Boys: 2025 New Mexico HS Basketball First Round Recap and Highlights
The first round of the 2025 New Mexico high school boys basketball state tournament delivered thrilling matchups, standout performances, and a few surprises. Top seeds showcased their dominance, while lower-seeded teams fought hard to keep their championship hopes alive. :
CLASS 5A
Senior big man Isaiah Carpenter controlled the paint on both ends, rattling the Rockets with his shot-blocking, rebounding, and efficient finishing around the rim. His presence disrupted Goddard’s offensive rhythm, allowing St. Pius X to inch away as the game progressed.
Meanwhile, Mason Montoya led the Sartans’ offensive attack with 18 points, showcasing his versatility as a forward/wing. Kenneth Zamora contributed 10 points, helping St. Pius X maintain control throughout.
For Goddard, Izzy Mestas put up a valiant effort, leading the Rockets with 15 points. The savvy guard displayed his playmaking ability and knack for scoring in traffic. Ezekiel Burrola, another solid shooting threat for Goddard, added 8 points in the loss.
Game Flow: First Quarter: Both teams were deliberate in their execution, leading to a low-scoring start. St. Pius X led 10-4 after one, relying on their stifling defense. Second Quarter: Goddard responded with a stronger offensive showing, but St. Pius X maintained their lead, heading into halftime up 26-16. Third Quarter: The Sartans extended their advantage, limiting Goddard’s chances while finding consistent scoring inside. By the end of three, St. Pius X held a 38-24 lead. Fourth Quarter: The Sartans remained in control, methodically closing out the game for the 50-34 win.
Top-seeded St. Michael’s wasted no time asserting dominance, with junior Dillan McCoy knocking down a pair of early three-pointers en route to a 14-point performance. Kamal Stith also made an impact off the bench, hitting three triples. However, it was Nick Angelley who led the team in scoring with 17 points. Santa Fe Prep’s offense ran through Morgan Field, who poured in 27 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep up with the Horsemen’s firepower.
#2 Robertson 60, #15 Thoreau 45
Robertson controlled the pace throughout, using a strong defensive effort to limit Thoreau’s scoring opportunities. The Cardinals punched their ticket to the quarterfinals with a solid performance on both ends of the floor.
#3 Tohatchi 78, #14 Ruidoso 50
Tohatchi’s fast-paced attack overwhelmed Ruidoso, as they put up 78 points in a commanding first-round victory. Their defensive pressure helped force turnovers, leading to transition baskets that fueled their offensive explosion.
#4 Tularosa 78, #13 East Mountain 50
Tularosa left no doubt in this one, dominating from start to finish. Their efficient scoring and high-energy defense secured them a comfortable win, moving them one step closer to a deep tournament run.
#5 Bosque 48, #12 NMMI 45
In a tightly contested battle, Bosque edged out NMMI behind Josiah Wilson’s standout performance. Wilson poured in 26 points and grabbed six steals to power the Bobcats to the next round. Oliver Tumolo contributed eight points, four rebounds, and five steals, while Luca Kalishman added nine points in the win.
#6 Santa Fe Indian 81, #11 Cobre 58
The Callado brothers fueled Santa Fe Indian’s offense, with Dontrey Callado leading all scorers with 30 points. Taivian Callado added 15, while Kenyen Callado chipped in seven. Cobre saw a strong effort from junior Zavin Guck, who put up 28 points, and freshman Ivan Guck, who scored 15, but their season ended with a first-round exit.
#7 West Las Vegas 59, #10 Sandia Prep 51
West Las Vegas held off a determined Sandia Prep squad thanks to a balanced scoring attack. Ethan Tafoya led with 15 points, while Deshaun Kensey and Mark Balizan added 11 and 10, respectively. Sandia Prep’s offense was led by Logan Lemons and Miles Manzanares, who each scored 20 points in the loss.
#8 Navajo Prep 47, #9 Hot Springs 43
Navajo Prep survived a late rally from Hot Springs in a thrilling first-round game. Sophomore Aden Clah set the tone early with 11 first-quarter points and finished with 19. Hot Springs battled back in the second half, with Tristan Polcano scoring 22 and Adrian Gomez adding 14. The Tigers briefly took a 41-40 lead late in the fourth quarter, but a clutch three-pointer from Navajo Prep proved to be the game-winner, sending the Eagles to the quarterfinals.
