6A BASKETBALL – FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The 2017 State Tournament looks tough all the way around with plenty of travel time for most of the teams. Still there’s plenty of interesting matchups one might've been waiting to see all season (no, not you Rio Rancho-Volcano Vista).
As predicted the Top 3 weren't shocking, but the field is just as interesting across the bracket. It’ll be hard to stick with favorites with the potential matchups that could play out.
SAFE PICK: HOBBS
Alright, alright. Maybe that’s too easy, but look at the potential road. You have a quarterfinal matchup with one of two teams that are tired of playing each other. Both teams have height and shooting, but Hobbs is more than familiar with that from district play. Tack on a potential semifinal showdown with 3 of 4 teams you’ve already faced? Hobbs to the title game.
RISKY PICK: RIO RANCHO
Hey! The Lady Rams have been playing outstanding over the second half of the season. But you’re going to have to face Volcano Vista yet again? There’s something about the pressure of a one-and-done scenario that can do things to teams. Even if Rio Rancho gets the W they’re facing the Hobbs team that looks unstoppable this time of the season.
UPSET PICK: CENTENNIAL
Hear me out. If you look at Centennial’s play they’ve been one of the few teams in that southern district to have challenged Hobbs and Carlsbad and nearly pulled off the upset. I think the Lady Hawks are done with “almost” and will look to their hot-shooting guards to steal this one. Centennial heads in with one of the best 6A duos in Brooklyn Calderazzo and Riley Meloy.
SURPRISE FINAL FOUR PICK: SANDIA
Alright so you’re facing a Cibola team that seems to have found their groove but if you win that you have to face the former #1 team in Carlsbad. Don’t’ get me wrong, none of these matchups look appealing, but something tells me that the Lady Matadors are looking to do something special. I think we could see some stellar performances from Sandia’s Cara Liggins and Marisol Silva.
INTRIGUING FIRST ROUND MATCHUP: MAYFIELD AT ELDORADO
Mayfield’s last trip north didn’t go very well at the Academy tournament. Despite that, I’m curious how the Lady Trojans will respond to an always tough Eldorado team. Plus, the clash between Jayce Gorzeman and Eldo’s Catessa Duran is something I’d like to see as well as Coach Maya’s plan on how to guard Eldorado standout Sydney Candelaria.
The 2017 State Tournament looks tough all the way around with plenty of travel time for most of the teams. Still there’s plenty of interesting matchups one might've been waiting to see all season (no, not you Rio Rancho-Volcano Vista).
As predicted the Top 3 weren't shocking, but the field is just as interesting across the bracket. It’ll be hard to stick with favorites with the potential matchups that could play out.
SAFE PICK: HOBBS
Alright, alright. Maybe that’s too easy, but look at the potential road. You have a quarterfinal matchup with one of two teams that are tired of playing each other. Both teams have height and shooting, but Hobbs is more than familiar with that from district play. Tack on a potential semifinal showdown with 3 of 4 teams you’ve already faced? Hobbs to the title game.
RISKY PICK: RIO RANCHO
Hey! The Lady Rams have been playing outstanding over the second half of the season. But you’re going to have to face Volcano Vista yet again? There’s something about the pressure of a one-and-done scenario that can do things to teams. Even if Rio Rancho gets the W they’re facing the Hobbs team that looks unstoppable this time of the season.
UPSET PICK: CENTENNIAL
Hear me out. If you look at Centennial’s play they’ve been one of the few teams in that southern district to have challenged Hobbs and Carlsbad and nearly pulled off the upset. I think the Lady Hawks are done with “almost” and will look to their hot-shooting guards to steal this one. Centennial heads in with one of the best 6A duos in Brooklyn Calderazzo and Riley Meloy.
SURPRISE FINAL FOUR PICK: SANDIA
Alright so you’re facing a Cibola team that seems to have found their groove but if you win that you have to face the former #1 team in Carlsbad. Don’t’ get me wrong, none of these matchups look appealing, but something tells me that the Lady Matadors are looking to do something special. I think we could see some stellar performances from Sandia’s Cara Liggins and Marisol Silva.
INTRIGUING FIRST ROUND MATCHUP: MAYFIELD AT ELDORADO
Mayfield’s last trip north didn’t go very well at the Academy tournament. Despite that, I’m curious how the Lady Trojans will respond to an always tough Eldorado team. Plus, the clash between Jayce Gorzeman and Eldo’s Catessa Duran is something I’d like to see as well as Coach Maya’s plan on how to guard Eldorado standout Sydney Candelaria.
