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Feature Week 7: Road to the PIT Bracket Predictions - 5A & 4A

NMPreps Releases Anticipated 5A Basketball State Tournament Bracket Predictions - JANUARY 9TH

INMPreps proudly presents the "Road to the PIT," (Road to the PIT as been our title of this feature for 13-years), unveiling its initial insights into the anticipated 5A New Mexico high school basketball state tournament bracket predictions.

District Champions Securing Automatic Bids: As the dust settles in the district battles, the following teams emerge as District Champions, securing automatic bids: Volcano Vista (District 1-5A), La Cueva (District 2-5A), Organ Mountain (District 3-5A), Clovis (District 4-5A), and Los Lunas (5-5A). Notably, the projection sparks debate, especially with Los Lunas pitted against Santa Fe. The closely matched teams could potentially split their two-game district matchups, setting the stage for a one-game playoff to determine the regular-season champion. Volcano Vista and Cleveland, having already split their early encounters, lean towards Volcano Vista's favor in the week 7.

Top Runner-Up Finishers: Leading the pack of runner-up finishers are Cleveland (1-5A) and Santa Fe (5-5A). Farmington (2-5A) and Las Cruces (2-5A) trail closely as the next in line for runner-up positions. Hobbs (4-5A) secures the projected runner-up spot, marking the last team to make the bracket.

Third-Place Contenders: Atrisco Heritage (1-5A) and the surging Sandia (2-5A) find themselves in the mix as formidable third-place contenders, expected to bring their prowess to the playoffs. Albuquerque (5-5A) and Alamogordo (3-5A), both enjoying high rankings, also secure third-place finishes, with Alamogordo positioned at No. 15.

Bubble Teams at Fourth Place: The precarious fourth-place finish places Rio Rancho (1-5A) and West Mesa (2-5A) on the bubble, each eager to prove their worth and secure a coveted spot.

First Team Out: Eldorado (2-5A), despite its potential, stands as the first team out of the bracket. While there might be dissenters as Selection Sunday approaches, today's predictions keep the Golden Eagles on the outside looking in.

As the season unfolds, these projections set the stage for what promises to be an intense and unpredictable journey toward the coveted state championship at the PIT. Stay tuned for updates as teams battle for their spot in the bracket.


Screen Shot 2024-01-09 at 7.15.36 AM.png

#1 Volcano Vista (Automatic)
#2 Organ Mountain (Automatic)
#3 Cleveland (At-Large/2nd)
#4 La Cueva (Automatic)
#5 Clovis (Automatic)
#6 Los Lunas (Automatic)
#7 Santa Fe (At-Large/2nd)
#8 Atrisco Heritage (At-Large/3rd)
#9 Farmington (At-Large/2nd)
#10 Sandia (At-Large/3rd)
#11 Las Cruces (At-Large/2nd)
#12 Albuquerque (At-Large/3rd)
#13 Rio Rancho (At-Large/4th)
#14 West Mesa (At-Large/4th)
#15 Alamogordo (At-Large/3rd)
#16 Hobbs (At-Large/2nd)

First Team Out: Eldorado (5th)
Next Two: Roswell (3rd), Capital (4th)

DISTRICT RECORDS/STANDINGS AS OF JANUARY 9TH

DISTRICT 1-5ADISTRICT 2-5ADISTRICT 3-5ADISTRICT 4-5A DISTRICT 5-5A
Volcano Vista (11-1)Farmington (13-1)Organ Mountain (10-1)Clovis (11-4)Santa Fe (9-2)
Cleveland (9-2)West Mesa (7-3)Alamogordo (10-3)Roswell (8-6)Albuquerque (7-3)
Atrisco Heritage (9-2)La Cueva (6-3)Las Cruces (5-6)Carlsbad (6-7)Los Lunas (8-4)
Rio Rancho (6-5)Eldorado (7-4)Centennial (4-7)Hobbs (4-8)Capital (6-4)
Cibola (2-7)Sandia (6-4)Mayfield (4-9)Rio Grande (5-5)
Piedra Vista (2-10)Gadsden (3-7)Manzano (4-5)

New Mexico Update: January 11th

Eastern New Mexico: 8-4 overall, 4-2 conference. Three game losing streak. Former Highland High School star Jose Murillo averaging 9 points and 5 rebounds.

