#1 Robertson Lady Cardinals
Record: 25-2 overall (8-0 district)
Head Coach: Jose “Majic” Medina
Preview: Under former West head coach, Jose Medina (a Robertson graduate himself), the Lady Cards’ have used their size and strength to bully through their tough schedule to the mark of 25 wins. Losing a key point guard in the offseason would concern some (including myself) but Robertson has taken the committee approach which has worked to near perfection this season. Besides the best 3A defender in Alianza Darley, Robertson has the talent at nearly every position with junior guard Tessa Ortiz and senior forward Jazmyne Jenkins being key to the Lady Cards’ success. On the come up is freshman Jayden Jenkins adding to the strong Robertson paint presence.
Last Championship: None; Only one title game appearance in 2001 vs. Portales
#2 Santa Fe Indian Lady Braves
Record: 24-4 overall (6-2 district)
Head Coach: Patricia Chavez
Preview: This season marks their second consecutive 20-plus win season, their third in four years and sixth in the decade. First year head coach Patricia Chavez has carried on the winning tradition in works with the experienced core that might be the most skilled in the decade. And with a wealth of talent, it’s no wonder why it’s difficult to game-plan for one player when they’re all capable of putting up numbers. The team is anchored by the Lewis twins, Leanna and Camilla followed by a quartet of stellar guards that have exceled at playing larger than their listed height. The catchy-named junior backcourt of Franki Chavez and Hunter Garcia have been key to their success through the guard heavy rotation that also includes senior Marlena Yazzie and junior Iris Emery. Santa Fe Indian will look to bring their depth to a 3A title run along with their large and loyal fanbase this postseason.
Last Championship: 2011 vs. Shiprock; Last title game appearance was 2012 vs. Lovington
#3 Tucumcari Lady Rattlers
Record: 21-4 overall (4-0 district)
Head Coach: Gary Hittson
Preview: Keeping with the theme of our 2-seed, the 3rd-seeded Lady Rattlers return all their starters from last year and with them another year of experience that will prove to be helpful in this year’s tournament. The core of Tucumcari’s team revolves around a group of players that all started playing varsity ball as 8th graders. This includes Ashley Shipley, Kalani French, Aaliyah Brown, Aliyah Herrera, and Jasmine Jones. This unit has plenty of experience and can score baskets with the best of them as shown this season when they put up 52 points in one quarter. Their highlight so far this season has been handing previously undefeated Robertson their first loss of the season behind a game plan drawn up by long-time Tucumcari head coach Gary Hittson and executed by his squad of veteran players. Despite the 3-seed, they should be every bit as favorite as a #1 team.
Last Championship: None with no title game appearances
#4 Hatch Valley Lady Bears
Record: 22-5 overall (5-1 district)
Head Coach: Ben Trujillo
Preview: A blend of youth and vets taking time in the offseason to connect and play hoops together on the summer ball tour has really paid off this season to the tune of 20-plus wins. That’s the third 20-plus win season in Coach Trujillo’s six seasons at the helm. This Lady Bears team is capable of attacking you with a mixed bag of options. With interior post play, three-point shooting, and attacking off the dribble, it’s really a “pick your poison” type of team. Led by a junior combo-guard in Tavyn Trujillo the Lady Bears also have Maddison Williams, Makayla Villegas, and Pricilla Chairez. Don’t sleep on Hatch this postseason.
Last Championship: None with no title game appearances.
#5 Navajo Prep Lady Eagles
Record: 19-9 overall (9-1 district)
Head Coach: Rainy Crisp
Preview: After a rough start to the season, the Navajo Prep Lady Eagles are heading into this tournament as one of the hottest teams with 11-straight wins (Tucumcari with 14). Since their last surprising loss to district opponent Crownpoint, Prep has flourished and dominated their remaining district schedule with nearly 67 points scored per game over that 11-game span. The leadership of senior guard Taina Sandoval has been crucial as well as the rise of a trio of sophomores in Laila Charley, Hailey Martin, and district player of the year, Aiona Johnson. The contributing youth and spark allowed for Prep to be a dark horse favorite heading into this year’s state tournament.
Last Championship: 2009 vs. Lordsburg (also last title game appearance)
#6 Tularosa Lady Wildcats
Record: 17-9 overall (2-2 district)
Head Coach: Johnny Hudson
Preview: Tularosa returns to this year’s tournament once again as the 6-seed with intentions of making it farther than last year’s semifinals finish. First year head coach, Johnny Hudson, a native of Clint, Texas, has continued to build on what previous coaches have established and despite some up and downs to the season in terms of almost wins and surprising losses, Tulie still finds itself right in the mix of 3A contention. Led by the duo of senior guard Ember Cervantes and forward Shacie Marr, the Lady Wildcats have an assortment of players that all contribute in one way or another. The other junior guard, Jordan Gaston has had big games as well for the Lady Wildcats. Tulie’s state tournament success will ride on how well those three players play.
