2016 State Tournament First Round Preview
Joshua J Grine
Today, we breakdown the first round and preview the weekend games around the state of New Mexico.
More: 3A-1A State Tournament Headquarters
Previews will be updated throughout the day
CLASS 3A
3A - 1st Quadrant
#1 Lordsburg (25-1)
#8 Mesilla Valley (15-12)
#9 Dulce (17-6)
#16 Capitan (!1-15)
The Pick: Lordsburg
Players: David Ellison (Capitan), Oliver Schultz (Capitan), Jacob Esquivel (Lorsdburg), Raymond Saucedo (Lordsburg), Johnny Plowman (Lordsburg), Tyrese Morgan (Dulce), Scott Chavez (Dulce)
Lordsburg vs Capitan: The two teams will square off for the third time being from the same district. Lordsburg took the first two contests, most recently on the 19th of February 63-29. Lordsburg has one of the best teams in the entire state regardless of classification led by a trio in Jacob Esquivel, Raymond Saucedo and Johnny Plowman.
Mesilla Valley vs Dulce: If you are looking for a low key upset game this might be the game as Dulce is having one of their best years yet. The defending 3A champ Mesilla Valley Son Blazers having a quality year but down from normal comparison. They have been decent at home but 6-4 is not dominate and you have Dulce at 8-2 on the road this season coming in looking for an upset.
3A - 2nd Quadrant
#4 Tucumcari (18-5)
#5 Santa Rosa (18-10)
#12 Loving (14-10)
#13 Desert Academy (17-12)
The Pick: Tucumcari
Players: John Paul Garcia (Tucumcari), Tomas Rodriguez (Desert Academy), Joel Hernandez (Loving), Alex Gonzales (Loving), Joseph Esquibel (Santa Rosa)
Tucumcari vs Desert Academy: Maybe one of the tougher games for a 4-seed as Desert Academy has proven they could contend with the best of the teams this season. This quadrant likely one of the best in 3A will have a dog fight. John Paul Garcia is one of the best overall players in the classification and if you give room he will make big time plays.
Santa Rosa vs Loving: Both teams can put up points averaging around 70 points per contest. Santa Rosa brings their patient offense, well coached program to the table in a season that has Final Four and possibly more.
3A - 3rd Quadrant
#3 Pecos (21-6)
#6 Laguna-Acoma (20-7)
#11 Tularosa (15-12)
#14 Cuba (15-12)
The Pick: Pecos
Players: Mario Archuleta (Pecos), Cameron Quintana (Pecos), Arturo Archuleta (Pecos), Carlos Cordova (Pecos), Trevon Charlie (Laguna-Acoma), Matt Sanchez (Laguna-Acoma), Sean Martin (Laguna-Acoma), Kameron Joe (Laguna-Acoma), Cameron Sheppard (Tularosa), Robert Silve (Tularosa), Michael Sheridan (Tularosa)
Pecos vs Cuba: The Panthers of Pecos are having one of their best years under head coach Ira Harge after a long rebuilding mode from their best year nearly five years ago, a Final Four under Clyde Sanchez. The Panthers can play uptempo or in the half court with Cuba a little more inconsistent against different qualities of opponents.
Laguna-Acoma vs Tularosa: The two programs have ties as Tularosa head coach Sergio Castanon was the lead assistant when LA won the state title in 2013. This year the two met in a close contest, creating what could be the best game to watch in the 3A opening round bracket. Laguna is known more for their offense, well press that leads to high point games, while Tularosa is better in their halfcourt offense.
3A - 4th Quadrant
#2 Texico (18-5)
#7 Estancia (22-6)
#10 Navajo Prep (20-7)
#15 Tohatchi (13-16)
The Pick: Texico
Players: Brannon Karger (Texico), Tanner Dickerman (Texico),
Texico vs Tohatchi: It looks evident that the Wolverines are ready for another Final Four run in 3A basketball. This could be one of the better Wolverine teams as they 18-5 on the season and look like the favorite being 7-1 at home. Tohatchi made a last chance approach to earn a bid into the state tournament by winning their District tournament.