The first round of the 2025 New Mexico high school boys basketball state tournament delivered thrilling matchups, standout performances, and a few surprises. Top seeds showcased their dominance, while lower-seeded teams fought hard to keep their championship hopes alive. :
CLASS 5A
#1 Volcano Vista 75, #16 West Mesa 40 - Final
Top-ranked Volcano Vista made a statement in their dominant victory over West Mesa. The state's top player, Kenyon Aguino, put on a show with 27 points, while second-ranked prospect and teammate David Lunn added 16 points. The Hawks proved why they are the tournament favorites with an overwhelming performance.#2 Hobbs 63, #15 Las Cruces 54 - Final
Abraham Pena stepped up for the second-seeded Hobbs Eagles, leading them to a hard-fought win with 21 points. Pena’s performance further solidified his place as a top-10 player in the state, as the Eagles overcame a determined Las Cruces squad to advance.#3 Sandia 71, #14 Rio Rancho 51 - Final
The Matadors showcased their offensive firepower behind senior Zaire Ndyabagye, who dropped 24 points. Isaiah Brown contributed 16 points as Sandia handled Rio Rancho with ease, securing their spot in the quarterfinals.#4 Roswell 58, #13 Carlsbad 49 - Final
Roswell held off Carlsbad in a gritty battle, using disciplined defense and clutch scoring to move on. The Coyotes displayed their ability to grind out tough wins, keeping their championship aspirations alive.#6 Albuquerque 72, #11 Santa Fe 49 - Final
Albuquerque High wasted no time asserting dominance over Santa Fe, riding a 25-point explosion from Ethan Oetzel. Ali Mireles added 14 points, helping the Bulldogs cruise to a commanding first-round victory.#7 Cleveland 91, #10 Atrisco Heritage 75 - Final
Cleveland’s offensive showcase was led by sophomore sharpshooter Brycen Bowie, who knocked down eight three-pointers en route to 26 points. Remy Albrecht contributed 25 points, while Ajay Vigil and Titus Sutton added 19 and 17 points, respectively. The Storm silenced any doubts with an emphatic win, proving they are serious contenders. Atrisco Heritage’s Latavious Morris had a strong showing with 16 points in the loss.#8 La Cueva 65, #9 Cibola 56 - Final
La Cueva emerged victorious in a tight contest against Cibola, with Hunter Butler scoring 14 points and Tony Trujillo leading the Bears with 17. Despite a phenomenal 32-point effort from Cibola’s Elijah Martinez, the Bears held on to secure a quarterfinal berth.#12 Farmington 56, #5 Organ Mountain 49 - Final
One of the biggest upsets of the first round came as 12th-seeded Farmington knocked off No. 5 Organ Mountain. Mikey Beck led the way with 19 points, while Landon Begay and Sataurus Griego each contributed 11. Farmington’s defensive intensity and balanced scoring propelled them to a statement win.CLASS 4A
#1 St. Pius X 50, #16 Goddard 34 - Final
Albuquerque, NM – The No. 1 St. Pius X Sartans flexed their dominance with a steady performance, pulling away from No. 16 Goddard in a 50-34 victory. While both teams started slowly, executing their offenses methodically, the Sartans’ size eventually proved too much for the Rockets.Senior big man Isaiah Carpenter controlled the paint on both ends, rattling the Rockets with his shot-blocking, rebounding, and efficient finishing around the rim. His presence disrupted Goddard’s offensive rhythm, allowing St. Pius X to inch away as the game progressed.
Meanwhile, Mason Montoya led the Sartans’ offensive attack with 18 points, showcasing his versatility as a forward/wing. Kenneth Zamora contributed 10 points, helping St. Pius X maintain control throughout.
For Goddard, Izzy Mestas put up a valiant effort, leading the Rockets with 15 points. The savvy guard displayed his playmaking ability and knack for scoring in traffic. Ezekiel Burrola, another solid shooting threat for Goddard, added 8 points in the loss.
Game Flow: First Quarter: Both teams were deliberate in their execution, leading to a low-scoring start. St. Pius X led 10-4 after one, relying on their stifling defense. Second Quarter: Goddard responded with a stronger offensive showing, but St. Pius X maintained their lead, heading into halftime up 26-16. Third Quarter: The Sartans extended their advantage, limiting Goddard’s chances while finding consistent scoring inside. By the end of three, St. Pius X held a 38-24 lead. Fourth Quarter: The Sartans remained in control, methodically closing out the game for the 50-34 win.
