Class 2A: First Round Preview and Predictions
The Class 2A Girls State Tournament tips off this weekend with eight first-round matchups across New Mexico, as teams chase their shot at the blue trophy. Here’s a breakdown of the bracket-opening games, starting with the top-seeded Coyotes.
Tatum thrives on its relentless full-court press, creating turnovers and turning defense into quick points. Their guard play leads the way with Avery Henard (2026) controlling the tempo, Aubree Young (2025) providing reliable outside shooting, and Naomi Garcia (2028) adding youthful energy and scoring. As a team, the Coyotes are averaging nearly 60 points per game, and with home-court advantage, they are heavy favorites to advance.
The Estancia Bears earned the 16-seed with a 15-13 overall record, finishing 6-4 in district play and securing the final at-large spot in the bracket. The Bears have had a solid season but face a major challenge trying to keep pace with Tatum's high-powered attack. Estancia is averaging 43 points per game, and to stay competitive, they'll need big performances from Jhenna Valencia (2026), who leads the team with 13.9 points per game, and Karina Villafuerte (2025), adding 8.4 points per game. For the Bears to pull off the upset, they’ll need to play mistake-free basketball, slow the tempo, and hit timely shots—something no 2A team outside of Texico has managed to do against Tatum this season.
Prediction: Tatum 68, Estancia 37
Looking to spoil the party is 15-seed Hozho Academy, a rising program that has made impressive strides, reaching the state tournament in just their second full season. The Gallup-based Wolves finished the year 16-12 overall and 7-3 in District 1-2A, leaning on a young core and gaining valuable postseason experience for the future. Sophomore Khloe Todecheenie leads the way with 11 points per game, and much of the roster is built around underclassmen who have helped lay the foundation for the program's early success.
While Hozho Academy’s rapid growth is a great storyline, the depth, experience, and scoring power of Mesa Vista will likely be too much to handle. Expect the Trojans to push the pace and take control early in front of their home crowd as they look to keep their win streak alive and advance comfortably into the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Mesa Vista 69, Hozho Academy 41.
Making the nearly six-hour trip from the southeast corner of the state, the Jal Panthers face a tough task on the road. Jal enters with a 12-16 overall record, and while they have some promising young talent, the challenge of slowing down Pecos on their home floor is significant. Sophomore Mayrin Nieto leads Jal with 11 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, with contributions from Johnna Butts (2026) and freshman Natalia Rivera, but the long road trip and Pecos' pressure defense could make for a difficult night.
It’s Panthers vs. Panthers in this one, but expect Pecos to dominate from the jump as they look to advance comfortably to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Pecos 65, Jal 39.
The Warriors are built on experience, featuring five seniors who know what it takes this time of year. Kaylena Chinana, a left-handed sharpshooter, brings deep range and quick scoring ability. Fellow senior Myalynn Madalena adds another weapon on the perimeter, while inside presence comes from Morgan Toya and Leylana Medina, who both give Jemez Valley toughness on the glass and in the paint.
For Legacy Academy, it has been a strong season with a 19-8 record and a runner-up finish in District 2-2A. They’re led by Kaleigh Carrasco (2025), who averages 13.6 points per game, and rising star Eden Griffis, just an 8th grader, contributing 10.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. Despite their youth, Legacy has kept things competitive with Jemez Valley, especially in their earlier meetings. However, in last weekend's district final, Jemez Valley pulled away for a dominant 54-26 victory, and with the same matchup on the same court, it’s tough to expect a much different result this time around.
Prediction: Jemez Valley 61, Legacy Academy 34.
Fueling the Rattlers’ attack are the Benavidez sisters, a dynamic duo that has been nothing short of outstanding. Senior Caylee Benavidez (2024) is having a Player of the Year-caliber season, averaging 15.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.9 steals per game while leading the team on both ends of the floor. Sophomore sister Cambree Benavidez (2026) adds 11.2 points and 5.1 rebounds as another scoring threat. Supporting them is a well-rounded cast, including July Lafferty (2025), who provides toughness inside with 10.1 points and 8.3 rebounds, as well as rising 8th grader Maaja Anaya (2029) and junior Kayla Lopez (2026). Tucumcari’s blend of experience and youth, plus their postseason seasoning after a 3A quarterfinal run last year (gave SFIS everything they could handle), makes them a legitimate contender in the 2A field.
