2020/2021 5A Way Too Early Team Rankings
NMPreps.com will countdown every team in each classification for the 2020/2021 basketball season.
No. 5 Hobbs Eagles
2019-2020 Record: 18-10 overall, 5-1 in district
Head Coach; Shelby Reeves
Scoop: The Eagles return this season after missing the elite eight in 2020, after being upset in the first round to the 10-seed Elorado Eagles. The Eagles will run on the shoulders of sweet shooting guard Jalen Goar (2022) who is regarded as one of the best three-pointer specialist in the state. Goar, however, is quick off the dribble and can get to the rim and will look more as a go-to player this coming season. The Eagles will also feature a handful of new names, some last names with history for the Eagles, but one newcomer to watch will be Caurtrney Morgan (2022). Morgan is a shot blocking, rim runner, that moves very well in transition. This Eagles team has the potential to be in the Final Four and become the dark horse of the classification.
No. 6 Alamogordo Tigers
2019-2020 Record: 15-12 overall, 4-8 in district
Head Coach: James Voight
Scoop: This could come as a surprise with the Tigers being in the top-6 of the NMPreps preseason basketball rankings. The Tigers have some serious talent returning this season and could feature one of their better teams in years. After a 12-3 start to last season the Tigers had some roster adjustments and ended up only winning three of the final nine games. A few key players to keep a close eye on this season - Ivan Bernal (2021/PG), Scott Mullin (2022/F), and Davion Smith (2023/G) along with fellow senior Harlon Gilbert. The Tigers have a chance to be really good, they are still young, but have senior talent that could have them fighting to be an Elite 8/Final Four type of team.
No. 7 Atrisco Heritage Jaguars
2019-2020 Record: 17-9 overall, 6-2 in district
Head Coach: Adrian Ortega
Scoop: The Atrisco Heritage Jaguars, after winning back-to-back state championships in 2018 & 2019, took a small step back falling in the first round of state. The Jaguars still had a successful season winning 17-games and making state. The bad news: they lose stud guard Joziah Ramos, a former Mr. Basketball in New Mexico, a do-all for the Jaguars for three years. The good news for the Jaguars is they now pass the torch to Isaiah Brooks (2021) who will need to see his numbers and role increase now that Ramos is gone (playing at Western New Mexico University). The roster will also feature fellow 2021 member Malachi Hernandez-Crawford but the excitement for this squad is a young roster that could once again rule for a pair of years with experience. This may seem high as others have them in the top-5 but I'd say they are a year away from being back at the top.
No. 8 Volcano Vista Hawks
2019-2020 Record: 21-9 overall, 3-5 in district
Head Coach: Greg Brown
Scoop: The Volcano Vista Hawks opened the 2019-2020 season with a 13-game win streak and looking every bit as early favorites to win it all after a solid start. They would go 8-9 the rest of the way and dropped in the standings; however, they would make a pair of upset as the 12-seed with wins over 5-seed Atrisco Heritage and 4-seed Onate at state and reached the Final Four. They eventually fell to Las Cruces who would go on to win the championship. Well, were to turn now for the Hawks? They lose Terrin Dickey and Dion Battle but the roster is in place for another run. We split the difference and put them at 8 but they could again be looking at a Final Four run. Noah Cunningham (2021), Kaden Valdez (2022), and Jakwon Hill (2022) create a serious trio for the Hawks.
No. 9 Roswell Coyotes
2019-2020 Record: 19-10 overall, 3-3 in district
Head Coach: Dude Burrola
Scoop: An early debate could be with the Coyotes being in the top-10 heading into the 2021 season. The Coyotes have featured two very talented rosters the last two seasons and this year they'll bring back some experienced players. Obviously the loss of Dominic Nava from last season hurt buts they return shooter Tarren Burrola (2021) who put in 16 per game last season along with pulling down 4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. TJ Fletcher (2021) and Alonzo Acosta (2021) also have some hype as the extra pieces to this roster.
