came across an article about Jared Mang from Los Alamos..check it out

http://www.lamonitor.com/content/mang-cracks-lobos’-starting-lineup

Girls First Round Preview

Brackets
https://nmpreps.n.rivals.com/news/new-mexico-high-school-basketball-state-tournament-brackets

Times And Dates
https://nmpreps.n.rivals.com/news/new-mexico-high-school-state-basketball-tournament-times-and-dates

Best First Round Match Ups
No. 9 Hobbs @ No. 8 Valley
No. 10 Cleveland vs. No. 7 La Cueva
No. 9 Aztec vs. No. 9 Piedra Vista
No. 11 Farmington vs. No. 6 Moriarty
No. 9 Robertson vs. No. 8 Bloomfield
No. 10 St. Mike’s vs. No. 7 Taos
No. 9 Loving vs. No. 8 Lordsburg
No. Pecos vs. No. 7 Tucumcari
No. 11 Ft. Sumner vs. No. 6 Dora
No. 10 Vaughn vs. No. 7 Walatowa

Which 1-4 Seed Could Go Down In Round 1
Carlsbad or Eldorado in girls 6A, West Mesa and Clovis are dangerous
Espanola has lost to Del Norte before, could it happen again
Kirtland Central cannot overlook Pojoaque who is battle tested
Eunice is the big favorite against Santa Rosa, but strange things happen in March
Magdalena taking on Tse Yi Gai is interesting
Des Moines taking on Cliff is worth watching

Sleeper Teams By Class
No. 9 Hobbs
No. 14 West Mesa
No. 10 Centennial
No. 11 Farmington
No. 9 Robertson
No. 10 St. Mike's (is Fernandez still on the team?)
No. 11 Navajo Prep
No. 9 Jemez Valley
No. 11 Ft. Sumner
No. 9 Roy
No. 10 Vaughn
No. 12 Floyd

Our First Round Picks

6A Picks
Cibola over Alamogordo
Hobbs over Valley
Carlsbad over Clovis
Mayfield over Sandia
Volcano Vista over Atrisco
La Cueva over Cleveland
Eldo over West Mesa
Las Cruces over Rio Rancho

5A
Gallup over St. Pius X
Aztec over PV
Espanola over Del Norte
Los Alamos over Goddard
Roswell over Lvt
Valencia over Centennial
Los Lunas over Academy
Farmington over Moriarty

4A
Portales over Wingate
Bloomfield over Robertson
Kirtland over Pojoaque
Hope over Hatch
Shiprock over Socorro
St. Mike's over Taos
West LV over Sandia Prep
SFIS over Ruidoso

3A
Tularosa over Dexter
Loving over Lordsburg
Tohatchi over Dulce
Laguna over Capitan
Texico over Clayton
Pecos over Tucumcari
Eunice over SR
Cuba over Navjao Prep

2A
Logan over Navajo Pine
Mescalero over J. Valley
Magdalena over YSe Yi Gai
Mora over Escalante
Ramaha over Jal
Melrose over Mesa Vista
Tatum over Mountainair
Ft. Sumner over Dora

1A
Elida over Coronado
Cimarron over Roy
Springer over Hondo
Floyd over Quemado
Grady over Animas
Walatowa over Vaughn
Cliff over Des Moines
Evangel over Carrizozo

25 Players To Watch
Alexis Lovato - Espanola - Junior
Amaya Brown - Cibola - Sophomore
Ashley Logan - Los Alamos - Senior
Ashlynn Trujillo - Los Alamos - Senior
Brianna Reyna - Texico - Senior
Carsyn Boswell - Carslabd - Freshmen
Cassie Vickery - Tularosa - Junior
Cera Chavez - Los Lunas - Senior
Clarissa Fite - Eunice - Senior
Deanna Bustos - West Las Vegas - Junior
Deezha Battle - Volcano Vista - Senior
Jaedyn De La Cerda - Roswell - Junior
Jayden Perez - Las Cruces - Sophomore
Jordan Holland - Los Lunas - Senior
Jordyn Lewis - Ramah - Senior
Kaitlyn Romero - Espanola - Senior
Kambrey Blakey - Portales - Senior
Kendra Butler - Mayfield - Senior
Maya Dow - Valencia - Junior
Myra McCaskill - Aztec - Sophomore
Ni’Asia McIntosh - Gallup - Senior
Raven Herrera - Volcano Vista - Senior
Sarah Abney - Las Cruces - Sophomore
Sydney Candelaria - Eldorado - Junior
Teye Morris - Clovis - Sophomore

Great video!!

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What will be the trending topic this weekend (i.e. Most talked about thing to happen)
Bold Statement for the weekend (upset pick or player performance)
Prediction (one upset you see happening outside of a bold pick. Or predict a few)

Must See Duos in the 2016 State Tournament
Joshua J Grine of NMPreps.com

Today, we take a look at the top duos in the 2016 State Tournament this season.