#2 Artesia 91, #15 Gallup 57 - Final
Artesia’s high-powered offense overwhelmed Gallup, with Clay Kincaid leading the way with 21 points. The Bulldogs had five players in double figures, including Trent Egeland (13), Cael Houghtaling (11), Charlie Campbell (10), and Steven Williams (10), proving their depth and scoring ability.#3 Espanola Valley 54, #14 Belen 50 - Final
Espanola Valley survived a tough battle against Belen, holding on for a narrow victory to move into the quarterfinals.#4 Albuquerque Academy 72, #13 Grants 57 - Final
Senior forward Eli Dominguez put on a clinic for Academy, dropping 23 points to lead the Chargers to a solid first-round win.#6 Silver 82, #11 Hope Christian 72 - Final
Silver proved their doubters wrong with an impressive offensive display. Angel Maciel led all scorers with 29 points, while Brandon Kimberly added 20 to propel the Colts into the quarterfinals.#7 Valley 52, #10 Lovington 48 - Final
In a game that included fourth-quarter controversy, Valley emerged victorious behind Angelito Villa’s 15 points and Luciano Mondragon’s 13. Despite the drama, the Vikings punched their ticket to the next round.#8 Highland 53, #9 Del Norte 32 - Final
Highland dominated Del Norte behind Juan Limas’ 14 points and 11 rebounds. Jerry Moody contributed a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks, securing the Hornets’ place in the quarterfinals.#12 Taos 61, #5 Pojoaque Valley 57 - Final
The second major upset of the tournament came as 12th-seeded Taos knocked off No. 5 Pojoaque Valley. Taos delivered a strong team effort to take down one of the top seeds and keep their championship hopes alive.3A First Round
#1 St. Michael's 87, #16 Santa Fe Prep 46Top-seeded St. Michael’s wasted no time asserting dominance, with junior Dillan McCoy knocking down a pair of early three-pointers en route to a 14-point performance. Kamal Stith also made an impact off the bench, hitting three triples. However, it was Nick Angelley who led the team in scoring with 17 points. Santa Fe Prep’s offense ran through Morgan Field, who poured in 27 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep up with the Horsemen’s firepower.
#2 Robertson 60, #15 Thoreau 45
Robertson controlled the pace throughout, using a strong defensive effort to limit Thoreau’s scoring opportunities. The Cardinals punched their ticket to the quarterfinals with a solid performance on both ends of the floor.
#3 Tohatchi 78, #14 Ruidoso 50
Tohatchi’s fast-paced attack overwhelmed Ruidoso, as they put up 78 points in a commanding first-round victory. Their defensive pressure helped force turnovers, leading to transition baskets that fueled their offensive explosion.
#4 Tularosa 78, #13 East Mountain 50
Tularosa left no doubt in this one, dominating from start to finish. Their efficient scoring and high-energy defense secured them a comfortable win, moving them one step closer to a deep tournament run.
#5 Bosque 48, #12 NMMI 45
In a tightly contested battle, Bosque edged out NMMI behind Josiah Wilson’s standout performance. Wilson poured in 26 points and grabbed six steals to power the Bobcats to the next round. Oliver Tumolo contributed eight points, four rebounds, and five steals, while Luca Kalishman added nine points in the win.
#6 Santa Fe Indian 81, #11 Cobre 58
The Callado brothers fueled Santa Fe Indian’s offense, with Dontrey Callado leading all scorers with 30 points. Taivian Callado added 15, while Kenyen Callado chipped in seven. Cobre saw a strong effort from junior Zavin Guck, who put up 28 points, and freshman Ivan Guck, who scored 15, but their season ended with a first-round exit.
#7 West Las Vegas 59, #10 Sandia Prep 51
West Las Vegas held off a determined Sandia Prep squad thanks to a balanced scoring attack. Ethan Tafoya led with 15 points, while Deshaun Kensey and Mark Balizan added 11 and 10, respectively. Sandia Prep’s offense was led by Logan Lemons and Miles Manzanares, who each scored 20 points in the loss.
#8 Navajo Prep 47, #9 Hot Springs 43
Navajo Prep survived a late rally from Hot Springs in a thrilling first-round game. Sophomore Aden Clah set the tone early with 11 first-quarter points and finished with 19. Hot Springs battled back in the second half, with Tristan Polcano scoring 22 and Adrian Gomez adding 14. The Tigers briefly took a 41-40 lead late in the fourth quarter, but a clutch three-pointer from Navajo Prep proved to be the game-winner, sending the Eagles to the quarterfinals.
2A First Round Recap
Top-seeded Texico cruised past Tucumcari, while No. 2 Santa Rosa handled Raton in a high-scoring affair. No. 3 Mesa Vista survived a tight battle with Menaul, escaping with a two-point win. Pecos, the fourth seed, dominated Oak Grove to move on. In a key upset, No. 12 Mora stunned No. 6 Mesilla Valley Christian by a single point. Legacy Academy used a strong performance from Bryant Scales to defeat Eunice, while Rehoboth Christian and Jal also secured wins to complete the quarterfinal bracket.1A First Round Recap
The top seeds held strong in Class 1A, with Logan, Melrose, Fort Sumner, and Magdalena all winning comfortably. Roy/Mosquero and Cimarron advanced with convincing victories, while Maxwell pulled away from Mountainair in the second half. The most competitive game saw No. 8 Cliff defeat No. 9 Gateway Christian, capping off a strong opening round in the bracket.
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