New Mexico Highlands: 7-6 overall. Won 2 of the last 3. Play next on Friday, January 12th vs Metro State - Denver.

New Mexico Junior College: 13-2 overall, 0-1 conference. Former Las Cruces High star Duece William Benjamin with 11.6 ppg and 3.2 rebounds,

New Mexico: 13-3 overall, 1-2 conference. Fell to UNLV, 83-73. Next up is Saturday vs San Diego State at home.

New Mexico State: 7-9 overall, 1-0 conference. 2-game win streak recently defeated UTEP, 63-53.
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No 3000, 500, 300 Clubs Members

Interesting information, with the retirement of Miguel Cabrera after the 2023 season, there will be no active members of the 3000 hits, 500 home runs, or 300 wins club playing in MLB this season. This will be the first time since 1977 that this has happened. It also looks like it will be a few seasons before a new active member will join one of these clubs (if at all). Going into the 2024 season the active leader for hits is Joey Votto (2135), HRs is Giancarlo Stanton (402), and Justin Verlander (257) wins. I would think that Stanton has the best chance to become the next player to join the active 3000 hits, 500 HRs, or 300 wins club.

Source: @notgaetti
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BREAKING Jal High School

**Job Vacancy: Head Football Coach and Athletic Director with Teaching Position**

**School Name:** Jal High School

**Location:** Jal, NM

**Position Type:** Full-time

**Application Deadline:** Open Until Filled

**Start Date:** 2024-2025

**About Us:**
Jal Public Schools is a vibrant and diverse educational institution committed to fostering excellence in academics and athletics. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages both personal and professional growth.

**District Perks:**
- **4-Day School Week:** As part of our commitment to work-life balance, our district operates on a 4-day school week, providing faculty and staff with an extra day for personal and professional pursuits.

- **Competitive Salary:** We offer a competitive salary package to attract and retain top-tier talent in education and athletics.

- **Teacher Housing:** Affordable and convenient housing options are available for our teaching staff, making the transition to our community seamless and comfortable.

- **Childcare Services:** We understand the importance of work-life balance. On-site childcare services are available to support our employees with young families.

- **State-of-the-Art Facilities:** Our campus boasts state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including a modern football field, gymnasium, and fitness center, providing an exceptional environment for both coaching and teaching.

**Position Overview:**
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team as the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to our academic community through an open teaching position.

**Responsibilities:**

**1. Head Football Coach:**
- Develop and implement a comprehensive football program that emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
- Provide leadership and guidance to student-athletes, fostering a positive and disciplined team culture.
- Organize and oversee all aspects of the football program, including practices, games, and team events.
- Collaborate with coaching staff to ensure a cohesive approach to athlete development.

**2. Athletic Director:**
- Oversee the entire athletic department, ensuring compliance with all policies and regulations.
- Coordinate and schedule athletic events, managing facilities and resources efficiently.
- Develop and implement programs to promote student-athlete well-being, academic success, and character development.
- Collaborate with school administration, parents, and community members to build a strong athletic community.

**3. Teaching Position:**
- Open teaching position.
- Plan and deliver engaging lessons that align with curriculum standards.
- Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that supports student learning and development.
- Provide timely and constructive feedback to students, encouraging academic growth.

**Qualifications:**
- Bachelor's degree; Master’s degree preferred.
- Coaching certification and/or extensive coaching experience.
- Previous experience in athletic administration preferred.
- Teaching certification and classroom experience.
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

**How to Apply:**
Interested candidates are invited to submit an application, cover letter, resume, coaching philosophy, and teaching philosophy to brian.snider@jalnm.org and dusty.loftis@jalnm.org. Please include "Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Application" in the subject line.

