New Mexico High School Basketball First Round Preview & Predictions
Today marks the commencement of the opening round of the 2024 New Mexico High School Basketball State Tournament, with games tipping off at the home site of the higher seed in the bracket. Let's delve into our preview and predictions. #nmpreps
No. 1 Hobbs Eagles (24-3 overall) vs No. 16 Las Cruces Bulldawgs (14-13)
In the first round of the 2024 New Mexico High School Basketball Class 5A tournament, we're anticipating an exciting matchup between the top-seeded Hobbs Eagles and the sixteenth-seeded Las Cruces Bulldawgs.
The Hobbs Eagles, led by head coach Joe Carpenter, are entering the tournament as the defending champions, aiming to secure their fourth state title. With a remarkable record and a consistent presence in the state championship games for the past six years, the Eagles boast an impressive roster featuring standout players like Bhret Clay, Brynn Hargrove, and Kyndle Cunningham. Their experience and skill make them formidable contenders.
On the other side, the Las Cruces Bulldawgs are looking to make a statement as the sixteenth seed. Led by Bethzy Quinones, Janessa Navarrette, and Aaliyah Morales, they're determined to defy the odds and secure a historic victory, aiming to become the first 16-seed to win a state game.
Despite the Bulldawgs' tenacity, the Hobbs Eagles are expected to maintain their dominance on the court. With their depth, talent, and championship pedigree, they're likely to control the game from start to finish.
Prediction: Hobbs 81, Las Cruces 42
No. 2 Sandia Matadors (24-3 overall) vs No. 15 Alamogordo Tigers (15-13 overall)
The Sandia Matadors enter the state tournament with a strong lineup and aspirations of reaching the championship game, aiming to reclaim the title they last secured in 2017. Led by standout junior players Sydney Benally, Hope Giddings, and Audri Wright, along with contributions from senior Liv Montano, the Matadors possess a wealth of talent and next-level prospects. Benally leads the team with impressive averages of 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while Giddings adds 13.3 points per game, and Wright contributes 9.4 points per game.
On the other side, the Alamogordo Tigers, representing District 3-5A, are looking to stage an upset against the formidable Sandia squad. Relying on key players Abby Vasquez and Teeya Gordon, the Tigers aim to defy expectations and advance in the tournament.
Despite Alamogordo's efforts, the Sandia Matadors are heavily favored, boasting a scoring power with an average of 70 points per game compared to Alamogordo's 45 points per game.
Prediction: Sandia 65, Alamogordo 42
No. 3 Farmington Scorpions (24-4 overall) vs No. 14 Los Lunas Tigers (19-10 overall)
The Farmington Scorpions have emerged as strong contenders for the state championship, holding the number one ranking for several weeks during the season. Leading the sting for the Scorpions is star standout Kapiolani Anitielu, who boasts impressive averages of 17.1 points, 8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 4 steals per game. Alongside Anitielu, her sister Kjani Anitielu contributes 10.3 points per game, while sophomore Caris Dale adds 7.9 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Los Lunas Tigers, under first-year head coach Manny Vigil, have made a commendable return to the state tournament after a period of transition. Junior guard Tessa Jaramillo leads the team in scoring, supported by sophomores Vayda Golindo and Alyssa Campos.
Although the Tigers have shown improvement, they face a formidable opponent in the Scorpions, who possess a potent scoring arsenal.
Prediction: Farmington 68, Los Lunas 43.
No. 4 Volcano Vista (21-5 overall) vs No. 13 Cleveland Storm (14-14)
When discussing 5A girls' basketball in New Mexico, two schools and two coaches immediately come to mind: Hobbs and Volcano Vista, led by Joe Carpenter and Lisa Villarael respectively. The Volcano Vista Hawks have been formidable opponents for Hobbs, engaging in intense battles in the last four state championship games, ultimately splitting the victories and clinching two titles. Under Villarael's guidance, the Hawks have secured a total of five state titles since 2012, establishing themselves as a powerhouse in the state.
In this opening round, they confront a familiar foe from District 1-5A, the Cleveland Storm. Keep an eye on stars like Taejhuan Hill (2024), who leads the team with impressive averages of 16.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. Additionally, Mila Espinoza (2025) and Lilliana Duncan (2024) provide significant firepower, with Espinoza averaging 13.2 points per game and 3.4 steals. The Storm, led by sophomores Savannah Madueno and Jaslene Big Crow, aim to put up a fight.
