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District Preview - District 1-5A

PREDICTED FINISH
T-1st – Volcano Vista
T-1st – Cleveland
3rd Place – Rio Rancho
4th Place – Cibola
5th Place – Atrisco Heritage


VOLCANO VISTA LADY HAWKS

Head Coach: Lisa Villareal (11th season)

Current Record: 12-4

Current Ranking: No. 6 in 5A (Week 9)

Notable Wins:Hope Christian, Sandia, at Clovis (twice), Rio Rancho, Highland

Tough Losses: La Cueva (twice), West Mesa

Key Players: Jaelyn Bates (Freshman), Natalia Chavez (Freshman), Kennedy Brown (Freshman), Griannah Aragon (Sophomore)

Rundown: Volcano Vista welcomes a freshman class that is loaded with talent. This talent and chemistry, developed over playing AAU together, has led to the Lady Hawks as mid-to-top tier team in Class 5A. Quality guard play, and shooting from the arc poses a tough defensive assignment for most opponents. Comparisons are already being drawn to the West Mesa from three years ago.

Ceiling/Floor: First place overall / Tied for second place

Predicted Finish: Tied for first place



CLEVELAND STORM

Head Coach: Susan Kubala (5th season)

Current Record: 13-5

Current Ranking: No. 7 in 5A (Week 9)

Notable Wins:Espanola Valley, Goddard, Onate, Farmington, Centennial, Sandia, Highland

Tough Losses: at Clovis, at Mayfield, West Mesa, Highland, Eldorado

Key Players: Desiree Forster, Kaylee Caldwell (Senior), Alycia Harriot (Senior), Jordan Barnard (Junior), Yarithza Moss (Senior), Shawntae Salazar (Sophomore)

Rundown: I once touted them as one of the best defensive teams in the state and maybe I should’ve been more specific to mention their guards. The trio of Forster, Caldwell, and Harriott have been very effective with their athleticism. Cleveland isn’t without their few problems though as shown with some bad losses they’ve had. Now, they’re looking to run district for once and should expect to be in the race for the number one spot.

Ceiling/Floor: First place overall / Tied for second place

Predicted Finish: Tied for first place



RIO RANCHO LADY RAMS

Head Coach: Scott Peterson (4th season)

Current Record: 10-8

Current Ranking: No. 13 in 5A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: Highland, Centennial (twice), Onate, Sandia,

Tough Losses:La Cueva, at Farmington, at Mayfield, at Piedra Vista, Volcano Vista, at Gallup, at Eldorado

Key Players: Laura Gutierrez (Senior), Julia Chavez (Senior), Kelsie Hawkins (Freshman), Hannah Dietz (Junior), Michaela Meyer (Junior),

Rundown: An early preseason favorite to win this district came falling after news that center Mitchel Mortensen would likely miss her entire senior season due to injury. Without a mismatch like 6’3” in the paint to deter and score easy baskets, Rio Rancho has had to rely more on their guard rotations to win games this season. Most of that load has fallen on the shooting touch of Gutierrez. She’s not alone though as the guard rotation has shown to be effective. Defensively though, they haven’t peaked yet. Maybe Rio Rancho can figure that out in a district with Cleveland and Volcano Vista.

Ceiling/Floor:Tie for first place / 3rd place overall

Predicted Finish: 3rd place overall



CIBOLA LADY COUGARS

Head Coach:Lori Mabrey (14th season)

Current Record: 4-11

Current Ranking: Unranked in Top 20 for 5A (Week 9)

Notable Wins:Hope Christian, Alamogordo, Valley

Tough Losses:Sandia (twice), Gallup, Highland (twice), Manzano

Key Players:Sophia Sena (Sophomore), Isabel Montoya (Junior), Adamari Waddell (Junior)

Rundown: It’s been a long time since Cibola has been this far down the Win Column basement. I’m not certain, but this may be the first time in Coach Mabrey’s tenure that she hasn’t gotten double digit wins. It’s not for naught though, as she has some quality but inexperienced youth coming up the ranks. For now though, Cibola will likely not be a favorite to return to the state championship title game in March. Unless of course, they pick up some surprising wins in district.