Top 5 in 6A Basketball

Clay Patterson (2017/G)/Juan Hurt (2017/G) - Rio Rancho HS: This backcourt duo has been mentioned several times this season but they have played well throughout the year. Both players have gone for over 25 points several times this season. Patterson is the play making, spot up shooter with good passing abilities. Hurt is the knock down big shots and control the tempo for the Rams this season.

Desmond Carpenter (2017/G)/Isaac Maldando (2016/F) - Cibola HS: This program could likely have a trio but these two have been consist throughout the season and two players that could be in the conversation for awards this post season. Carpenter is a top notch guard who can bring up the ball or knock down big shots. Maldando, can step outside or score in the paint doing the glass cleaning.

Gabe Bump (2016/G)/Allonzo Armijo (2016/W) - Albuquerque HS: Bump the face of the program, Armijo the wing that hits from the outside each time the team needs a bucket. Bump makes plays but also scores at will, Armijo more of a perimeter player.

Pierre Swain (2016/W)/Jordaan Gonzales (2016/G) - Hobbs HS: The Hobbs duo is not the headline name we have known with state title teams but don't be fooled as Swain has gone for over 40 points a pair of times and Gonzales a double figure player.

David Cormier (2017/F)/Jacob McNeely (2016/G) - Volcano Vista HS: The two will look to keep this season going with an upset bid as both are underrated prospects and could be Top-25 players this season. Cormier a top post is a must see athlete and has McCants (Onate) similarities. McNeely a smooth guard that can stop and pop.

5A Duos To Watch

Nicholas Trujillo (2017/F)/Bryan Valdez (2016/G) - Belen HS: Somewhat flying under the radar this season is Valdez and Trujillo two players that both take the scoring load for the Eagles and leadership. A duo that has many folks thinking upset in the state tournament.

Keegan Acosta (2016/G)/Jarrett Graham (2018/G) - Piedra Vista: This duo has been a force in the 4 corners area and two scoring guards. Acosta the senior of the two makes the plays and consistently making this team go.

Justin Houghtaling (2016/F-W)/Ethan Duff (2017/G) - Artesia: A 1-2 punch from the backcourt to frontcourt for the Bulldogs. Duff a speedy guard pushes the tempo while Houghtaling a big man with handles and finishes well at the basket.

Eric Coca (2016/G)/Jeremy Anaya (2017/G) - Capital HS: A combo that we have heard of this season for each taking the Jaguars back to the top of the classification. Coca, the basketball mind that is the floor general. Anaya, a slasher that can either run the O or better suited off the wing.

Uriah Arellano (2016/G)/Azaziah Salazar (2018/F) - Espanola HS: The Sundevils have several options of talent that has played well this season but Arellano and Salazar have been the main targets. Arellano, a player in conversation for end of the year awards.

The Rest of The Duos

Malachi Pablo (Sr)/Brendon Charley (Jr) - Kirtland Central
DJ Bustos (Jr)/Miguel Sena (Sr) - West Las Vegas
Arturo Archuleta (Sr)/Mario Archuleta (So) - Pecos
Wyatt Williams (Sr)/Cade Barnard (So) - Melrose
Jorrell Mirabal (So)/Anthony Pino (Jr) - Magdalena
Jojo Hurd (Sr)/Dominic Montano (Sr) - Escalante
Jordan Brady (Sr)/Simon Gonzales (Sr) - Hondo Valley

2016 NMPreps.com Coach of the Year Finalist Announced
Joshua J Grine

Today, we release the finalist for the NMPreps.com 2016 Coach of the Year award. Each year we award the coach who is considered the top coach for the given season.

Candidates

Ray Rodriguez, Cibola High School: The Cibola Cougars are having one of their most successful seasons and sit as the 3-seed in the state tournament with a 22-5 overall record.

Saul Perez, Onate High School: Perez, has led the Onate Knights to a 22-4 season, ranked number one in New Mexico and clear favorite for the 2016 title.

Joseph Sanchez, Grants High School: The Pirates of Grants are the 2-seed in the 5A bracket and ranked higher than they have ever been in the NMPreps.com Top-25 Rankings. At 23-3 they are a favorite in their bracket.

Ben Gomez, Capital High School: He is in year two of his second stint as head coach of the Jaguars and has already put the Jaguars back atop the classification where he left it the first time around. At 24-4 they earned the 3-seed in the 5A bracket.

Manuel Romero, Robertson High School: The Cardinals are 24-4 on the season and have been one of the most improved teams in the state.

Devon Manning, Bloomfield High School: Devon Manning has been improving the basketball program in Bloomfield since taking over. They are 19-7 and District 1-4A champions.

DJ Saucedo, Lordsburg High School: Nearly perfect at 25-1 the Mavericks are having one of their best years on the hardwood. A favorite in 3A they will be a threat for a few years.

John Span, Tucumcari High School: The Rattlers a favorite in 3A basketball at 18-5 have been lead by one of the top coaches in 3A basketball this season.

Jim Doherty, Melrose High School: The Buffaloes are favorites to win the 2A title at 22-3 on the season. This could be the start of a three year dynasty.

James Voight, Hondo Valley High School: Most expected the Eagles to take a step back this season but head coach James Voight has the Eagles at 26-2 and looking stronger this season.

