Daily Dimes: Thursday, December 19
NMPreps publisher Joshua Grine highlights the top New Mexico high school basketball games to watch tonight. Stay tuned to NMPreps for in-depth coverage of high school hoops across the state.
The Montaño Construction Holiday Tournament kicks off with a stacked lineup of games featuring some of New Mexico's top-ranked teams. Right out of the gate, the tournament delivers a must-see matchup between Santa Fe (No. 11 NMPreps 5A) and Volcano Vista (No. 1 NMPreps 5A) at 4:45 PM. Earlier in the day, at 11:30 AM, Roswell (No. 10 NMPreps 5A) takes on Highland (No. 7 NMPreps 4A) in another marquee matchup.
Other games on tap include Melrose (No. 3 NMPreps 1A) facing Piedra Vista (5A) at 8 AM, followed by host Clovis (5A) squaring off against Miyamura (4A). Clovis clearly stacking the top-half of the bracket.
What to Watch:
Day two of the tournament could bring a rematch for Santa Fe, facing either Roswell or Highland. The Demons fell to Roswell last week and beat Highland, setting up intriguing possibilities.
Location: Hobbs High School
A top-10 showdown in Class 5A features Hobbs (No. 3 NMPreps 5A) hosting Organ Mountain (No. 7 NMPreps 5A). Hobbs boasts a senior-heavy roster, with Abraham Pena (16.5 ppg) leading the way, supported by Peyton Hodge (10 ppg), Jairus Turrubiates (9.5 ppg), and sophomore Try Hutchings (7 ppg). Organ Mountain is coming off its first loss of the season, a 64-55 defeat against Atrisco Heritage in the Albuquerque Academy Joe Armijo Tournament. The Knights feature a rising core of seniors in Ethan Coomes, Lennis Washington, and Ray Venegas, all of whom have been consistent double-digit scorers this season.
What to Watch: This game pits Hobbs' deep experience and depth against Organ Mountain's rising stars, making for an exciting clash of styles and rosters.
Location: West Mesa High School
This game has major implications for two Class 5A teams on the bubble of breaking into the NMPreps Top-12 rankings. West Mesa has garnered attention as a dark horse, thanks to a core led by Johnny Young and Estevan Espinosa (both Class of 2025), along with standout underclassmen Mikho Huynh (8th grade) and freshman Daylen Holt. Eldorado counters with senior guard Malachi Green, a 6’1” floor general with a knack for penetrating defenses and creating his own shot.
What to Watch: Both teams have plenty to prove, and this matchup could serve as a turning point for the winner as they seek to solidify their position in the 5A hierarchy.
NMPreps publisher Joshua Grine highlights the top New Mexico high school basketball games to watch tonight. Stay tuned to NMPreps for in-depth coverage of high school hoops across the state.
Montaño Construction Holiday Tournament
Location: Clovis High SchoolThe Montaño Construction Holiday Tournament kicks off with a stacked lineup of games featuring some of New Mexico's top-ranked teams. Right out of the gate, the tournament delivers a must-see matchup between Santa Fe (No. 11 NMPreps 5A) and Volcano Vista (No. 1 NMPreps 5A) at 4:45 PM. Earlier in the day, at 11:30 AM, Roswell (No. 10 NMPreps 5A) takes on Highland (No. 7 NMPreps 4A) in another marquee matchup.
Other games on tap include Melrose (No. 3 NMPreps 1A) facing Piedra Vista (5A) at 8 AM, followed by host Clovis (5A) squaring off against Miyamura (4A). Clovis clearly stacking the top-half of the bracket.
What to Watch:
- Roswell vs. Highland:
Roswell enters the tournament at 4-1, fresh off a solid showing at the Phil Griego Tournament, where they went 2-1, with their only loss coming against Cleveland. Led by the trio of Josh Martinez, Rylan Sarracino, and Jaylon Cloud (all Class of 2025), the Coyotes are looking to cement their status as a 5A contender. Highland, at 2-4, is still finding its rhythm after a challenging schedule. The Hornets rely on junior Juan Limas (18.2 ppg) and senior Sebastian Hernandez (11.5 ppg) to lead their offense. - Santa Fe vs. Volcano Vista:
This rematch of last year’s state quarterfinal is the headline game of the day. Volcano Vista, powered by stars Kenyon Aguino and David Lunn, comes in undefeated, averaging over 75 points per game. Santa Fe, sitting at 5-2, counters with the talented trio of Christian Herrera, Isaiah Martinez, and Joe Gonzales (all Class of 2025). This game is a true test for both teams as they look to make statements early in the season.
Day two of the tournament could bring a rematch for Santa Fe, facing either Roswell or Highland. The Demons fell to Roswell last week and beat Highland, setting up intriguing possibilities.
Organ Mountain (4-1) at Hobbs (5-1)
Time: 6 PMLocation: Hobbs High School
A top-10 showdown in Class 5A features Hobbs (No. 3 NMPreps 5A) hosting Organ Mountain (No. 7 NMPreps 5A). Hobbs boasts a senior-heavy roster, with Abraham Pena (16.5 ppg) leading the way, supported by Peyton Hodge (10 ppg), Jairus Turrubiates (9.5 ppg), and sophomore Try Hutchings (7 ppg). Organ Mountain is coming off its first loss of the season, a 64-55 defeat against Atrisco Heritage in the Albuquerque Academy Joe Armijo Tournament. The Knights feature a rising core of seniors in Ethan Coomes, Lennis Washington, and Ray Venegas, all of whom have been consistent double-digit scorers this season.
What to Watch: This game pits Hobbs' deep experience and depth against Organ Mountain's rising stars, making for an exciting clash of styles and rosters.
Eldorado (3-2) at West Mesa (4-2)
Time: 7 PMLocation: West Mesa High School
This game has major implications for two Class 5A teams on the bubble of breaking into the NMPreps Top-12 rankings. West Mesa has garnered attention as a dark horse, thanks to a core led by Johnny Young and Estevan Espinosa (both Class of 2025), along with standout underclassmen Mikho Huynh (8th grade) and freshman Daylen Holt. Eldorado counters with senior guard Malachi Green, a 6’1” floor general with a knack for penetrating defenses and creating his own shot.
What to Watch: Both teams have plenty to prove, and this matchup could serve as a turning point for the winner as they seek to solidify their position in the 5A hierarchy.