Ceiling/Floor:Tie for third place / Tied for fourth place

Predicted Finish: Fourth place overall



ATRISCO HERITAGE LADY JAGUARS

Head Coach: Joe Montoya (8th season)

Current Record: 4-11

Current Ranking: Unranked in Top 20 for 5A (Week 9)

Notable Wins:at Manzano, Rio Grande, Del Norte (twice)

Tough Losses:Valley (twice), at St. Pius X, Manzano, Belen

Key Players: Aimara Coronado (Senior), Jasmin Rivero (Senior), Nezhoni Gonzales (Junior), Tatiana Ramos (Senior), Nicole Michelback (Senior)

Rundown: Ten wins off their .500 season last year, Atrisco has fallen short of their expected record. They’ve competed though through the season but have had too many games slip away. They’ll still a shot with Cibola down this season to attempt to move up the district ladder to hopefully get a shot at making the state tournament.

Ceiling/Floor: Fourth place overall / Fifth place overall

Predicted Finish: Fifth place overall

There's a lot of big games that open up tonight. So for today, the "Tuesday Night Lineup" will be split into the big school and small school posts.


#8 Piedra Vista at #14 Eldorado
Piedra Vista finally gets an opportunity to show off their 5A prowess against a Eldorado team who are off winning three huge games in one week. The matchup favors Piedra Vista, but I can’t count out an Eldorado squad looking to get any win they can.

#9 Farmington at #4 La Cueva
The toughest test this season for Farmington as they’ll play top-ranked La Cueva to start district. Farmington had difficulty last time in playing against teams that defend guards very well. Seeing as how La Cueva defended Sandia, this might turn ugly if Farmington can’t take care of the ball or get their offense going.

#15 Centennial at #17 Deming
Centennial looks to climb their way out of their fifth place standing at 1-3 when they head on the road to face the young but talented Deming team. Deming is looking to rebound from their loss and pick up a much-needed win against a formidable district opponent.

#16 Las Cruces at #11 Onate
Las Cruces will head to Onate to take on the Lady Knights who were upset by Alamogordo this past weekend. Las Cruces will also be looking for revenge for their last loss to Onate in the LCPS Holiday Hoopla.

#2 Kirtland Central at #4 Gallup
The toughest district game yet for KC starts off in one of the toughest places to get a win in. Gallup is off a 2-1 week with their lone loss being early to Los Lunas. Now after wining two straight, Gallup is looking to shake up the rankings and gain the upper hand in district play with a home stand against the number two team in 4A.

#5 Pojoaque Valley at #12 Espanola Valley
Pojoaque Valley has been off a week since their last loss to Santa Fe Indian. Espanola Valley is off their loss in the aforementioned tough place to win of Gallup. Well, tonight the Lady Sundevils get the chance to use some of that home court magic to hopefully upset their district rival. If Espanola can keep the turnovers low and defend well against the great passing team of Pojoaque, then they’ll have a real shot at the upset.

Moriarty at #15 Los Alamos
The clash between two tall and tough teams, starts off in Los Alamos as they play host to a Moriarty team that is just waiting for an offensive onslaught. It’ll be a fun battle in the paint for both teams.

#18 Grants at #9 St. Pius X
Grants proved they're tougher than their record shows after pushing Miyamura to overtime. Now they'll have a great matchup on the road against a St. Pius team that struggled to get separation against Shiprock in the Hope Christian tournament.

#7 Hope Christian at #3 Highland
An bitter rivalry reheats as district play starts again. These two have already met in the first round of the Metro Tournament but this time there's a little more on the line. Highland's gym is supposedly not finished yet so I'm not sure if they're ready or not.