Estancia vs Navajo Prep: Estancia has had a successful season, something building for a few years but will be a contest that has upset on the horizon. Veteran head coach Rick Hoerner, former Piedra Vista head coach, has Navajo Prep with one of their best years that resulted in a regular season district championship.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 2A
2A - 1st Quadrant
#1 Melrose (22-3)
#8 Ft. Sumner (14-13)
#9 Dora (18-11)
#16 Cloudcroft (10-15)
The Pick: Melrose
Players: Cade Barnard (Melrose), Wyatt Williams (Melrose), Raymond Drake (Ft. Sumner), Dalton Privett (Dora), Luke King (Cloudcroft)
Melrose vs Cloudcroft: Cloudcroft will have to play near to perfect they want to pull the upset in this contest. In the first meeting between the two Melrose won 67-30, up 32-18 at half before a 26-6 third quarter to put a nail in the game. Cade Barnard, only a sophomore, is one of the top players in the classification up for player of the year in 2A.
Fort Sumner vs Dora: District opponents will square off once again, only this time in an elimination game to their season. Fort Sumner leads the series 2-1 right now. Dora features Dalton Privett only player in conversation for player of the year in 2A.
2A - 2nd Quadrant
#4 Escalante (20-7)
#5 Gateway Christian (18-5)
#12 Jemez Valley (14-14)
#13 Navajo Pine (17-10)
The Pick: Gateway Christian
Players: Jojo Hurd (Escalante), Dominic Montano (Escalante), Johnny Worrall (Gateway Christian), Trevor Armijo (Jemez Valley)
Escalante vs Navajo Pine: This quadrant might be the toughest as all four teams are District Champions. Escalante's Jojo Hurd is one of the best players in the classification and will be a handful for the Warriors of Navajo Pine. Hurd, has size and strength that will create issues for Navajo Pine on match ups.
Gateway Christian vs Jemez Valley: Johnny Worrall, who has committed to play basketball at the next level, is one special player to watch after averaging 22 points per contest.
2A - 3rd Quadrant
#3 Magdalena (22-5)
#6 Mesa Vista (15-12)
#11 Logan (11-15)
#14 McCurdy (11-12)
The Pick: Logan
Players: Jorrell Mirabal (Magdalena), Anthony Pino (Magdalena), Jordan Sanchez (McCurdy), Alejandro Croff (McCurdy), Mike Estrada (Logan), Brinton Roach (Logan)
Magdalena vs McCurdy: Magdalena, the defending 2A champions, will have a tall order in the opening round as they look to defend their title. McCurdy a ''scrappy'' team could play major upset and will be on alert in this contest. However, another sophomore is in consideration for 2A player of the year for the Steers in Jorrell Mirabal a sweet shooting guard.
Mesa Vista vs Logan: We did pick the upset in this contest but the Trojans of Mesa Vista will be one of the more veteran type of teams with 9-seniors on the roster. Both teams are evenly matched up as both score around 55 points per game but the Longhorns will use experience from playing several times in The PIT on the final day including a runner up last season. Brinton Roach will look to make each basket count in this upset bid, as we have the 11-seed going to the Final Four.
2A - 4th Quadrant
#2 Mora (22-3)
#7 Menaul (19-9)
#10 Hagerman (15-12)
#15 Questa (11-15)
The Pick: Mora
Players: Casimiro Fresquez (Mora), Santiago Laumbach (Mora), Emmerick Martinez (Mora), Devon Torres (Hagerman), Michael Ou (Menaul), Hunter King (Menaul)
Mora vs Questa: Nothing is more difficult in basketball than beating a team four times in one season. The 2-seed Rangers will have that task at hand. The good news for Ranger fans is the fact they have a great coach to lead the way and a trio in Fresquez, Laumbach and Martinez, making them a favorite to win it all.
Hagerman vs Menaul: When it comes to small school division there is a short list of programs we consider powers and the Bobcats sit atop that list with the likes of Cliff and more recently Hondo Valley. However, another tall order, literally, in an upset bid as Menaul features 6-foot-8 forward Michael Ou but also a rising coach in Gary Boatman who is building a solid program at Menaul.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 1A
1A - 1st Quadrant
#1. Cliff (18-6)
#8. Santa Fe Waldorf (17-5)
#9. Reserve (11-15)
#16. Des Moines (7-18)
The Pick: Cliff
Top Players: Holt Shelley (Cliff), Tristan Fletcher (Reserve), Augie Ciafalo (Santa Fe Waldorf)
Cliff vs Des Moines: The Cowboys are the 1A power in the state. Des Moines has three seniors taking the lead in the state tournament. They have struggled defensively allowing 65 points per game. They will have to contain a Cowboy team that can score in a heart beat.
