Go!

Grants has hired Jeffrey Grinder as Head Coach. Coach Grinder was most recently coaching at Los Alamitos Middle School in Grants.

Let’s go!!!

2021 ALL-NEW MEXICO PRESEASON TEAM

NMPreps.com's will announce the 15 players to make up the All-New Mexico Preseason Team (All Classifications). Each day we will highlight one player on the roster. Media and coaches have given their nominations and votes.

William Benjamin, Las Cruces HS (2022)
- Scoop: A physical, explosive, scoring guard with good vision. Very confident and attacks the basket with the best of them and a threat to shoot off the dribble.

Junior Hodnett, Rio Rancho HS (2021)
-Stat Line: 10ppg, 2rbs, 2steals. Scoop: Hodnett has plenty to like and might have one of the better shooting forms. His strength is a knock it down spot up shooter. Also, plays tough defense with a a nice bounce.

Jose Murrillo, Highland HS (2022)
-Stat Line: 14ppg, 12rebs, 3blocks. Scoop: Hands down Murrillo is one of the most impactful forwards in the state of New Mexico. Murrillo helped guide the Hornets to the 2020 4A state championship game and could be a favorite to get back.

Derick Chavez, Valley HS (2021)
-Scoop: The Valley Vikings will look different when the basketball season tips-off as longtime head coach Joe Coleman has retired and many of the key players on the back-to-back championship teams have graduated. All things turn to first team all-state point guard Derick Chavez.

Tre Watson, Cleveland HS (2021)
-Scoop: Watson could be the top overall athlete in New Mexico this season as the top hoops player is also considered a top-5 football talent. Watson has committed to play football for Fresno State University (Mountain West). He averaged 17 points per game last season and could see that number grow and could be a 20-10 type.

Sam Henderson, Sandia Prep (2021)
Scoop: Henderson makes the Sundevils a heavy favorite and anything but a state championship will be a let down for the talent surrounding the Devils. After falling in the title game as a 1-seed last season this off-season has been on getting back.

Taymon Burrola, Roswell HS (2021)
Scoop: The six-foot-three shooting guard for the Coyotes has been considered among the top players in the state for three years now. Burrola averaged 16-points per game last season (1127 career points), along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Burrola looked impressive down the stretch averaging 22 points and going 4-1 in the final 5-games of district play.

Abdul Khweis, Taos HS (2021)
Khweis has played well and has been one of the top players in 4A basketball the last two years. He averaged 17 points per game last season and helped the Tigers earn a bid to the state tournament. Behind Khweis the Tigers could be a final four type team.

Jalen Goar, Hobbs (2022)
The Hobbs guard is coming off a sound sophomore season averaging 15 points per game and helping the Eagles to 18-wins. Goar is known for his outside shooting but has shown his abilities getting to the rim.

Isaiah Carr, Las Cruces (2022)
The Bulldawgs big man is looking to have a breakout season and has already hit the recruiting scene picking up an offer this summer.

Ivan Bernal, Alamogordo (2021)
A stat stuffer and point guard that will have his name blow up this season. Averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.

Joaquin Ortega, Gallup (2022)
Ortega, a three year starter to this point (started as an 8th grader), could become one of the most decorated by the time he graduates. He has a 2nd team all district (8th grade) and a two-time first team all-district. Averaged 15.1 points per game last season and won defensive player of the year on his team with nearly 5 steals per game.

Ja'Kwon Hill, Volcano Vista (2022)
Hill and the Hawks could be ready for a return to the final nights of the season. Hill, a 6-foot guard has plenty of positive hype heading into the season.

Shane Douma-Sanchez, Del Norte (2023)
Freshman of the Year last season in New Mexico, Douma-Sanchez led the Knights in scoring with 14 points per game, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per contest. Picked up an offer from Highlands this off-season.

Evan Gonzales, Cleveland (2021)
One player on a continued power in Cleveland that doesn't get the spotlight he should. After a solid start to the season with his first eight games he was putting in some big scoring numbers. He would finish averaging around 10 points per game last season. He could be ready for a breakout season.

NMPreps.com's will announce the 15 players to make up the All-New Mexico Preseason Team (All Classifications). Each day we will highlight one player on the roster. Media and coaches have given their nominations and votes.