Valley at #20 Bernalillo
Two great loyal fanbases collide in a district game that has a lot on the line despite being the first game for both. Valley not being ranked this week, Valley is still favored with their speed and defense. Outside of Juliana Aragon, Bernalillo will need more scoring options. Analysia Moya will likely lead on the offensive end for Valley.

(2A) #3 Pecos at (3A) #4 Tucumcari
Ol' district rivals face off one more time before their own actual district play begins. Tucumcari (12-4) now in Class 3A will face the team that took their spot in district, Pecos (13-2). It should be a great measuring stick for Pecos in finding out where they could compete with Texico as Tucumcari is no slouch as the #4 ranked team in Class 3A. Pecos will look to senior Cassaundra Muller and Brittney Martinez.

#8 Quemado vs. #5 Animas - Reserve' Mountaineer Championship
Quemado (12-5) advanced by defeating Cliff once again and will face a fellow in-class foe in Animas (12-3) for the tournament title. Quemado has played real well behind the efforts of Samantha Bryant and Angela Lackey. Animas got a HUGE one point win over Melrose to advance to the tournament title game. They got there behind one of Class 1A's best talents in 5'10" senior, Tierney Washburn.

#9 Hope Christian vs. #2 Los Lunas - Hope Christian Invitational Championship
It'll be a rematch of last year's final as Hope Christian (7-8) cruised their way to their own title game just as Los Lunas (14-3) did on the other side of the bracket. Los Lunas is on track to regain the top spot in the rankings but Hope Christian is also looking to climb their way back up from their #9 position. Los Lunas has plenty of offensive weapons to choose from, but the real defensive effort will come from Dani Ross and Jaidyn Schollander who are key in generating turnovers. On the other side, it'll be up to the guards of Hope Christian to handle the Los Lunas pressure and be able to guard the entire 3-point arc Los Lunas will shoot from. It'll be closer than last year's game, but that's up to Hope's defense.

#12 Espanola Valley at #5 Gallup
Espanola Valley (9-6) head on the road for a big game in Gallup (11-5). Both teams off helpful wins, need every 4A win they can get at this point. Espanola, much like Gallup, has been trending upwards since the start of January. This is a crucial test for Espanola to see where they match up again with one of 4A's most dynamic scoring teams.

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3A

#8 Socorro at #5 Tularosa
Socorro took third place at Tularosa’s tournament while the host took first. Tonight though it’ll be a cross-district matchup. Head-to-head implications are at stake tonight. Keep an eye on Tularosa’s Shaci Marr who recently has been very consistent go-to scorer for the Lady Wildcats.


2A

#13 Tse’ Yi’ Gai at #6 Dulce
Both teams are sitting in first in district so this one has a district lead at stake. The young but talented Dine Warriors head north to Jicarilla Apache lands in hopes of knocking off the highly ranked Lady Hawks from their district perch. Tianalee Jim has been Tse’ Yi’ Gai’s go-to scorer every game this season. Expect Dulce to try to shut her down defensively.

#4 Pecos at #3 Penasco
Pecos is off a lopsided loss to former district foe, Tucumcari. Penasco on the other hand is looking for revenge from their stunning loss to Pecos in the NRG finals. A big opportunity for Penasco to even the head-to-head record before both teams start district play.

#9 Estancia at #11 Alamo Navajo
It’s a tight race here for second place to Magdalena as district starts off in 6-2A. Alamo Navajo gets a great opportunity to go-ahead if they can make their home stand against the rising Estancia Lady Bears. Protecting home court means everything.


1A

#3 Melrose at #9 Fort Sumner
Melrose makes the short drive down the road to Fort Sumner to start off district play. Fort has been hanging around collecting a few nice wins. But it’s been Melrose making the most noise in 1A by handling Cliff fairly easily after a close loss to Animas.