No. 10 Capital Jaguars
2019-2020 Record: 28-5 overall, 9-1 in district
Head Coach: Ben Gomez
Scoop: The Jaguars are coming off a 28-win season and trip to the 5A State Championship game, where they fell 65-53 to Las Cruces High School. The Jaguars however, made huge strides forward and once again sitting near the top of the basketball world in New Mexico - where Gomez had them during his first tenure at the helm. Looking forward they now need to replace a dynamic player like TJ Sanchez and guard Brandon Saiz along with Chano Herrera. Looking to fill the void with be Dominic Luna (2021) who will need to take on a much bigger scoring role. The Jaguars will regroup well and a favorite to win the district championship again this season but need to replace key players from last season. If you're a betting man this is only a starting slot for the Jaguars and could move up by the end of January.
No. 11 Los Lunas Tigers
2019-2020 Record: 17-11 overall, 7-1 in district
Head Coach: Travis Julian
The Tigers will move up from 4A basketball for the two-year block. The Tigers fell in the opening round last season but have a pair of state championship runner up trophies during their stay in 4A basketball (2019 & 2014). Looking forward the Tigers return Josiah Navarro (2021), who averaged 13 points per game for the Tigers last season. They'll miss the inside presence of Bryce Santana but if Tyler Kiehne (2021) suits up he will fill the void and could become an all-state hoops player too.
No. 12 La Cueva Bears
2019-2020 Record: 17-9 overall, 7-1 district
Head Coach: Brian Joyce
The Bears made an impressive hire this off-season in bring former Bear and college assistant Brian Joyce back to New Mexico. The Bears also bring back some experience in the form of top-two sport athlete in Ja'Shon Lowery (2021), who could be an all-state football and basketball player. They also feature Xavier Ayers (2023) who was one of the more impressive freshmen in New Mexico. We actually had the Bears hire initially and we wouldn't be shocked if they somehow end up in the top-5 by March 2021.
No. 13 Eldorado Eagles
2019-2020: 23-6 overall, 6-2 district
Head Coach: Roy Sanchez
Scoop: The Eagles are going through another transition and this time a big one losing the likes of Deraje Agbaosi and Jayvon Jefferson. The good news for the Eagles is the fact that the 2021 season will be like any other and a rebuild is okay. 5A for that matter could shift around each week and any team fighting to snag a top-8 seed. The district is also up for grabs and could go to any of the teams in the district.
No 14 Onate Knights
2019-2020 Record: 26-5 overall, 9-3 in district
Head Coach: Michael Nanez
Scoop: Some rebuilding will have to take place at Onate will the graduation of Ricky Lujan. The Knights who played a senior led group last season will be filling plenty of voids outside of Lujan. A good area to start for the Knights is with shooting guard Erick Meraz (2021) who can let it fly. The Knights stay in the district with the likes of Las Cruces, Mayfield, Centennial, Alamogordo, Deming and Gadsden for next season.
No. 15 Santa Fe Demons
2019-2020 Record: 23-6 overall, 9-1 in district
Head Coach: Zack Cole
Spring Scoop: The Santa Fe Demons are now a season away from their state championship appearance. The Demons will now be part of a transition with the loss of University of New Mexico commit JB White, who will graduate a year early and leave SFHS. The Demons also need to replace Carlos Dassaro who contributed to the Demons last season. The good news? The Demons will return 10 varsity experienced players. The Demons could actually, with their current position, could be one that we have to re-think come mid-season. Head coach Zack Cole tends to get the best out of his teams They have a core of Paul Lovato (2022), Cruz Martinez (2021), and Cody Garcia (2021) to lead the way this coming season.
High-Low: The Demons are going to shoot up the rankings. We played on the side of uncertainty during their transition. Martinez can score and will have to take on an even bigger role to carry them back into the top-10.
No. 16 Cibola Cougars
2019-2020 Record: 9-19 overall, 2-6 district
Head Coach: Ray Rodriguez
Spring Scoop: The Cibola Cougars enter 2020/2021 season off one of the lowest win totals in a three-year stretches under head coach Ray Rodriguez. The Cougars are 15-60 in this three year stretch and hoping to make a big turnaround. They do lose their leading scorer but a duo in Brady Arrenius (2022) and Jacob Olivares (2021) could be enough to get back in the double-digit win category, they've only been under .500 three times (2018-2020) during Rodriguez's 22-year tenure at Cibola.