Meanwhile, the McCurdy Bobcats have been one of the most improved teams in 2A this season. After winning just eight games a year ago, they’ve surged to a 19-11 record, finishing 6-4 in District 5-2A and claiming the third spot behind Mesa Vista and Questa. The Bobcats have won six of their last eight, playing some of their best basketball down the stretch. Sophomore Amy Anaya (2027) leads McCurdy with 13.4 points, 5.1 steals, and 2.1 assists per game, while Kaylee Martinez (2026) and Mariana Arambula (2025) chip in with 8.2 points per game apiece. Arambula is also a force on the boards, averaging an impressive 14.2 rebounds per game, giving McCurdy a presence inside to combat Tucumcari’s size.
There’s no doubt McCurdy is trending upward and has the pieces to keep this competitive, but with Tucumcari's scoring balance, playoff experience, and the Benavidez sisters leading the way, the Rattlers are built to make noise this March. Expect them to take care of business at home and punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Tucumcari 56, McCurdy 41.
With Cline out, the pressure now shifts to senior Desiree Holman and junior Kirra Fontanilla to carry the load. Both will need to step up offensively and defensively if Texico hopes to make a push in the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Mescalero Apache Chiefs arrive with some real momentum. They’re 18-10 overall and 5-3 in District 3-2A, and winners of seven of their last eight games, including a convincing 53-41 district tournament championship victory over Mesilla Valley. Skyla Enjady is the player to watch after dropping 19 points in that title game, and Laurdis Sundayman adds another key option for a Chiefs team that’s playing its best basketball at the right time.
These two already met back on January 17th, a game Texico controlled for a 61-33 win. But with Cline now out and Mescalero Apache heating up, this matchup feels much tighter. Still, we’ll give the slight edge to Texico at home, but don’t be shocked if this one goes down to the wire.
Prediction: Texico 48, Mescalero Apache 45.
The Mesilla Valley SonBlazers aren’t going to back down, though. They enter the tournament 19-4 overall and 6-2 in District 3-2A, winning the regular season district title before falling in the tournament championship. Neveah Benjamin (2025) is a double-double machine, averaging 17.4 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game, making her one of the top defenders and interior presences in the classification. Katey Black (2025) adds 13.9 points and 3.3 steals per game, giving the SonBlazers a dangerous inside-out combination.
This matchup feels like a true toss-up. Two experienced teams with star power, both capable of making noise in the next round. It should come down to the final possessions, and in a close one, we’ll lean just slightly with Eunice on their home floor.
Prediction: Eunice 54, Mesilla Valley 53.
Questa has been steadily building toward this moment, improving from 11 wins just two years ago to 19 wins last season, and now boasting a 20-6 overall record this year while going 8-2 in District 5-2A, finishing as the district runner-up behind #2 Mesa Vista. Alyse Lovato (2026) has led the charge with 13 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.7 steals per game, but the backbone of the program has been their experienced senior trio: Kamryn Cardenas, Aliyah Santistevan, and Alexis Brown. This group has been instrumental in Questa’s rise and will have their shot to make a deep playoff run, starting with this huge home game.
Standing in their way is a dangerous Laguna-Acoma team riding an 8-game winning streak. The Hawks are 21-7 overall, 9-1 in District 1-2A, and come in as district champions. Their success is built around the electric Carrillo trio—Gianna Carrillo (2025) at 17.4 ppg, Jazymne Carrillo (2025) with 11.3 ppg, and Brianna Carrillo (2026) adding 10.8 ppg. The chemistry and scoring punch from these three have made Laguna-Acoma one of the most dangerous lower seeds in the bracket.
With two hot teams, a pair of strong senior groups, and plenty of postseason motivation, this game has all the makings of an overtime thriller. The home court advantage leans toward Questa, but the Hawks travel well and have the firepower to steal this one late.