Inter-Class Matchups To Watch

(2A) #7 Lordsburg at (1A) #4 Animas – Both big movers from this weekend’s tournament action as they made their way to their respective tournament finals but fell just short. It’ll be a quality test to see two teams

(2A) #2 Clayton at (1A) #11 Des Moines

District Preview - District 2-4A

The new north has a new look with a mix of former 4A and 5A teams. Early, it’s looking like the neighbors of Pojoaque and Espanola will run things, but you can’t quite count out that streaky Los Alamos squad, or discount the hard-working Moriarty team.

PREDICTED FINISH
1st Place – Pojoaque Valley
2nd Place – Espanola Valley
T-3rd Place – Los Alamos
T-3rd Place – Moriarty
5th Place - Taos


POJOAQUE VALLEY ELKETTES

Head Coach: Seledon Martinez (4th season)

Current Record: 14-3

Current Ranking: No. 5 in 4A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: Miyamura, Belen, Dulce, Penasco, at Hope Christian, St. Pius, at Portales

Tough Losses: Gallup, at Santa Fe Indian

Key Players: Taylor Roybal (Senior), Michaela Martinez (Junior), Ashten Martinez (Junior), Adrianna Quintana (Senior), Tonni Aquino (Freshman)

Rundown: The former number one team from the north hit a tough four games slate where they went 1-3. After a needed break from a game, Pojoaque should be primed to make their district stand against some tough teams with height. The only two teams that play with significant tempo are Espanola and Moriarty, good test for Pojoaque in figuring out how they’ll defend those type of teams in March. Pojoaque will need every game from here on out to solidify their hopes at a top-3 seed.

Ceiling/Floor: First place overall / Second place overall

Predicted Finish: First place overall



ESPANOLA VALLEY LADY SUNDEVILS

Head Coach: Joe Estrada (1st Season)

Current Record: 9-7

Current Ranking: No. 12 in 4A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: Pecos, Clovis, at Belen, Capital

Tough Losses: at Miyamura, at Kirtland Central, Belen, at Los Lunas, at Gallup

Key Players: Kaylinn Martinez (Senior), Kaylee Chavez (Senior), Destiny Valdez (Sophomore), Miranda Salazar (Sophomore), Jasmine Baca (Sophomore)

Rundown: Espanola Valley has been looking forward to district all season long. You could say it’s been up and down, but the Lady Sundevils haven’t lost two straight games all season long. In their latest stretch, they’re 3-1 since their game at Santa Fe. And best yet, they’ll get a Pojoaque team a week off their last game in Edward Medina gymnasium to start district play. I think this Espanola team could peak here at the right time with their ability to get out in the open floor and spread the floor with their ability to shoot from distance. They’ll be a fun one to watch.

Ceiling/Floor: Tie for first place / Tie for second place

Predicted Finish: Second place overall


LOS ALAMOS LADY HILLTOPPERS

Head Coach: Lanse Carter (1st Season)

Current Record: 7-10

Current Ranking: No. 15 in 4A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: St. Michael’s, Capital (twice), Artesia, at Clovis, at Belen, at Manzano

Tough Losses: St. Pius X, Santa Fe, St. Michael’s, Valencia, Roswell

Key Players: Natalie Gallegos (Junior), Rebecca Green (Junior), Alex Calderon (Senior), Alix Hailey (Senior), Savannah Lucero (Junior)

Rundown: Los Alamos has found themselves in a few close games. Most surprising was their second meeting with Robertson on the road when Robertson had a tough time pulling away from the Lady Hilltoppers. They’re a team dependent on their ability to score in the paint. Defensively, they do have some work, but they have the right intensity for the most part and could give a team like Pojoaque or Espanola trouble if they have an off-night.

