Feature Daily Dimes: New Mexico HS Basketball Preview - Friday, January 10

[J Grine]

Daily Dimes: New Mexico HS Basketball Preview - Friday, January 10​

NMPreps delivers your daily preview and predictions for key games across New Mexico high school basketball.

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APS Metro Championships​

Semifinal (#1): Cleveland vs Sandia​

Time: 5:00 PM
Sandia sits firmly atop 5A basketball, ranked No. 2, while Cleveland, ranked No. 4, continues to rise in the rankings. Both teams are looking to cement their status as title contenders. Sandia boasts a deep roster of talent led by senior standout Zaire Ndyabagye, while Cleveland will rely on the dynamic play of junior Remy Albrecht in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Prediction: Sandia 66, Cleveland 63

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Semifinal (#2): Volcano Vista vs Rio Rancho​

Time: 7:00 PM
Top-ranked Volcano Vista (No. 1) faces Rio Rancho (No. 6) in the evening’s highly anticipated matchup. Rio Rancho is riding high after a dominant 97-56 victory over Hope Christian in the quarterfinals, with rising star Noah Lovato (2027) making a name for himself. However, Volcano Vista, led by top-ranked Kenyon Aguino, brings unmatched firepower and consistency.
Prediction: Volcano Vista 75, Rio Rancho 67

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La Cueva vs Atrisco Heritage​

Time: 5:15 PM
This intriguing matchup features No. 5 La Cueva and No. 12 Atrisco Heritage, both coming off quarterfinal losses. La Cueva has shown upward momentum after an unranked preseason start, while Atrisco Heritage has been a roller coaster of inconsistency. This game could swing either way, but Atrisco’s ability to turn up the tempo might give them the edge.
Prediction: Atrisco Heritage 65, La Cueva 60

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Other Games to Watch​

• Santa Fe Prep (5-4) vs Sandia Prep (4-6)
  Time: 8:00 AM
  Location: SFIS Invitational (Consolation Bracket)
  Both teams are seeking redemption in the consolation bracket. Santa Fe Prep’s disciplined play could edge out Sandia Prep’s up-and-down offense.
  Prediction: Santa Fe Prep 54, Sandia Prep 49
• Santa Fe Indian (7-4) vs Menaul (3-5)
  Time: 11:30 AM
  This matchup at the SFIS Invitational pits 3A Santa Fe Indian’s talent vs a Menaul squad looking to establish themselves as a top 2A team.
  Prediction: Santa Fe Indian 61, Menaul 50
• Tularosa (8-2) vs Mesa Vista (10-3)
  Time: 3:00 PM
  In a winners’ side consolation game, Tularosa looks to maintain their strong season against a formidable Mesa Vista squad climbing the 2A ranks.
  Prediction: Tularosa 59, Mesa Vista 55