Feature: Finding That Dark Horse in 2015-2016
Joshua J. Grine of NMPreps.com
It's far to early to tell or place a sharpie on teams that will make the state tournament (yes, I will still give predictions like I did yesterday) on who will make the state tournament, win a game or who will be at home.
Or maybe it is easy to sharpie teams in for the 16.
Anyhow, today I will take a stab at three teams that might surprise you, and I'll reach, along with three that might disappoint.
Teams That Might Might Be That Dark Horse
VOLCANO VISTA HAWKS
Yes, the Hawks (1-0) might not even win their district (1-6A) as we all know it will be tough one to win. However, this team might once again be in a situation to play in a tie breaker or even going into the State Tournament as a high seed that upsets some teams along the way. That is why we consider them a "Team that Might Surprise" being that they will go underrated into March but have the chance to make a legit Final Four run if they peak at the right moment. They already shocked with a win over Sandia and also they scored 60-points. So much for my preseason review on "slow down". David Cormier (2016) is a top name that we know but he's already playing like a player that will lead his squad.
MIYAMURA PATRIOTS
Okay, we are not buying the stock just yet. But the (2-0) Patriots have already shown signs that they will be much improved for the season. The district is down and two convincing wins and the Patriots might be able to break out some dancing shoes. However, likely the case is the Patriots are a back 6 team (seeds 11-16) but hey you have to start some place. They have a date with Bernalillo on December 8th a game where we could really stat to gauge who they are. Chandler Charles (2016) might be the new name on the board and will be part of this backcourt.
HATCH VALLEY BEARS
Head coach Derek Bean has built a program with the Bears and this season might be the breakout, state tournament season. I wouldn't be surprised if this team makes the tournament, and wins a game. They had a opening night win of 75-42 but it was the stud Michael Castillo's play (35 points) that caught our eye that this team might be the dark horse title moving forward.
Three Teams That Might Fail To Live Up To Expectations
HIGHLAND HORNETS
No, we aren't quick to jump ship on our preseason Top-25 ranking, even though they fell out this week, but the Hornets (0-2) start might have us selling to save money. They looked promising with a close first half with No. 5 Hope Christian but let it slip away in the second. Yes, they have played the two toughest games in Top-5 teams but something is telling me that they are a 15/16 seed to out team.
FARMINGTON SCORPIONS
I picked dark horse teams this preseason and I was ready to bet the house for the Scorpions. Now, I'm a little thankful that I decide to wait on that bold prediction. The Scorpions didn't show well during the opener in a 90-67 loss that they failed to be any part of the contest. Granted it was against the No. 9 Grants Pirates who are ranked No. 1 in 5A as well.
RUIDOSO WARRIORS
It's far too early to start this conversation but whatever the story might be in this one the Warriors loss to Dexter does not look good come resume time. I was high on the Warriors during the preseason to possibly making some noise in 4A but maybe not so much. Hey, it's week three though and plenty of games to go.
What teams would you buy right now?
What teams would you sell back right now to save on early predictions?
Joshua J. Grine of NMPreps.com
It's far to early to tell or place a sharpie on teams that will make the state tournament (yes, I will still give predictions like I did yesterday) on who will make the state tournament, win a game or who will be at home.
Or maybe it is easy to sharpie teams in for the 16.
Anyhow, today I will take a stab at three teams that might surprise you, and I'll reach, along with three that might disappoint.
Teams That Might Might Be That Dark Horse
VOLCANO VISTA HAWKS
Yes, the Hawks (1-0) might not even win their district (1-6A) as we all know it will be tough one to win. However, this team might once again be in a situation to play in a tie breaker or even going into the State Tournament as a high seed that upsets some teams along the way. That is why we consider them a "Team that Might Surprise" being that they will go underrated into March but have the chance to make a legit Final Four run if they peak at the right moment. They already shocked with a win over Sandia and also they scored 60-points. So much for my preseason review on "slow down". David Cormier (2016) is a top name that we know but he's already playing like a player that will lead his squad.
MIYAMURA PATRIOTS
Okay, we are not buying the stock just yet. But the (2-0) Patriots have already shown signs that they will be much improved for the season. The district is down and two convincing wins and the Patriots might be able to break out some dancing shoes. However, likely the case is the Patriots are a back 6 team (seeds 11-16) but hey you have to start some place. They have a date with Bernalillo on December 8th a game where we could really stat to gauge who they are. Chandler Charles (2016) might be the new name on the board and will be part of this backcourt.
HATCH VALLEY BEARS
Head coach Derek Bean has built a program with the Bears and this season might be the breakout, state tournament season. I wouldn't be surprised if this team makes the tournament, and wins a game. They had a opening night win of 75-42 but it was the stud Michael Castillo's play (35 points) that caught our eye that this team might be the dark horse title moving forward.
Three Teams That Might Fail To Live Up To Expectations
HIGHLAND HORNETS
No, we aren't quick to jump ship on our preseason Top-25 ranking, even though they fell out this week, but the Hornets (0-2) start might have us selling to save money. They looked promising with a close first half with No. 5 Hope Christian but let it slip away in the second. Yes, they have played the two toughest games in Top-5 teams but something is telling me that they are a 15/16 seed to out team.
FARMINGTON SCORPIONS
I picked dark horse teams this preseason and I was ready to bet the house for the Scorpions. Now, I'm a little thankful that I decide to wait on that bold prediction. The Scorpions didn't show well during the opener in a 90-67 loss that they failed to be any part of the contest. Granted it was against the No. 9 Grants Pirates who are ranked No. 1 in 5A as well.
RUIDOSO WARRIORS
It's far too early to start this conversation but whatever the story might be in this one the Warriors loss to Dexter does not look good come resume time. I was high on the Warriors during the preseason to possibly making some noise in 4A but maybe not so much. Hey, it's week three though and plenty of games to go.
What teams would you buy right now?
What teams would you sell back right now to save on early predictions?
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