**Application Deadline:**
Open until filled.
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Scoreboard *****WEEK SIX SCOREBOARD (JANUARY 2ND-6TH)*****

*****WEEK SIX SCOREBOARD (JANUARY 2ND-6TH)*****

Post here or text to 505-414-4313

Tuesday, January 2nd
Artesia 58, Carlsbad 41 - F
Bernalillo 52, Capital 48 - F
Centennial 66, Valencia 65 - F
Chapin TX 77, Alamogordo 44 - F
Los Lunas 49, Farmington 31 - F
Permian TX 73, Hobbs 60 - F
Santa Fe 70, St. Pius X 56 - F
Santa Fe Prep 64, Cottonwood Classical 47 - F
Silver 48, Mayfield 41 - F
Taos 62, Gallup 46 - F
Texline TX 84, Raton 40 - F

Wednesday, January 3rd
Santa Rosa 79, Springer 55 - F

Thursday, January 4th
ATC 49, Loving 38 - F
Capital 72, Rio Rancho 66 - F
Coronado vs Cuba
El Paso-Cathedral, Texas 52, Rehoboth Christian 46 - F
Escalante 67, Dulce 37 - F
Eunice 61, NMMI 33 - F
Gallup 54, Piedra Vista 50 - F
Jal 78, Hondo Valley 21 - F
Las Cruces 64, Cibola 49 - F
Magdalena 78, Fort Sumner 58 - F
McCurdy 70, Mesa Vista 68 - F
Mora 54, Penasco 51 - F
Portales 63, Pojoaque Valley 51 - F
Robertson 65, Farewell, Texas 51 - F
Santa Fe Prep 61, Miyamura 52 - F
Texico vs Mescalero Apache
Tularosa 70, Cobre 44 - F
Wingate 78, Many Farms, Arizona 45 - F

Friday, December 6th
ATC 60, Eunice 36 - F
Atrisco Heritage 86, Eldorado 74 - F
Bloomfield 42, Taos 38 - F
Bosque 58, St. Michael's 40 - F
Cimarron 69, Legacy Academy 54 - F
Cottonwood Classical 69, Chesterton Academy 24 - F
Escalante 85, McCurdy 78 - F
Grants 76, Bernalillo 73 - F
Highland 56, West Mesa 55 - F
Logan 81, Clayton 51 - F
Los Alamos 82, Belen 57 - F
Los Lunas 37, Las Cruces 36 - F
Loving 55, NMMI 45 - F
Lovington 67, Roswell 59 - F
Mesa Vista 78, Dulce 51 - F
Organ Mountain 69, Silver 33 - F
Pecos 66, Mora 61 - F
Rehoboth Christian 62, Miyamura 59 - F
Robertson 67, Pojoaque Valley 65 - F
Sandia 91, Albuquerque Academy 61 - F
Santa Fe Prep 56, Piedra Vista 41 - F
Tascosa, TX 70, Clovis 49 - F
Tohatchi 67, Coronado 27 - F
Tohatchi 76, Roy 63 - F
Valencia 33, Goddard 28 - F

  • Poll
Feature Grine: NMPreps Proposes Revised 6A New Mexico High School Football Districts for 2024 and 2025 Seasons

Like or Not

  • Like, It's a good start

    Votes: 4 44.4%
  • Not, start over

    Votes: 5 55.6%

NMPreps Proposes Revised 6A New Mexico High School Football Districts for 2024 and 2025 Seasons

As anticipation builds for the upcoming 2024 and 2025 New Mexico high school football seasons, NMPreps has taken a closer look at the structure of the 6A class. While adhering to the 21 teams designated for the 6A class, our proposed changes focus on optimizing the district alignment for a more balanced and competitive landscape.

One of the primary modifications involves the adjustment of teams within each district. Recognizing the challenges posed by the decision to have one 8-team district instead of three 7-team districts, NMPreps seeks to address scheduling concerns. The changes are designed to maintain regional rivalries while introducing strategic shifts for certain teams.

