[Assumptions: No transfers or out-of-nowhere coaching changes]
An interesting mashup of old 6A, 5A, and 4A make the "new" Class 4A a bit interesting.
Los Lunas lost a significant amount of on-court scoring talent that will likely set them back at least one year (if we are sticking to their recent pattern of a year winning and a year rebuilding). So in light of that who will be making their run this upcoming season? Let's take a look at the contenders through the new district alignment lens.
District 1
Gallup is my clear pick to win it outright. Right in the running for district is Miyamura and Kirtland Central. Now I liked what I saw from Miyamura, but losing a great coach in Coach Gilbert could hinder their run a bit. I like their odds though. KC graduates one of their best players in years, but they return a large core of their roster that with a new coach Devon Manning should help in his transition to girls hoops. Shiprock has the talent, but with a new head coach and a lot of unseasoned youth at this next level, it wouldn't surprise me if they faltered their first year in the new class. Bloomfield brings back Payne but I think graduated too much senior leadership and playmaking. Aztec is a big question mark as far as their district potential.
District 2
Pojoaque Valley is my pick for this district. They may have a few tough games but the experience and team play between Taylor Roybal, Ashten Martinez, and Michaela Martinez should help lead this team to a district title. In the mix is a tougher decision between Espanola Valley and Moriarty. I do like Moriarty's experience and better defensive play, but after Adams left I’m left to wonder where the scoring will come from. EV showed they are willing to launch from anywhere beyond the arc in their matchup against Bloomfield in the tournament. I like their aggressive play a little more than Moriarty. Los Alamos has a new head coach and should be coming off a rebuilding year ready to compete. Taos showed some promise but losing Quintana to graduation and they may also be another team wondering where the scoring will come from.
District 3
Silver, Silver, Silver. They lose some key senior guards but that’s only THREE seniors. They bring back a contributing core that includes interior presence 6’2” junior Katelynn Limardo. Ruidoso, Santa Teresa, and Chaparral could all be contenders for second in the district play, but have yet to show the necessary state tournament talent.
District 4
Portales graduates some outstanding playmakers but bringing back a talented interior scoring mismatch like Taylee Rippee and the guard play of Codi Flores they could find themselves back in the mix again for a state title. Standing in their way are the likes of Goddard who look to bring back another stellar squad two years off of winning their state title. Lovington has been off the contender spot but that might change. Artesia loses a lot of helpful leadership and scoring players but they’ll be in contention if they can find more scoring help.
District 5
Call me crazy, but I’m leaning on St. Pius X for a district run. Despite having to deal with Los Lunas, I think that with the likes of Maya Trujillo, the Sartans can make another run at the title. Los Lunas loses their deadly “Four Horsewomen” but they hardly ever take more than a year to get back into contention. Belen was right in the playoff mix last year and had some close-call upsets in district play. The Lady Eagles should be able to pick up where they left off. Valencia and Grants will be trying to play the role of spoiler as their squads have been quiet over the past few years. If there’s a year or district to make some noise in, it’ll be this one.
District 6
Typically teams that move down a class fair very well. Highland should be no exception. The Crawford sisters should make for a solid district title run and put the Lady Hornets in the mix for a state title. Hope Christian won’t be far behind. Despite a seemingly dismal year, their youth should be back in championship form. Valley should feel comfortable down a class especially in the metro-centric district with Del Norte, Academy, and Bernalillo. The state contenders may not be there every night but these teams could surprise some in the seasons to come.
CLASS 5A "WAY TOO EARLY" TOP TEN
1. Gallup
2. St. Pius X
3. Highland
4. Pojoaque Valley
5. Silver
6. Kirtland Central
7. Miyamura
8. Portales
9. Los Lunas
10.Hope Christian
Rankings; not seedings. Any and all insight is welcome, please.
