Ben Lujan Tournament
Pojoaque is set to host their annual tournament. This year it’ll be quite the diverse showcase of talent from a large set of 3A and 2A schools with host Pojoaque Valley being the largest in class 4A. That shouldn’t short the competitive nature of some of theses schools though. Especially in this opening round, this year’s Ben Lujan will be one you’ll need to see.
Dulce vs. Tierra Encantada
Tierra Encantada (0-3) is coming off an above-.500 season that included 18 wins. This year though despite returning a large part of their roster, it hasn’t translated to wins right away. While they’re still a potential challenger in their own district to win, they’ll have their hands full in this first round game against the Lady Hawks of Dulce. Dulce is coming off three straight wins against quality 3A opponents, and will look to make their mark in class 2A as state contenders. With the trio of Vigils and Vicenti duo this Lady Hawks team is not one to overlook throughout the rest of the season.
Bernalillo vs. Penasco
Bernalillo (6-4) is heading into Ben Lujan winning four of their last six games, including three straight. Their star freshman guard, Juliana Aragon, is every bit the scoring talent she’s talked to be. The lefty has helped lead this mix of juniors into a surprising start for a team that hasn’t finished above .500 since their 2011-2012 season. But they’ll be tested by one of the north’s best small schools in Penasco. Penasco (5-1) returned all their starters from last year’s 2A championship run. With a flurry of their fans looking to make the trip down to Pojoaque, Penasco could earn some wins here that would help position them for a quality run in March. They’ll look Bianca Contreras to help lead the Panther pack.
Santa Fe Indian vs. McCurdy
McCurdy (2-3) ended a three game skid with a win over Coronado last Thursday. The new District 2-2A favorite will get an opportunity to showcase why they’re the team to beat and hopefully channel some of that upset magic they had when they beat SFIS in the opening round three seasons ago. Santa Fe Indian (3-1) is one of the top 3A teams active this weekend, and they’re hoping to get a shot at the host in the championship. But before that, they’ll need to dispatch of two potential district champions if they want Pojoaque in the tourney title game. SFIS will look to the frontcourt sisters of LeAnna and Camilla Lewis.
Pojoaque Valley vs. Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa (3-3) looks to upend the hosts’ tourney title plans with a first round upset. Santa Rosa has struggled offensively this season though against tougher opponents. If they’re upset-minded, they’ll need more than senior duo Jaelyn Sanchez and Kylee Harrison to get past Pojoaque Valley. The Elkettes (7-0) are far more defensive minded and patient on the offensive end than in seasons past. That strategy has so far paid off as shown by their unblemished record. They’ll rely on their senior guard Taylor Roybal along with wing Michaela Martinez. The team is anchored by the silent but dominant play of center/forward Ashten Martinez.
PREDICTION
Championship: Pojoaque Valley and Santa Fe Indian put on a classic. The host close out the game late and win.
3rd Place: Penasco and Dulce put on an offensive display and combine for over 100 points. Penasco claims the win.
Pojoaque is set to host their annual tournament. This year it’ll be quite the diverse showcase of talent from a large set of 3A and 2A schools with host Pojoaque Valley being the largest in class 4A. That shouldn’t short the competitive nature of some of theses schools though. Especially in this opening round, this year’s Ben Lujan will be one you’ll need to see.
Dulce vs. Tierra Encantada
Tierra Encantada (0-3) is coming off an above-.500 season that included 18 wins. This year though despite returning a large part of their roster, it hasn’t translated to wins right away. While they’re still a potential challenger in their own district to win, they’ll have their hands full in this first round game against the Lady Hawks of Dulce. Dulce is coming off three straight wins against quality 3A opponents, and will look to make their mark in class 2A as state contenders. With the trio of Vigils and Vicenti duo this Lady Hawks team is not one to overlook throughout the rest of the season.
Bernalillo vs. Penasco
Bernalillo (6-4) is heading into Ben Lujan winning four of their last six games, including three straight. Their star freshman guard, Juliana Aragon, is every bit the scoring talent she’s talked to be. The lefty has helped lead this mix of juniors into a surprising start for a team that hasn’t finished above .500 since their 2011-2012 season. But they’ll be tested by one of the north’s best small schools in Penasco. Penasco (5-1) returned all their starters from last year’s 2A championship run. With a flurry of their fans looking to make the trip down to Pojoaque, Penasco could earn some wins here that would help position them for a quality run in March. They’ll look Bianca Contreras to help lead the Panther pack.
Santa Fe Indian vs. McCurdy
McCurdy (2-3) ended a three game skid with a win over Coronado last Thursday. The new District 2-2A favorite will get an opportunity to showcase why they’re the team to beat and hopefully channel some of that upset magic they had when they beat SFIS in the opening round three seasons ago. Santa Fe Indian (3-1) is one of the top 3A teams active this weekend, and they’re hoping to get a shot at the host in the championship. But before that, they’ll need to dispatch of two potential district champions if they want Pojoaque in the tourney title game. SFIS will look to the frontcourt sisters of LeAnna and Camilla Lewis.
Pojoaque Valley vs. Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa (3-3) looks to upend the hosts’ tourney title plans with a first round upset. Santa Rosa has struggled offensively this season though against tougher opponents. If they’re upset-minded, they’ll need more than senior duo Jaelyn Sanchez and Kylee Harrison to get past Pojoaque Valley. The Elkettes (7-0) are far more defensive minded and patient on the offensive end than in seasons past. That strategy has so far paid off as shown by their unblemished record. They’ll rely on their senior guard Taylor Roybal along with wing Michaela Martinez. The team is anchored by the silent but dominant play of center/forward Ashten Martinez.
PREDICTION
Championship: Pojoaque Valley and Santa Fe Indian put on a classic. The host close out the game late and win.
3rd Place: Penasco and Dulce put on an offensive display and combine for over 100 points. Penasco claims the win.