Prediction: Laguna-Acoma 58, Questa 57 (OT).
The Class 2A Girls State Tournament tips off this weekend with eight first-round matchups across New Mexico, as teams chase their shot at the blue trophy. Here’s a breakdown of the bracket-opening games, starting with the top-seeded Coyotes.
#1 Tatum vs. #16 Estancia, 6 p.m.
The Tatum Coyotes enter the postseason as the clear favorite in Class 2A, finishing the regular season 23-5 overall and 9-1 in District 4-2A. Winners of nine straight games, Tatum has been dominant down the stretch, with their only in-state 2A losses coming to rival Texico. Under the legendary guidance of head coach Greg Slover, who is quietly approaching 900 career victories (sitting at 885 wins entering the tournament), the Coyotes are set up to make another deep run.Tatum thrives on its relentless full-court press, creating turnovers and turning defense into quick points. Their guard play leads the way with Avery Henard (2026) controlling the tempo, Aubree Young (2025) providing reliable outside shooting, and Naomi Garcia (2028) adding youthful energy and scoring. As a team, the Coyotes are averaging nearly 60 points per game, and with home-court advantage, they are heavy favorites to advance.
The Estancia Bears earned the 16-seed with a 15-13 overall record, finishing 6-4 in district play and securing the final at-large spot in the bracket. The Bears have had a solid season but face a major challenge trying to keep pace with Tatum's high-powered attack. Estancia is averaging 43 points per game, and to stay competitive, they'll need big performances from Jhenna Valencia (2026), who leads the team with 13.9 points per game, and Karina Villafuerte (2025), adding 8.4 points per game. For the Bears to pull off the upset, they’ll need to play mistake-free basketball, slow the tempo, and hit timely shots—something no 2A team outside of Texico has managed to do against Tatum this season.
Prediction: Tatum 68, Estancia 37
#2 Mesa Vista vs. #15 Hozho Academy, 6 p.m.
The Mesa Vista Trojans are entering the postseason as one of the hottest teams in Class 2A, boasting a 24-3 overall record and riding a 13-game winning streak. After cruising through District 5-2A with a flawless 10-0 record, the Trojans are primed for a deep tournament run. Averaging 57 points per game, Mesa Vista brings a balanced and aggressive attack led by standout guard Tana Lopez (2025), who does it all with 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.5 steals per game. Senior Hannah Lopez has been the perfect complement, adding 9.6 points per game and giving the Trojans a steady second option.Looking to spoil the party is 15-seed Hozho Academy, a rising program that has made impressive strides, reaching the state tournament in just their second full season. The Gallup-based Wolves finished the year 16-12 overall and 7-3 in District 1-2A, leaning on a young core and gaining valuable postseason experience for the future. Sophomore Khloe Todecheenie leads the way with 11 points per game, and much of the roster is built around underclassmen who have helped lay the foundation for the program's early success.
While Hozho Academy’s rapid growth is a great storyline, the depth, experience, and scoring power of Mesa Vista will likely be too much to handle. Expect the Trojans to push the pace and take control early in front of their home crowd as they look to keep their win streak alive and advance comfortably into the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Mesa Vista 69, Hozho Academy 41.
#3 Pecos vs. #14 Jal, 6 p.m.
The Pecos Panthers enter the state tournament on a roll, finishing 23-6 overall and claiming a share of the District 6-2A title with a 9-1 district record. Winners of seven straight, including the district tournament championship, Pecos has found its stride at the right time. Leading the charge is dynamic senior Natalia Stout (2025), putting up video game-like numbers with 17 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.4 steals, and 3.4 assists per game. Stout's all-around game makes her one of the most impactful players in the classification, while Larcyia Sena (2025) and Breanna Bustos (2026) provide steady support, giving Pecos multiple scoring threats.Making the nearly six-hour trip from the southeast corner of the state, the Jal Panthers face a tough task on the road. Jal enters with a 12-16 overall record, and while they have some promising young talent, the challenge of slowing down Pecos on their home floor is significant. Sophomore Mayrin Nieto leads Jal with 11 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, with contributions from Johnna Butts (2026) and freshman Natalia Rivera, but the long road trip and Pecos' pressure defense could make for a difficult night.
