Daily Dimes: Preview of Games for Tuesday, December 17
NMPreps publisher Joshua Grine delivers his daily rundown of the top New Mexico high school basketball games to watch tonight. Stay with NMPreps for non-stop coverage of high school hoops across the state.KNOCKING DOWN THE TREY: 3 MUST-SEE GAMES
Capital (2-4) at St. Michael's (4-2)7 PM | Perez-Shelley Gym, St. Michael's HS
St. Michael's (No. 2 NMPreps 3A Rankings) hosts crosstown rival Capital (5A) in tonight’s all-Santa Fe showdown. The Jaguars have endured a rough start to the season, opening 0-3 before securing wins over Aztec (4A) and Academy for Technology and the Classics (3A). Despite a narrow 55-52 loss to Pojoaque on Saturday, Capital hopes this rivalry game sparks momentum. Meanwhile, St. Michael’s is riding a two-game win streak after impressive victories over 4A foes Grants (68-51) and Los Alamos (61-23). The Horsemen boast a balanced attack led by sophomore Ryan Hunt, with 10 players averaging between 4 and 8 points per game.
Prediction: St. Michael’s 55, Capital 45
Favorite: St. Michael’s (-10.5)
Grine: St. Michael’s. I don't believe we've seen the Horsemen’s best offense yet, but they’re averaging over 64 points per game in their last two outings. Expect a great crowd tonight at Perez-Shelley Gymnasium.
Texico (4-0) at Santa Rosa (3-1)
7 PM | Santa Rosa HS
Santa Rosa (No. 1 NMPreps 2A Rankings) begins a massive week with three ranked matchups, including Menaul (No. 6/2A) and Logan (No. 4/1A). First up: a showdown with Texico (No. 3 NMPreps 2A Rankings). The Lions will rely heavily on their scoring trio of Daryn Pacheco, Josh Cordova, and Daniel Zamora, who combined for 67 of the team’s 84 points in a big win over Fort Sumner. For Texico, keep an eye on emerging sophomore guard Jett Curtis, a dangerous shooter with range and the green light from the tip. For Texico, senior guard Alex Fuentes and junior post Maverick Hawkins form a formidable core. This game could provide a glimpse of a future 2A state tournament clash.
Prediction: Santa Rosa 71, Texico 70 (OT)
Favorite: Santa Rosa (-1.5)
Grine: Santa Rosa. This is a true coin-flip matchup. Texico’s relentless full-court pressure and offensive execution mirror Santa Rosa’s disciplined and talented squad. Texico’s size could tip the scales, but I’m leaning on Santa Rosa at home in what promises to be a thrilling game.
Magdalena (5-1) at Oak Grove Classical (5-2)
7 PM | Sandia Prep HS
Oak Grove Classical (No. 5 NMPreps 2A Rankings) plays host (games held at Sandia Prep) to powerhouse Magdalena (No. 2 NMPreps 1A Rankings) in a matchup that will test both teams. Oak Grove is making waves in 2A basketball, led by standout Brody Prochnow, who’s averaging 19.5 points per game. Magdalena, however, brings pedigree and size to the court with senior “twin towers” Jeffrey Stuteville and Joseph Zamora—both over 6’5” and consistent double-double threats. The Steers, a perennial 1A powerhouse, are building toward a fifth straight state championship appearance after falling short in 2023 and 2024 but winning back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.
Prediction: Magdalena 68, Oak Grove Classical 59
Favorite: Magdalena (-9.5)
Grine: Magdalena. Oak Grove may be the new kid on the block, but Magdalena’s championship pedigree gives them the edge. This matchup is a fascinating test of history versus a rising program, and I’m betting on the experience and tradition of the Steers.