Although the Storm managed to keep the first district game close (49-43), the Hawks demonstrated their dominance in the second encounter with a convincing 60-37 victory. With the Hawks in top form for the state tournament, a similar outcome is expected.
Prediction: Volcano Vista 64, Cleveland 44.
No. 5 Mayfield Trojans (22-5 overall) vs No. 12 Clovis Wildcats (20-8 overall)
Despite being perceived as somewhat of an outsider from the top four contenders who have dominated headlines and highlights throughout the 2023-24 season, the Mayfield Trojans possess their own state championship pedigree. Under the guidance of their experienced coach, who last led the Trojans to a title in 2011, they are eager to reclaim the top spot in their class. Leading this year's Trojans roster are players like Jazlene Ruiz, averaging 12.9 points per game, along with Ceanna McKines and Victoria Kirker.
The Clovis Wildcats, led by Zarai Lewis who averages 16.4 points and 6 rebounds per game, are determined to make their mark in the state tournament. This matchup serves as a rematch from a December 14th game, which saw Clovis emerge victorious with a 45-29 win. However, both teams have since taken different trajectories, with Mayfield clinching the District 3-5A title and being considered a slight favorite in what promises to be one of the more tightly contested games in the opening round.
Prediction: Mayfield 47, Clovis 45.
No. 6 Organ Mountain (20-7 overall) vs No. 11 Carlsbad Cavegirls (16-12)
Similar to Mayfield, the Organ Mountain Knights, also hailing from District 3-5A, enter the postseason as a team to watch—a potential sleeper with the capability to make a deep run and pose a threat in the Final Four. This potential is embodied by Caitlin Turnbow, a formidable double-double machine averaging 17 points and 11.3 rebounds per game for the Knights this season. Providing support in the backcourt, guards Innocence Sugamosto-Clay and Yvanna Villarreal add depth to the Knights' lineup.
On the other side, the Carlsbad Cavegirls have shown promise, finishing as runners-up in District 4-5A. However, they aim for a different outcome from their previous encounter, a 56-30 loss to Organ Mountain on January 12th. The Cavegirls' challenge lies in their ability to generate points, while the Knights, averaging over 50 points per game, hold an advantage in this aspect.
Considering these factors, our prediction leans towards the Knights.
Prediction: Organ Mountain 55, Carlsbad 42.
No. 7 Eldorado Golden Eagles (20-8 overall) vs No. 10 Albuquerque Bulldogs (24-5 overall)
All eyes are on Bella Hines in this state tournament. As the number one ranked player in the state of New Mexico and one of the most highly recruited prospects in the state's history, Hines, a junior, has garnered Division One offers from some of the top programs nationwide. She'll be pivotal in guiding the Golden Eagles on their quest for a state championship. With an impressive average of 33.5 points per game, along with 2.1 assists and 2.3 steals per contest, Hines is undoubtedly the focal point of Eldorado's strategy. Chioma Holyfield adds an inside presence to the squad, averaging 10.6 rebounds per game.
On the other side, the Albuquerque Bulldogs enter the state tournament with momentum under first-year head coach Teri Morrison. Morrison, who led 3A Santa Fe Indian to the state championship game last season, now aims to replicate that success with Albuquerque, having secured the District 5-5A championship. Keep an eye on star players like Lailah Bouldin, Kaelynn Ashley, and Amariah Valles, with Bouldin averaging 14.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
While the Bulldogs have performed well under Morrison's leadership, it's unlikely they'll be able to contain the stellar guard Hines in this opening round game.
Prediction: Eldorado 61, Albuquerque 47.
No. 8 La Cueva Bears (19-9 overall) vs No. 9 Rio Rancho Rams (19-9 overall)
Both teams enter the state tournament with identical records, setting the stage for what could be one of the most closely contested games of the season in this 8-9 matchup. It's somewhat surprising to see a team as talented as La Cueva fall to an 8-seed, considering they were widely regarded as a top-four team. However, they boast considerable talent, led by division one player Eva Love, committed to Air Force, who averages 16.4 points per game and 3.6 steals per contest. Additionally, they have the top-ranked sophomore in the class, Jordyn Dyer, averaging 15.8 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.
On the other side, the Rio Rancho Rams have shown development under head coach Lori Mabrey, a state championship-winning coach from her previous tenure at Cibola. They aim to shake things up in the opening round, led by players like Makenna Lee (2024) and Madilynn Martinez (2028).
While the talent seems to favor the Bears, Rio Rancho head coach Mabrey could prove to be the X-factor in this matchup. Could we be headed to four extra minutes tonight?
