Daily Dimes: Friday New Mexico HS Basketball Preview
NMPreps key games to watch today in New Mexico high school basketball with top players, teams, and handing out predictions for marquee games taking place throughout New Mexico.
5A Basketball: Can Rio Rancho Weather the Volcano Vista Storm?
The No. 8 Rio Rancho Rams (11-6, 0-1 District 1-5A) may have started the season strong, but their recent performances have us wondering if the wheels are coming loose. After a three-game losing streak to St. Michael's, Roswell, and Farmington, the Rams are searching for answers—and fast. Standing in their way tonight? The top-ranked Volcano Vista Hawks (15-2, 1-0 District 1-5A), a team that looks every bit the powerhouse they’re projected to be.
The Rams' season hasn’t been without promise. Just two weeks ago, they pushed Volcano Vista to the edge in the APS Metro Championships semifinal, losing a close 65-59 battle. They even followed that up with a 60-54 rivalry win over Cleveland, showing they can hang with the best on their day. But since then, things have unraveled. Lacking a true go-to player or floor general, Rio Rancho has relied on depth to stay competitive, with eight players averaging between 5.7 and 9.9 points per game. While that balance offers versatility, it begs the question: Can anyone step up to take over when the moment demands it?
Sophomore guard Noah Lovato, the team’s leading scorer at 9.9 ppg, will need to rise to the occasion, but the Rams will have to play near-perfect basketball to contend with the Hawks. Simply put, Volcano Vista is a juggernaut. Kenyon Aguino and David Lunn, the top two ranked players in the state, have been dominating opponents all season long, and the duo is primed for another standout performance tonight. Between their high-flying dunks and ability to score at will, the Hawks’ star power often feels insurmountable for most teams. Aguino and Lunn combining for 50 points is far from out of the question—after all, they’ve done it plenty of times before.
Rio Rancho’s balance may help them keep it close early, but Volcano Vista’s firepower and athleticism should overwhelm the Rams as the game progresses. Look for Aguino and Lunn to put on a show while the Hawks pull away late.
Final Score: Volcano Vista 80, Rio Rancho 62 (Volcano Vista, -18.5)
Other games to watch: 4A Artesia at 5A Hobbs.
4A Basketball: Who Claims the Crown in District 6-4A?
The battle for supremacy in District 6-4A heats up tonight as the No. 4 Albuquerque Academy Chargers (12-6, 1-0 District 6-4A) make the short trip to face the No. 2 Hope Christian Huskies (10-7, 1-0 District 6-4A). With both teams undefeated in district play, this matchup could provide the inside track to the district championship.
Albuquerque Academy has quietly put together an impressive season, with a notable victory over St. Pius X anchoring their resume. Despite their success, the Chargers remain in the shadows, and tonight presents a golden opportunity to demand respect with a statement win over Hope Christian. According to our latest bracketology, Academy is in excellent position for March, but they'll need to prove they can deliver in high-pressure situations.
On the other side, never count out Hope Christian. Legendary head coach Jim Murphy has built a reputation for guiding his teams to big wins when it matters most. Every time doubt creeps in about the Huskies, they seem to deliver a signature victory.
Prediction: Academy 55, Hope Christian 51. The Chargers earn a hard-fought win, staking their claim as the district favorite.
Other 4A Games to Watch Tonight:
3A Basketball: Rough Riders Las Vegas Showdown
All eyes in 3A basketball turn to Las Vegas tonight as the No. 1 Robertson Cardinals (15-2, 1-0 District 2-3A) take on the West Las Vegas Dons (12-5, 1-0 District 2-3A) in a heated rivalry matchup.
The Cardinals are the overwhelming top team in Class 3A, riding a 15-game win streak and looking every bit like a state championship contender. Led by a potent offense and suffocating defense, Robertson has been a nightmare for opponents. But can they keep up their dominance against a West Las Vegas squad eager to prove themselves?
The Dons have quietly been building momentum, going 2-1 in a tough tournament last week that included 4A powerhouse Hope Christian, Artesia, and St. Pius X. A victory over Robertson tonight would be a defining moment for West Las Vegas and could shake up the 3A landscape.
Prediction: Robertson 64, West Las Vegas 57. The Cardinals extend their win streak in a competitive game, solidifying their grip on the top spot in 3A.