Ceiling/Floor: Tie for second place / fourth place overall

Predicted Finish: Tie for 3rd place



MORIARTY LADY PINTOS

Head Coach: Joe Bailey (13th season)

Current Record: 9-9

Current Ranking: Unranked in Top 20 of 4A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: Bernalillo, at Socorro, Academy, St. Michael’s

Tough Losses: Belen, Grants, Miyamura, West Las Vegas, Aztec, Portales

Key Players: Brooke Burch (Senior), Meredith Wilson (Senior), Ashley Strader (Senior), Tristen Sauter (Junior)

Rundown: The Lady Pintos might be the one of the hardest working teams I’ve seen for four straight quarters every game. The only problem is they can go for minutes at a time unable to make a basket. Worse it seems, there’s a lid on the basket when their point-blank opportunities in the paint won’t fall. That seems to be the case for this otherwise well-coached and discipline team. If they can find some offense here late in the season, they’ll be a team to watch out for. Otherwise, they don’t have a consistent playmaker to be able to get her own shots on the regular.

Ceiling/Floor: Third place overall / fourth place overall

Predicted Finish: Tie for 3rd place



TAOS LADY TIGERS

Head Coach: David Sanchez (3rd season)

Current Record: 2-13

Current Ranking: Unranked in Top 20 of 4A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: Coronado, Hot Springs

Tough Losses: at Escalante, Sandia Prep

Key Players: Andrica Quintana (Junior), Dahnyell Martinez (Freshman)

Rundown: It’s a tough look for the Lady Tigers this season as it was last. But in Grandma’s House you never know what they could surprise you with. Still, it’s a long shot for this Taos team to get a win in this tough district.

Ceiling/Floor: Tie for fourth place / Fifth place overall

Predicted Finish: Fifth place overall

District Preview - District 1-4A

The new northwest swaps Shiprock in for Farmington after the new block. But now it looks like Gallup and Miyamura are poised to run this district with Kirtland Central holding down the north. Here’s a quick preview of their district outlook:

PREDICTED FINISH
T-1st – Kirtland Central
T-1st – Gallup
3rd Place – Miyamura
4th Place – Bloomfield
T-5th – Aztec
T-5th – Shiprock


KIRTLAND CENTRAL LADY BRONCOS

Head Coach: Devon Manning (1st Season)

Current Record: 12-3

Current Ranking: No. 2 in 4A (Week 9)

Notable Wins:at Los Lunas, Bel Air (TX), Farmington, Navajo Prep

Tough Losses: Bishop Gorman (NV), at Piedra Vista, at Hobbs

Key Players:Melanie Yazzie (Junior), Siigrid Lii’bilnaghahi (Senior), Tatelyn Manheimer (Junior), Avery Begay (Senior), Tiajhae Nez (Senior)

Rundown: It’s been a number of years since Kirtland has even flirted with the number one spot in their class. Right in the mid-tier group, KC always found win key games in district and make the playoffs but haven’t quite found the right group to make a run at state title #20. That long wait might finally be over as Coach Manning claims this is the most talented group of basketball players he’s ever coached. All would be chalk, but in a district where you have to travel to Gallup twice, may be more challenging than it sounds. Still, KC has eyes on the district regular season title, their first since 2016-17 season.

Ceiling/Floor: First place overall / Second place overall

Predicted Finish: Tied for first place


GALLUP LADY BENGALS

Head Coach: Todd McBroom (2nd season)

Current Record: 12-5

Current Ranking: No. 4 in 4A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: Piedra Vista, at Portales, Pojoaque Valley, Rio Rancho, Espanola Valley

Tough Losses: St. Pius X, Hope Christian, Los Lunas (twice)

Key Players: Ashley Antone (Senior), Amanda Mitchel (Senior), Hailey Long (Freshman), Hanna Toledo (Senior), Cearra Williams (Junior)

Rundown: Former preseason number one, Gallup hit a rough start after losing some key players that included senior forward Ashley Antone. That loss led way to some bad losses in a span of a week. Yet, Gallup seemed to have found their swagger after making the Los Lunas tournament final and then picking up two dominant wins in Portales against the host and former number one, Pojoaque Valley. Seemingly back in the groove of their high tempo play, they’ll be the ones looking to peak at the right time in district play.