Key Changes:

  1. Hobbs and District 3-6A: Hobbs will be part of District 3-6A, joining teams in Albuquerque. This adjustment, despite requiring travel for Hobbs to Albuquerque, strategically aligns them with teams like Clovis, Alamogordo, and Carlsbad.
  2. Combining Las Cruces and Albuquerque in District 2-6A: Forming a 1-25 district, this change brings Las Cruces and Albuquerque teams together with Los Lunas in the middle. This alignment aims to foster competitive matchups and streamline travel logistics.
  3. Santa Fe to District 1-6A: Santa Fe transitions from District 2-6A to District 1-6A, giving them a 7-team district making three 7-team districts.
  4. Uniform 6A Schedule with Petitioned Rival Games: NMPreps proposes a uniform scheduling approach where all 6A teams adhere to the same schedule, except for petitioned rival games (Artesia vs Carlsbad; Mayfield vs Las Cruces as some examples). This method ensures fairness and consistency in scheduling.
  5. Annual Scheduling Meeting: Taking inspiration from successful practices in middle schools, NMPreps suggests an annual scheduling meeting where all 6A Athletic Directors convene to collectively schedule games. This collaborative approach aims to address scheduling challenges efficiently.
NMPreps Proposed Districts:

District 1-6A:

  • Cibola
  • Cleveland
  • Rio Rancho
  • Volcano Vista
  • Farmington
  • Piedra Vista
  • Santa Fe
District 2-6A:

  • La Cueva
  • Eldorado
  • Sandia
  • Los Lunas
  • Las Cruces
  • Organ Mountain
  • Centennial
District 3-6A:

  • Albuquerque
  • Atrisco Heritage
  • West Mesa
  • Alamogordo
  • Clovis
  • Hobbs
  • Carlsbad
NMAA Districts:

District 1-6A:

  • Cibola
  • Cleveland
  • Farmington
  • Piedra Vista
  • Rio Rancho
  • Volcano Vsita
District 2-6A:

  • Albuquerque
  • Atrisco Heritage
  • Eldorado
  • La Cueva
  • Los Lunas
  • Sandia
  • Santa Fe
  • West Mesa
District 3-6A:

  • Alamogordo
  • Carlsbad
  • Centennial
  • Clovis
  • Hobbs
  • Las Cruces
  • Organ Mountain
SCHEDULING

With 21 teams initially posing a scheduling challenge, we devised a solution by incorporating a designated "rival" game each week. This adjustment enables 20 teams to successfully schedule 10 games for the three non-district slots. While an alternative approach could involve relegating Santa Fe to 5A, creating two ten-team districts (an additional feature worth re-exploring, that I released prior to the season), the current solution somewhat addresses the issue. Though travel inconveniences persist, this model ensures competitive games and provides an opportunity to identify the 12 teams deserving of playoff spots.


Proposed Schedule for Non-District
Week 1Week 2Week 3
Carlsbad vs Artesia (Rival Game)Las Cruces vs Mayfield (Rival Game)Santa Fe vs Capital/St. Mikes (Rival Game)
Cleveland vs La CuevaCleveland vs CentennialLas Cruces vs Carlsbad
Rio Rancho vs CentennialRio Rancho vs La CuevaFarmington vs La Cueva
Las Cruces vs HobbsCarlsbad vs ClovisPiedra Vista vs Volcano Vista
Eldorado vs ClovisHobbs vs EldoradoCleveland vs Clovis
Los Lunas vs AlamogordoLos Lunas vs Volcano VistaRio Rancho vs Hobbs
Volcano Vista vs SandiaAlamogordo vs SandiaEldorado vs Los Lunas
Organ Mountain vs CibolaOrgan Mountain vs Santa FeOrgan Mountain vs Albuquerque
Albuquerque vs Santa FeAlbuquerque vs CibolaWest Mesa vs Centennial
Atrisco Heritage vs Piedra VistaPiedra Vista vs West MesaAtrisco Heritage vs Sandia
West Mesa vs FarmingtonFarmington vs Atrisco HeritageCibola vs Alamogordo

  • Locked
Scoreboard *****WEEK 6 SCOREBOARD (JAN 2ND-6TH)*****

*****WEEK 6 SCOREBOARD (JAN 2ND-6TH)*****


Tuesday, January 2nd

Alamogordo at Chapin TX
Artesia 51, Carlsbad 30 - F
Cleveland 62, Capital 34 - F
Farmington 63, Aztec 28 - F
Fresnship TX 61, Portales 12 - F
Mayfield 57, Silver 31 - F
Piedra Vista 49, Los Lunas 39 - F
Raton at Texline
Riverside TX 46, Centennial 33 - F