Prediction: La Cueva 49, Rio Rancho 48 - F/OT
Today marks the commencement of the opening round of the 2024 New Mexico High School Basketball State Tournament, with games tipping off at the home site of the higher seed in the bracket. Let's delve into our preview and predictions. #nmpreps
No. 1 Hobbs Eagles (24-3 overall) vs No. 16 Las Cruces Bulldawgs (14-13)
In the first round of the 2024 New Mexico High School Basketball Class 5A tournament, we're anticipating an exciting matchup between the top-seeded Hobbs Eagles and the sixteenth-seeded Las Cruces Bulldawgs.
The Hobbs Eagles, led by head coach Joe Carpenter, are entering the tournament as the defending champions, aiming to secure their fourth state title. With a remarkable record and a consistent presence in the state championship games for the past six years, the Eagles boast an impressive roster featuring standout players like Bhret Clay, Brynn Hargrove, and Kyndle Cunningham. Their experience and skill make them formidable contenders.
On the other side, the Las Cruces Bulldawgs are looking to make a statement as the sixteenth seed. Led by Bethzy Quinones, Janessa Navarrette, and Aaliyah Morales, they're determined to defy the odds and secure a historic victory, aiming to become the first 16-seed to win a state game.
Despite the Bulldawgs' tenacity, the Hobbs Eagles are expected to maintain their dominance on the court. With their depth, talent, and championship pedigree, they're likely to control the game from start to finish.
Prediction: Hobbs 81, Las Cruces 42
No. 2 Sandia Matadors (24-3 overall) vs No. 15 Alamogordo Tigers (15-13 overall)
The Sandia Matadors enter the state tournament with a strong lineup and aspirations of reaching the championship game, aiming to reclaim the title they last secured in 2017. Led by standout junior players Sydney Benally, Hope Giddings, and Audri Wright, along with contributions from senior Liv Montano, the Matadors possess a wealth of talent and next-level prospects. Benally leads the team with impressive averages of 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while Giddings adds 13.3 points per game, and Wright contributes 9.4 points per game.
On the other side, the Alamogordo Tigers, representing District 3-5A, are looking to stage an upset against the formidable Sandia squad. Relying on key players Abby Vasquez and Teeya Gordon, the Tigers aim to defy expectations and advance in the tournament.
Despite Alamogordo's efforts, the Sandia Matadors are heavily favored, boasting a scoring power with an average of 70 points per game compared to Alamogordo's 45 points per game.
Prediction: Sandia 65, Alamogordo 42
No. 3 Farmington Scorpions (24-4 overall) vs No. 14 Los Lunas Tigers (19-10 overall)
The Farmington Scorpions have emerged as strong contenders for the state championship, holding the number one ranking for several weeks during the season. Leading the sting for the Scorpions is star standout Kapiolani Anitielu, who boasts impressive averages of 17.1 points, 8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 4 steals per game. Alongside Anitielu, her sister Kjani Anitielu contributes 10.3 points per game, while sophomore Caris Dale adds 7.9 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Los Lunas Tigers, under first-year head coach Manny Vigil, have made a commendable return to the state tournament after a period of transition. Junior guard Tessa Jaramillo leads the team in scoring, supported by sophomores Vayda Golindo and Alyssa Campos.
Although the Tigers have shown improvement, they face a formidable opponent in the Scorpions, who possess a potent scoring arsenal.
Prediction: Farmington 68, Los Lunas 43.
No. 4 Volcano Vista (21-5 overall) vs No. 13 Cleveland Storm (14-14)
When discussing 5A girls' basketball in New Mexico, two schools and two coaches immediately come to mind: Hobbs and Volcano Vista, led by Joe Carpenter and Lisa Villarael respectively. The Volcano Vista Hawks have been formidable opponents for Hobbs, engaging in intense battles in the last four state championship games, ultimately splitting the victories and clinching two titles. Under Villarael's guidance, the Hawks have secured a total of five state titles since 2012, establishing themselves as a powerhouse in the state.
In this opening round, they confront a familiar foe from District 1-5A, the Cleveland Storm. Keep an eye on stars like Taejhuan Hill (2024), who leads the team with impressive averages of 16.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. Additionally, Mila Espinoza (2025) and Lilliana Duncan (2024) provide significant firepower, with Espinoza averaging 13.2 points per game and 3.4 steals. The Storm, led by sophomores Savannah Madueno and Jaslene Big Crow, aim to put up a fight.
Although the Storm managed to keep the first district game close (49-43), the Hawks demonstrated their dominance in the second encounter with a convincing 60-37 victory. With the Hawks in top form for the state tournament, a similar outcome is expected.