NMPreps key games to watch today in New Mexico high school basketball with top players, teams, and handing out predictions for marquee games taking place throughout New Mexico.
5A Basketball: Can Rio Rancho Weather the Volcano Vista Storm?
The No. 8 Rio Rancho Rams (11-6, 0-1 District 1-5A) may have started the season strong, but their recent performances have us wondering if the wheels are coming loose. After a three-game losing streak to St. Michael's, Roswell, and Farmington, the Rams are searching for answers—and fast. Standing in their way tonight? The top-ranked Volcano Vista Hawks (15-2, 1-0 District 1-5A), a team that looks every bit the powerhouse they’re projected to be.
The Rams' season hasn’t been without promise. Just two weeks ago, they pushed Volcano Vista to the edge in the APS Metro Championships semifinal, losing a close 65-59 battle. They even followed that up with a 60-54 rivalry win over Cleveland, showing they can hang with the best on their day. But since then, things have unraveled. Lacking a true go-to player or floor general, Rio Rancho has relied on depth to stay competitive, with eight players averaging between 5.7 and 9.9 points per game. While that balance offers versatility, it begs the question: Can anyone step up to take over when the moment demands it?
Sophomore guard Noah Lovato, the team’s leading scorer at 9.9 ppg, will need to rise to the occasion, but the Rams will have to play near-perfect basketball to contend with the Hawks. Simply put, Volcano Vista is a juggernaut. Kenyon Aguino and David Lunn, the top two ranked players in the state, have been dominating opponents all season long, and the duo is primed for another standout performance tonight. Between their high-flying dunks and ability to score at will, the Hawks’ star power often feels insurmountable for most teams. Aguino and Lunn combining for 50 points is far from out of the question—after all, they’ve done it plenty of times before.
Rio Rancho’s balance may help them keep it close early, but Volcano Vista’s firepower and athleticism should overwhelm the Rams as the game progresses. Look for Aguino and Lunn to put on a show while the Hawks pull away late.
Final Score: Volcano Vista 80, Rio Rancho 62 (Volcano Vista, -18.5)
Other games to watch: 4A Artesia at 5A Hobbs.
4A Basketball: Who Claims the Crown in District 6-4A?
The battle for supremacy in District 6-4A heats up tonight as the No. 4 Albuquerque Academy Chargers (12-6, 1-0 District 6-4A) make the short trip to face the No. 2 Hope Christian Huskies (10-7, 1-0 District 6-4A). With both teams undefeated in district play, this matchup could provide the inside track to the district championship.
Albuquerque Academy has quietly put together an impressive season, with a notable victory over St. Pius X anchoring their resume. Despite their success, the Chargers remain in the shadows, and tonight presents a golden opportunity to demand respect with a statement win over Hope Christian. According to our latest bracketology, Academy is in excellent position for March, but they'll need to prove they can deliver in high-pressure situations.
On the other side, never count out Hope Christian. Legendary head coach Jim Murphy has built a reputation for guiding his teams to big wins when it matters most. Every time doubt creeps in about the Huskies, they seem to deliver a signature victory.
Prediction: Academy 55, Hope Christian 51. The Chargers earn a hard-fought win, staking their claim as the district favorite.
Other 4A Games to Watch Tonight:
- Grants at St. Pius X
- Pojoaque at Taos
- Bernalillo at Del Norte
3A Basketball: Rough Riders Las Vegas Showdown
All eyes in 3A basketball turn to Las Vegas tonight as the No. 1 Robertson Cardinals (15-2, 1-0 District 2-3A) take on the West Las Vegas Dons (12-5, 1-0 District 2-3A) in a heated rivalry matchup.
The Cardinals are the overwhelming top team in Class 3A, riding a 15-game win streak and looking every bit like a state championship contender. Led by a potent offense and suffocating defense, Robertson has been a nightmare for opponents. But can they keep up their dominance against a West Las Vegas squad eager to prove themselves?
The Dons have quietly been building momentum, going 2-1 in a tough tournament last week that included 4A powerhouse Hope Christian, Artesia, and St. Pius X. A victory over Robertson tonight would be a defining moment for West Las Vegas and could shake up the 3A landscape.
Prediction: Robertson 64, West Las Vegas 57. The Cardinals extend their win streak in a competitive game, solidifying their grip on the top spot in 3A.