Wednesday, January 3rd
Gallup 63, Goddard 48 - F
Kirtland Central 80, St. Pius X 55 - F
Springer 33, Santa Rosa 16 - F
St. Michael's 44, Capital 32 - F

Friday, January 5th
Albuquerque 59, West Mesa 52 - F
Albuquerque Academy 53, Rio Grande 49 - F
Bernalillo 57, Grants 40 - F
Bloomfield 41, Roy 34 - F
Bloomfield 71, Coronado 25 - F
Bosque 42, Monte Del Sol 12 - F
Cottonwood Classical 50, Chesterton Academy 9 - F
Dulce 55, Pecos 40 - F
Escalante 40, Mora 35 - F
Farmington 57, Shiprock 14 - F
Fort Hancok TX 55, Loving 23 - F
Hobbs 75, Las Cruces 48 - F
Jal 38, ATC 24 - F
Logan 59, Clayton 34 - F
Los Alamos 57, Belen 42 - F
Mesa Vista 76, Penasco 70 - F
Organ Mountain 61, Silver 30 - F
Portales 47, Carlsbad 41 - F
Questa 47, McCurdy 29 - F
Robertson 56, Pojoaque Valley 38 - F
Roswell 48, Centennial 35 - F
Sandia 75, St. Pius X 40 - F
Tatum 55, Melrose 45 - F
Texico 31, Capitan 29 - F
Wink TX 37, Eunice 33 - F

  • Poll
Feature NMPreps Presents the 2023 New Mexico Receiver of the Year Finalists

Receiver of the Year

  • Brian Coyle

  • Demarcus Thompson

  • Drew Perez

  • Ethan Conn

  • Josiah Mitchell

  • Kani Mitchell

  • Marquise Renfro

  • Michael Beck

  • Tanner Montano

  • Zane Mayberry


Results are only viewable after voting.

NMPreps Presents the 2023 New Mexico Receiver of the Year Finalists

In the exhilarating landscape of New Mexico high school football, where each reception holds the potential to turn the tide of a game, NMPreps proudly uveils the distinguished finalists for the 2023 New Mexico Receiver of the Year. These exceptional athletes have etched theirnames into the season's narrative, mesmerizing audiences with their deft plays and transformative contributions. Nominated by coaches, media, and NMPreps staff members from every corner of the state, these ten outstanding receivers have distinguished themselves among the elite in New Mexico high school football.

Let's delve into the remarkable journey of each finalist:

Brian Coyle
School: Mayfield High School (Class of 2024)
Accomplishments: Amassed 622 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, showcasing his prowess as a top receiver for Mayfield HS.

Demarcus Thompson
School: Lovington High School (Class of 2024)
Accomplishments: Stood out with an impressive 1179 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in Lovington's 2023 State Championship triumph. Thompson's exceptional season also earned him the title of 2023 New MExico Defensive End of the Year.

Drew Perez
School: Bloomfield High School (Class of 2025)
Accomplishments: Tallied 1138 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns, contributing significantly to Bloomfield's journey to the 4A semifinals.

Ethan Conn
School: Artesia High School (Class of 2025)
Accomplishments: Displayed his skills with 890 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, making a significant impact on Artesia HS's offensive prowess.

Josiah Mitchell
School: Eldorado High School (Class of 2024)
Accomplishments: Showcased his talents with 948 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, leaving an indelible mark on Eldorado HS's offensive efforts.

Kani Mathis
School: Tularosa High School (Class of 2024)
Accomplishments: Impressed with 1109 receiving yards and an astounding 21 touchdowns, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with at Tularosa HS.

Marquise Renfro
School: Atrisco Heritage Academy (Class of 2024)
Accomplishments: Contributed 883 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, showcasing his playmaking abilities for Atrisco Heritage Academy.

Michael Beck
School: Farmington High School (Class of 2025)
Accomplishments: Accumulated 1139 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, playing a crucial role in Farmington's journey to the 6A quarterfinals.

Tanner Montano
School: La Cueva High School (Class of 2026)
Accomplishments: Notched 891 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, exhibiting his potential as a rising star for La Cueva HS.

Zane Mayberry
School: Portales High School (Class of 2024)
Accomplishments: Impressed with 1011 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, leaving an enduring impact on Portales HS's offensive success.