Santa Fe Waldorf vs Reserve: Both teams can score and will be who starts off hot as Santa Fe Waldorf has been known to get off to solid starts. For Reserve Tristan Fletcher is the prospect to watch averaging 21.8 ppg and 11.6 rebounds.
1A - 2nd Quadrant
#4 Maxwell (20-6)
#5 Quemado (21-7)
#12 Carrizozo (11-15)
#13 Floyd (8-17)
The Pick: Maxwell
Players: Carl Gonzales (Maxwell), Andrew Archuleta (Maxwell)
Maxwell vs Floyd: In the Maxwell Bears you have to like the roster and talent on this team. They play in a tough district and will be led behind Carl Gonzales and Andrew Archuleta.
Quemado vs Carrizozo: An interesting match up with Quemado and Carrizozo, two teams that are evenly matched on the offensive end, however Quemado might be the better of the two when it comes to consistency on the offensive side.
1A - 3rd Quadrant
#3 Hondo Valley (26-2)
#6 Grady (19-6)
#11 Cimarron (13-15)
#14 Coronado (9-15)
The Pick: Hondo Valley
Players: Jordan Brady (Hondo), Simon Gonzales (Hondo),
Hondo vs Coronado: This one like many of the Hondo Eagles games should be one with reserves finding minutes. Jordan Brady is one of the leaders and players to watch this post season in 1A.
Grady vs Cimarron; A match where an upset could happen, with a Cimarron team that plays well the entire game. Grady however brings a senior loaded team that could be a pick for the Final Four.
1A - 4th Quadrant
#2 Springer (23-4)
#7 Vaughn (22-5)
#10 San Jon (12-12)
#15 Mosquero (10-14)
The Pick: Springer
Players: Isaiah Garcia (Springer), Jacob Quintana (Springer),
Springer vs Mosquero: Another quick scoring team in 1A basketball the Springer Devils start hot and keep pouring on the points this season. They average around 66 points per game and Mosquero needs to try and keep up with them as they only score around 45 a game.
Vaughn vs San Jon: Vaughn has been battle tested this season and will be the favorite in this contest, with 1A being a game of explosions on the offensive side and Vaughn brings a better fire power. However, San Jon plays well on the road at 6-3 and will look to keep the game in the low 50's or 40's where the have success.
Joshua J Grine
Today, we breakdown the first round and preview the weekend games around the state of New Mexico.
More: 3A-1A State Tournament Headquarters
Previews will be updated throughout the day
CLASS 3A
3A - 1st Quadrant
#1 Lordsburg (25-1)
#8 Mesilla Valley (15-12)
#9 Dulce (17-6)
#16 Capitan (!1-15)
The Pick: Lordsburg
Players: David Ellison (Capitan), Oliver Schultz (Capitan), Jacob Esquivel (Lorsdburg), Raymond Saucedo (Lordsburg), Johnny Plowman (Lordsburg), Tyrese Morgan (Dulce), Scott Chavez (Dulce)
Lordsburg vs Capitan: The two teams will square off for the third time being from the same district. Lordsburg took the first two contests, most recently on the 19th of February 63-29. Lordsburg has one of the best teams in the entire state regardless of classification led by a trio in Jacob Esquivel, Raymond Saucedo and Johnny Plowman.
Mesilla Valley vs Dulce: If you are looking for a low key upset game this might be the game as Dulce is having one of their best years yet. The defending 3A champ Mesilla Valley Son Blazers having a quality year but down from normal comparison. They have been decent at home but 6-4 is not dominate and you have Dulce at 8-2 on the road this season coming in looking for an upset.
3A - 2nd Quadrant
#4 Tucumcari (18-5)
#5 Santa Rosa (18-10)
#12 Loving (14-10)
#13 Desert Academy (17-12)
The Pick: Tucumcari
Players: John Paul Garcia (Tucumcari), Tomas Rodriguez (Desert Academy), Joel Hernandez (Loving), Alex Gonzales (Loving), Joseph Esquibel (Santa Rosa)
Tucumcari vs Desert Academy: Maybe one of the tougher games for a 4-seed as Desert Academy has proven they could contend with the best of the teams this season. This quadrant likely one of the best in 3A will have a dog fight. John Paul Garcia is one of the best overall players in the classification and if you give room he will make big time plays.
Santa Rosa vs Loving: Both teams can put up points averaging around 70 points per contest. Santa Rosa brings their patient offense, well coached program to the table in a season that has Final Four and possibly more.