High-Low: The Cougars have a chance at being a sneaky good squad. I wouldn't be shocked to see them at a 10-8 seed but also wouldn't be surprised to see them 14-18 range again.
======= OUTSIDE THE POWER-16==========
No. 17 Centennial Hawks
Last Season: 14-15 overall, 8-4 district
Head Coach: Johnathan Martinez
Skinny: The Centennial Hawks were up and down last season and a true 12-16 range team. They went 14-15 last season and reached the state tournament as a 15-seed. Overall, the Hawks outplayed their projection and made some noise finishing third in district play. The bad news: for the Hawks is losing five of their top six scorers. The good news: they return Jesus Luna-Alvarado (2021) who averaged 9 points per game with 5.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
No. 18 Gadsden Panthers
Last Season: 15-14 overall, 5-7 district
Head Coach: Juan Gonzales
Skinny: Right off the bat this could be too low for the Panthers and we will likely see them back in the 20's for the 2020/2021 season. They are coming off one of their better years in basketball and had a great season but with the loss of their top two guns will hurt them. The good news is they return a roster of players who has experienced winning. Anthony Lara (2022) could be a riser this season.
No. 19 Sandia Matadors
Last Season: 8-18 overall, 4-6 district
Head Coach: Danny Brown
Skinny: The Matadors are entering year two under head coach Danny Brown and looking to improve from an 8-win season. The Matadors only graduate a couple players and bring back some players that give excitement to next season. One of those prospects is Sean Johnson (2022) who had a couple big games in district play.
No. 20 Carlsbad Cavemen
Last Season: 14-14 overall, 0-6 district
Head Coach: Steve Garza
Skinny: The Cavemen are projected to take another step back next season. They lost their top player mid-season, they also graduate a talent in Shamar Smith, and this could be the start of rebuild. The good news? They only graduate four players. They do return some size inside with 6-1 forward Ayden Parent (2021), 6-5 post Tylen Gonzales (2023) and 6-3 wing Damien Perez.
No. 21 Mayfield Trojans
Last Season: 8-19 overall, 4-8 district
Head Coach: Brad Bailey
Notes: The good news for the Trojans is that despite an 8-win season they return their top-six leading scorers from last season. Nick Biad, a 6-3 center, returns in the paint after putting up 10 points and 5 rebounds per game last season.
No. 22 West Mesa Mustangs
Last Season: 12-14 overall, 5-3 district
Head Coach: Shonn Schroer
Outlook: The early indication would show a drop for the Mustangs who are coming off a 12-win season when they had plenty of promise heading into the year. They lose top shooting guard Eloy Medina and will have six graduating seniors. The intriguing part about West Mesa could be in the shooting of 2023 shooting guard Sonny Ortiz who could get hot; had a game this season with 6-3 pointers as a freshman.
No. 23 Albuquerque Bulldogs
Last Season: 12-15 overall, 5-5 district
Head Coach: Ron Garcia
Outlook: The Bulldogs had plenty of promise going into last season but just didn't have enough to get into the post season. The Bulldogs also lose do-all point guard Jude Tapia who graduates this Spring. The Bulldogs also lose six seniors on their eleven man roster from last season. Lamar Rogers (2021/Wing) could be one to watch for the Bulldogs.
No. 24 Manzano Monarchs
Last Season: 8-17 overall, 3-7 district
Head Coach: Dominick Romero
Outlook: The Manzano Monarchs could be in a rebuild type of mode. They ended last season on a four game skid and graduate their top three leading scorers and six of their top 7. They were a senior heavy squad last season. Junior forward Dylan Grube (6-foot-3) is the lone contributor with 6 points and 5 rebounds per contest.