Ceiling/Floor: First place overall / Tied for second place

Predicted Finish: Tied for first place


MIYAMURA LADY PATRIOTS

Head Coach: Joshua Dupont (1st Season)

Current Record: 11-5

Current Ranking: No. 8 in 4A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: Espanola Valley, Tohatchi, Melrose, at Goddard, Belen

Tough Losses: Piedra Vista (twice), Pojoaque Valley, at Farmington

Key Players: Autumn Enote (Junior), Odessa Begay (Senior), Malia Ukestine (Sophomore), Noelle Charleston (Junior), Fetisha Johnson (Senior)

Rundown: Miyamura has had quite the up-and-down season despite bringing back key players from their quarterfinal run last season. It’s still been above average, and they’ve contested with some quality teams that should’ve been wins. Still, they’ll have their work cut out in a district with cross-town rival Gallup, and Kirtland Central, not to mention the slew of teams up north who want any kind of win they can get in Aztec, Bloomfield, and Shiprock. First year head coach, Josh Dupont has done a solid job though in using Enote and Begay to help pace the team in their efforts so far this season and to have them in the position to secure a top spot in district.

Ceiling/Floor:Tied for first place / tied for third place

Predicted Finish: Third place overall


BLOOMFIELD LADY BOBCATS

Head Coach: Tom Adair (6th season)

Current Record: 10-5

Current Ranking:No. 16 in 4A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: Shiprock, Tohatchi, at Durango (CO), West Las Vegas

Tough Losses: Farmington (twice), Los Lunas, Piedra Vista, St. Pius X

Key Players: Halle Payne (Junior), Katie Waresback (Junior), Lanay Gutierrez (Sophomore), Macailah Pablo (Senior)

Rundown: Bloomfield is in a rebuilding year since graduating ten players from last year’s state runner-up team. They have a quality forward in Halle Payne who is averaging double digits so far this season through 15 games. But Bloomfield started off their season slow with only five games and took almost a month off before playing 10 games so far through January with four more scheduled to wrap up the month. It’s quite the gauntlet and taxing schedule for a team that presses and can still put up 60 points per game. It’ll be interesting to see in the middle of district if they’ve found another gear or if they’ve hit a wall in production.

Ceiling/Floor: Tie for third place / Fifth place overall

Predicted Finish: Fourth place overall


AZTEC LADY TIGERS

Head Coach:Robert McCaskill (6th season)

Current Record: 7-9

Current Ranking: No. 17 in 4A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: Roswell, Crownpoint, Montrose (CO), Tohatchi, at Moriarty

Tough Losses: Capital, Grants, Pecos, at Santa Fe Indian, at Farmington, Piedra Vista

Key Players: Reigan Weaver (Senior), Jessi Gillentine (Senior), Bessie Davis (Junior)

Rundown: After ending December with a 3-8 record, Aztec has since gone on to win four of their last five games. That kind of momentum and turnaround is exactly what the program needed to keep their hopes at a playoff spot alive. Now they enter a brand-new season and have seemingly found a new swagger. Aztec will need to continue to rely on their defense because all but one of their seven wins came when holding teams to under 37 points. That’ll be quite the challenge though in a league where teams play in a race to 50 points like Gallup, Kirtland, and Miyamura can obtain that in a half of basketball alone.