Top New Mexico High School Basketball Players - Class of 2023

NMPreps.com's list of the top players from the 2023 class in New Mexico high school basketball. #nmpreps

CLASS OF 2023

Shane Douma-Sanchez - Del Norte High School (Albuquerque) - Freshman of the Year last season in New Mexico, Douma-Sanchez led the Knights in scoring with 14 points per game, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per contest.

Exodus Ayers - La Cueva High School (Albuquerque) - Plenty of upside for the 5-11 guard for the La Cueva Bears. Played well at showcases this summer and in conversation for top 2023 player in the state.

Donovan Black - Onate High School (Las Cruces) - The 6-foot-5 forward is getting plenty of hype and will need to take on a big role as a sophomore for the Knights as he must become a go-to player this season.

Chris Para - Atrisco Heritage Academy (Albuquerque) - The 5-7 guard has plenty to grow, in terms of on the court and size wise but he seen action as a freshman on one of the top 5A teams last season.

Judah Casaus - Del Norte High School (Albuquerque) - Casaus will team-up with Douma-Sanchez on this list and create a top front court next season. Casaus averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds per contest last season.

Tony Pacheco - Atrisco Heritage Academy (Albuquerque) - 5-9 guard that mimics the game of many several guards who've come through the Jaguars program. Quick, penetrating guard that has a nice bounce to him.

Gideon Harris - Legacy Academy (Albuquerque) - Next on the list is Harris, a 5-foot-11 guard who averaged 23 points per game as a freshman. It will be a wait and see more as he develops and the program plays more in the NMAA.

Damian Molina - Cleveland High School (Rio Rancho) - Molina is a new name on the list and one that could be very well known by his senior season. Also, might be one of the best spot up shooters on the list.

Note: NMPreps.com will continue to add players. Feel free to email/text in your players to grinejosh@yahoo.com or 505-414-4313

Pojoaque Boys is open.

What did we learn from Friday night?

THURSDAY
Cibola (0-0) at Sandia (0-0), 7pm - cancelled
Atrisco Heritage 53, Manzano 8 - F
Valley 8, Highland 0 - F

FRIDAY
Artesia 43, Roswell 28 - F
Bernalillo 43, Albuquerque Academy 0 - F
Carlsbad 27, Hobbs 21 - F
Eunice 42, Loving 6 - F
Farmington 49, Bloomfield 28 - F
Goddard 43, Lovington 0 - F
Grants 51, Gallup 0 - F
Jal 62, Hagerman 19 - F
Las Cruces 42, Onate 14 - F
Santa Fe 40, Los Alamos 0 - F
Shiprock 7, Cuba 6 - F
Socorro 46, Hatch Valley 7 - F
St. Pius X 21, Moriarty 6 - F
Texico 36, Santa Rosa 13
Thoreau 50, Crownpoint 0 - F
Tohatchi 50, Newcomb 0 - F
Tularosa 43, Hot Springs 6 - F

The local TV stations are reporting that the state will be reopening youth sports, with some restrictions.

What are you watching?

Most Intriguing Score From Friday

Cibola at Sandia +375 pts either way (Thurs)

Bloomfield at Farmington +350 pts either way

Roswell at Artesia +350 pts (Artesia is the upset +400 pts)

Hobbs at Carlsbad +375 pts either way

Santa Rosa at Texico +375 either way

Gadsden at Santa Teresa +375 either way

Belen at Valencia +350 (Valencia is the upset +400 pts)

Deming at Mayfield +325 (Deming is the upset +425 pts)

La Cueva at Los Lunas +350 (LL is the upset +450 pts)

Cleveland at Centennial +325 (Centennial is the upset +400 pts)

Clovis at Rio Rancho +300 (Clovis is the upset +400 pts)

Volcano Vista at Eldorado +350 pts either way

Portales at Ruidoso +325 (Ruidoso is the upset +375 pts)

Raton at Estancia +350 pts (Taos is the upset +300 pts)

Tatum at Melrose +375 either way

Biggest Questions Heading Into Week 3?

Who rebounds better Clovis or St. Pius?

Who can keep it closer Artesia vs Roswell or Centennial vs Cleveland?