No. 25 Farmington Scorpions
Last Season: 10-17 overall, 2-6 district
Head Coach: Larry Don Chitty
Outlook: The Scorpions program has been spiraling downward since they let go of Paul Corely in 2018, they had a couple 20-win seasons. Since then they have had two head coaches in three years. Assuming head coach Chitty returns for a second year it could be another trying season with the graduation of 6 of the 11 players from last season. The other tough news is playing in the biggest classification in Nm basketball.
No. 26 Deming Wildcats
Last Season: 5-19 overall, 1-11 district
Head Coach: JD Longoria
Outlook: The Wildcats have struggled as a program with seven consecutive seasons under .500; the last winning season was 2012-2013 with a 21-8 year. We should add that they were a class below during that 20-win season. We will say that they do have a pair of 2021 players that could get them back into the 10-win range. Watch for Jordan Cabellero (2021/G) and 6-foot-4 Christian Pacheco (2021/F) along a possible trio of 6-4 wing Sebastian Villezcas (2021).
No. 27 Piedra Vista Panthers
Last Season: 5-22 overall (0-8 district)
Head Coach: Brady Rivers
Outlook: Year two under Brady Rivers was much like the first season - a rebuild or build. The Panthers are 14-40 under Rivers but he's had to do an overhaul with the program. Much will be like that in 2021/2022.
No. 28 Rio Grande Ravens
Last Season: 3-22 overall (0-10 district)
Head Coach: Mario Armendariz
Outlook: The Ravens will ride a 17-game losing streak into the new season. Last season was projected to be a rebuild but the road could be bumpy again as we head into the next year.
5A New Classification & District Alignments (28 Schools)
District 1
Atrisco Heritage
Cibola
Cleveland
Rio Rancho
Volcano Vista
District 2
Eldorado
Farmington
La Cueva
Piedra Vista
Sandia
West Mesa
District 3
Alamogordo
Centennial
Deming
Gadsden
Las Cruces
Mayfield
Onate
District 4
Carlsbad
Clovis
Hobbs
Roswell
District 5
Albuquerque
Capital
Los Lunas
Manzano
Rio Grande
Santa Fe
NMPreps.com will countdown every team in each classification for the 2020/2021 basketball season.
No. 5 Hobbs Eagles
2019-2020 Record: 18-10 overall, 5-1 in district
Head Coach; Shelby Reeves
Scoop: The Eagles return this season after missing the elite eight in 2020, after being upset in the first round to the 10-seed Elorado Eagles. The Eagles will run on the shoulders of sweet shooting guard Jalen Goar (2022) who is regarded as one of the best three-pointer specialist in the state. Goar, however, is quick off the dribble and can get to the rim and will look more as a go-to player this coming season. The Eagles will also feature a handful of new names, some last names with history for the Eagles, but one newcomer to watch will be Caurtrney Morgan (2022). Morgan is a shot blocking, rim runner, that moves very well in transition. This Eagles team has the potential to be in the Final Four and become the dark horse of the classification.
No. 6 Alamogordo Tigers
2019-2020 Record: 15-12 overall, 4-8 in district
Head Coach: James Voight
Scoop: This could come as a surprise with the Tigers being in the top-6 of the NMPreps preseason basketball rankings. The Tigers have some serious talent returning this season and could feature one of their better teams in years. After a 12-3 start to last season the Tigers had some roster adjustments and ended up only winning three of the final nine games. A few key players to keep a close eye on this season - Ivan Bernal (2021/PG), Scott Mullin (2022/F), and Davion Smith (2023/G) along with fellow senior Harlon Gilbert. The Tigers have a chance to be really good, they are still young, but have senior talent that could have them fighting to be an Elite 8/Final Four type of team.