Ceiling/Floor: Tied for fourth place / Sixth place overall

Predicted Finish: Tied for fifth place


SHIPROCK LADY CHIEFTAINS

Head Coach:Elvin Keeswood (1st Season)

Current Record: 6-10

Current Ranking: No. 19 in 4A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: Dulce, at West Las Vegas, Newcomb, Hot Springs

Tough Losses: Bloomfield, at Robertson, Tohatchi, at Navajo Prep, Artesia, at Hope Christian, St. Pius X

Key Players: Evette Lansing (Sophomore), Marielynn Lansing (Senior), Tayya Dale (Senior), Kimora Tso (Senior)

Rundown: So far from their previous season highs has this titan of girls hoops up north fallen on some rocky times. A seemingly forced exit of a longtime successful coach, and a controversial new hire that didn’t even make it to the start of the season before being relieved of their head coaching duties spelled immediate trouble for the program. All the talk and trouble that sent not just their former head coach Larenson Henderson eastward to Farmington, but also several key contributors and young talents that would’ve helped Shiprock in their run this season. They still have the size and tempo style of play to be able to compete with almost any school for at least a quarter, but the lack of experience and the quality of play in Class 4A has kept Shiprock from gaining any kind of momentum towards a season above .500.

Ceiling/Floor:Tied for fourth place / Sixth place overall

Predicted Finish: Tied for fifth place

District Preview - District 2-5A

District play kicks off for four top ten teams and one trying to make a late case to secure a playoff spot. Here's a preview of what to watch for:

PREDICTED FINISH
1st – West Mesa
2nd – La Cueva
3rd – Piedra Vista
T-4th – Farmington
T-4th – Eldorado


WEST MESA LADY MUSTANGS

Head Coach: Manny Otero (5th season)

Current Record: 16-0

Current Ranking: No. 1 in 5A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: Los Lunas, at Carlsbad, at Hobbs, at Mayfield, La Cueva, Cleveland, Volcano Vista

Tough Losses: None

Key Players: Maiah Rivas (Senior), Esperanza Varoz (Senior), Cece Barela (Sophomore), Jaden Castellano (Junior), Jeniffer Martinez (Senior)

Rundown: The clear front runner from the metro has been dominant through their season thus far and look like THE team to beat come March. Backed by the outstanding guard play of Rivas and Varoz, this team probably the best shooting lineup. Superior guard play, and relentless pressure defense, they’re a team poised to sweep through district. The only question is how heavy that “zero” gets in the loss column to maintain their effort through a district loaded with another three top-ten teams including the #4 ranked La Cueva Lady Bears.

Ceiling/Floor: First place overall / Tied for first place

Predicted Finish: First place overall


LA CUEVA LADY BEARS

Head Coach: Robert Perea (7th season)

Current Record: 14-1

Current Ranking: No. 4 in 5A (Week 9)

Notable Wins:Volcano Vista (twice), Highland (twice), Sandia

Tough Losses: West Mesa (Metro Tournament)

Key Players: Kaya Ingram (Junior), Deja Sandoval (Senior), Rachael Hathoot (Senior), Rylee Ottman (Freshman), Teona Savic (Freshman)

Rundown: Maybe the next best small-ball lineup to West Mesa in the state, La Cueva looks to shake up the March expectations by dominating a tough district slate with guard heavy teams. Led by the likes of Kaya Ingram, a junior guard who seems to have the unguardable ability to get to the hoop and/or free throw line whenever her team needs basket. Paired with a tough, quick, and experienced duo in Sandoval and Hathoot this team is also loaded in a talented youth with Teona Savic and Rylee Ottman. La Cueva is right there in the top tier of 5A and should expect to challenge West Mesa in district play.

Ceiling/Floor: First place overall / Tied for second place

Predicted Finish: Second place overall


PIEDRA VISTA LADY PANTHERS

Head Coach: Joe Reed (6th season)

Current Record: 16-2

Current Ranking: No. 8 in 5A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: Kirtland Central, Alamogordo, Farmington, Rio Rancho, Sandia

Tough Losses: Gallup, Centennial

Key Players:Hallie Blackie (Junior), Reagan Schmidt (Senior), Lanae Billy (Freshman), Tia Woods (Sophomore), Elaina Watson (Junior), Celina Watson (Sophomore)

Rundown: The latest reclassification left Piedra Vista (and fellow cross-town rival, Farmington) in the largest class for yet another block, but they’re not without the talent to compete though. Led by their tenacious defense, Piedra Vista has showed it could be anyone’s night with the way they share the ball and create turnovers into points. The core of Hallie Blackie, the Watson sisters, and transfers Lanae Billy and Tiontai Woods, Piedra Vista has scorched through most of their schedule providing a strong case to be ranked in the top-ten of their class. As impressive as their season has been, their toughest test will be in a district with West Mesa and La Cueva, two teams built to counter Piedra Vista’s defensive schemes. PV believes they have what it takes though to compete with the best in their district as well as the state.