Last Championship: 2014 vs. Texico; last title game appearance in 2016 vs. Texico.
#7 Socorro Lady Warriors
Record: 17-10 overall (4-2 district)
Head Coach: Lawrence Baca
Preview: Coming off a 22-win season and graduating three seniors you would expect some drop off in the win column. This season Socorro finished with 17 wins and when you consider how many games they nearly won, they could’ve finished over 20 wins with a roster featuring no seniors. Behind the efforts of two key juniors in Kaylene Baca and Kaylena Ganadonegro, and a rising freshman Gabriella Paz, the Lady Warriors look like a promising youthful team that could still make an impression in this year’s tournament. If they’re looking to build the program, it comes with experience and there’s few things better than to close out a season with a state tournament run.
Last Championship: None; Last title game appearance was 2006 vs. Portales
#8 West Las Vegas Lady Dons
Record: 17-11 overall (3-5 district)
Head Coach: Miranda Martinez
Preview: The Lady Dons have done considerably well under first year head coach, Miranda Martinez. The West Las Vegas graduate has implemented her style of play which has paid dividends in a number of games this season. They may not be near the old averages of 60-plus points per game, but they’re hovering just under the 55 points per game mark and finished six games above .500. Not bad for a first-year head coach. With one lone senior on the roster, West has relied on the young scoring talents of sophomore Briana Marquez and junior Skylin Morgan. Add in the help of Cameron Sandoval and this team could make some noise if they get past the first round. A great test awaits in the first round when we see how much tempo this West team can play with.
Last Championship: None; Last title game appearance in 2010 vs. Santa Fe Indian
The Rest of the Field:
#9 Tohatchi Lady Cougars (14-13 overall; 8-2 district) – “Rezball” is the name of the game and with numerous options offensively, the Lady Cougars look to surprise folks who may overlook them after seeing their record. Tohatchi’s junior guard Cameron Tsosie, senior Genae Morris, and junior Gabrielle Thomas are all fairly consistent contributors to the Tohatchi offense.
#10 Crownpoint Lady Eagles (17-12 overall; 7-3 district) – The surprise out of District 1 was definitely Crownpoint as they went on a late January rally that included wins over Navajo Prep and on the road in Mescalero Apache. Their roster contains an assortment of combo guards and forwards with height, like Aberlina Endito, Tiandra Stevenson, and Candace Vandever.
#11 Sandia Prep Sundevils (16-11 overall; 9-1 district) – Sandia Prep ran rampant through their district and with an exception of one loss, they showed 3A that they’re not a team to take lightly. Sophomore Destiny Archibald has been one of their most consistent players while junior Samantha Jeffries is a double-double machine for the Sundevils.
#12 St. Michael’s Lady Horsemen (11-15 overall; 3-5 district) – They’re not gonna “wow” you with a fancy pass or launching bombs from distance, but they’ll definitely have an edge and hustle to them that has so far kept them in the 3A field. The Lady Horsemen are led by the likes of senior all-around athlete Joelyn Fernandez, junior guard Carisa Padilla, and senior Cia Alvarez.
#13 Thoreau Lady Hawks (15-12 overall; 4-6 district) – Fairly impressive season for the Lady Hawks under another 3A first year coach in Rachel Becenti. Out of a fourth place district finish, Thoreau will look to junior DeAnn Howe to get out of the first round.
#14 Cuba Lady Rams (12-11 overall; 7-2 district) – In his 12th season as head coach, Gilbert Dominguez is looking to get his team out of the first round for the first time since 2016. The Lady Rams are led by seniors Alyssa Herrera and Neola Toledo.
#15 Laguna-Acoma Lady Hawks (14-13 overall; 6-3 district) – Another season, another new head coach for the Lady Hawks that just found themselves a game over .500 to wrap up the regular season. While the wildcard senior Jasmine Kie has the size to get any basket she could ask for, it’s players like Jacine Bahe and Taya Kie that contribute to the success of the Lady Hawks.
#16 Cobre Lady Indians (11-17 overall; 3-3 district) – There’s really one name that stands above the rest for the Lady Indians and that’s their sophomore go-getter Skkyla Guck who put on a heckuva regular season and district tournament finish. Also, for Cobre is a tough senior guard in Brianna Martinez who is putting up around 9 points per game.