It’s Panthers vs. Panthers in this one, but expect Pecos to dominate from the jump as they look to advance comfortably to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Pecos 65, Jal 39.
#4 Jemez Valley vs. #13 Legacy Academy, 5:30 p.m.
In a rematch fresh off last weekend’s District 2-2A Tournament Championship, the Jemez Valley Warriors will once again host the Legacy Academy Silverbacks, this time with a spot in the state quarterfinals on the line. Jemez Valley has been one of the most consistent teams all season, finishing 24-4 overall with a district title and a strong senior core leading the way.The Warriors are built on experience, featuring five seniors who know what it takes this time of year. Kaylena Chinana, a left-handed sharpshooter, brings deep range and quick scoring ability. Fellow senior Myalynn Madalena adds another weapon on the perimeter, while inside presence comes from Morgan Toya and Leylana Medina, who both give Jemez Valley toughness on the glass and in the paint.
For Legacy Academy, it has been a strong season with a 19-8 record and a runner-up finish in District 2-2A. They’re led by Kaleigh Carrasco (2025), who averages 13.6 points per game, and rising star Eden Griffis, just an 8th grader, contributing 10.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. Despite their youth, Legacy has kept things competitive with Jemez Valley, especially in their earlier meetings. However, in last weekend's district final, Jemez Valley pulled away for a dominant 54-26 victory, and with the same matchup on the same court, it’s tough to expect a much different result this time around.
Prediction: Jemez Valley 61, Legacy Academy 34.
#5 Tucumcari vs. #12 McCurdy, 6 p.m.
The Tucumcari Rattlers are no strangers to success, wrapping up another strong season at 21-7 overall and 9-1 in District 6-2A, earning a share of the district title alongside Pecos. Under the leadership of head coach Patrick Benavidez, the Rattlers have now hit the 20-win mark for the third consecutive season, and this year’s squad might be as dangerous as any. Since the start of January, Tucumcari has won 15 of its last 19 games, building serious momentum heading into March.Fueling the Rattlers’ attack are the Benavidez sisters, a dynamic duo that has been nothing short of outstanding. Senior Caylee Benavidez (2024) is having a Player of the Year-caliber season, averaging 15.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.9 steals per game while leading the team on both ends of the floor. Sophomore sister Cambree Benavidez (2026) adds 11.2 points and 5.1 rebounds as another scoring threat. Supporting them is a well-rounded cast, including July Lafferty (2025), who provides toughness inside with 10.1 points and 8.3 rebounds, as well as rising 8th grader Maaja Anaya (2029) and junior Kayla Lopez (2026). Tucumcari’s blend of experience and youth, plus their postseason seasoning after a 3A quarterfinal run last year (gave SFIS everything they could handle), makes them a legitimate contender in the 2A field.
Meanwhile, the McCurdy Bobcats have been one of the most improved teams in 2A this season. After winning just eight games a year ago, they’ve surged to a 19-11 record, finishing 6-4 in District 5-2A and claiming the third spot behind Mesa Vista and Questa. The Bobcats have won six of their last eight, playing some of their best basketball down the stretch. Sophomore Amy Anaya (2027) leads McCurdy with 13.4 points, 5.1 steals, and 2.1 assists per game, while Kaylee Martinez (2026) and Mariana Arambula (2025) chip in with 8.2 points per game apiece. Arambula is also a force on the boards, averaging an impressive 14.2 rebounds per game, giving McCurdy a presence inside to combat Tucumcari’s size.
There’s no doubt McCurdy is trending upward and has the pieces to keep this competitive, but with Tucumcari's scoring balance, playoff experience, and the Benavidez sisters leading the way, the Rattlers are built to make noise this March. Expect them to take care of business at home and punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Tucumcari 56, McCurdy 41.
#6 Texico vs. #11 Mescalero Apache, 6 p.m.
