NMPreps 3A Way-Too-Early Team Rankings for 2020/2021
Grine | NMPreps Site Manager
Today, we start our journey to highlight and rank each team in New Mexico high school basketball.
No. 9 Socorro Warriors
The Socorro Warriors are coming off a 12-13 record season and 2-4 in district play. The Warriors haven't had a winning season in three years and hoping this season they can return to above .500. The Warriors only graduate three players from last season and welcome back a talented underclassmen group. The player to know and watch this season will be guard Adadrian Jackson (2022) who will be a three-year starter coming this season. The duo to Jackson could be Javon Martinez (2021) a senior who has the opportunity to help carry the Warriors into the playoffs and possibly winning a game this season.
No. 10 Tucumcari Rattlers
Yes, the Rattlers were 9-16 overall last season but this could be one of the more improved teams in 2021. The name to know here for longtime Rattler head coach is 6-foot-1, 2022, guard Jesus Ramos who can poured it in. No official numbers but Ramos was around 20 points per game as a sophomore for the Rattlers. You can pair him with post Andrew Henderson-Clark (2022) and you have a quality duo that could get this team into the Elite Eight. This district also lost last years champ Tularosa (moved down to 2A) creating a three way battle for the title in 2021.
No. 11 Raton Tigers
The Raton Tigers went 14-14 overall (2-8 in district) last season and earned a bid to the state tournament. The trend is clearly looking up for the Tigers, who were the 14-seed last season, and have some returning talent that has the Tigers excited. The inside-outside duo of Isaiah Samora (2021) and Matthew Quartieri (2022) create some buzz. Samora can knock it down from the outside and with Quartieri inside they have a chance to climb in the rankings. The issue last season was struggling after the new year, after going 10-3 to start the season they dropped 11 of the last 15.
No. 12 Santa Fe Indian Braves
Santa Fe Indian enter the spring with a lot of what-ifs, and will need to replace eight players which graduated off the 2020 team. Three players that return were part of the 20-win team that lost in the state championship in 2019 and looking to bring back some promise to the 2021 team. The Braves went a game over .500, 15-14 overall, last season and looking to make a deeper run at state. Virigil Valencia (2021), Kobe Garcia (2021), and Debrylan Candelario (2021) will each be three-year lettermen for the Braves. Valencia is the three-point specialist, Candelario breaks the press and 6-footer Kobe Garcia can hit the 17-footer. Baring any interruptions - no fall sports at SFIS - the Braves could be an early riser in the rankings and an Elite Eight type of team.
No. 13 Cuba Rams
The Rams went 13-16 overall last season and 6-4 during district play. The bad news for the Rams is that they'll need to replace seven players from last season. The reached the state tournament falling in the opening round to Sandia Prep. David Gauna-Casaus (2021) will have to carry the Rams this season after losing the likes of Fernando Herrera, Christopher Cavazos and Jeremy Segura. They'll have to battle in district play with defending champ Bosque along with top contender this season Sandia Prep. Finishing third, above East Mountain and Cottonwood Classical could help carry them forward as they rebuild.
No. 14 Navajo Prep Eagles
The Eagles off an impressive 20-8 overall season and state tournament appearance. The Eagles went 10-0 winning the District 1-3A Championship in 2020. They were impressive during their undefeated district run averaging 67 points per game while only allowing 34 per game. Problems moving forward will be replacing their top two leading scorers and six impactful players that have graduated. Javy Atcitty (2021) and Dontrelle Denesto (2022) will be the duo to carry the Eagles forward in 2021.
No. 15 Newcomb Skyhawks
The Skyhawks are coming off two of the most successful consecutive seasons in program history. They won over 20-games in each season and reached two Final Fours along with playing for the state championship in 2019. Well, now they move up a class to 3A basketball and have to replace head coach Dominique Richardson who took a college job in Texas. The Skyhawks will also need to replace the entire starting line-up and only return two players. This could be a long rebuild and what Richardson did at Newcomb was impressive but it'll be a very long time until that level of success happens again. Lars Yazzie (2021) returns after averaging 4 points per game for the Skyhawks.