Record: 25-2 overall (8-0 district)
Head Coach: Jose “Majic” Medina
Preview: Under former West head coach, Jose Medina (a Robertson graduate himself), the Lady Cards’ have used their size and strength to bully through their tough schedule to the mark of 25 wins. Losing a key point guard in the offseason would concern some (including myself) but Robertson has taken the committee approach which has worked to near perfection this season. Besides the best 3A defender in Alianza Darley, Robertson has the talent at nearly every position with junior guard Tessa Ortiz and senior forward Jazmyne Jenkins being key to the Lady Cards’ success. On the come up is freshman Jayden Jenkins adding to the strong Robertson paint presence.
Last Championship: None; Only one title game appearance in 2001 vs. Portales
#2 Santa Fe Indian Lady Braves
Record: 24-4 overall (6-2 district)
Head Coach: Patricia Chavez
Preview: This season marks their second consecutive 20-plus win season, their third in four years and sixth in the decade. First year head coach Patricia Chavez has carried on the winning tradition in works with the experienced core that might be the most skilled in the decade. And with a wealth of talent, it’s no wonder why it’s difficult to game-plan for one player when they’re all capable of putting up numbers. The team is anchored by the Lewis twins, Leanna and Camilla followed by a quartet of stellar guards that have exceled at playing larger than their listed height. The catchy-named junior backcourt of Franki Chavez and Hunter Garcia have been key to their success through the guard heavy rotation that also includes senior Marlena Yazzie and junior Iris Emery. Santa Fe Indian will look to bring their depth to a 3A title run along with their large and loyal fanbase this postseason.
Last Championship: 2011 vs. Shiprock; Last title game appearance was 2012 vs. Lovington
#3 Tucumcari Lady Rattlers
Record: 21-4 overall (4-0 district)
Head Coach: Gary Hittson
Preview: Keeping with the theme of our 2-seed, the 3rd-seeded Lady Rattlers return all their starters from last year and with them another year of experience that will prove to be helpful in this year’s tournament. The core of Tucumcari’s team revolves around a group of players that all started playing varsity ball as 8th graders. This includes Ashley Shipley, Kalani French, Aaliyah Brown, Aliyah Herrera, and Jasmine Jones. This unit has plenty of experience and can score baskets with the best of them as shown this season when they put up 52 points in one quarter. Their highlight so far this season has been handing previously undefeated Robertson their first loss of the season behind a game plan drawn up by long-time Tucumcari head coach Gary Hittson and executed by his squad of veteran players. Despite the 3-seed, they should be every bit as favorite as a #1 team.
Last Championship: None with no title game appearances
#4 Hatch Valley Lady Bears
Record: 22-5 overall (5-1 district)
Head Coach: Ben Trujillo
Preview: A blend of youth and vets taking time in the offseason to connect and play hoops together on the summer ball tour has really paid off this season to the tune of 20-plus wins. That’s the third 20-plus win season in Coach Trujillo’s six seasons at the helm. This Lady Bears team is capable of attacking you with a mixed bag of options. With interior post play, three-point shooting, and attacking off the dribble, it’s really a “pick your poison” type of team. Led by a junior combo-guard in Tavyn Trujillo the Lady Bears also have Maddison Williams, Makayla Villegas, and Pricilla Chairez. Don’t sleep on Hatch this postseason.
Last Championship: None with no title game appearances.
#5 Navajo Prep Lady Eagles
Record: 19-9 overall (9-1 district)
Head Coach: Rainy Crisp
Preview: After a rough start to the season, the Navajo Prep Lady Eagles are heading into this tournament as one of the hottest teams with 11-straight wins (Tucumcari with 14). Since their last surprising loss to district opponent Crownpoint, Prep has flourished and dominated their remaining district schedule with nearly 67 points scored per game over that 11-game span. The leadership of senior guard Taina Sandoval has been crucial as well as the rise of a trio of sophomores in Laila Charley, Hailey Martin, and district player of the year, Aiona Johnson. The contributing youth and spark allowed for Prep to be a dark horse favorite heading into this year’s state tournament.
Last Championship: 2009 vs. Lordsburg (also last title game appearance)
#6 Tularosa Lady Wildcats
Record: 17-9 overall (2-2 district)
Head Coach: Johnny Hudson
Preview: Tularosa returns to this year’s tournament once again as the 6-seed with intentions of making it farther than last year’s semifinals finish. First year head coach, Johnny Hudson, a native of Clint, Texas, has continued to build on what previous coaches have established and despite some up and downs to the season in terms of almost wins and surprising losses, Tulie still finds itself right in the mix of 3A contention. Led by the duo of senior guard Ember Cervantes and forward Shacie Marr, the Lady Wildcats have an assortment of players that all contribute in one way or another. The other junior guard, Jordan Gaston has had big games as well for the Lady Wildcats. Tulie’s state tournament success will ride on how well those three players play.