Better first game showing La Cueva/Los Lunas or Volcano Vista/Eldorado?

More likely to happen Gadsden over ST or Rio Grande over Del Norte?

What do you have?

NMPreps.com's Spring 2021 Team Rankings - Week 3

New Mexico high school football week three team rankings. #nmpreps

6A FOOTBALL
1. Cleveland 1-0
2. Rio Rancho 1-0
3. Las Cruces 1-0
4. Clovis 1-1
5. Centennial 1-0
6. La Cueva 0-0
7. Carlsbad 1-1
8. Cibola 0-0
9. Volcano Vista 0-0
10. Eldorado 0-0
11. Sandia 0-0
12. Manzano 0-0
13. Hobbs 0-2
14. Onate 0-1
15. Santa Fe 0-1
16. Albuquerque 0-0
17. Atrisco Heritage 0-0
18. West Mesa 0-0
19. Gadsden 0-0
20. Rio Grande 0-0

5A FOOTBALL
1. Roswell 1-0
2. Goddard 1-0
3. Mayfield 0-1
4. Farmington 2-0
5. Los Lunas 0-0
6. Alamogordo 2-0
7. Artesia 0-2
8. Capital 1-0
9. Piedra Vista 1-1
10. Deming 1-0
11. Belen 0-0
12. Santa Teresa 0-0
13. Del Norte 0-0
14. Highland 0-0
15. Valley 0-0
16. Los Alamos 0-1
17. Miaymura 0-2
18. Chaparral 0-0

4A FOOTBALL
1. Portales 2-0
2. Grants 2-0
3. Lovington 2-0
4. Bloomfield 1-1
5. Kirtland Central 2-0
6. Taos 1-0
7. St. Pius X 0-1
8. Moriarty 1-1
9. Silver 0-0
10. Ruidoso 0-2
11. Valencia 0-0
12. Bernalillo 1-0
13. Aztec 0-2
14. Albuquerque Academy 1-1
15. Pojoaque Valley 0-1
16. Shiprock 1-1
17. Gallup 0-2
NR. Espanola Valley 0-1

Movement: Lovington is the surprise team and riser from week 1 class rankings. Started No. 5 and now up to No. 3. Bloomfield and Kirtland Central are the biggest movers or climbers from 8/9 to 4/5 this week. Aztec the biggest drop from 6 to 13, Pius 3 to 7.

3A FOOTBALL
1. Socorro (2-0)
2. St. Michael's (0-0)
3. Dexter (1-1)
4. Raton (0-1)
5. Hope Christian (2-0)
6. Hatch Valley (1-0)
7. NMMI (0-2)
8. Hot Springs (0-2)
9. Tucucmari (0-2)
10. Tohatchi (2-0)
11. Cuba (2-0)
12. Crownpoint (1-1)
13. Newcomb (0-2)
14. Thoreau (0-2)

Movement: This class is Socorro and the field. No true No. 2 at this point but teams 2-6 could claim it, at this point. Hope, I'm still not sold on and think No. 7 NMMI could win this week.

2A FOOTBALL
1. Eunice (2-0)
2. Texico (2-0)
3. Santa Rosa (1-0)
4. Hagerman (1-1)
5. Jal (1-1)
6. Tularosa (0-1)
7. Estancia (1-1)
8. Mescalero Apache (1-0)
9. Capitan (1-0)
10. Loving (0-2)
11. Questa (0-2)

Atrisco Heritage????????

FRIDAY SCHEDULE

Albuquerque Academy (1-1) at Bernalillo (1-0), 7pm
Bloomfield (1-1) at Farmington (2-0), 7pm
Capitan (1-0) at Cloudcroft (0-2), 7pm
Eunice (2-0) at Loving (0-2), 7pm
Gadsden (0-0) at Santa Teresa (0-0), 7pm
Grants (1-0) at Gallup (0-2), 7pm
Hagerman (1-1) at Jal (1-1), 7pm
Hatch Valley (1-0) at Socorro (2-0), 7pm
Hobbs (0-2) at Carlsbad (1-1), 7pm
Hondo Valley (1-0) at Gateway Christian (1-1)
Hot Springs (0-2) at Tularosa (0-1), 7pm
Lovington (2-0) at Goddard (1-0), 7pm
Mescalero Apache (1-0) at Mesilla Valley (0-2), 7pm
Newcomb (0-2) at Tohatchi (2-0), 7pm
Onate (0-1) at Las Cruces (1-0), 7pm
Roswell (1-0) at Artesia (0-2), 7pm
Santa Fe (0-1) at Los Alamos (0-1), 7pm
Shiprock (1-1) at Cuba (2-0), 7pm
St. Pius X (0-1) at Moriarty (1-1), 7pm
Tatum (2-0) at Melrose (2-0), 7pm
Thoreau (0-2) at Crownpoint (1-1), 7pm

Top 6A Game to Watch Tonight

Gadsden at Santa Teresa. Okay, maybe not an overall 6A game with 5A Santa Teresa in this contest. However, with limited options to pick from. Gadsden is in good hands and building things the right way, I'm intrigued by this 6A team and thinking it's about to turn around. They'll have new people in important positions - QB, RB, WR. Gabriel Orduno a 6-foot-3 LB is talent to watch.

Top 5A Game to Watch Tonight

Lovington at Goddard. Another cross-classification game but 5A Goddard is on the watch list after is crushing opening night win over Artesia last week. Lovington, from 4A, is the surprise team in the state at this point after a pair of big wins to start the season.

QB Watch

AJ Rivera (2023) has 463-passing yards on the season for Albuquerque Academy. This program was down and needing some life and after a new hire, things it looks like things are heading into the right direction. Rivera a sophomore sensation is off to a hot start and will look to keep things going again this week against Bernalillo. The Spartans have some talent on defense and will look to get to a 2-0 start.

Picking an Upset

Bloomfield over Farmington is not a big upset but an upset nonetheless looking. Farmington has some weapons on offense and Bloomfield is the defense unit team. Which will break first?

I have been one of the loudest voices for NM kids getting a look, not only from our local schools but from afar as well. Personally have called coaches from all levels and conferences for kids. After watching a ton of ball from this past weekend, I was disappointed at a few things.

1. If you are blocking away from the play how about actually block someone. Show some effort to get up field and put a body on someone. What if your back cuts back? Actually saw it live and in person, lazy backside (non-existing really) blocking followed by RB cutback for no gain!
2. Actually pursue to the football, not shut it down because you think you can’t get there. What happens if there is a fumble? If you hustle, could it be you that recovers?
3. A How about celebrate with your team when good things happen
B. Pick your teammates up when bad things happen
4. When your coaches are taking to you show some respect and actually pay attention to them. None of you are getting paid or know everything
This is the short list of things I saw from players, that think, they deserve a boat. Let us all be reminded when coaches are scouting players tape they see all of the above and there is no hiding from it. Thus, let the lesson be this, look in the mirror first and ask, AM I DOING EVERYTHING I CAN, before we bash on coaches for not recruiting me.
Last thing, out of all the kids I saw play this past week, the beat player was an underclass man and I mean UNDER class man. Some have seen the tape and since I don’t know him or his parents I will not put his name out there. All I’ll say is a 6A school that dominated.

Tularosa at Hatch Valley +225 pts either way

Goddard at Artesia +275 pts either way

Grants at St Pius X +275 either way

Carlsbad at Roswell +275 either way

Onate at Centennial +200 (Onate is the upset +350 pts)

Mayfield at Las Cruces +200 (Mayfield is the upset +325 pts)

Rio Rancho at Santa Fe +200 (SF is the upset +325 pts)

Dexter at Portales +200 pts (Dexter is the upset +275 pts)

Farmington at Miyamura +200 (Miyamura is the upset +275 pts)

Lovington at Hobbs +200 (Lovington is the upset +300 pts)

Estancia at Santa Rosa +225 (SR is the upset +275 pts)

Raton at Taos +250 pts (Taos is the upset 300 pts)

Hope at Hot Springs +250 (Hot Springs is the upset +325 pts)

Clovis at Cleveland +250 pts (Clovis is the upset +350 pts)

Most Likely to Upset in 5A Football?

What do you have?

Top Players from Week 2

We will post here when released.

Any match-ups that should happen? What are some rivalry games that need to remain?

Pick a 9-16 team in the March Madness Bracket that you see making the Sweet 16.