No. 16 Santa Fe Prep Blue Griffins
The Blue Griffins went 5-19, 0-11 in district during the first season under Joseph Vigil. The bad news for the Blue Griffins: they will still play in a very tough district and could struggle. The good news for the Blue Griffins: the classification is not too strong outside the top-8 (ish) and could sneak into the playoffs. The also only graduate one player from last season; watch out for Finn Coles (2022) and Sam Cooper (2021) for the team this season.
No. 17 Thoreau Hawks
The Thoreau Hawks went 15-13 last season and 7-3 in district play. Thoreau earned a state tournament bid in 2020 and looking to build off the success. The bad news for fourth year head coach Andrew Gordon is having to leading scorer Cordell Platero who put in 15 points per game for the Hawks. The good news for the Hawks is the return of Rolando Chacho (2021) and sophomore Cassius Burnside who contributed big minutes for the Hawks. Chacho was second on the team with 10 points per game and a fierce defender.
No. 18 Tohatchi Cougars
The Cougars are coming off a 16-14 overall and 7-3 in district season - their first winning season since 2015. The Cougars could be in for a rebuild year as they graduate eight players and they played their seniors a majority of the minutes. This includes players like Marcus Tahe and Jayoline Chee who were key players for the Cougars. The Cougars return Rayshawn Whitey (2021) to carry the team forward.
No. 19 Dexter Demons
The Demons took a huge step back last season falling to 4-23 overall (1-5 in district). It was expected after graduating their entire roster from the season before. The good news is they'll return some experience this coming season with the duo of Tyler Brisco (2021), and Joshua Duran (2023). The district remains the same from last season minus Tularosa who has moved down to 2A. NMMI and Tucumcari make up the three-team district.
No. 20 Zuni Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds are bit of an unknown wildcard heading into the 2020/2021 season and will battle with Crownpoint and Wingate out of the district cellar. They graduate five from last season but welcome back a roster that featured five freshmen. How fast can they grow up in a year will determine the success of the T-birds next season.
No. 21 Crownpoint Eagles
The Crownpoint Eagles went 6-21 last season and historically that is about on par for the program. Crazy stat off the bat is the Eagles have had seven different head coaches in seven years. They've had one winning season this decade and that was under Shawn Miller who had the longest tenure in four years from 2011-2015, the last being the best finish in 20-years at 19-11. They'll graduate five from last season and played some young guys, at times going with three freshmen - Taye Harvey, Tylon Tsosie, and Tylrell Archie - in the starting line up. Look to 2022 guard Kordell McMillan who had some quality games and could be a spark for the Eagles next season. Stability and developing this young talent could change the course.
No. 22 Wingate Bears
The Wingate Bears and longtime head coach Al Martinez are coming off a 4-23 season (2-9 district). Martinez has been the head coach since 2003 and this is the lowest win percentage during his 18-year tenure and only the third time with single digit wins. It was evident going into last season that they would be rebuilding after a senior led team and again will be hit with graduation having 7 players graduating this year. The good news for the Bears is returning guard Kevin Belone (2021) in the front court as the leader. Also, having 6-foot-2 Davarryle Kee (2021) returning will provide some immediate help.
No. 23 Hatch Valley Bears
Last Season: 3-23 overall, 0-6 district
Hatch Valley struggled last season and the ceiling doesn't look very high for the Bears in 2020/2021. They only featured eight players on varsity last season and graduate four players. The last time this program sniffed a .500 season was in 2015 under former head coach Derek Bean, they went 14-14 that season. Looking forward Darius Levy was the fourth head coach in four years when hired two years ago and hope some stability will help in a build of the program. Adrian Casas (2021) returns as a three year letterman and will be one to watch in this district.
No. 24 Cottonwood Classical Prep Coyotes
Last season: 8-16 overall, 2-8 district
The Coyotes also from district 5 with East Mountain will battle to stay out of the cellar. The Coyotes coming off an 8-win season was a nice run for one of the newest teams in the NMAA. They do graduate both of their leading scorers but will look to Estevan Maestas (2023) who is coming off a solid freshman season averaging 5 points per game.
