Grine's Daily Dimes - Monday, December 16 - Week 4
NMPreps Publisher Joshua Grine
The first three weeks of New Mexico high school basketball have flown by, with football and soccer players transitioning to the hardwood and teams finding their rhythm. As finals week and Christmas break loom, Grine’s Daily Dimes keeps you informed with the top games to watch each night. Here’s what Monday, December 16, has in store.
This Class 3A matchup is the highlight of the evening and serves as a true measuring stick for both programs. Socorro, fresh off a solid two-game win streak, recently entered the NMPreps 3A Top 15 Rankings after a statement win over then-ranked Santa Fe Prep. Head coach Tim Townsend is building momentum with his Warriors, who went 3-1 in Week 3.
On the other side, Robertson has rebounded from an 0-2 start with dominant wins over Texas-Clint (76-47), No. 5 4A Valencia (70-57), and 4A Taos (78-54). They’re gaining steam behind the stellar play of All-New Mexico guard Jesse James Gonzales (2025), averaging 26.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game; who has only played in 2 games this season. Freshman George Smith (18 PPG) and sophomore Nathan Gonzales (15.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG) provide additional firepower for the Cardinals, who look poised for a special season.
Prediction: Robertson 71, Socorro 52
Favorite: Robertson (-18.5)
Grine’s Take: Robertson’s depth and size, combined with their home-court advantage, make them tough to beat. Socorro must slow the pace and control the glass to avoid getting overwhelmed by the Cardinals’ dynamic offense and size.
While not a marquee matchup, this game carries significant implications for both squads. Gateway Christian, led by Grady Munson (15 PPG), is searching for consistency and an identity as they aim to build a playoff-worthy resume, in 1A hoops Their battle against a 2A team like Cloudcroft will reveal a lot about their potential.
Cloudcroft, with standout Rylee Pahl (17.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG), has shown flashes of being a playoff contender in 2A. They don’t have any bad losses and narrowly fell to No. 9 3A Tularosa (55-52), proving they can compete against strong teams. If the Bears can secure this road win, it’ll be a significant boost to their postseason hopes.
Prediction: Cloudcroft 55, Gateway Christian 47
Favorite: Cloudcroft (-8.5)
Grine’s Take: This game could come down to the final possessions. Cloudcroft has the tools to pull off the win in Roswell.
NMPreps Publisher Joshua Grine
The first three weeks of New Mexico high school basketball have flown by, with football and soccer players transitioning to the hardwood and teams finding their rhythm. As finals week and Christmas break loom, Grine’s Daily Dimes keeps you informed with the top games to watch each night. Here’s what Monday, December 16, has in store.
No. 12 3A Socorro (3-2) at No. 4 3A Robertson (3-2)
7:00 PM, Las Vegas, NMThis Class 3A matchup is the highlight of the evening and serves as a true measuring stick for both programs. Socorro, fresh off a solid two-game win streak, recently entered the NMPreps 3A Top 15 Rankings after a statement win over then-ranked Santa Fe Prep. Head coach Tim Townsend is building momentum with his Warriors, who went 3-1 in Week 3.
On the other side, Robertson has rebounded from an 0-2 start with dominant wins over Texas-Clint (76-47), No. 5 4A Valencia (70-57), and 4A Taos (78-54). They’re gaining steam behind the stellar play of All-New Mexico guard Jesse James Gonzales (2025), averaging 26.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game; who has only played in 2 games this season. Freshman George Smith (18 PPG) and sophomore Nathan Gonzales (15.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG) provide additional firepower for the Cardinals, who look poised for a special season.
Prediction: Robertson 71, Socorro 52
Favorite: Robertson (-18.5)
Grine’s Take: Robertson’s depth and size, combined with their home-court advantage, make them tough to beat. Socorro must slow the pace and control the glass to avoid getting overwhelmed by the Cardinals’ dynamic offense and size.
No. 8 1A Gateway Christian (4-2) vs. Cloudcroft (4-4)
7:30 PM, Roswell, NMWhile not a marquee matchup, this game carries significant implications for both squads. Gateway Christian, led by Grady Munson (15 PPG), is searching for consistency and an identity as they aim to build a playoff-worthy resume, in 1A hoops Their battle against a 2A team like Cloudcroft will reveal a lot about their potential.
Cloudcroft, with standout Rylee Pahl (17.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG), has shown flashes of being a playoff contender in 2A. They don’t have any bad losses and narrowly fell to No. 9 3A Tularosa (55-52), proving they can compete against strong teams. If the Bears can secure this road win, it’ll be a significant boost to their postseason hopes.
Prediction: Cloudcroft 55, Gateway Christian 47
Favorite: Cloudcroft (-8.5)
Grine’s Take: This game could come down to the final possessions. Cloudcroft has the tools to pull off the win in Roswell.