No. 7 Atrisco Heritage Jaguars
2019-2020 Record: 17-9 overall, 6-2 in district
Head Coach: Adrian Ortega
Scoop: The Atrisco Heritage Jaguars, after winning back-to-back state championships in 2018 & 2019, took a small step back falling in the first round of state. The Jaguars still had a successful season winning 17-games and making state. The bad news: they lose stud guard Joziah Ramos, a former Mr. Basketball in New Mexico, a do-all for the Jaguars for three years. The good news for the Jaguars is they now pass the torch to Isaiah Brooks (2021) who will need to see his numbers and role increase now that Ramos is gone (playing at Western New Mexico University). The roster will also feature fellow 2021 member Malachi Hernandez-Crawford but the excitement for this squad is a young roster that could once again rule for a pair of years with experience. This may seem high as others have them in the top-5 but I'd say they are a year away from being back at the top.
No. 8 Volcano Vista Hawks
2019-2020 Record: 21-9 overall, 3-5 in district
Head Coach: Greg Brown
Scoop: The Volcano Vista Hawks opened the 2019-2020 season with a 13-game win streak and looking every bit as early favorites to win it all after a solid start. They would go 8-9 the rest of the way and dropped in the standings; however, they would make a pair of upset as the 12-seed with wins over 5-seed Atrisco Heritage and 4-seed Onate at state and reached the Final Four. They eventually fell to Las Cruces who would go on to win the championship. Well, were to turn now for the Hawks? They lose Terrin Dickey and Dion Battle but the roster is in place for another run. We split the difference and put them at 8 but they could again be looking at a Final Four run. Noah Cunningham (2021), Kaden Valdez (2022), and Jakwon Hill (2022) create a serious trio for the Hawks.
No. 9 Roswell Coyotes
2019-2020 Record: 19-10 overall, 3-3 in district
Head Coach: Dude Burrola
Scoop: An early debate could be with the Coyotes being in the top-10 heading into the 2021 season. The Coyotes have featured two very talented rosters the last two seasons and this year they'll bring back some experienced players. Obviously the loss of Dominic Nava from last season hurt buts they return shooter Tarren Burrola (2021) who put in 16 per game last season along with pulling down 4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. TJ Fletcher (2021) and Alonzo Acosta (2021) also have some hype as the extra pieces to this roster.
No. 10 Capital Jaguars
2019-2020 Record: 28-5 overall, 9-1 in district
Head Coach: Ben Gomez
Scoop: The Jaguars are coming off a 28-win season and trip to the 5A State Championship game, where they fell 65-53 to Las Cruces High School. The Jaguars however, made huge strides forward and once again sitting near the top of the basketball world in New Mexico - where Gomez had them during his first tenure at the helm. Looking forward they now need to replace a dynamic player like TJ Sanchez and guard Brandon Saiz along with Chano Herrera. Looking to fill the void with be Dominic Luna (2021) who will need to take on a much bigger scoring role. The Jaguars will regroup well and a favorite to win the district championship again this season but need to replace key players from last season. If you're a betting man this is only a starting slot for the Jaguars and could move up by the end of January.
No. 11 Los Lunas Tigers
2019-2020 Record: 17-11 overall, 7-1 in district
Head Coach: Travis Julian
The Tigers will move up from 4A basketball for the two-year block. The Tigers fell in the opening round last season but have a pair of state championship runner up trophies during their stay in 4A basketball (2019 & 2014). Looking forward the Tigers return Josiah Navarro (2021), who averaged 13 points per game for the Tigers last season. They'll miss the inside presence of Bryce Santana but if Tyler Kiehne (2021) suits up he will fill the void and could become an all-state hoops player too.
No. 12 La Cueva Bears
2019-2020 Record: 17-9 overall, 7-1 district
Head Coach: Brian Joyce
The Bears made an impressive hire this off-season in bring former Bear and college assistant Brian Joyce back to New Mexico. The Bears also bring back some experience in the form of top-two sport athlete in Ja'Shon Lowery (2021), who could be an all-state football and basketball player. They also feature Xavier Ayers (2023) who was one of the more impressive freshmen in New Mexico. We actually had the Bears hire initially and we wouldn't be shocked if they somehow end up in the top-5 by March 2021.