No. 25 East Mountain Timberwolves
Last season: 2-23 overall, 0-10 district
Skinny: The Timberwolves basketball program is coming off a 2-win season under first-year head coach Nathan Cordova. The Timberwolves hope to make a leap in year two and could be much improved in year two but they have to replace five graduating players.
Grine | NMPreps Site Manager
Today, we start our journey to highlight and rank each team in New Mexico high school basketball.
No. 9 Socorro Warriors
The Socorro Warriors are coming off a 12-13 record season and 2-4 in district play. The Warriors haven't had a winning season in three years and hoping this season they can return to above .500. The Warriors only graduate three players from last season and welcome back a talented underclassmen group. The player to know and watch this season will be guard Adadrian Jackson (2022) who will be a three-year starter coming this season. The duo to Jackson could be Javon Martinez (2021) a senior who has the opportunity to help carry the Warriors into the playoffs and possibly winning a game this season.
No. 10 Tucumcari Rattlers
Yes, the Rattlers were 9-16 overall last season but this could be one of the more improved teams in 2021. The name to know here for longtime Rattler head coach is 6-foot-1, 2022, guard Jesus Ramos who can poured it in. No official numbers but Ramos was around 20 points per game as a sophomore for the Rattlers. You can pair him with post Andrew Henderson-Clark (2022) and you have a quality duo that could get this team into the Elite Eight. This district also lost last years champ Tularosa (moved down to 2A) creating a three way battle for the title in 2021.
No. 11 Raton Tigers
The Raton Tigers went 14-14 overall (2-8 in district) last season and earned a bid to the state tournament. The trend is clearly looking up for the Tigers, who were the 14-seed last season, and have some returning talent that has the Tigers excited. The inside-outside duo of Isaiah Samora (2021) and Matthew Quartieri (2022) create some buzz. Samora can knock it down from the outside and with Quartieri inside they have a chance to climb in the rankings. The issue last season was struggling after the new year, after going 10-3 to start the season they dropped 11 of the last 15.
No. 12 Santa Fe Indian Braves
Santa Fe Indian enter the spring with a lot of what-ifs, and will need to replace eight players which graduated off the 2020 team. Three players that return were part of the 20-win team that lost in the state championship in 2019 and looking to bring back some promise to the 2021 team. The Braves went a game over .500, 15-14 overall, last season and looking to make a deeper run at state. Virigil Valencia (2021), Kobe Garcia (2021), and Debrylan Candelario (2021) will each be three-year lettermen for the Braves. Valencia is the three-point specialist, Candelario breaks the press and 6-footer Kobe Garcia can hit the 17-footer. Baring any interruptions - no fall sports at SFIS - the Braves could be an early riser in the rankings and an Elite Eight type of team.
No. 13 Cuba Rams
The Rams went 13-16 overall last season and 6-4 during district play. The bad news for the Rams is that they'll need to replace seven players from last season. The reached the state tournament falling in the opening round to Sandia Prep. David Gauna-Casaus (2021) will have to carry the Rams this season after losing the likes of Fernando Herrera, Christopher Cavazos and Jeremy Segura. They'll have to battle in district play with defending champ Bosque along with top contender this season Sandia Prep. Finishing third, above East Mountain and Cottonwood Classical could help carry them forward as they rebuild.
No. 14 Navajo Prep Eagles
The Eagles off an impressive 20-8 overall season and state tournament appearance. The Eagles went 10-0 winning the District 1-3A Championship in 2020. They were impressive during their undefeated district run averaging 67 points per game while only allowing 34 per game. Problems moving forward will be replacing their top two leading scorers and six impactful players that have graduated. Javy Atcitty (2021) and Dontrelle Denesto (2022) will be the duo to carry the Eagles forward in 2021.
No. 15 Newcomb Skyhawks
The Skyhawks are coming off two of the most successful consecutive seasons in program history. They won over 20-games in each season and reached two Final Fours along with playing for the state championship in 2019. Well, now they move up a class to 3A basketball and have to replace head coach Dominique Richardson who took a college job in Texas. The Skyhawks will also need to replace the entire starting line-up and only return two players. This could be a long rebuild and what Richardson did at Newcomb was impressive but it'll be a very long time until that level of success happens again. Lars Yazzie (2021) returns after averaging 4 points per game for the Skyhawks.