The Texico Wolverines head into the state tournament with a 17-10 overall record, finishing 9-1 in District 4-2A, earning second place behind Tatum. However, the Wolverines are in a bit of a slump, dropping six of their final nine games, and a lot of that stems from the loss of junior standout Macy Cline, who suffered a season-ending injury. Cline was pivotal, especially in Texico’s biggest win of the year, scoring 22 points in their 48-47 upset over then-#1 Tatum back in early February.With Cline out, the pressure now shifts to senior Desiree Holman and junior Kirra Fontanilla to carry the load. Both will need to step up offensively and defensively if Texico hopes to make a push in the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Mescalero Apache Chiefs arrive with some real momentum. They’re 18-10 overall and 5-3 in District 3-2A, and winners of seven of their last eight games, including a convincing 53-41 district tournament championship victory over Mesilla Valley. Skyla Enjady is the player to watch after dropping 19 points in that title game, and Laurdis Sundayman adds another key option for a Chiefs team that’s playing its best basketball at the right time.
These two already met back on January 17th, a game Texico controlled for a 61-33 win. But with Cline now out and Mescalero Apache heating up, this matchup feels much tighter. Still, we’ll give the slight edge to Texico at home, but don’t be shocked if this one goes down to the wire.
Prediction: Texico 48, Mescalero Apache 45.
#7 Eunice vs. #10 Mesilla Valley, 5 p.m.
This one has game of the night potential. The Eunice Cardinals are 21-8 overall, finishing 6-4 in a stacked District 4-2A, good for third place. They’ve been building confidence over the last month, winning seven of their final 10 games, and made it to the district tournament championship last week. The Cardinals are built to compete with anyone, led by one of the top shooters in the state in Aleena Rodriguez (2024). The 5-9 senior sharpshooter is not only having a strong season, but her career numbers from three-point range are earning her a spot in the record books. Pair her with fellow senior MaKenna McBee, and Eunice has the firepower to make a deep run.The Mesilla Valley SonBlazers aren’t going to back down, though. They enter the tournament 19-4 overall and 6-2 in District 3-2A, winning the regular season district title before falling in the tournament championship. Neveah Benjamin (2025) is a double-double machine, averaging 17.4 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game, making her one of the top defenders and interior presences in the classification. Katey Black (2025) adds 13.9 points and 3.3 steals per game, giving the SonBlazers a dangerous inside-out combination.
This matchup feels like a true toss-up. Two experienced teams with star power, both capable of making noise in the next round. It should come down to the final possessions, and in a close one, we’ll lean just slightly with Eunice on their home floor.
Prediction: Eunice 54, Mesilla Valley 53.
#8 Questa vs. #9 Laguna-Acoma, 6 p.m.
One of the most evenly matched and highly anticipated games of the first round features the Questa Wildcats hosting the Laguna-Acoma Hawks in what has the makings of a must-see showdown.Questa has been steadily building toward this moment, improving from 11 wins just two years ago to 19 wins last season, and now boasting a 20-6 overall record this year while going 8-2 in District 5-2A, finishing as the district runner-up behind #2 Mesa Vista. Alyse Lovato (2026) has led the charge with 13 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.7 steals per game, but the backbone of the program has been their experienced senior trio: Kamryn Cardenas, Aliyah Santistevan, and Alexis Brown. This group has been instrumental in Questa’s rise and will have their shot to make a deep playoff run, starting with this huge home game.
Standing in their way is a dangerous Laguna-Acoma team riding an 8-game winning streak. The Hawks are 21-7 overall, 9-1 in District 1-2A, and come in as district champions. Their success is built around the electric Carrillo trio—Gianna Carrillo (2025) at 17.4 ppg, Jazymne Carrillo (2025) with 11.3 ppg, and Brianna Carrillo (2026) adding 10.8 ppg. The chemistry and scoring punch from these three have made Laguna-Acoma one of the most dangerous lower seeds in the bracket.
With two hot teams, a pair of strong senior groups, and plenty of postseason motivation, this game has all the makings of an overtime thriller. The home court advantage leans toward Questa, but the Hawks travel well and have the firepower to steal this one late.
Prediction: Laguna-Acoma 58, Questa 57 (OT).
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