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FIRST ROUND: STARTING FIVE - PLAYERS TO WATCH

Goddard's Bailey Beene vs. Silver
After once being the crucial part of a championship team, Bailey Beene has since had to grow to be the go-to option in a Goddard team that's back in tournament form. The senior Beene is often the focus for defenses, but she is such a quality passer and all-around player that it's not uncommon for her to have a low point total but still flirt with triple-doubles stat lines. She'll go down as one of the best in Goddard's program history, but for now, her and the Lady Rockets have their eyes set on a critical match-up in Silver City.

Hope Christian's Hayley Valencia vs. St. Pius X
Her decision making has yet to be on the level of her older sister, but as a sophomore with her size and strength, Valencia already shows a lot of promise. The sophomore towers along side her teammate in Savanna Lewis, and while both share similar size, it's the aggression and play-making that Hayley has that sets her apart from the roster. She's had multiple 20-point games and with that a key role in scoring against some of Hope's tougher opponents in their metro-heavy schedule.

Espanola Valley's Kaylinn Martinez vs. Pojoaque Valley
There's only a handful of pull-up shooters that can put the ball on the floor and make shots from 23 feet look as easy as senior Kaylinn Martinez. Since joining the varsity team as a freshman and working her way into the rotation as the seasons progressed, Martinez showed an exciting yet critical part of her game when Espanola has been faced with needing a basket. Sure, she might take too many shots from the arc, but I don't know if there's anyone else on the team or region that can knock down threes with a mean streak like she can.

Highland's Cailee Crawford vs. Los Alamos
Possibly the next best prospect coming out of the state, 6'1" combo-guard Cailee Crawford has all the makings to be something special. She's got the size to play on the block, and the shooting and ball-handling to be effective from beyond the arc and off the dribble. The best part of her game though is her passing. Only a sophomore her defense and aggression on the offensive end could be better, but she's so far been a valuable part of the Lady Hornets' run this season.

Los Alamos' Alex Calderon vs. Highland
I've given in to the hype surrounding the two towering forwards that Los Alamos uses most, but the reality is they don't get the ball without the likes of Alex Calderon. Don't be deceived by the size of the 5'1" senior. Calderon has a great 3-point shot that she uses often, but her best sense is pushing the ball with pace while consistently looking for one of the Los Alamos bigs to be open. Off the dribble she's quite intuitive with her passes and gets the ball to Gallegos and Green high rather than low were most defenders can get to it. She's by far the most underrated piece of this surprising Los Alamos team.

Honorable Mention
Artesia's Paityn Houghtaling vs. Portales
Houghtaling is a big part of a senior trio that leads the team in nearly every statistical category (12.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.4 spg). She's been playing varsity ball since her freshman year and this season alone has amassed 12 double-doubles including a near 20 and 20 line against St. Michael's. She has yet to have a big game against Portales, but she has the biggest responsibility in defending Portales' Taylee Rippee. She'll have to play a big part in this first round game if the Runnin' Lady Bulldogs expect to make it to the next round.

FIRST ROUND: STARTING FIVE - PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hobbs' Wisdom Anthony vs. Deming
The 8th grader has surpassed a lot of expectations so far this season. Especially those expectations we would expect of a typical 8th grader. But the seemingly unassuming Anthony lets her game speak for herself. For Coach Joe Carpenter to even have her in the line up this consistently should be enough of a vote of confidence in her ability to play at the high level. Keep an eye on this one for next few seasons to come.

Deming's Harmanie Dominguez vs. Hobbs
Speaking of surprising underclassmen, Deming's Dominguez has flourished under new head coach Kim Garcia and the Lady Wildcats have the record to show for. The energetic and sometimes brash playmaking freshman has shown her ability to lead the team. The question will be how well she can handle this task of playing against Hobbs' defense. We'll find out this Friday how well she manages that challenge.

Alamogordo's Faith Silva vs. Volcano Vista
In her final year of high school hopes Faith Silva proved in many cases why she's deserving of the top scoring honors. Whether it's a 9-0 Silva run to retake the lead or a key steal or dish to get the Lady Tigers back in a game, Silva knows how to make it count when it matters most. Since starting basketball in the 7th grade, she's been on a personal quest of continuously improving her game and over the off-seasons it's shown. She'll get a chance to display those play-making skills against one of the rising 5A powers in Volcano Vista.

