Class 5A New Mexico High School Basketball
As the echoes of sneakers on the hardwood filled gyms across the state, the Class 5A New Mexico high school basketball season burst into action.
Volcano Vista - A Dominant Force: The top-ranked Volcano Vista wasted no time asserting their dominance, securing three consecutive victories. With commanding performances against Sandia (72-51), La Cueva (59-44), and SPX (79-57), the Hawks made a resounding statement at the season's onset.
Cleveland's Commanding Start: Cleveland, ranked second, stepped onto the court with precision, notching a convincing win over Capital (80-48).
Atrisco Heritage's Early Momentum: Atrisco Heritage embarked on their journey with a two-game winning streak, overcoming West Mesa (81-64) and Rio Grande (58-56). The Jaguars showcased resilience and determination, setting the tone for the battles ahead.
Santa Fe's Unbeaten Streak: Santa Fe emerged as an early frontrunner, securing three consecutive victories over ATC (66-40), Los Alamos (72-45), and SF Indian (53-34). The Demons won their regular season tournament, the Bobby Rodriguez Capital City Tournament.
Las Cruces Rockets to a Hot Start: Bird Nevarez Soars in Commanding Wins: Las Cruces High School has ignited the Class 5A New Mexico high school basketball season with an impressive 2-0 start, securing victories over Eldorado and Silver in resounding fashion. A standout performance by Bird Nevarez stole the spotlight, as he delivered an astounding 31 points, leading his team to a commanding victory over Eldorado.
Alamogordo's Triumphant Trio: Alamogordo made their presence felt with a flawless record, triumphing over Deming (60-17), Carlsbad (37-34), and Silver (67-51). The Tigers showcased versatility and resilience, positioning themselves as a team to watch.
Carlsbad's Early Struggles: Carlsbad encountered a challenging start, falling short against Eldorado (52-47) and Alamogordo (37-34). Despite early setbacks, the Cavemen have the potential to learn and grow from these experiences.
Eldorado and Clovis in the Mix: Eldorado showcased their resilience with wins over Manzano (96-95 OT) and Carlsbad (52-47), while Clovis experienced a mix of results, winning against Rio Rancho (68-47) but falling to Hereford TX (71-57).
Stay tuned as the season unfolds, revealing the stories that will define the quest for Class 5A glory.
Week One Brilliance: Standout Performances Illuminate Class 5A Courts
In the opening act of the Class 5A New Mexico high school basketball season, the courts witnessed a symphony of talent and determination, as players left an indelible mark with stellar performances.
Mayfield's Dynamic Duo Shines:
Mayfield High School's dynamic duo, AC Munoz and Brian Coyle, orchestrated a mesmerizing performance in their clash against El Paso-Del Valle TX. Munoz, with his electrifying moves, poured in 28 points, while Coyle showcased his scoring prowess with an impressive 24 points. Their combined brilliance fueled Mayfield's victory, leaving spectators in awe of their offensive prowess.
Eldorado's Rising Stars:
In a Tuesday night showdown, Eldorado's rising stars, Josiah Mitchell and Josh Jackson, displayed a formidable tandem. Mitchell, a 2024 prospect, showcased his scoring finesse with 17 points, leading Eldorado to a triumphant victory over Carlsbad. Jackson added 12 crucial points, contributing to the team's success and signaling a promising season for the Eagles.
Carlsbad's Resilient Effort:
Despite facing a tough loss to Eldorado, the Carlsbad Cavemen exhibited resilience and individual brilliance on the court. Kyran Orgain, Samuel Gee, and Shane Sullivan delivered noteworthy performances, showcasing their skills and determination. Orgain, a 2025 talent, contributed 10 points, while Gee and Sullivan added 19 and 16 points, respectively. Although falling short in the match, their individual efforts stood out, hinting at the team's potential for a bounce-back.
Alamogordo's Balanced Attack:
Alamogordo High School showcased a balanced offensive attack in their clash against Silver. Damiran Smith, Kai Bickham, Nico Stubblefield, and Jason Warren orchestrated a collective effort, each contributing double-digit points. Smith led with 15 points, while Bickham, Stubblefield, and Warren added 13, 11, and 10 points, respectively. Alamogordo's depth and versatility were on full display as they secured a convincing win.
Los Lunas' All-Around Star:
Jalin Holland of Los Lunas emerged as a standout performer in their victory over Piedra Vista. The junior sensation delivered an all-around performance, amassing 20 points, 8 rebounds, 6 steals, and 3 blocks. Holland's versatility and impact on both ends of the court underscored his importance to the team's success.
Sandia's Triumvirate Dominance:
The Sandia Matadors showcased a triumvirate of talent in their matchup against Highland. Mason Howell recorded a double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Zaire Ndyabagye contributed 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks, while Isaiah Brown added 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Their collective effort highlighted Sandia's strength and potential for a compelling season.
Clovis' Dynamic Performances:
Clovis High School witnessed dynamic performances in contrasting outcomes. Marvin Cox, with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, led the team to victory over Rio Rancho. Keilyn Parker added 15 points to the winning cause. Despite a loss to Hereford TX, Marvin Cox, Champ Gooden, and Kalil Torres showcased resilience and individual brilliance, leaving a lasting impact on the court.
As the echoes of week one's performances resonate, the Class 5A basketball landscape has been illuminated by these standout players