No. 13 Eldorado Eagles
2019-2020: 23-6 overall, 6-2 district
Head Coach: Roy Sanchez
Scoop: The Eagles are going through another transition and this time a big one losing the likes of Deraje Agbaosi and Jayvon Jefferson. The good news for the Eagles is the fact that the 2021 season will be like any other and a rebuild is okay. 5A for that matter could shift around each week and any team fighting to snag a top-8 seed. The district is also up for grabs and could go to any of the teams in the district.
No 14 Onate Knights
2019-2020 Record: 26-5 overall, 9-3 in district
Head Coach: Michael Nanez
Scoop: Some rebuilding will have to take place at Onate will the graduation of Ricky Lujan. The Knights who played a senior led group last season will be filling plenty of voids outside of Lujan. A good area to start for the Knights is with shooting guard Erick Meraz (2021) who can let it fly. The Knights stay in the district with the likes of Las Cruces, Mayfield, Centennial, Alamogordo, Deming and Gadsden for next season.
No. 15 Santa Fe Demons
2019-2020 Record: 23-6 overall, 9-1 in district
Head Coach: Zack Cole
Spring Scoop: The Santa Fe Demons are now a season away from their state championship appearance. The Demons will now be part of a transition with the loss of University of New Mexico commit JB White, who will graduate a year early and leave SFHS. The Demons also need to replace Carlos Dassaro who contributed to the Demons last season. The good news? The Demons will return 10 varsity experienced players. The Demons could actually, with their current position, could be one that we have to re-think come mid-season. Head coach Zack Cole tends to get the best out of his teams They have a core of Paul Lovato (2022), Cruz Martinez (2021), and Cody Garcia (2021) to lead the way this coming season.
High-Low: The Demons are going to shoot up the rankings. We played on the side of uncertainty during their transition. Martinez can score and will have to take on an even bigger role to carry them back into the top-10.
No. 16 Cibola Cougars
2019-2020 Record: 9-19 overall, 2-6 district
Head Coach: Ray Rodriguez
Spring Scoop: The Cibola Cougars enter 2020/2021 season off one of the lowest win totals in a three-year stretches under head coach Ray Rodriguez. The Cougars are 15-60 in this three year stretch and hoping to make a big turnaround. They do lose their leading scorer but a duo in Brady Arrenius (2022) and Jacob Olivares (2021) could be enough to get back in the double-digit win category, they've only been under .500 three times (2018-2020) during Rodriguez's 22-year tenure at Cibola.
High-Low: The Cougars have a chance at being a sneaky good squad. I wouldn't be shocked to see them at a 10-8 seed but also wouldn't be surprised to see them 14-18 range again.
======= OUTSIDE THE POWER-16==========
No. 17 Centennial Hawks
Last Season: 14-15 overall, 8-4 district
Head Coach: Johnathan Martinez
Skinny: The Centennial Hawks were up and down last season and a true 12-16 range team. They went 14-15 last season and reached the state tournament as a 15-seed. Overall, the Hawks outplayed their projection and made some noise finishing third in district play. The bad news: for the Hawks is losing five of their top six scorers. The good news: they return Jesus Luna-Alvarado (2021) who averaged 9 points per game with 5.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
No. 18 Gadsden Panthers
Last Season: 15-14 overall, 5-7 district
Head Coach: Juan Gonzales
Skinny: Right off the bat this could be too low for the Panthers and we will likely see them back in the 20's for the 2020/2021 season. They are coming off one of their better years in basketball and had a great season but with the loss of their top two guns will hurt them. The good news is they return a roster of players who has experienced winning. Anthony Lara (2022) could be a riser this season.
No. 19 Sandia Matadors
Last Season: 8-18 overall, 4-6 district
Head Coach: Danny Brown
Skinny: The Matadors are entering year two under head coach Danny Brown and looking to improve from an 8-win season. The Matadors only graduate a couple players and bring back some players that give excitement to next season. One of those prospects is Sean Johnson (2022) who had a couple big games in district play.
No. 20 Carlsbad Cavemen
Last Season: 14-14 overall, 0-6 district
Head Coach: Steve Garza
Skinny: The Cavemen are projected to take another step back next season. They lost their top player mid-season, they also graduate a talent in Shamar Smith, and this could be the start of rebuild. The good news? They only graduate four players. They do return some size inside with 6-1 forward Ayden Parent (2021), 6-5 post Tylen Gonzales (2023) and 6-3 wing Damien Perez.