Onate's Estrella Avalos vs. West Mesa
Onate senior Estrella Avalos has one of the best low-post footwork in the state, and put it on full display during the Lady Knights' Academy tournament run. A disappointing fourth place finish in district though may be enough to spark Avalos in this postseason run. Averaging nearly 20 points a game, Avalos has been a key part of the Lady Knights' offense and while she has shared the ball considerably with her outstanding sophomore teammates, it may be time for Avalos to take advantage of her height and skill against a smaller West Mesa team.

Sandia's Viane Cumber vs. Mayfield
The sophomore makes her tournament debut on the road in Mayfield, and there's no better place to make an impression than in a traditional power like Mayfield's gym. Cumber is one of several offensive threats on the Lady Matadors' squad, but none receive as much attention as she does. Given her size and shooting, she could be a match-up problem for Mayfield if she establishes some rhythm early on. It's a tall task for a young Sandia team, but if they want to do well, they'll need Cumber to have a solid all-around game.

Honorable Mention
Farmington's Jordan Vasquez vs. Cleveland
I know I've overhyped this enough, but here I am again to remind everyone that Vasquez scored 37 against Cleveland in a loss in December. Now on her own floor, the senior forward who is averaging well-above 20 points per game, might attract more attention than she did last time. She's almost a guaranteed double-double on a nightly basis and if Farmington wants to avenge that early season loss, they'll need Vasquez to put on a dominant performance.

First Round
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Second Round
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-1 for incorrect

Final Four
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0 for incorrect

Championship
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2 points for picking both in the finals

Fill out a complete bracket.

CLASS 5A

#1 Hobbs defeated #16 Deming, 67-32
#9 Rio Rancho defeated #8 La Cueva, 48-44

#5 Volcano Vista defeated #12 Alamogordo, 53-37
#4 Carlsbad defeated #13 Centennial, 42-37

#3 West Mesa defeated #14 Onate, 81-56
#6 Mayfield defeated #11 Sandia, 54-43

#7 Farmington defeated #10 Cleveland, 63-55
#2 Piedra Vista defeated #15 Eldorado, 62-47

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CLASS 4A

#1 Kirtland Central def. #16 Shiprock, 65-28
#8 Portales def. #9 Artesia, 42-36

#5 Highland def. #12 Los Alamos, 62-38
#13 Espanola Valley def. #4 Pojoaque Valley, 67-57

#3 Gallup def. #14 Grants, 70-28
#11 Goddard def. #6 Silver, 42-37

#10 Hope Christian def. #7 St. Pius X, 43-39
#2 Los Lunas def. #15 Bernalillo, 64-25

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CLASS 3A

#1 Robertson def. #16 Cobre, 62-25
#8 West Las Vegas def. #9 Tohatchi, 63-60

#5 Navajo Prep def. #12 St. Michael's, 69-49
#4 Hatch Valley def. #13 Thoreau, 60-55

#3 Tucumcari def. #14 Cuba, 66-28
#6 Tularosa def. #11 Sandia Prep, 47-36

#7 Socorro def. #10 Crownpoint, 44-40
#2 Santa Fe Indian def. #15 Laguna-Acoma, 56-32

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CLASS 2A

#1 Texico def. #16 Loving, 57-30
#8 Mescalero Apache def. #9 Magdalena, 55-43

#5 Estancia def. #12 Rehoboth Christian, 36-35
#4 Dulce def. #13 Newcomb, 56-55

#3 Pecos vs. #14 Tse' Yi' Gai, 64-34
#6 Lordsburg vs. #11 Cloudcroft, 60-40

#7 Clayton vs. #10 Alamo Navajo, 69-41
#2 Penasco vs. #15 McCurdy, 77-35

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CLASS 1A

#1 Melrose def. #16 To'hajiilee, 69-31
#8 Cimarron def. #9 Elida, 66-40

#5 Cliff def. #12 Fort Sumner, 45-40
#4 Pine Hill def. #13 Roy/Mosquero, 61-29

#3 Logan def. #14 Hondo Valley, 67-27
#6 Quemado def. #11 Des Moines, 77-64

#7 Animas def. #10 Jemez Valley, 61-32
#2 Tatum def. #15 Dora, 40-29

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FIRST ROUND – 3A PICKS AND PREDICTIONS

