NO. 9 OÑATE KNIGHTS
2018 Season: 19-12 overall, 7-5 district Head Coach: Michael Nañez
Scoop: The Knights made history last season becoming the first 15-seed to win a first round game and reaching the Elite Eight. The Knights received votes all over the place this preseason and someone having them in their top five. The reason for excitement comes from top five player in the state Ricky Lujan returning for his senior season. Lujan, a 6-foot-2 shooting guard, is considered one of the best at creating his own shots.
Ceiling: Home Game Territory (5-8 range). The Knights will have some room to improve on their 9-rank this preseason. They should battle with Las Cruces for the district championship and if they are around 1 or 2 losses in district play then we could see them around 4/5.
Floor: Bubble Fringe (10-14 Seed Range). The Knights will be improved this season, yes they graduate some key pieces, but could be a serious threat this season to return to the Elite Eight. District runner up and/or third place would put them in this range.
Quick Prediction: 18-20 wins. They were a 19-win, 15-seed last season, this year they are projected to be better and should float around 18 to 20 wins.
Continued Rankings
#10 Rio Rancho Rams
#11 Albuquerque Bulldogs
#12 Eldorado Eagles
#13 Gadsden Panthers
#14 Capital Jaguars
#15 Roswell Coyotes
#16 Carlsbad Cavemen
#17 Sandia Matadors
#18 Manzano Monarchs
#19 West Mesa Mustangs
#20 Mayfield Trojans
#21 Centennial Hawks
#22 Piedra Vista Panthers
#23 Farmington Scorpions
#24 Alamogordo Tigers
#25 Deming Wildcats
#26 Cibola Cougars
#27 Rio Grande Ravens
2018 Season: 19-12 overall, 7-5 district Head Coach: Michael Nañez
Scoop: The Knights made history last season becoming the first 15-seed to win a first round game and reaching the Elite Eight. The Knights received votes all over the place this preseason and someone having them in their top five. The reason for excitement comes from top five player in the state Ricky Lujan returning for his senior season. Lujan, a 6-foot-2 shooting guard, is considered one of the best at creating his own shots.
Ceiling: Home Game Territory (5-8 range). The Knights will have some room to improve on their 9-rank this preseason. They should battle with Las Cruces for the district championship and if they are around 1 or 2 losses in district play then we could see them around 4/5.
Floor: Bubble Fringe (10-14 Seed Range). The Knights will be improved this season, yes they graduate some key pieces, but could be a serious threat this season to return to the Elite Eight. District runner up and/or third place would put them in this range.
Quick Prediction: 18-20 wins. They were a 19-win, 15-seed last season, this year they are projected to be better and should float around 18 to 20 wins.
Continued Rankings
#10 Rio Rancho Rams
#11 Albuquerque Bulldogs
#12 Eldorado Eagles
#13 Gadsden Panthers
#14 Capital Jaguars
#15 Roswell Coyotes
#16 Carlsbad Cavemen
#17 Sandia Matadors
#18 Manzano Monarchs
#19 West Mesa Mustangs
#20 Mayfield Trojans
#21 Centennial Hawks
#22 Piedra Vista Panthers
#23 Farmington Scorpions
#24 Alamogordo Tigers
#25 Deming Wildcats
#26 Cibola Cougars
#27 Rio Grande Ravens