No. 21 Mayfield Trojans
Last Season: 8-19 overall, 4-8 district
Head Coach: Brad Bailey
Notes: The good news for the Trojans is that despite an 8-win season they return their top-six leading scorers from last season. Nick Biad, a 6-3 center, returns in the paint after putting up 10 points and 5 rebounds per game last season.
No. 22 West Mesa Mustangs
Last Season: 12-14 overall, 5-3 district
Head Coach: Shonn Schroer
Outlook: The early indication would show a drop for the Mustangs who are coming off a 12-win season when they had plenty of promise heading into the year. They lose top shooting guard Eloy Medina and will have six graduating seniors. The intriguing part about West Mesa could be in the shooting of 2023 shooting guard Sonny Ortiz who could get hot; had a game this season with 6-3 pointers as a freshman.
No. 23 Albuquerque Bulldogs
Last Season: 12-15 overall, 5-5 district
Head Coach: Ron Garcia
Outlook: The Bulldogs had plenty of promise going into last season but just didn't have enough to get into the post season. The Bulldogs also lose do-all point guard Jude Tapia who graduates this Spring. The Bulldogs also lose six seniors on their eleven man roster from last season. Lamar Rogers (2021/Wing) could be one to watch for the Bulldogs.
No. 24 Manzano Monarchs
Last Season: 8-17 overall, 3-7 district
Head Coach: Dominick Romero
Outlook: The Manzano Monarchs could be in a rebuild type of mode. They ended last season on a four game skid and graduate their top three leading scorers and six of their top 7. They were a senior heavy squad last season. Junior forward Dylan Grube (6-foot-3) is the lone contributor with 6 points and 5 rebounds per contest.
No. 25 Farmington Scorpions
Last Season: 10-17 overall, 2-6 district
Head Coach: Larry Don Chitty
Outlook: The Scorpions program has been spiraling downward since they let go of Paul Corely in 2018, they had a couple 20-win seasons. Since then they have had two head coaches in three years. Assuming head coach Chitty returns for a second year it could be another trying season with the graduation of 6 of the 11 players from last season. The other tough news is playing in the biggest classification in Nm basketball.
No. 26 Deming Wildcats
Last Season: 5-19 overall, 1-11 district
Head Coach: JD Longoria
Outlook: The Wildcats have struggled as a program with seven consecutive seasons under .500; the last winning season was 2012-2013 with a 21-8 year. We should add that they were a class below during that 20-win season. We will say that they do have a pair of 2021 players that could get them back into the 10-win range. Watch for Jordan Cabellero (2021/G) and 6-foot-4 Christian Pacheco (2021/F) along a possible trio of 6-4 wing Sebastian Villezcas (2021).
No. 27 Piedra Vista Panthers
Last Season: 5-22 overall (0-8 district)
Head Coach: Brady Rivers
Outlook: Year two under Brady Rivers was much like the first season - a rebuild or build. The Panthers are 14-40 under Rivers but he's had to do an overhaul with the program. Much will be like that in 2021/2022.
No. 28 Rio Grande Ravens
Last Season: 3-22 overall (0-10 district)
Head Coach: Mario Armendariz
Outlook: The Ravens will ride a 17-game losing streak into the new season. Last season was projected to be a rebuild but the road could be bumpy again as we head into the next year.
5A New Classification & District Alignments (28 Schools)
District 1
Atrisco Heritage
Cibola
Cleveland
Rio Rancho
Volcano Vista
District 2
Eldorado
Farmington
La Cueva
Piedra Vista
Sandia
West Mesa
District 3
Alamogordo
Centennial
Deming
Gadsden
Las Cruces
Mayfield
Onate
District 4
Carlsbad
Clovis
Hobbs
Roswell
District 5
Albuquerque
Capital
Los Lunas
Manzano
Rio Grande
Santa Fe
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