#1 Robertson vs. #16 Cobre
I’m really curious in this meeting how Cobre’s Skkyla Guck will fair against one of the best teams across all classes in Robertson. Robertson’s Alianza Darley is one of my favorite difference makers in the state and she’s a heavy favorite for the player of the year in 3A. It’s a long drive and I think Cobre’s magic runs short in this game.
Prediction: Robertson 66 Cobre 27


#2 Santa Fe Indian vs. #15 Laguna-Acoma
It’ll be the third time these two are meeting this season. It’ll be one more go for Laguna-Acoma while Santa Fe Indian I think has too many weapons at their disposal. Laguna-Acoma was a wildcard team that I thought would have a better outing especially in district play, but that didn’t happen. SFIS looks like a team ready to make a serious run this year and they’ll want to set the tone in this tournament opener.
Prediction: SFIS 59 Laguna-Acoma 39


#3 Tucumcari vs. #14 Cuba
I like Cuba with their grit and grind style. A little bit of a rez-ball style as well. But I’m not sure they have the personel to defend all those quality players the Lady Rattlers have. Plus, the Snake Pit is one of the toughest places in that eastern corridor of the state to win. I like Tucumcari to set another scoring mark with 50 in a half.
Prediction: Tucumcari 81 Cuba 42


#4 Hatch Valley vs. #13 Thoreau
Hatch Valley got their losing at home out of the way with the Socorro game. I like to believe they’re in playoff mode now. Thoreau could give them some trouble early, but I like Hatch to outplay them for four quarters and move on to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Hatch Valley 54 Thoreau 39


#5 Navajo Prep vs. #12 St. Michael’s
This might be a fun up-and-down game. St. Michael’s has a good group that like to get up and down the floor and attack the hoop. I think Prep has the mismatch with Aiona Johnson though and the perimeter shooting to build the lead and force St. Michael’s to get into a hole. Prep goes on to win big but not without a St. Michael’s run. I think the Lady Horsemen can give them a darn good half before Prep wakes up in the third quarter to put the game away.
Prediction: Navajo Prep 62 St. Michael’s 49


#6 Tularosa vs. #11 Sandia Prep
These last three matchups are tough ones. But I like the difficulty in winning in Tularosa. I think Shacie Marr and Ember Cervantes will the team to a win despite a tough game from Sandia Prep.
Prediction: Tularosa 48 Sandia Prep 39


#7 Socorro vs. #10 Crownpoint
This was my upset pick for 3A. I like the youth of Socorro and think they’re fairly solid. But I got a feeling maybe they’ll take Crownpoint lightly and give the Lady Eagles a chance to upset.
Prediction: Crownpoint 43 Socorro 41


#8 West Las Vegas vs. #9 Tohatchi
Oooooo! This one is the one I’d like to see and wish it was being streamed live. I like West. I like Tohatchi. Both play a fun, quicker pace than most. Both have shooters and both didn’t have great seasons. Neither wants to end their season. First one to 60 in this one is my guess.
Prediction: Tohatchi 61 West Las Vegas 58


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Animas' Tierney Washburn vs. Jemez Valley
The leading scorer for the Lady Panthers is obviously going to be the number one option going into this matchup with Jemez Valley. Washburn is one of the taller players on the roster and active on the boards. Great hard-working player with a good sense of cutting to the hoop and getting to the free throw line. Establishing the interior against a smaller Jemez team will be critical for the Lady Panthers. Fun little tidbit, Tierney is the daughter of former pro bullrider Owen Washburn.

Cimarron's Angel Rodriguez vs. Elida
The five-year varsity playing Rodriguez is probably the quickest player on her Cimarron squad. Does a quality job pushing the ball up the floor and finds her teammates well in transition. Has a great touch around the hoop as well. Her play against the visiting Vargas sisters on the defensive end will be key to disrupting Elida's offensive rhythm.

