Class 1A Boys Basketball State Tournament First Round Preview
The New Mexico Class 1A State Tournament tips off with a competitive slate of first-round matchups. From top-ranked contenders to potential upset bids, here is a breakdown of each matchup as teams look to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.
No. 1 Logan (22-3) vs. No. 16 Grady (10-13), 6 p.m.
Top-seeded Logan enters the state tournament with momentum, riding a five-game winning streak and an offense averaging more than 75 points per game. The Longhorns are led by senior Hayden Bruhn, one of the class's top scorers at 19.5 points per game, along with Mason Wallin, who averages 19.1 points per game. Logan has proven dominant on both ends of the floor, outscoring opponents by nearly 600 points this season. Grady, the No. 16 seed, comes in looking to shock the bracket after a late-season slump with three straight losses. Deakin Ragland (9.9 PPG) and Zander Ciancio (8.8 PPG) will need career performances to keep pace with Logan's high-powered offense. Prediction: Logan 68, Grady 40
No. 2 Melrose (22-5) vs. No. 15 Springer (13-16), 5 p.m.
The Melrose Buffaloes boast an undefeated district record and are fueled by a perfect 10-0 mark in their district. The Buffaloes average more than 67 points per game, led by a balanced scoring attack and strong defensive play. Springer enters as a battle-tested group that has played one of the tougher schedules in the classification. They’ll lean on their high-tempo offense, which has put up 1,762 points this season, but will need a complete game to slow down Melrose’s efficient scoring and interior play. Prediction: Melrose 70, Springs 51
No. 3 Fort Sumner/House (20-7) vs. No. 14 Pine Hill (18-9), 3 p.m.
Fort Sumner/House, the defending state champion, is a state tournament regular, bringing experience and physical play to the bracket. The Foxes are averaging over 71 points per game and will look to get back to the quarterfinals behind their strong post presence. PineHill enters with confidence, having won 11 straight games. They feature Class 1A’s leading scorer, Channing James, who averages 23.5 points per game. Pine Hill's recent form and star power make this a dangerous matchup for the No. 3 seed. Prediction: Fort Sumner 88, Pine Hill 49
No. 4 Magdalena (23-5) vs. No. 13 Quemado (14-13), 5 p.m.
Magdalena, reached the title game in 2024, and is back with another strong team. Joseph Zamora (19.5 PPG) and Jeffrey Stuteville (12.7 PPG) provide scoring punch, and the Steers are holding opponents to just over 34 points per game defensively. Quemado will need to slow the pace and control possessions to hang around. The Eagles come in with a .500 district record and will rely on their defense to try to pull off an upset against the seasoned Magdalena squad. Prediction: Magdalena 61, Quemado 39
No. 5 Roy/Mosquero (21-6) vs. No. 12 Dora (13-15), 6 p.m
Roy/Mosquero rides a 12-0 district record into the tournament and features multiple scoring threats, including Ethan Hazen (14.1 PPG), Ayden Clavel (12.0 PPG), and Ike Smith (10.5 PPG). Their depth and high-scoring offense make them one of the tournament’s dark horses. Dora, a tough 13-seed, will aim to slow down the t empo and rely on disciplined half-court sets. The Coyotes have been streaky but capable, making them a team that cannot be overlooked. Prediction: Roy/Mosquero 55, Dora 50
No. 6 Cimarron (21-7) vs. No. 11 Alamo Navajo (21-7), 5 p.m.
One of the most evenly matched first-round games features two teams with identical records and talented playmakers. Cimarron, led by a balanced roster and strong defensive play, will have its hands full with Alamo Navajo’s high-powered offense. Alamo Navajo is led by Scotty Guerro (17.1 PPG) and Andy Pino (16.3 PPG), and they enter the postseason on a four-game winning streak. Prediciton: Cimarron 61, Alamo Navajo 48
No. 7 Maxwell (21-6) vs. No. 10 Mountainair (20-7), 5 p.m.
Maxwell is looking to bounce back after closing the regular season with back-to-back losses. The Bears have leaned on a fast-paced offense all season, averaging 69 points per game, and will rely on veteran leadership to advance. Mountainair brings an undefeated district record into the tournament and features standout scorer Brody Brazil (15.0 PPG). With a strong supporting cast and defense that has held opponents under 44 points per game in district play, Mountainair is a legitimate upset candidate. Prediction: Maxwell 64, Mountainair 53
No. 8 Cliff (22-6) vs. No. 9 Gateway Christian (21-8), 3 p.m.
Cliff has had an impressive season behind a balanced offensive attack, while Gateway Christian is battle-tested with multiple marquee wins. Gateway Christian will look to control the tempo and lean on its defense, while Cliff’s efficiency on offense will be key. The winner of this matchup earns a likely date with top-seeded Logan in the quarterfinals.