As the anticipation builds, football enthusiasts, fans, and supporters are encouraged to participate in the voting process over the next four days. The winner will be announced with a comprehensive story on the front page, celebrating their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the thrilling landscape of New Mexico high school football. NMPreps.com remains the go-to source for in-depth coverage, delivering the latest updates and insights into the world of high school football in the state.

Feature 9 Storylines from Week 5

NMPreps Week 5 Takeaways: High School Basketball in New Mexico

  1. Farmington Scorpions' Perfect Run: Farmington Scorpions had a standout week, maintaining a perfect record of 12-0 for the 2023 portion of the season. Their victories in the 2023 Hobbs Holiday Tournament, particularly against strong teams like Centennial, Hobbs, and Cleveland, have raised eyebrows and are likely to propel them in the NMPreps Team Rankings.
  2. Storm Shocks State with Volcano Vista Win: Despite falling to Farmington in the tournament championship, the Storm made a significant impact by defeating Volcano Vista in the semifinals. This unexpected victory, coupled with a 9-2 overall record, has positioned the Storm as a team to watch.
  3. Organ Mountain's Impressive Hoopla Tournament Win: Organ Mountain had a successful week, winning the Las Cruces Hoopla Tournament with notable victories over Valencia, Atrisco Heritage (in overtime), and Los Lunas. The Knights' 9-1 record heading into the new year suggests they are a force to be reckoned with.
  4. Las Vegas Showdown: Robertson and West Las Vegas battled for the Stu Clark Championship, creating an all Las Vegas final. The top-ranked Robertson Cardinals (3A) emerged victorious, claiming the championship in a showdown that captivated local fans.
  5. Santa Fe Indian Peaks Interest in 3A: Santa Fe Indian showcased its potential by clinching the SENEI tournament championship with a victory over Bosque (49-42). Both teams are now considered favorites to reach the Final Four, adding intrigue to the 3A landscape.
  6. Albuquerque High's Alaskan Cruise: Albuquerque High made a notable trip to Alaska, finishing the weekend with a perfect 3-0 record in the Princess Capital City Classic. Victories over Juneau-Douglas HS, Eagle River HS, and Auburnmountainview HS have boosted the Bulldogs to a 7-3 overall record.
  7. Cody Vassar-Steen's Rise: Cody Vassar-Steen from Farmington HS is making waves as a top prospect in the state. His standout performance in the Hobbs Holiday Tournament, averaging 26 points per game, including a stellar 30-point, 8-rebound, and 4-assist display in the opening night, has solidified his status.
  8. Jesus Licon's Scoring Spectacle: Jesus Licon continues to dazzle, dropping an impressive 54 points in a game against St. Pius X. With an average of 30 points per game, Licon's scoring prowess, particularly his 32-point fourth quarter, has solidified his reputation as a standout player.
  9. Santa Fe High's Rio Rancho Triumph: Santa Fe High School had a stellar weekend, going 3-0 and clinching victory in the Rio Rancho Tournament. Their impressive performances on the court have marked them as a team to watch in upcoming competitions.

Feature Daily Dimes: Thursday, January 4th, 2024

Thursday Night Showdowns in New Mexico High School Boys Basketball

As the week unfolds in New Mexico high school boys basketball, Thursday night brings forth intriguing matchups that promise excitement and competitive battles on the hardwood. Let's delve into the three key games scheduled for the evening. #nmpreps

Robertson (8-1) at Farwell, TX (11-8), 2:30 pm

The second-ranked team in 3A basketball, Robertson, sets its sights on Farwell, Texas, in a quest to secure a quality OOS (out-of-state) victory. Farwell, TX, with a record of 1-1 against New Mexico-based teams, boasts a win over Tohatchi but faced defeat against Magdalena. The Robertson Cardinals, led by a talented trio including Jesse James Gonzales (2025) averaging 13.4 points per game, Mateo Contreras (2024) contributing 11.2 points per game, and Esteban Medina (2024) with 10.7 points per game, are projected to triumph in this contest with a margin of -3.5.