3A - 3rd Quadrant
#3 Pecos (21-6)
#6 Laguna-Acoma (20-7)
#11 Tularosa (15-12)
#14 Cuba (15-12)
The Pick: Pecos
Players: Mario Archuleta (Pecos), Cameron Quintana (Pecos), Arturo Archuleta (Pecos), Carlos Cordova (Pecos), Trevon Charlie (Laguna-Acoma), Matt Sanchez (Laguna-Acoma), Sean Martin (Laguna-Acoma), Kameron Joe (Laguna-Acoma), Cameron Sheppard (Tularosa), Robert Silve (Tularosa), Michael Sheridan (Tularosa)
Pecos vs Cuba: The Panthers of Pecos are having one of their best years under head coach Ira Harge after a long rebuilding mode from their best year nearly five years ago, a Final Four under Clyde Sanchez. The Panthers can play uptempo or in the half court with Cuba a little more inconsistent against different qualities of opponents.
Laguna-Acoma vs Tularosa: The two programs have ties as Tularosa head coach Sergio Castanon was the lead assistant when LA won the state title in 2013. This year the two met in a close contest, creating what could be the best game to watch in the 3A opening round bracket. Laguna is known more for their offense, well press that leads to high point games, while Tularosa is better in their halfcourt offense.
3A - 4th Quadrant
#2 Texico (18-5)
#7 Estancia (22-6)
#10 Navajo Prep (20-7)
#15 Tohatchi (13-16)
The Pick: Texico
Players: Brannon Karger (Texico), Tanner Dickerman (Texico),
Texico vs Tohatchi: It looks evident that the Wolverines are ready for another Final Four run in 3A basketball. This could be one of the better Wolverine teams as they 18-5 on the season and look like the favorite being 7-1 at home. Tohatchi made a last chance approach to earn a bid into the state tournament by winning their District tournament.
Estancia vs Navajo Prep: Estancia has had a successful season, something building for a few years but will be a contest that has upset on the horizon. Veteran head coach Rick Hoerner, former Piedra Vista head coach, has Navajo Prep with one of their best years that resulted in a regular season district championship.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 2A
2A - 1st Quadrant
#1 Melrose (22-3)
#8 Ft. Sumner (14-13)
#9 Dora (18-11)
#16 Cloudcroft (10-15)
The Pick: Melrose
Players: Cade Barnard (Melrose), Wyatt Williams (Melrose), Raymond Drake (Ft. Sumner), Dalton Privett (Dora), Luke King (Cloudcroft)
Melrose vs Cloudcroft: Cloudcroft will have to play near to perfect they want to pull the upset in this contest. In the first meeting between the two Melrose won 67-30, up 32-18 at half before a 26-6 third quarter to put a nail in the game. Cade Barnard, only a sophomore, is one of the top players in the classification up for player of the year in 2A.
Fort Sumner vs Dora: District opponents will square off once again, only this time in an elimination game to their season. Fort Sumner leads the series 2-1 right now. Dora features Dalton Privett only player in conversation for player of the year in 2A.
2A - 2nd Quadrant
#4 Escalante (20-7)
#5 Gateway Christian (18-5)
#12 Jemez Valley (14-14)
#13 Navajo Pine (17-10)
The Pick: Gateway Christian
Players: Jojo Hurd (Escalante), Dominic Montano (Escalante), Johnny Worrall (Gateway Christian), Trevor Armijo (Jemez Valley)
Escalante vs Navajo Pine: This quadrant might be the toughest as all four teams are District Champions. Escalante's Jojo Hurd is one of the best players in the classification and will be a handful for the Warriors of Navajo Pine. Hurd, has size and strength that will create issues for Navajo Pine on match ups.
Gateway Christian vs Jemez Valley: Johnny Worrall, who has committed to play basketball at the next level, is one special player to watch after averaging 22 points per contest.
2A - 3rd Quadrant
#3 Magdalena (22-5)
#6 Mesa Vista (15-12)
#11 Logan (11-15)
#14 McCurdy (11-12)
The Pick: Logan
Players: Jorrell Mirabal (Magdalena), Anthony Pino (Magdalena), Jordan Sanchez (McCurdy), Alejandro Croff (McCurdy), Mike Estrada (Logan), Brinton Roach (Logan)
Magdalena vs McCurdy: Magdalena, the defending 2A champions, will have a tall order in the opening round as they look to defend their title. McCurdy a ''scrappy'' team could play major upset and will be on alert in this contest. However, another sophomore is in consideration for 2A player of the year for the Steers in Jorrell Mirabal a sweet shooting guard.