Last Championship: 2014 vs. Texico; last title game appearance in 2016 vs. Texico.
#7 Socorro Lady Warriors
Record: 17-10 overall (4-2 district)
Head Coach: Lawrence Baca
Preview: Coming off a 22-win season and graduating three seniors you would expect some drop off in the win column. This season Socorro finished with 17 wins and when you consider how many games they nearly won, they could’ve finished over 20 wins with a roster featuring no seniors. Behind the efforts of two key juniors in Kaylene Baca and Kaylena Ganadonegro, and a rising freshman Gabriella Paz, the Lady Warriors look like a promising youthful team that could still make an impression in this year’s tournament. If they’re looking to build the program, it comes with experience and there’s few things better than to close out a season with a state tournament run.
Last Championship: None; Last title game appearance was 2006 vs. Portales
#8 West Las Vegas Lady Dons
Record: 17-11 overall (3-5 district)
Head Coach: Miranda Martinez
Preview: The Lady Dons have done considerably well under first year head coach, Miranda Martinez. The West Las Vegas graduate has implemented her style of play which has paid dividends in a number of games this season. They may not be near the old averages of 60-plus points per game, but they’re hovering just under the 55 points per game mark and finished six games above .500. Not bad for a first-year head coach. With one lone senior on the roster, West has relied on the young scoring talents of sophomore Briana Marquez and junior Skylin Morgan. Add in the help of Cameron Sandoval and this team could make some noise if they get past the first round. A great test awaits in the first round when we see how much tempo this West team can play with.
Last Championship: None; Last title game appearance in 2010 vs. Santa Fe Indian
The Rest of the Field:
#9 Tohatchi Lady Cougars (14-13 overall; 8-2 district) – “Rezball” is the name of the game and with numerous options offensively, the Lady Cougars look to surprise folks who may overlook them after seeing their record. Tohatchi’s junior guard Cameron Tsosie, senior Genae Morris, and junior Gabrielle Thomas are all fairly consistent contributors to the Tohatchi offense.
#10 Crownpoint Lady Eagles (17-12 overall; 7-3 district) – The surprise out of District 1 was definitely Crownpoint as they went on a late January rally that included wins over Navajo Prep and on the road in Mescalero Apache. Their roster contains an assortment of combo guards and forwards with height, like Aberlina Endito, Tiandra Stevenson, and Candace Vandever.
#11 Sandia Prep Sundevils (16-11 overall; 9-1 district) – Sandia Prep ran rampant through their district and with an exception of one loss, they showed 3A that they’re not a team to take lightly. Sophomore Destiny Archibald has been one of their most consistent players while junior Samantha Jeffries is a double-double machine for the Sundevils.
#12 St. Michael’s Lady Horsemen (11-15 overall; 3-5 district) – They’re not gonna “wow” you with a fancy pass or launching bombs from distance, but they’ll definitely have an edge and hustle to them that has so far kept them in the 3A field. The Lady Horsemen are led by the likes of senior all-around athlete Joelyn Fernandez, junior guard Carisa Padilla, and senior Cia Alvarez.
#13 Thoreau Lady Hawks (15-12 overall; 4-6 district) – Fairly impressive season for the Lady Hawks under another 3A first year coach in Rachel Becenti. Out of a fourth place district finish, Thoreau will look to junior DeAnn Howe to get out of the first round.
#14 Cuba Lady Rams (12-11 overall; 7-2 district) – In his 12th season as head coach, Gilbert Dominguez is looking to get his team out of the first round for the first time since 2016. The Lady Rams are led by seniors Alyssa Herrera and Neola Toledo.
#15 Laguna-Acoma Lady Hawks (14-13 overall; 6-3 district) – Another season, another new head coach for the Lady Hawks that just found themselves a game over .500 to wrap up the regular season. While the wildcard senior Jasmine Kie has the size to get any basket she could ask for, it’s players like Jacine Bahe and Taya Kie that contribute to the success of the Lady Hawks.
#16 Cobre Lady Indians (11-17 overall; 3-3 district) – There’s really one name that stands above the rest for the Lady Indians and that’s their sophomore go-getter Skkyla Guck who put on a heckuva regular season and district tournament finish. Also, for Cobre is a tough senior guard in Brianna Martinez who is putting up around 9 points per game.