Fort Sumner (9-1) at Magdalena (9-1), 2 pm

A clash of titans unfolds in the battle of the top teams in 1A New Mexico high school basketball as Fort Sumner faces off against Magdalena. Both teams have enjoyed a wealth of talent in recent years, and this season is no different. Magdalena's dynamic duo, Jeffrey Stuteville (2025) averaging an impressive 19.5 points per game and Joseph Zamora (2025) contributing 17 points per game, make Magdalena a formidable force. The prediction leans in favor of Magdalena with a margin of -2.5 over Fort Sumner.

Rio Rancho (5-4) at Capital (5-4), 7 pm

While not stealing the marquee spotlight, the matchup between Rio Rancho and Capital promises excitement. Capital, holding a rank in the high 20s of 5A basketball, seizes the opportunity to upset the top-ten ranked Rio Rancho Rams. Rio Rancho's dynamic duo of Jayden Johnson and Jerry Archuleta leads a team eyeing a deep run into the Elite Eight this season. Keep an eye on Santiago Bencomo (2024), a forceful point guard with excellent penetration skills. The prediction favors Rio Rancho with a margin of -7.5 over Capital.

More Action:
In addition to these thrilling matchups, the 2024 Horsemen Shootout kicks off this evening with a double-header. St. Michael's (4-5) hosts Crownpoint (1-5) in the 7 pm game, while Bosque (6-3) goes head-to-head with Espanola Valley (2-10) during the 5:30 pm game. Basketball enthusiasts can expect intense showdowns as these teams vie for supremacy in the Horsemen Shootout.

Meanwhile, over at the Gallup Tournament, a six-team bracket promises a night filled with exciting basketball action. The matchups include Gallup (2-4) taking on Piedra Vista (1-8), 7pm, Rehoboth Christian (6-2) facing off against El Paso-Cathedral TX (9-11) at 4pm, and Miyamura (1-7) squaring up against Santa Fe Prep (3-3), at 5:30pm. Keep an eye on Santa Fe Prep and Rehoboth Christian, who emerge as the early favorites to secure victory in this highly competitive tournament.

Adding to the basketball frenzy, the 5th annual Jal Panther tournament tips off tonight, showcasing a bracket that features the top-ranked 2A team, Academy for Technology and the Classics (ATC). ATC (8-2) is set to face Loving (5-2), at 3:45pm, in the opening round, creating an electrifying clash. On the other half of the top bracket, NMMI (3-2) takes on Eunice (5-4), 2pm, promising another riveting contest. The bottom portion sees Wink Texas battling Hobbs JV, and Hondo Valley (3-4) squaring off against Jal (2-4), at 7:15pm. Anticipate intense competition and unpredictable outcomes as these teams aim to make a statement in the Jal Panther tournament.
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Team Rankings 2024 New Mexico High School Football Preseason Rankings: 2A Laguna-Acoma Hawks

NMPreps 2024 New Mexico High School Football Preseason (Way-Too-Early) Team Rankings: Laguna-Acoma Hawks

As we dive into the intricate tapestry of New Mexico high school football, our spotlight today is on the Laguna-Acoma Hawks, a team brimming with potential and poised for a new chapter in the upcoming 2024 season. With a preseason rank of #16 in the 2A category and an overall standing of #88, the Hawks are gearing up to redefine their narrative on the gridiron.

Team Overview: Laguna-Acoma Hawks
  • Location: Casa Blanca, NM
  • Preseason Rank: #16 (2A) / #88 (overall)
  • 2023 Record: 3-7 overall, 0-3 district
  • Points Scored: 205
  • Points Given Up: 343
  • Key Offensive Players: Derek Victorino Jr., QB (2025); Jayden Dailey, RB (2026); Kahi Tiller, RB (2026)
  • Key Defensive Players: Kahi Tiller, LB (2026); Jayden Dailey, LB (2026); Derek Victorino Jr. (2025); Marshall Deutawe (2026); Sean Deutawe (2025)
Overview:
The Hawks concluded the 2023 season on a high note with a resounding 60-14 victory over Hozho Academy, breaking a three-game losing streak. Notable triumphs over Zuni (3A) and Newcomb (2A), a now-district rival, highlighted their potential. Boasting a roster predominantly comprised of underclassmen, the Hawks are poised to build upon their foundation and showcase their prowess in the upcoming 2024 campaign.