Roy/Mosquero's Riley Clavel vs. Pine Hill
The sophomore likely leads the class in scoring per game (~25ppg) but she'll get to have a go against the #1 scoring team in 1A at Pine Hill. Clavel's play will be critical and finding every opportunity to score and get to the line will also help as well. I'm sure the Lady Blues have no intention of running with Pine Hill, so it'll likely come down to the halfcourt game and execution for Clavel and her four other teammates. She's a guaranteed 20 point threat in this game.

Des Moines' Angie Lopez vs. Quemado
Angie Lopez is the lone senior on a team loaded with underclassmen. Her play around the top of the key will be important against a quicker and smaller Quemado squad. If she can get some touches on the interior and possibly keep the defense honest with her mid-range shooting, she'll help Des Moines stay in the game. She's a fairly good passer as well out of the double-teams so as long as someone gets open, Lopez should be able to find them.

Logan's Harlie Roach vs. Hondo Valley
Logan's senior has expanded her role since the season-ending injury to Karli Webb late this season. Roach's play is important to the Longhorns in that she's a decent passer out of the high post and can get almost any basket in the paint. Her defense is just as important too despite her sometimes problems with foul trouble. Roach will be a key part in helping this Logan team make their run this week.

FIRST ROUND: STARTING FIVE - PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mescalero Apache's Fallon Velasquez (vs. Magdalena)
The junior has been on a tear this season averaging 20.7 points per game this season for the Lady Chiefs. While she's on a top ten all-time career pace, she's again a key piece of a Mescalero team that is looking to finally make a serious tournament run past the quarterfinals. They'll have quite the road to go, but with a scorer like Velasquez anything is possible.

Magdalena's Kourtney Lewis (vs. Mescalero Apache)
Younger sister to the former Ramah standout and current New Mexico Highlands' starter, Jordyn Lewis, Kourtney has much of the scoring knack her sister has. Although she doesn't nearly stuff the stat sheet like her sister did, Kourtney has the scoring ability, especially from distance. As Magdalena's best shooter, her ability to score from the arc has helped open the floor for her teammates like Shondiin Billy and Nicole Bilbo. How well Lewis plays this game will ultimately be the deciding factor on whether the Lady Steers move forward to the quarterfinals.

Estancia's Mariah Aday (vs. Rehoboth Christian)
Aday is part of the senior trio that has helped the Lady Bears turn the program around this season. Aday has an all-around game that her all-district honors and with a lot of focus on the Fastnachts, Aday has the opportunity to have a big game. Her scoring ability has been on display before including a big game winner down in Magdalena. Aday might be the difference maker against a Rehoboth team that looks to upset the home team on Friday.

Cloudcroft's Laci Toddy (vs. Lordsburg)
The 6'0" senior has been a big part of the Lady Bears' offense. Not just in scoring, but in being such a threat (averages 11.6 ppg and 8.5 rpg) that it allows for her teammates to also have big games. Second in scoring, her responsibility has been on the boards and through the season she's posted six double-doubles, while in district play she bumped her scoring average to 15 points per game. Needless to say, she's a big part of the Lady Bears' plan to upset district foe Lordsburg.

Loving's Anyssa Rodriguez (vs. Texico)
The senior is the key player for the Lady Falcons. Despite only averaging just under 10 points per game, Rodriguez has other aspects of her game that came long more so in the second half. In back-to-back games in January, Rodriguez was on a quadruple double watch where she averaged 12-8-6-8. She hit her stride through district play and now looks to make one final tournament push for herself and the Lady Falcons.

FIRST ROUND: STARTING FIVE - PLAYERS TO WATCH

St. Michael's Joelyn Fernandez vs. Navajo Prep
There's so few in Class 3A that get to the hoop (or free-throw line) like Joelyn Fernandez. One of St. Michael's best this season, she's a fierce athlete with a penchant for making plays and getting baskets when the Lady Horsemen need it most. As St. Michael's leading scorer, she's no stranger to turning a steal or fast break into points. She'll be key in the Lady Horsemen's efforts to get past the first round this year.

Sandia Prep's Samantha Jeffries vs. Tularosa
Still only a junior, Jeffries has been a double-double machine since her days as an 8th grader. She's quite possibly the or at least in the running as Sandia Prep's all-time leading rebounder with the number of rebounds she's collected over the past four seasons. Her paired with fellow Destiny Archibald has been a winning formula through much of their district run. If Sandia Prep wants the upset on the road, they'll another dominant game from Jeffries in the paint.

West Las Vegas' Brianna Marquez vs. Tohatchi
The leading guard for the Lady Dons will need to have a big game against a guard-heavy Tohatchi squad. Maybe not by means of scoring, but controlling the pace and making plays against a Tohatchi team that will look to press and force you into turnovers. The sophomore's speed and toughness has been on display for the better part of the season and with her the Lady Dons have a great shot at getting to the quarterfinals.

Cobre's Skkyla Guck vs. Robertson
34, 30, 30, and 30. Over a four game stretch, Cobre's sophomore Skkyla Guck posted four straight 30 point games on their way to a district tournament runner-up finish. Guck, a three year varsity player for the Lady Indians, has been a stat-line stuffer all season long. Guck's success hasn't necessarily translated to immediate and long-term success, but it doesn't hurt to know you have a player that can get her baskets. This match-up between her and a taller Robertson lineup will be an interesting one to see.

Crownpoint's Candace Vandever vs. Socorro
Don't overlook the junior on account of her height. The diminutive 5'1" guard has had BIG games for the Lady Eagles. One of those big games came on the road in 2A's tough Mescalero where she dropped 27 points. Vandever leads the team in points scored per game and is listed as one of the captains who have critical to Crownpoint's success this season. Without a doubt, if there's another game to make a statement, this one at Socorro is it.

#1 Melrose Lady Buffaloes

Record: 21-6 overall (7-1 district)

Head Coach: Caleb King

Preview: The Lady Buffs’ stacked their schedule with a lot of tough road games and challenges throughout the season. And it paid off with the 1-seed, their first 1-seed since the 2012 state tournament in which they ended up winning. Melrose is led by a quick Nataley Mondragon, a tough Shannon May, and a promising sophomore in Hailey Martin.

Last Championship: 2016 vs. Logan. Last appearance was in last year’s 1A final against Elida. Melrose has made four straight state tournament finals in their respective class.


#2 Tatum Lady Coyotes

Record: 24-4 overall (10-0 district)

Head Coach: Vince Homer

Preview: In eight of the last ten years, Tatum has posted a 20-plus win season. Now back on their grind under new head coach Vince Homer, the Lady Coyotes are eyeing that state title but have quite the road to get there. Led by a high scoring group of seniors in Celeste Jimenez, Maddy Rice, and Abigail Duran, Tatum has the scoring prowess to give teams problems if they decide to focus on just one of these three players.

Last Championship: 2017 vs. Escalante (last title game appearance as well)


#3 Logan Lady Longhorns

Record: 22-6 overall (7-1 district)

Head Coach: Glynna Strand

Preview: Logan was in contention for the #1 seed but with their fairly lopsided record against Melrose, they had to settle for the 3-seed. It’s been a rough season, but late they’ve shown spurts of what they could be moving into the tournament. The loss of Karli Webb to injury forced the collective to step their game up. Players like senior Harlie Roach, Jordan Hines, and Kassi Foote have had to step their game up. Especially if they want to get far into this loaded tournament.

Last Championship: 2013 vs. Melrose. Last title game appearance 2016 vs. Melrose.


#4 Pine Hill Lady Warriors

Record: 25-2 overall (10-0 district)

Head Coach: Carlett Daniels

Preview: Watch out, 1A. Pine Hill has been building over the past four years for a run like this. The quick rez ball pace and shooting has led to Pine Hill leading the class in points scored per game at 64 ppg. The Lady Warriors are paced by a trio of juniors in Joy Pino, Hazel Begay, and Cheyanne Harrison.

Last Championship: None with no title game appearances


#5 Cliff Cowgirls

Record: 20-7 overall (5-1 district)

Head Coach: Matthew Gutierrez

Preview: Cliff is finally coming back around and in Coach Gutierrez’s second season they posted their best win record since the 2013-14 season. The District 2 champs are sleeper favorites going forward. They boast a duo of seniors in 5’7” guard Kaitlyn Trotter and 5’11” center Jamie Jenkins. Both equate to a serious mismatch, plus help from a rising sophomore in Kimberly Gutierrez and 6’1” junior Kristen Horn have given problems for teams in scoring and defending against they sheer height of this Cowgirl squad.

Last Championship: 2001 vs. Elida. Last title game appearance in 2014 vs. Tatum.


#6 Quemado Lady Eagles

Record: 20-8 overall (4-2 district)

Head Coach: Blaine Atwood

Preview: In Coach Atwood’s second season, the Lady Eagles once again posted a 20-win season, a back-to-back feat they haven’t done in the last 13 seasons of the program. Although they aren’t the tallest group of players, the District 2 runner-up showed they can play with almost any team in the class. Senior Samantha Bryant and Angela Lackey both lead this team as two of four seniors rostered. Quemado is hoping to repeat last year’s run but this time make it through the semifinals to the final for a shot at their first title ever.

Last Championship: None with no title game appearances.


#7 Animas Lady Panthers

Record: 19-9 overall (3-3 district)

Head Coach: Tracey Jackson

Preview: Animas didn’t close out on the district run they wanted, but getting one over Cliff was sure the confidence boost. In their third year under Coach Jackson, the Lady Panthers are looking to not only get their 20th win, second in Jackson tenure, but past the first round. Last year they were upset by the Lady Blues of Roy/Mosquero. This year though, I’m sure they’re not taking their opponent lightly. Animas anchored by the play of senior Tierney Washburn.

Last Championship: 2008 vs. Magdalena (last title game appearances as well)


#8 Cimarron Lady Rams

Record: 18-9 overall (8-0 district)

Head Coach: Ashley Gonzales

Preview: In the three seasons under Coach Ashley Gonzales, this is the first one where the Lady Rams didn’t finish exactly at .500. Now hosting a first round game, the district 5 champions look to build on their success this season with a win and run at the title game in Bernalillo next week. The Lady Rams are led by stellar senior Angel Gonzales, senior Mary Ickes, and junior Zoe Salazar.

Last Championship: 2009 vs. Des Moines. Last title game appearance was 2015 vs. Elida.



The Rest of the Field:

#9 Elida Lady Tigers (15-8 overall; 8-2 district) – The chance at a record nine consecutive state titles starts on the road. It’s been a tough season, but Elida has the players to make a run in the Bargas sisters, Alyssa and Cambree, and Madison Ferguson.

#10 Jemez Valley Lady Warriors (18-8; 7-3) – The Lady Warriors of Jemez look to get to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2015. The seniors, Keona Gachupin and Anndria Gachupin lead the charge.

#11 Des Moines Lady Demons (15-10; 6-2) – The district 5 runner-up Lady Demons take quite a road trip to get to their first-round game in Quemado. It’ll be up to the lone senior Angie Lopez to lead the way for Des Moines.

#12 Fort Sumner Vixens (13-13; 4-4) – Entering the tournament at .500 might make some teams seem less intimidating, but this group from Fort Sumner might be the most dangerous .500 team in the state. Junior Delaney Oberg leads a roster of only one senior in the first roud. (Shouts to Coach Segura in ensuring his girls aren’t dunking before game time or halftime)

#13 Roy/Mosquero Lady Blues (16-7; 4-4) – The Lady Blues got a nice article in the Journal, but they’ll need a bit more than fan support (like probably a bench) if they want that first round upset in Pine Hill. They’re led by sophomore Riley Clavel who may led the class in scoring at 25-plus per game.

#14 Hondo Valley Lady Eagles (17-10; 7-0) – In their first year with head coach Adam Herrera, the Lady Eagles wrapped up an undefeated district run and became tournament champions. They’re led by seniors Blanca Villanueva and Nina Herrera.

#15 Dora Lady Coyotes (15-11; 6-4) – If there’s something six-year head coach Gabriel Montoya has in his tenure as Dora’s head coach it’s consistency. They haven’t had a losing season yet and if they want to keep the season going they’ll need a big game from 5’9” senior Tay Urioste.

#16 To’hajiilee Lady Warriors (13-12; 7-4) – To’hajiilee just posted their first back-to-back winning seasons since the 2011 and 2012 seasons. The Lady Warriors will be led by seniors Nicolette Begay, and Trista Apache.

#1 Texico Lady Wolverines

Record: 22-3 overall (6-0 district)

Head Coach: Richard Luscombe

Preview: Another season nearing its end and it’s the Texico Lady Wolverines that are heavy favorites once again. Led by a talented group of upperclassmen, Texico once again posted a 20-plus win season, their 13th straight (and could be longer because Maxpreps only goes back to 2006-07 season). The outstanding play of senior Baylee Sours has been key in the past, but she’s received plenty of help from the likes of fellow Jasmine Davalos, a rising junior in Ashley Hill, and two promising sophomores in Rachel Phipps and Riley Rohrbach. Texico’s has zero losses to any other team in class 2A, with their lone New Mexico loss was to 3A #1 Robertson.

Last Championship: 2018 vs. Tohatchi (last tournament appearance as well.


#2 Penasco Lady Panthers

Record: 24-3 overall (10-0 district)

Head Coach: Gilbert Mascarenas

Preview: They’ve swiped and clawed their way into the championship contention for another shot at a state title. Penasco is led by a tandem of seniors who’ve been playing at the varsity level since they were eighth graders, Bianca Contreras and Alaska Lopez. Both have been important to their run this season and with the possibility of closing out the season with a banner would be fitting for these seniors.

Last Championship: 0 for 3 in state title games with their last title game appearance in 2018 vs. the co-op of Fort Sumner-House.


#3 Pecos Lady Panthers

Record: 19-6 overall (4-2 district)

Head Coach: Ron Drake

Preview: In their fifth straight state tournament appearance Pecos is looking to max out their senior talent in Cassie Muller and Brittany Martinez lead the charge for the Lady Panthers. If Pecos can get their first-round win, it’ll be the fourth 20-win season in the five seasons since head coach Ron Drake has taken over the program. It’s been quite the run over the last few seasons, but Pecos wants a little more to show for this postseason. They’re the only 2A team to give Texico a run this season. They’re hoping if they get the chance again, they’ll come out on top.

Last Championship: None with no title game appearaces


#4 Dulce Lady Hawks

Record: 21-6 overall (12-1 district)

Head Coach: Stanford Salazar

Preview: In their second season under the guidance of a former Hawk standout, Coach Salazar, the Dulce Lady Hawks have surpassed the 20-win mark, their first in well over a decade. Dulce has quite the collection of athletes which is led by the play of junior Caitlin Duncan. This quick Dulce team also has a senior in Brooke Vigil and Lauryn Vigil that contribute. Dulce is hoping to finally get past the quarters but first has to deal with the one team that handed them their lone loss in district: Newcomb.

Last Championship: None with no title game appearances.


#5 Estancia Lady Bears

Record: 21-5 overall (10-0 district)

Head Coach: Mike Trujillo

Preview: In their first season under former Moriarty boys basketball head coach, Mike Trujillo, the Estancia Lady Bears have supplanted some woeful seasons with their first 20-win season in 12 years. Coach Trujillo is a championship caliber coach having led a Moriarty girls team to the state title game in the early 2000s while having stints as Estancia's boys and girls hoops coach for a short time after that. Since making the change, it’s been a quick turnaround from their 11-18 season last year. A trio of seniors in Lainey Fastnacht, Mariah Aday, and Uriah Astorga helped in the program’s turnaround this season.

Last Championship: None with no title game appearances.


#6 Lordsburg Lady Mavericks

Record: 21-8 overall (7-1 district)

Head Coach: Rodney Plowman

Preview: Long time head coach, Rodney Plowman is hoping to get his team back to the tournament finals, their first appearance since 2009. They’ve been tested through most of the late season against a tough Mescalero Apache team, a formidable district rival they split four meetings with this season. Leading the way for the Lady Mavs’ has been a sophomore double-double machine in Madison Miller. Miller has averaged a best 15.2 points per game and 10.2 rebounds per game through the season. In addition to Miller are the senior-junior duo of Anissa Plowman and Analisa Castaneda, key contributors for Lordsburg.

Last Championship: None. Last title game appearances vs. Navajo Prep in 2009.


#7 Clayton Lady Yellowjackets

Record: 15-11 overall (2-4 district)

Head Coach: Justin Daugherty

Preview: Under second year Coach Daugherty’s early tenure, Clayton may look like they’ve dropped just looking at the record, but this might be the most dangerous lowest seeded 2A team in the tournament. A slew of upperclassmen contributed greatly and that includes Barbara Cruz, Keegan Geary, and Mercedes Sandoval. But maybe the most valuable has been sophomore Mandy Crisp and junior Kaylee Mitchell.

Last Championship: 1994. Last appearance in 2015 against Texico.


#8 Mescalero Apache Lady Chiefs

Record: 20-7 overall (7-1 district)

Head Coach: Elmer Chavez

Preview: Four straight 20-plus wins seasons is the longest stretch of success the program has had. Is it any coincidence that started when head coach Elmer Chavez took over? Probably not. But since then, it’s been a tough outing as each year they’ve seen early quarterfinal exits. And although this year’s team may not be as talented as year’s passed, they’re certainly no lazy lucky bunch to have made it this far in a loaded 2A class. Led by the scoring talents of Fallon Velasquez, Mescalero also a few key underclassmen contributing. Tunte Baca is an important sophomore who has posted big numbers this season, while there’s another sophomore in Samantha Kazhe that’s also key. Can’t forget the junior Ramona Fossum as well.

Last Championship: None with no title game appearances.



The Rest of the Field:

#9 Magdalena Lady Steers (18-10 overall; 7-3 district) – A bit of rough going under first year head coach Boyd Lewis, but the Lady Steers have a nice draw in the first round game. A trio leads this team in Shondiin Billy, Nicole Bilbo, and Kourtney Lewis (sister to former Ramah standout Jordyn Lewis)


#10 Alamo Navajo Lady Cougars (18-10 overall; 7-3 district) – Head coach Randy Hunt’s seeing improvements in this third season as the Lady Cougars posted their first winning record since the 2011-2012 season. Key players include Noel Apachito, Cle-Na-Pah Yazzie, and Calista Vicente.


#11 Cloudcroft Lady Bears (16-10 overall; 4-4 district) – Third year for Coach Thomas Mulkey and the Lady Bears posted their best season yet with a huge turnaround from the first year under Mulkey at 5-22. Cloudcroft has a number of key contributors starting with the Hickman sisters, Kaylee and Britney, senior Laci Toddy, junior Mariah Barnett, and a sophomore guard in Ajia Hughes.


#12 Rehoboth Christian Lynx (17-11 overall; 8-4 district) – Third season under Coach Adrian Pete and the Lynx are in prime position to upset with their best roster yet. Led by a trio of senior post players, Kennedi Chapman, Rachael Martin, and Emerald Toddy, the Lynx are looking to use their size against the likes of Estancia.


#13 Newcomb Lady Skyhawks (15-14 overall; 8-4 district) – First season head coach Bill McLaughlin finished one game above .500 and a chance to upset district foe Dulce in the first round. Newcomb is led by sophomore guard Hannah Begay, junior Shoshanna Begay, and senior Shoshuna Jones.


#14 Tse’ Yi’ Gai Dine Warriors (15-8 overall; 8-4 district) – The youthful roster led by 7-year head coach, AD Nez Begay, hopes to pull off the upset on the road after finishing tied for second in district play. The Dine Warriors are led by sophomore Tiannalee Jim and freshman Kallie Trujillo.


#15 McCurdy Lady Bobcats (17-10 overall; 8-0 district) – Three straight winning seasons and the District 2 champions are looking to get out of the first round with a huge upset. They’re led by senior Angie Arroyo.


#16 Loving Lady Falcons (15-11 overall; 4-2 district) – A well EARNED postseason berth allowed the District 4 champs to enter the tournament field. Although it was a tough first round draw, they’ll look to the play of senior Anyssa Rodriguez, who can come close to triple-double figures on a given night.