2A Elite Eight - March 12 - Rio Rancho Events Center
Jal Panthers: Jal advanced to the quarterfinals after a thrilling 52-51 victory over McCurdy. The Panthers finished second in District 4-2A with a 7-3 record and have relied on their ability to generate turnovers and push the tempo. Junior Nolbert Cervantes has been the team’s standout player, averaging 19.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 steals per game. Junior Adrian Rodriguez contributes 11.7 points per game, while sophomore Daniel Ornelas provides depth. Jal will need a strong defensive effort to challenge Texico’s firepower.
Rehoboth Christian Lynx: Rehoboth Christian continued its remarkable run with a 60-49 first-round victory over Hagerman, extending its win streak to 14 games. The Lynx, District 1-2A champions with a perfect 10-0 record, are no strangers to the big stage, having won the state title in 2021. Their core features junior Kodah Chapman, senior Kristian Touchine, junior Trajen West, and senior Matthew Olguin, making them a formidable opponent for Santa Rosa.
Legacy Academy Silverbacks: The Silverbacks showcased their defensive intensity in a 50-36 first-round victory over Eunice. Bryant Scales (2026) was a key factor, scoring 16 points with 3 rebounds in the win. Senior Daniel Tavarez (2025) contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds, while point guard Daniel Baca (2025) orchestrated the offense with efficiency. Legacy Academy, the District 2-2A champions, is eager to prove itself in its first deep postseason run at the 2A level.
Mora Rangers: The Rangers pulled off the biggest upset of the first round, knocking off #5 Mesilla Valley Christian 48-47 to earn their spot in the Elite Eight. As the third-place team from District 5-2A, Mora faces a tough challenge against Pecos’ shooting and depth. The Rangers rely on a strong backcourt, led by Derik Duran (2025), Krystopher Padilla (2027), and Antonio Garcia (2027). Forward John Vigil (2025) will need to battle inside against the Panthers’ strong frontcourt to keep Mora in contention.
#1 Texico vs #9 Jal, 6:30 PM
Texico Wolverines: The defending Class 2A runners-up and current top-seed Texico Wolverines enter the state tournament as the favorite after a dominant season. They secured the District 4-2A Championship and are currently on a six-game win streak. Texico has remained unbeaten against Class 2A opponents, averaging 69.9 points per game. The Wolverines feature a balanced attack led by sophomore sharpshooter Jett Curtis, a premier three-point threat. Junior post Maverick Hawkins provides interior strength, while senior Alex Fuentes adds experience and leadership. Texico looks to continue its impressive run toward the blue trophy.Jal Panthers: Jal advanced to the quarterfinals after a thrilling 52-51 victory over McCurdy. The Panthers finished second in District 4-2A with a 7-3 record and have relied on their ability to generate turnovers and push the tempo. Junior Nolbert Cervantes has been the team’s standout player, averaging 19.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 steals per game. Junior Adrian Rodriguez contributes 11.7 points per game, while sophomore Daniel Ornelas provides depth. Jal will need a strong defensive effort to challenge Texico’s firepower.
#2 Santa Rosa vs #7 Rehoboth Christian, 3 PM
Santa Rosa Lions: Santa Rosa enters the Elite Eight after a convincing 75-60 win over Raton in the first round. The Lions, who finished 9-1 in District 6-2A, boast a balanced offensive attack. Junior Josh Cordova has been dominant throughout the season and will lead the Lions’ charge for a deep postseason run. Junior guard Daryn Pacheco adds stability and scoring in the backcourt, providing multiple options for Santa Rosa’s offense.Rehoboth Christian Lynx: Rehoboth Christian continued its remarkable run with a 60-49 first-round victory over Hagerman, extending its win streak to 14 games. The Lynx, District 1-2A champions with a perfect 10-0 record, are no strangers to the big stage, having won the state title in 2021. Their core features junior Kodah Chapman, senior Kristian Touchine, junior Trajen West, and senior Matthew Olguin, making them a formidable opponent for Santa Rosa.
#3 Mesa Vista vs #6 Legacy Academy, 8 AM
Mesa Vista Trojans: The Trojans survived a first-round battle with Menaul, escaping with a 46-44 victory. They now ride a 13-game winning streak and are the District 5-2A champions after finishing 10-0 in league play. Mesa Vista relies on a strong core led by juniors Santiago Martinez and Jordan Gallegos, as well as sophomores Andres Valdez and Ezequiel Nevarez. The Trojans average 61.5 points per game and have emerged as a legitimate Final Four contender.Legacy Academy Silverbacks: The Silverbacks showcased their defensive intensity in a 50-36 first-round victory over Eunice. Bryant Scales (2026) was a key factor, scoring 16 points with 3 rebounds in the win. Senior Daniel Tavarez (2025) contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds, while point guard Daniel Baca (2025) orchestrated the offense with efficiency. Legacy Academy, the District 2-2A champions, is eager to prove itself in its first deep postseason run at the 2A level.
#4 Pecos vs #12 Mora, 11:30 AM
Pecos Panthers: The Panthers rolled past Oak Grove, 78-51, in the first round and enter the quarterfinals as one of the hottest teams in 2A. Despite a slow 3-7 start to the season, Pecos has gone 16-3 in its last 19 games, claiming the district tournament championship. The Panthers are a dangerous perimeter-shooting team, featuring standout contributors like Estevan Olivas (2026) and Adrian Quintana (2025), a lethal three-point shooter. Brandon Holton (2025) and Kevin Vigil (2026) provide additional scoring depth.Mora Rangers: The Rangers pulled off the biggest upset of the first round, knocking off #5 Mesilla Valley Christian 48-47 to earn their spot in the Elite Eight. As the third-place team from District 5-2A, Mora faces a tough challenge against Pecos’ shooting and depth. The Rangers rely on a strong backcourt, led by Derik Duran (2025), Krystopher Padilla (2027), and Antonio Garcia (2027). Forward John Vigil (2025) will need to battle inside against the Panthers’ strong frontcourt to keep Mora in contention.