Ceiling/Floor: Tied for second place / Tied for 3rd Place

Predicted Finish: Third place overall



FARMINGTON LADY SCORPIONS

Head Coach: Larenson Henderson (1st season)

Current Record: 16-3

Current Ranking: No. 9 in 5A (Week 9)

Notable Wins:Dulce, Bloomfield (twice), Hope Christian, at Tohatchi, Miyamura, Sandia

Tough Losses: Cleveland, Piedra Vista, at Kirtland Central

Key Players:Jordan Vasquez (Senior), Kiiyani Anitielu (Freshman), Jessica Lynch (Senior), Chloe Finch (Junior), Philinda Nez (Senior)

Rundown: Farmington’s change of pace might be for the best, as they’re one of the highest scoring teams in the class. Though that might be credit to the teams they’ve played, it still shouldn’t go unnoticed. With one of the best hardworking forwards in the class in Jordan Vasquez, the Lady Scorps have been able to depend on her for a much-needed basket when needed. They’re heavy on the guard lineup at times, but the inexperience has at times reared its head in crucial games like those against Cleveland or Piedra Vista. The struggle is apparent in their deficits against tough 5A teams and even more apparent as of late with their struggles in Tohatchi and against Miyamura. It’ll be a big change for Farmington come district, but they’ll have the opportunity to play against the best.

Ceiling/Floor: Tied for third place / Fifth place overall

Predicted Finish: Tied for fourth place


ELDORADO LADY EAGLES

Head Coach: Richard Harbin (2nd season)

Current Record: 8-7

Current Ranking: No. 14 in 5A (Week 9)

Notable Wins: at Centennial, at Cleveland, Rio Rancho

Tough Losses: Sandia, at Mayfield, Volcano Vista, Highland, Los Lunas, Hope Christian

Key Players:Laney Lucero (Junior), Colexi Brazier (Senior), Bella Escobar (Senior), Breanne Edgar (Senior), Rachell Williams (Junior)

Rundown: It was a tough December and early January for Eldorado. Plagued by games they were in or couldn’t find the offense, Eldorado has seemingly turned that around after a big week against the likes of Cleveland and Rio Rancho. They have some depth at the guard position, but lack the experience to be effective thus far. Their traditional lineup of post-oriented players like Escobar and Edgar haven’t paid off in wins, but might pay off if the matchup shows itself against smaller guards. But it is a guard-heavy district and a lot will rely on Brazier and Lucero staying out of foul trouble and running the offense. For now, Eldorado is fighting for a playoff spot (they’re back in last time I checked), but they’ll need to get a win or two to secure their spot and hope other bubble teams fall out.

Ceiling/Floor: Tied for 3rd Place / Fifth place overall

Predicted Finish: Tied for fourth place

We are looking for a Varsity DH. April 1 or 2 are the dates we have available. If you need a couple games give me a call or shoot me a text.
Thank you and good luck to all this season.
Drew Reynolds
(575) 631-9933

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Each week Chantz Atcitty of NMPreps will release the New Mexico High School Basketball team rankings.

2018/2019 Basketball Season
Week 9: Click Here
Week 8: Click Here
Week 7: Click Here
Week 6: Click Here
Week 5: Click Here
Week 4: Click Here
Week 3: Click Here
Week 2: December 2-December 8
Preseason/Week 1: November 25-December 1

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