Mesa Vista vs Logan: We did pick the upset in this contest but the Trojans of Mesa Vista will be one of the more veteran type of teams with 9-seniors on the roster. Both teams are evenly matched up as both score around 55 points per game but the Longhorns will use experience from playing several times in The PIT on the final day including a runner up last season. Brinton Roach will look to make each basket count in this upset bid, as we have the 11-seed going to the Final Four.
2A - 4th Quadrant
#2 Mora (22-3)
#7 Menaul (19-9)
#10 Hagerman (15-12)
#15 Questa (11-15)
The Pick: Mora
Players: Casimiro Fresquez (Mora), Santiago Laumbach (Mora), Emmerick Martinez (Mora), Devon Torres (Hagerman), Michael Ou (Menaul), Hunter King (Menaul)
Mora vs Questa: Nothing is more difficult in basketball than beating a team four times in one season. The 2-seed Rangers will have that task at hand. The good news for Ranger fans is the fact they have a great coach to lead the way and a trio in Fresquez, Laumbach and Martinez, making them a favorite to win it all.
Hagerman vs Menaul: When it comes to small school division there is a short list of programs we consider powers and the Bobcats sit atop that list with the likes of Cliff and more recently Hondo Valley. However, another tall order, literally, in an upset bid as Menaul features 6-foot-8 forward Michael Ou but also a rising coach in Gary Boatman who is building a solid program at Menaul.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 1A
1A - 1st Quadrant
#1. Cliff (18-6)
#8. Santa Fe Waldorf (17-5)
#9. Reserve (11-15)
#16. Des Moines (7-18)
The Pick: Cliff
Top Players: Holt Shelley (Cliff), Tristan Fletcher (Reserve), Augie Ciafalo (Santa Fe Waldorf)
Cliff vs Des Moines: The Cowboys are the 1A power in the state. Des Moines has three seniors taking the lead in the state tournament. They have struggled defensively allowing 65 points per game. They will have to contain a Cowboy team that can score in a heart beat.
Santa Fe Waldorf vs Reserve: Both teams can score and will be who starts off hot as Santa Fe Waldorf has been known to get off to solid starts. For Reserve Tristan Fletcher is the prospect to watch averaging 21.8 ppg and 11.6 rebounds.
1A - 2nd Quadrant
#4 Maxwell (20-6)
#5 Quemado (21-7)
#12 Carrizozo (11-15)
#13 Floyd (8-17)
The Pick: Maxwell
Players: Carl Gonzales (Maxwell), Andrew Archuleta (Maxwell)
Maxwell vs Floyd: In the Maxwell Bears you have to like the roster and talent on this team. They play in a tough district and will be led behind Carl Gonzales and Andrew Archuleta.
Quemado vs Carrizozo: An interesting match up with Quemado and Carrizozo, two teams that are evenly matched on the offensive end, however Quemado might be the better of the two when it comes to consistency on the offensive side.
1A - 3rd Quadrant
#3 Hondo Valley (26-2)
#6 Grady (19-6)
#11 Cimarron (13-15)
#14 Coronado (9-15)
The Pick: Hondo Valley
Players: Jordan Brady (Hondo), Simon Gonzales (Hondo),
Hondo vs Coronado: This one like many of the Hondo Eagles games should be one with reserves finding minutes. Jordan Brady is one of the leaders and players to watch this post season in 1A.
Grady vs Cimarron; A match where an upset could happen, with a Cimarron team that plays well the entire game. Grady however brings a senior loaded team that could be a pick for the Final Four.
1A - 4th Quadrant
#2 Springer (23-4)
#7 Vaughn (22-5)
#10 San Jon (12-12)
#15 Mosquero (10-14)
The Pick: Springer
Players: Isaiah Garcia (Springer), Jacob Quintana (Springer),
Springer vs Mosquero: Another quick scoring team in 1A basketball the Springer Devils start hot and keep pouring on the points this season. They average around 66 points per game and Mosquero needs to try and keep up with them as they only score around 45 a game.
Vaughn vs San Jon: Vaughn has been battle tested this season and will be the favorite in this contest, with 1A being a game of explosions on the offensive side and Vaughn brings a better fire power. However, San Jon plays well on the road at 6-3 and will look to keep the game in the low 50's or 40's where the have success.
Last edited:
