PREVIEW
#1 Las Cruces (28-0) vs #16 Albuquerque (11-15), TBA
Preview: The top-ranked Las Cruces Bulldawgs, the heavy favorite all season, will host the Albuquerque High Bulldogs from District 5-5A. The Bulldawgs enter the post-season after winning the District 3-5A championship and led by the trio of William 'Duece' Benjamin, Isaiah Carr, and Kaden Self. Albuquerque High finished third in their district and will look to senior guard Marquez King to lead them this post season. This is the first state tournament bid for the Albuquerque Bulldogs since the 2018 post season (lost as an 11-seed to Valley 61-59).
Prediction: Las Cruces 82, Albuquerque 43. This may seem like a massive spread but Las Cruces puts up massive point totals. Also, since falling in the state championship game last March the Bulldawgs (with a W) are on a mission. Line: Las Cruces -20.5
#2 Volcano Vista (25-0) vs #15 Organ Mountain (15-14), TBA
Preview: The second ranked Volcano Vista Hawks had a strong argument for the 1-seed and like Las Cruces have a perfect record entering the 2022 tournament. The Hawks are led by Mr. Basketball candidate Ja'Kwon Hill (2022) who has consistently put up double figures throughout the season. Organ Mountain, runner up finishers in 3-5A, will look to all-district player Brandon Kehres who has put up solid numbers this season scoring 17.5 ppg and 7.6 rebounds.
Prediction: Volcano Vista 73, Organ Mountain 57. This season the debate has been Volcano and Las Cruces vs the field. The first round should prove that we are destined for that match-up. The Hawks are putting up 74 points per game this season and should close this one out early. Line: Volcano Vista -19.5
#3 La Cueva (22-3) vs #14 West Mesa (11-14), TBA
Preview: Round four. La Cueva controlled the first two games, played in January, winning comfortably 71-46 and 60-44. The West Mesa Mustangs shocked plenty and likely earned a playoff bid by upsetting the Bears on February 5th, 50-47 at West Mesa. The Bears enter the post-season behind the stellar play of Exodus Ayers (2023), Cedarius Yates (2023), Daniel Jacobsen (2024), and Gabriel Trujillo (2022). Quietly one of the better starting line-ups you'll see this post season. If the Mustangs can pull out another upset this season it will be on the shoulders of guard Brandon Lagunas (2023) who is one of the must-see juniors in New Mexico.
Prediction: La Cueva 62, West Mesa 47. Like the other top three ranked teams in this years bracket, the Bears are favorites to win by double-digits. The Bears have too many weapons and are looking to make a statement. Also, head coach Brian Joyce has the Bears playing better and in better shape than I've seen this program. He was the perfect hire for this program. Line: La Cueva -13.5
#4 Hobbs (25-2) vs #13 Farmington (20-8), TBA
Preview: The Farmington Scorpions will take the longest drive this post season traveling nearly 496 miles or 8-hours on a bus. The Scorpions have been rebuilt and head coach Larry Don Chitty has done a phenomenal job turning the Scorpions into a 20-win program. Must-see player is sophomore Cody Vassar-Steen. The Hobbs Eagles continue a stellar season winning 25-games and earning a top-four seed. Look for the trio of Jalen Goar (2022), Aaron Mora (2022), and Jesus Ramos (2022). The Eagles are the least talked about team in 5A basketball to win it all and will look at making a run to the Final Four.
Prediction: Hobbs 68, Farmington 51. The first round in 5A basketball won't have many upset alerts, in terms of the top four favorites. The Hobbs Eagles will run, and run as the Scorpions will hope to shake off any travel legs. Line: Hobbs -14.5.
#5 Atrisco Heritage (18-8) vs #12 Eldorado (13-14), TBA
Preview: Now we get to the meat of the must-see games of the 5A bracket. The Atrisco Heritage Jaguars enter the post season with a new head coach for the first time in program history. Steve Heredia took over mid-season and is no newcomer when it comes to leading a talented roster. This season he has Javier Mendoa (2022), Chris Parra (2023), Latavious Morris (2025), and Colby Wade (2022). The Eldorado Eagles have been up and down most of the season, winning a couple, losing a couple. The Eagles will look to junior Caileb Parham this post season for their upset bid. Parham has consistently put up double figures this season and one of the top players from a talented 2023 class.
Prediction: Atrisco Heritage 56, Eldorado 51. If I wanted to take an upset pick that wouldn't be a favorable pick by many it would be this game. The Jaguars have lost four of the last five games entering the post season and although they won the first game between the Albuquerque schools (75-68) this one could be a close one. Line: Atrisco -3.5
#6 Los Lunas (20-8) vs #11 Cleveland (13-15), 6:00 p.m.
Preview: Two programs that went different directions during the 2022 portion of the season. The Cleveland Storm, the defending 5A state champs, started the season 8-3 but since the flip of the calendar year have gone 5-12 and finished tied for 4th in district 1-5A. The Los Lunas Tigers started the season going 6-6 but have gone 12-2 since the start of the 2022. The Tigers enter the post season on a 12-game win streak, winners of the 5-5A championship, and looking to freshmen phenom Jalin Holland. The Storm look to the play of sophomore Daniel Steverson, Nic Trujillo (2023), and Elijah Brody (2024) for an upset bid.
Prediction: Los Lunas 52, Cleveland 47. After saying everything in the preview portion about the wins and losses, I wouldn't be shocked if the Storm upset the Tigers in the first round. We stayed away from making it an official upset call because the Tigers won 20-games for a reason and one player that stood out was senior Jamian Perez during the district championship game. Smooth shooting guard with size at 6-foot-2. Add in guard Ezra Guest to the conversation who could truly excel as a point guard and distributing the ball but getting buckets when left alone. Line: Los Lunas -2.5
#7 Rio Rancho (16-10) vs #10 Carlsbad (22-6), TBA
Preview: The Carlsbad Cavemen look back at the first game between the schools with a 'could have been' approach. The Rams won 44-43 on December 2nd but after three months of play, this will be a different ball game. The loss could have been one of the reasons the district 4-5A runner up Cavemen are on the road in the first round. The Rams are led by senior Keagon Caton, the lone Ram in double figures, scoring 16.2 points per game. The Cavemen look to Ismael Chaves (2023) and Damian Perez (2023); Perez a nice shooting guard at 6-foot-5.
Prediction: Rio Rancho 54, Carlsbad 45. The debate will likely be calling for an upset or closer line. The Rams get better during the post season and the Cavemen are a high seed that could make a run. This will be one of the picks that make money for the house (if betting was an actual thing). Line: Rio Rancho -3.5
#8 Santa Fe (22-5) vs #9 Sandia (17-9), TBA
Preview: The Santa Fe Demons had plenty of buzz early this season and have done well winning 22-games. They'll enter the post season with question marks to big man Paul Lovato (2022). The 6-foot-3 was reported as going down with a wrist injury during the district 5-5A championship game. Sandia is no stranger to injuries either and experienced a handful during the 2021/2022 campaign. They have studs in Ely Lovato (2023) and Sean Johnson (2022) and if both are out there they will be a serious threat this post season.
Prediction: Sandia 63, Santa Fe 57. Typically, we stay away from an upset pick for our official predictions. This one is a different case and enter the week as an upset pick. Would that change if Lovato was fully healthy? Maybe. Maybe not. Sandia gets the upset bid. Line: Sandia -4.5
Grine's Must-See Game: Rio Rancho vs Carlsbad.
Grine's Upset Pick: Sandia
Grine's "Don't Sleep on this Upset Possibility": Eldorado
Grine's Final Four: Las Cruces, Volcano Vista, La Cueva, Hobbs
Grine's Champ: Las Cruces
#1 Las Cruces (28-0) vs #16 Albuquerque (11-15), TBA
Preview: The top-ranked Las Cruces Bulldawgs, the heavy favorite all season, will host the Albuquerque High Bulldogs from District 5-5A. The Bulldawgs enter the post-season after winning the District 3-5A championship and led by the trio of William 'Duece' Benjamin, Isaiah Carr, and Kaden Self. Albuquerque High finished third in their district and will look to senior guard Marquez King to lead them this post season. This is the first state tournament bid for the Albuquerque Bulldogs since the 2018 post season (lost as an 11-seed to Valley 61-59).
Prediction: Las Cruces 82, Albuquerque 43. This may seem like a massive spread but Las Cruces puts up massive point totals. Also, since falling in the state championship game last March the Bulldawgs (with a W) are on a mission. Line: Las Cruces -20.5
#2 Volcano Vista (25-0) vs #15 Organ Mountain (15-14), TBA
Preview: The second ranked Volcano Vista Hawks had a strong argument for the 1-seed and like Las Cruces have a perfect record entering the 2022 tournament. The Hawks are led by Mr. Basketball candidate Ja'Kwon Hill (2022) who has consistently put up double figures throughout the season. Organ Mountain, runner up finishers in 3-5A, will look to all-district player Brandon Kehres who has put up solid numbers this season scoring 17.5 ppg and 7.6 rebounds.
Prediction: Volcano Vista 73, Organ Mountain 57. This season the debate has been Volcano and Las Cruces vs the field. The first round should prove that we are destined for that match-up. The Hawks are putting up 74 points per game this season and should close this one out early. Line: Volcano Vista -19.5
#3 La Cueva (22-3) vs #14 West Mesa (11-14), TBA
Preview: Round four. La Cueva controlled the first two games, played in January, winning comfortably 71-46 and 60-44. The West Mesa Mustangs shocked plenty and likely earned a playoff bid by upsetting the Bears on February 5th, 50-47 at West Mesa. The Bears enter the post-season behind the stellar play of Exodus Ayers (2023), Cedarius Yates (2023), Daniel Jacobsen (2024), and Gabriel Trujillo (2022). Quietly one of the better starting line-ups you'll see this post season. If the Mustangs can pull out another upset this season it will be on the shoulders of guard Brandon Lagunas (2023) who is one of the must-see juniors in New Mexico.
Prediction: La Cueva 62, West Mesa 47. Like the other top three ranked teams in this years bracket, the Bears are favorites to win by double-digits. The Bears have too many weapons and are looking to make a statement. Also, head coach Brian Joyce has the Bears playing better and in better shape than I've seen this program. He was the perfect hire for this program. Line: La Cueva -13.5
#4 Hobbs (25-2) vs #13 Farmington (20-8), TBA
Preview: The Farmington Scorpions will take the longest drive this post season traveling nearly 496 miles or 8-hours on a bus. The Scorpions have been rebuilt and head coach Larry Don Chitty has done a phenomenal job turning the Scorpions into a 20-win program. Must-see player is sophomore Cody Vassar-Steen. The Hobbs Eagles continue a stellar season winning 25-games and earning a top-four seed. Look for the trio of Jalen Goar (2022), Aaron Mora (2022), and Jesus Ramos (2022). The Eagles are the least talked about team in 5A basketball to win it all and will look at making a run to the Final Four.
Prediction: Hobbs 68, Farmington 51. The first round in 5A basketball won't have many upset alerts, in terms of the top four favorites. The Hobbs Eagles will run, and run as the Scorpions will hope to shake off any travel legs. Line: Hobbs -14.5.
