the NMSoccer webpage. NOTE: not all teams enter their info here, as will be evident, but it is the easiest place to find all the past seasons W/L in one place.

I then summed the total W/L per team over those four years (as per the data) to see who would be "promoted or relegated" according to the data.

I then created what I called "Fantasty 6A" "Fantasy 5A" and "Fantasy 4A" and the districts within each. The final product is the document you can find at this link. It is a Google Sheets file, so I hope most of you can at least view it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14riHNpPnwYbbHpJjLY0dY0KIH0qJSkT2qIGn3Z7cIdE/edit?usp=sharing

It shapes up pretty similar to current alignment, the districts wouldnt be too far off from what we currently see now. Of course over a few more 4yr cycles there would be more movement, maybe a Bosque or Sandia Prep to "6A" but with a four year block the 4-8 schools moving up/down would pretty much know their fate by year 3. The number of teams per district might fluctuate every 4 years but it wouldnt be anything AD's/NMAA couldnt foresee by year 3.

If anyone wants the raw data let me know and I can send/give you the file link so you can DL and mess around with it yourself.

Enjoy!

NOTES:
**The W/L is from NMSoccer.com - if there are wins/losses missing....not my fault.
**I did NOT take into account, state/district titles or playoff appearances...I know that is something AZ uses in there classification systems to move teams up/down.
**I tried to use current districting to keep the "fantasy" districts the same, but they of course can be debated.
**If my wife finds out that this was the "thing for work" that I was working on yesterday....wont be happy!

What tournaments are you attending?

What teams are playing at each tournament?

Week 15 Questions To Answer

1. Is this Cleveland team one of the best HS football teams of all-time?
2. What will you remember from this season?
3. What message board thread was the "Thread of the year"
4. Best game of the year was?
5. What was the surprise team of the year?

Bonus

As usual - Ask me a tough question prep football of high school sports related!

Always a great feature! Let's highlight some senior student athletes that had a great season in 2015.

For now, just calling seniors who's football season is completed by their team NOT making the playoffs.

Poll: Should the 6A State Championship Game be played at University Stadium?

Post or text in top performers.

Week Two Leaders
Points Leaders

1. Mandie Perea, La Cueva HS - 23 points against Valley.
2. Cara Liggins, Sandia HS - 22 points in win against Atrisco.
3. Sophia Long, Albuquerque Academy - 20 points against Manzano.

Rebounds Leaders

1. Sophia Long, Albuquerque Academy - 11 rebounds.

Assists Leaders
None

Defensive Leaders
None

Week Two Top Performers - November 23rd - 28th
Amaya Brown, Cibola HS - 17 points in win against Eldorado.
Ari Baca, Eldorado HS - 13 points against Cibola.
Bianca Rathner, Valley HS - 10 points against La Cueva.
Cara Liggins, Sandia HS - 22 points in win against Atrisco.
Daniela Ortega, Atrisco Heritage - 12 points against Sandia.
Destiny Williams, Atrisco Heritage - 11 points against Sandia.
Mandie Perea, La Cueva HS - 23 points against Valley.
Marisol Silva, Sandia HS - 10 points in win against Atrisco.
Samantha Puissant, La Cueva HS - 13 points against Valley.
Sapirah Broussard, Sandia HS - 14 points in win against Atrisco.
Shanea Shamburger, Valley HS - 12 points against La Cueva.
Sophia Long, Albuquerque Academy - 20 points, 11 rebounds against Manzano.
Sydney Candaleria, Eldorado HS - 11 points against Cibola.

Tie Breaker Rule For Week 14: If two players tie this week the winner will be determined by the closest score prediction between Mayfield/Cleveland

Go back and edit your picks with a score prediction of the Mayfield/Clovis Game******note the score prediction cannot be the same as the user you are playing, so we'll take the tie breaker score from the user that edited their post first if the two users have the same tie breaking score****

Edit Picks Here
http://nmpreps.forums.rivals.com/threads/you-pickem-week-14.13844/#post-147647

Tournament Update

Overall Leaders

6A Championship Game: Eldorado/Cleveland

• What does Eldorado have to do to stop Cleveland's offense?
• What does Cleveland have to do stop Eldorado's offense?
• Which team has the better special teams?
• Which team has the better defense?
• Who has more team speed?
• Who has more size?
• Who has more depth?

5A Championship Game: Centennial/Artesia

• What does Artesia have to do to stop Centennial's offense?
• What does Centennial have to do stop Artesia's offense?
• Which team has the better special teams?
• Which team has the better defense?
• Who has more team speed?
• Who has more size?
• Who has more depth?

4A Championship Game: Hatch/Robertson

• What does Hatch have to do to stop Robertson's offense?
• What does Robertson have to do stop Hatch Valley's offense?
• Which team has the better special teams?
• Which team has the better defense?
• Who has more team speed?
• Who has more size?
• Who has more depth?