Prediction: Volcano Vista 64, Cleveland 44.
No. 5 Mayfield Trojans (22-5 overall) vs No. 12 Clovis Wildcats (20-8 overall)
Despite being perceived as somewhat of an outsider from the top four contenders who have dominated headlines and highlights throughout the 2023-24 season, the Mayfield Trojans possess their own state championship pedigree. Under the guidance of their experienced coach, who last led the Trojans to a title in 2011, they are eager to reclaim the top spot in their class. Leading this year's Trojans roster are players like Jazlene Ruiz, averaging 12.9 points per game, along with Ceanna McKines and Victoria Kirker.
The Clovis Wildcats, led by Zarai Lewis who averages 16.4 points and 6 rebounds per game, are determined to make their mark in the state tournament. This matchup serves as a rematch from a December 14th game, which saw Clovis emerge victorious with a 45-29 win. However, both teams have since taken different trajectories, with Mayfield clinching the District 3-5A title and being considered a slight favorite in what promises to be one of the more tightly contested games in the opening round.
Prediction: Mayfield 47, Clovis 45.
No. 6 Organ Mountain (20-7 overall) vs No. 11 Carlsbad Cavegirls (16-12)
Similar to Mayfield, the Organ Mountain Knights, also hailing from District 3-5A, enter the postseason as a team to watch—a potential sleeper with the capability to make a deep run and pose a threat in the Final Four. This potential is embodied by Caitlin Turnbow, a formidable double-double machine averaging 17 points and 11.3 rebounds per game for the Knights this season. Providing support in the backcourt, guards Innocence Sugamosto-Clay and Yvanna Villarreal add depth to the Knights' lineup.
On the other side, the Carlsbad Cavegirls have shown promise, finishing as runners-up in District 4-5A. However, they aim for a different outcome from their previous encounter, a 56-30 loss to Organ Mountain on January 12th. The Cavegirls' challenge lies in their ability to generate points, while the Knights, averaging over 50 points per game, hold an advantage in this aspect.
Considering these factors, our prediction leans towards the Knights.
Prediction: Organ Mountain 55, Carlsbad 42.
No. 7 Eldorado Golden Eagles (20-8 overall) vs No. 10 Albuquerque Bulldogs (24-5 overall)
All eyes are on Bella Hines in this state tournament. As the number one ranked player in the state of New Mexico and one of the most highly recruited prospects in the state's history, Hines, a junior, has garnered Division One offers from some of the top programs nationwide. She'll be pivotal in guiding the Golden Eagles on their quest for a state championship. With an impressive average of 33.5 points per game, along with 2.1 assists and 2.3 steals per contest, Hines is undoubtedly the focal point of Eldorado's strategy. Chioma Holyfield adds an inside presence to the squad, averaging 10.6 rebounds per game.
On the other side, the Albuquerque Bulldogs enter the state tournament with momentum under first-year head coach Teri Morrison. Morrison, who led 3A Santa Fe Indian to the state championship game last season, now aims to replicate that success with Albuquerque, having secured the District 5-5A championship. Keep an eye on star players like Lailah Bouldin, Kaelynn Ashley, and Amariah Valles, with Bouldin averaging 14.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
While the Bulldogs have performed well under Morrison's leadership, it's unlikely they'll be able to contain the stellar guard Hines in this opening round game.
Prediction: Eldorado 61, Albuquerque 47.
No. 8 La Cueva Bears (19-9 overall) vs No. 9 Rio Rancho Rams (19-9 overall)
Both teams enter the state tournament with identical records, setting the stage for what could be one of the most closely contested games of the season in this 8-9 matchup. It's somewhat surprising to see a team as talented as La Cueva fall to an 8-seed, considering they were widely regarded as a top-four team. However, they boast considerable talent, led by division one player Eva Love, committed to Air Force, who averages 16.4 points per game and 3.6 steals per contest. Additionally, they have the top-ranked sophomore in the class, Jordyn Dyer, averaging 15.8 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.
On the other side, the Rio Rancho Rams have shown development under head coach Lori Mabrey, a state championship-winning coach from her previous tenure at Cibola. They aim to shake things up in the opening round, led by players like Makenna Lee (2024) and Madilynn Martinez (2028).
While the talent seems to favor the Bears, Rio Rancho head coach Mabrey could prove to be the X-factor in this matchup. Could we be headed to four extra minutes tonight?
Prediction: La Cueva 49, Rio Rancho 48 - F/OT