#5 Atrisco Heritage (18-8) vs #12 Eldorado (13-14), TBA
Preview: Now we get to the meat of the must-see games of the 5A bracket. The Atrisco Heritage Jaguars enter the post season with a new head coach for the first time in program history. Steve Heredia took over mid-season and is no newcomer when it comes to leading a talented roster. This season he has Javier Mendoa (2022), Chris Parra (2023), Latavious Morris (2025), and Colby Wade (2022). The Eldorado Eagles have been up and down most of the season, winning a couple, losing a couple. The Eagles will look to junior Caileb Parham this post season for their upset bid. Parham has consistently put up double figures this season and one of the top players from a talented 2023 class.
Prediction: Atrisco Heritage 56, Eldorado 51. If I wanted to take an upset pick that wouldn't be a favorable pick by many it would be this game. The Jaguars have lost four of the last five games entering the post season and although they won the first game between the Albuquerque schools (75-68) this one could be a close one. Line: Atrisco -3.5
#6 Los Lunas (20-8) vs #11 Cleveland (13-15), 6:00 p.m.
Preview: Two programs that went different directions during the 2022 portion of the season. The Cleveland Storm, the defending 5A state champs, started the season 8-3 but since the flip of the calendar year have gone 5-12 and finished tied for 4th in district 1-5A. The Los Lunas Tigers started the season going 6-6 but have gone 12-2 since the start of the 2022. The Tigers enter the post season on a 12-game win streak, winners of the 5-5A championship, and looking to freshmen phenom Jalin Holland. The Storm look to the play of sophomore Daniel Steverson, Nic Trujillo (2023), and Elijah Brody (2024) for an upset bid.
Prediction: Los Lunas 52, Cleveland 47. After saying everything in the preview portion about the wins and losses, I wouldn't be shocked if the Storm upset the Tigers in the first round. We stayed away from making it an official upset call because the Tigers won 20-games for a reason and one player that stood out was senior Jamian Perez during the district championship game. Smooth shooting guard with size at 6-foot-2. Add in guard Ezra Guest to the conversation who could truly excel as a point guard and distributing the ball but getting buckets when left alone. Line: Los Lunas -2.5
#7 Rio Rancho (16-10) vs #10 Carlsbad (22-6), TBA
Preview: The Carlsbad Cavemen look back at the first game between the schools with a 'could have been' approach. The Rams won 44-43 on December 2nd but after three months of play, this will be a different ball game. The loss could have been one of the reasons the district 4-5A runner up Cavemen are on the road in the first round. The Rams are led by senior Keagon Caton, the lone Ram in double figures, scoring 16.2 points per game. The Cavemen look to Ismael Chaves (2023) and Damian Perez (2023); Perez a nice shooting guard at 6-foot-5.
Prediction: Rio Rancho 54, Carlsbad 45. The debate will likely be calling for an upset or closer line. The Rams get better during the post season and the Cavemen are a high seed that could make a run. This will be one of the picks that make money for the house (if betting was an actual thing). Line: Rio Rancho -3.5
#8 Santa Fe (22-5) vs #9 Sandia (17-9), TBA
Preview: The Santa Fe Demons had plenty of buzz early this season and have done well winning 22-games. They'll enter the post season with question marks to big man Paul Lovato (2022). The 6-foot-3 was reported as going down with a wrist injury during the district 5-5A championship game. Sandia is no stranger to injuries either and experienced a handful during the 2021/2022 campaign. They have studs in Ely Lovato (2023) and Sean Johnson (2022) and if both are out there they will be a serious threat this post season.
Prediction: Sandia 63, Santa Fe 57. Typically, we stay away from an upset pick for our official predictions. This one is a different case and enter the week as an upset pick. Would that change if Lovato was fully healthy? Maybe. Maybe not. Sandia gets the upset bid. Line: Sandia -4.5
Grine's Must-See Game: Rio Rancho vs Carlsbad.
Grine's Upset Pick: Sandia
Grine's "Don't Sleep on this Upset Possibility": Eldorado
Grine's Final Four: Las Cruces, Volcano Vista, La Cueva, Hobbs
Grine's Champ: Las Cruces