Offense Outlook:
Quarterback Derek Victorino Jr. returns as a dynamic force, having thrown for 810 yards and 8 touchdowns in his junior year. Leading the team in rushing with 395 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns, Victorino Jr. is set to spearhead the Hawks' offensive charge. The emergence of sophomores Dailey and Tiller in the previous season hints at a formidable offense, promising breakout performances in the 2A football landscape.

Defensive Outlook:
The defensive lineup features standout players in Victorino Jr., Dailey, and Tiller, complemented by the prowess of the Deutawe brothers. Tiller, with an impressive 79 total tackles (46 solo) in 2023, anchors a defense that holds promise and intrigue for the upcoming season.

Realistic Expectations:
Despite a sense of being undervalued in the rankings, the Hawks are ready to prove their mettle on the field. The district showdowns, particularly against a Newcomb team they defeated convincingly, will be pivotal in determining the accuracy of this way-too-early prediction. The newly formed District 1-3A poses challenges with teams like Cuba, Hozho Academy (#17), McCurdy, Navajo Prep, and Newcomb. The Hawks' path to the playoffs hinges on overcoming the competition in this six-team district. If they harness their potential over the summer, the Hawks could emerge as a rising force in the 2A football landscape. Stay tuned as we closely follow the journey of the Laguna-Acoma Hawks in the upcoming season.

Prediction: 1-9 overall, 1-4 district*
--*When schedules are released we will give another preseason prediction


NMPreps 89-Team Rankings for the 2024 Season
#89 -
Hozho Academy - Preview

Feature Daily Dimes: Tuesday Night Action (January 2nd)

Daily Dimes: Tuesday Night Action (January 2nd)

Tonight marks the inauguration of the 2024 segment in the 2023/2024 high school basketball season, setting the stage for teams to either rebound or extend their existing hot streaks. One team, in particular, stands out, poised to showcase its prowess tonight in the Farmington Scorpions.

Top Three Games to Watch:

1. Artesia (4-4) at Carlsbad (6-5):
A solid clash awaits as Artesia takes on Carlsbad, two evenly matched programs with distinct playing styles. The hard-fought battle is expected to showcase contrasting approaches, with the Cavemen being favored by 9 points. Anticipate an intense matchup between these two well-matched rivals.

2. Farmington (12-0) at Los Lunas (6-4): In what could be the biggest trap game of the week, Farmington faces Los Lunas. Fresh off their 7.5-hour, 1,000-mile round trip to Hobbs last weekend, the Scorpions embark on another journey, this time to face an upset-minded Los Lunas team. Fresh from their recent ascent to the number one ranking in 5A, Farmington faces a formidable challenge against a motivated Los Lunas squad (Ranked 12th). The matchup between Cody Vassar-Steen (Farmington) and Jalin Holland (Los Lunas) adds another layer of excitement to what could be the game of the week.

3. Santa Fe (8-1) at St. Pius X (5-5): Interest and intrigue characterize the clash between the Santa Fe Demons, currently ranked 5th in the 5A rankings, and the St. Pius X Sartans, a solid 4A program. The Demons' journey to Albuquerque promises a compelling matchup against the Sartans. This is a rematch from last week, Santa Fe winning 60-51 in the opening round of the Rio Rancho tournament.

Tuesday Schedule:
  • Alamogordo (9-2) at Chapin TX (17-4), 6 pm
  • Artesia (4-4) at Carlsbad (6-5)
  • Capital (5-3) at Bernalillo (7-6)
  • Farmington (12-0) at Los Lunas (6-4)
  • Gallup (2-3) at Taos (3-6), 3 pm
  • Hobbs (4-6) at Permian TX (13-7), 7:30 pm
  • Raton (5-4) at Texline TX (14-3), 7:30 pm
  • Santa Fe (8-1) at St. Pius X (5-5)
  • Santa Fe Prep (2-3) at Cottonwood Classical (2-6), 5:30 pm
  • Silver (4-6) at Mayfield (4-8)
  • Valencia (7-4) at Centennial (3-7)
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