Who are they? What high school do they attend?

Guys I can think of...

UNM
Austin Bell
Michael Eaton
Andrew Pratt
Dalton Bowers
Jared Mang
Matt Villalobos
Victor Sanchez
Andre Vigil
Carson Schneider
Taylor Duree
Austin Treadwell
Danny Collier

NMSU
Zak Felix
Brett Worthen
Roman Trujillo
Ruger Rodriguez
Joe Koerper

Northern Colorado
Jacob Garcia

Utah
Cody Scaggari

Eastern Michigan
Kevin Shul

Dayton
Kevin Piersol

Washington State
Caleb McAlister

Oklahoma State
Tyler Buffet

Texas Tech
Kholeton Sanchez

UT San Antonio
Tyler Straub

What are your thoughts?

If Onate wins the 6A title where would it rank Saul Perez among top coaches? He would have two rings.
Who is more likely to play for the 6A Final Four. 6. Albuquerque High or 5 Valley?
In 4A, what team could you honestly see beating Hope?
The better chance to make the Final Four. 5. Santa Rosa or 6 Laguna?
What 10-16 seed could you see winning a first round game?
What will be the biggest upset this state tournament?
Any double digit teams going to make the Final Four?
Where does Jim Murphy rank all-time for head coaches?

What teams have overachieved this season?

Just saw this breaking news. It could mean that NMSU drops to FCS.

http://www.lcsun-news.com/story/spo...lt-votes-proceed-without-nmsu-idaho/81153448/

What are your thoughts?

Who Will Be The Next Head Coach at Artesia?

What were they throughout history?

Updated

Breaking: Santa Fe High Public Schools has disqualified itself from the state tournament following a hazing incident that happened last month. The Demons were seeded no. 16 in the tournament and will be replaced by the Eldorado Eagles. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican Santa Fe Public Schools have placed Head Coach David Rodriguez on leave as the investigation continues.

Post Your First Round Upset Here

Best Basketball Jobs In New Mexico

1v16: Most Likely To Lose

Last Call: Visiting Coach of the Year

Please post nominations here

Poll: What #1 Won't Win The State Tournament?

Top 15 First-Round Games
Joshua J Grine

1. No. 10 Gadsden vs No. 7 Rio Grande, 6A: I've been tough on Rio Grande picking them as my upset pick. However, I wouldn't be shocked to see them play in the Final Four either. Gadsden and Cano are a headline this season, a team you have to like.

2. No. 6 Albuquerque High vs No. 11 Rio Rancho, 6A: My Cinderella, Final Four team, is the Rams this season. I like Clay Patterson, Juan Hurt and the full court attacking Rams. Keyshawn Banks is a fun, little mentioned, forward that bringss energy in the paint

3. No. 11 Goddard at No. 6 Los Lunas, 5A: Another game mentioned in the upset alert feature but this one should also be in the game to watch if you are in the area. They bring a wealth of player talent along with two top coaches in the state of New Mexico.

4. No. 14 Las Cruces vs No. 3 Cibola, 6A: Maybe not mentioned much this post season this matchup could also be considered in the upset feature. However, we are really high on Cibola and they could be the pick to win it all. LC brings a state title coach in William Benjamin along with a tough as nails, Allen Iverson comparison type, of guard in Markus Collins.

5. No. 11 Santa Fe Indian at No. 6 Bloomfield, 4A: Not just because of the headlines the Braves have had most recently but the fact that it will be sold out and features a Brave team playing well as of late. Bloomfield, however, is a team you want to keep an eye on this post season.

6. No. 10 Navajo Prep at No. 7 Estancia, 3A: Navajo Prep is having one of the best years on the boy's side and they could be in store for an uspet and head to the Metro area for the second round.

7. No. 9 Sandia at No. 8 Hobbs, 6A: Sandia has ventured down to Hobbs, as mentioned by posters - a game I remember. Again, we could see the Matadors going into Tasker and getting a win. The Matadors feature some quality prospects to match up well against the Hobbs players. Pierre Swain is the highlight name for the Eagles but the Matadors have a few defensive minded guards to keep an eye on.

8. No. 12 Shiprock at No. 5 Silver, 4A: If you are in the area, this is one game you want to watch. The Chieftains are coming in on a win streak after winning the 1-4A tournament and a well coached team. Silver, is one of the better, underrated programs in the state and could be a Final Four pick by many.

9. No. 13 Volcano Vista at No. No. 4 Carlsbad, 6A: The Hawks feature a junior forward in Cormier that is a fun, highlight type of player that could take over when he wants too. Carlsbad is the preseason favorite that is playing better and better each week and feature a player that could be ranked in the top 10.

10. No. 10 Belen at No. 7 Gallup, 5A: Colton Lowely and the Gallup Bengals will host a sold out Bengals gym on Saturday night. This town loves its basketball and this one has "too-close" for comfort written all over it.

The Rest

11. Taos at West Las Vegas
12. Socorro at Pojoaque
13. Wingate at Robertson
14. Dora at Fort Sumber.
15. St. Pius at Centennial