2025 New Mexico Girls Basketball 4A Quarterfinals Preview
The Class 4A quarterfinals tip off on March 11 at The Pit in Albuquerque, featuring four marquee matchups that will determine who advances to the semifinals. With dominant performances in the first round, top teams Kirtland Central, Gallup, Portales, and Valencia will look to continue their championship pursuit, while lower-seeded squads such as Hope Christian, St. Pius X, Deming, and Albuquerque Academy aim for upsets. Here’s a breakdown of the quarterfinal matchups:
Deming, the District 3-4A champions, grinded out a 45-36 win over Española Valley. The Wildcats are led by senior Jacqueline Aguayo, a dynamic scorer who averages nearly 20 points per game, along with key contributors Cadence Turnbow and Natalie Ramirez. If Deming can slow the pace and capitalize on turnovers, they could make this a tightly contested game. Prediction: Gallup 69, Deming 49
St. Pius X, the District 5-4A regular-season champions, advanced with a strong 58-41 win over Pojoaque Valley. Senior Macy Freeze, a Concordia University commit, anchors the Sartans inside, while Jaelyn Olloway, Bella Candelaria, Zia Valdez, and Mikaela Trujillo form a talented backcourt. This matchup could come down to who controls the tempo—Portales’ methodical approach or St. Pius X’s perimeter attack. Prediction: Portales 54, St. Pius X 51
Academy, riding a 14-game win streak before the state tournament, overcame a tough challenge from Silver in a 48-39 win. Addie Spratley (16.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG) has been phenomenal all season, and freshman Lily Skarsgard (11.5 PPG) has emerged as a difference-maker. With both teams featuring strong guard play, this game could come down to defensive execution and rebounding. Prediction: 55, Albuquerque Academy 45
The Class 4A quarterfinals tip off on March 11 at The Pit in Albuquerque, featuring four marquee matchups that will determine who advances to the semifinals. With dominant performances in the first round, top teams Kirtland Central, Gallup, Portales, and Valencia will look to continue their championship pursuit, while lower-seeded squads such as Hope Christian, St. Pius X, Deming, and Albuquerque Academy aim for upsets. Here’s a breakdown of the quarterfinal matchups:
#1 Kirtland Central vs #9 Hope Christian, 6:30 PM
Kirtland Central enters the quarterfinals after a commanding 68-23 first-round victory over Goddard. The Broncos, led by a balanced attack, have been one of the most consistent teams in the state, finishing atop District 1-4A. Hope Christian survived a close battle with Lovington, winning 48-44. The Huskies will rely on the dominant inside presence of Bri and Mia Bishop to compete with Kirtland Central’s fast-paced offense and deep roster. Prediction: Kirtland Central 77, Hope Christian 53#2 Gallup vs #7 Deming, 3:00 PM
Gallup flexed its offensive power in the first round, overwhelming Artesia 71-35. The Bengals, the District 1-4A Tournament Champions, boast a lethal combination of perimeter shooting and interior strength, led by standout senior Rylie Whitehair and emerging stars Kayden Tsosie, Camira Cooper-Randles, and Summer Joe.Deming, the District 3-4A champions, grinded out a 45-36 win over Española Valley. The Wildcats are led by senior Jacqueline Aguayo, a dynamic scorer who averages nearly 20 points per game, along with key contributors Cadence Turnbow and Natalie Ramirez. If Deming can slow the pace and capitalize on turnovers, they could make this a tightly contested game. Prediction: Gallup 69, Deming 49
#3 Portales vs #6 St. Pius X, 11:30 AM
Portales enters the quarterfinals on a nine-game win streak after dismantling Shiprock 67-28. The Rams swept District 4-4A, finishing 18-9 overall, and have developed into a well-rounded team. Guards Angel Ornelas and Evannie Fulfer bring defensive tenacity and offensive firepower, while Myleigh Banda provides versatility in the frontcourt.St. Pius X, the District 5-4A regular-season champions, advanced with a strong 58-41 win over Pojoaque Valley. Senior Macy Freeze, a Concordia University commit, anchors the Sartans inside, while Jaelyn Olloway, Bella Candelaria, Zia Valdez, and Mikaela Trujillo form a talented backcourt. This matchup could come down to who controls the tempo—Portales’ methodical approach or St. Pius X’s perimeter attack. Prediction: Portales 54, St. Pius X 51
#4 Valencia vs #5 Albuquerque Academy, 8:00 AM
Valencia has had Albuquerque Academy’s number this season, winning all four previous matchups, including a District 5-4A Tournament Championship victory. The Jaguars, who cruised past Highland 59-33 in the first round, are led by high-scoring guard Jadyn Montoya (16.2 PPG) and a strong supporting cast in Jaiden Montgomery and Franseca Otero.Academy, riding a 14-game win streak before the state tournament, overcame a tough challenge from Silver in a 48-39 win. Addie Spratley (16.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG) has been phenomenal all season, and freshman Lily Skarsgard (11.5 PPG) has emerged as a difference-maker. With both teams featuring strong guard play, this game could come down to defensive execution and rebounding. Prediction: 55, Albuquerque Academy 45