No. 16 Santa Fe Prep Blue Griffins
The Blue Griffins went 5-19, 0-11 in district during the first season under Joseph Vigil. The bad news for the Blue Griffins: they will still play in a very tough district and could struggle. The good news for the Blue Griffins: the classification is not too strong outside the top-8 (ish) and could sneak into the playoffs. The also only graduate one player from last season; watch out for Finn Coles (2022) and Sam Cooper (2021) for the team this season.
No. 17 Thoreau Hawks
The Thoreau Hawks went 15-13 last season and 7-3 in district play. Thoreau earned a state tournament bid in 2020 and looking to build off the success. The bad news for fourth year head coach Andrew Gordon is having to leading scorer Cordell Platero who put in 15 points per game for the Hawks. The good news for the Hawks is the return of Rolando Chacho (2021) and sophomore Cassius Burnside who contributed big minutes for the Hawks. Chacho was second on the team with 10 points per game and a fierce defender.
No. 18 Tohatchi Cougars
The Cougars are coming off a 16-14 overall and 7-3 in district season - their first winning season since 2015. The Cougars could be in for a rebuild year as they graduate eight players and they played their seniors a majority of the minutes. This includes players like Marcus Tahe and Jayoline Chee who were key players for the Cougars. The Cougars return Rayshawn Whitey (2021) to carry the team forward.
No. 19 Dexter Demons
The Demons took a huge step back last season falling to 4-23 overall (1-5 in district). It was expected after graduating their entire roster from the season before. The good news is they'll return some experience this coming season with the duo of Tyler Brisco (2021), and Joshua Duran (2023). The district remains the same from last season minus Tularosa who has moved down to 2A. NMMI and Tucumcari make up the three-team district.
No. 20 Zuni Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds are bit of an unknown wildcard heading into the 2020/2021 season and will battle with Crownpoint and Wingate out of the district cellar. They graduate five from last season but welcome back a roster that featured five freshmen. How fast can they grow up in a year will determine the success of the T-birds next season.
No. 21 Crownpoint Eagles
The Crownpoint Eagles went 6-21 last season and historically that is about on par for the program. Crazy stat off the bat is the Eagles have had seven different head coaches in seven years. They've had one winning season this decade and that was under Shawn Miller who had the longest tenure in four years from 2011-2015, the last being the best finish in 20-years at 19-11. They'll graduate five from last season and played some young guys, at times going with three freshmen - Taye Harvey, Tylon Tsosie, and Tylrell Archie - in the starting line up. Look to 2022 guard Kordell McMillan who had some quality games and could be a spark for the Eagles next season. Stability and developing this young talent could change the course.
No. 22 Wingate Bears
The Wingate Bears and longtime head coach Al Martinez are coming off a 4-23 season (2-9 district). Martinez has been the head coach since 2003 and this is the lowest win percentage during his 18-year tenure and only the third time with single digit wins. It was evident going into last season that they would be rebuilding after a senior led team and again will be hit with graduation having 7 players graduating this year. The good news for the Bears is returning guard Kevin Belone (2021) in the front court as the leader. Also, having 6-foot-2 Davarryle Kee (2021) returning will provide some immediate help.
No. 23 Hatch Valley Bears
Last Season: 3-23 overall, 0-6 district
Hatch Valley struggled last season and the ceiling doesn't look very high for the Bears in 2020/2021. They only featured eight players on varsity last season and graduate four players. The last time this program sniffed a .500 season was in 2015 under former head coach Derek Bean, they went 14-14 that season. Looking forward Darius Levy was the fourth head coach in four years when hired two years ago and hope some stability will help in a build of the program. Adrian Casas (2021) returns as a three year letterman and will be one to watch in this district.
No. 24 Cottonwood Classical Prep Coyotes
Last season: 8-16 overall, 2-8 district
The Coyotes also from district 5 with East Mountain will battle to stay out of the cellar. The Coyotes coming off an 8-win season was a nice run for one of the newest teams in the NMAA. They do graduate both of their leading scorers but will look to Estevan Maestas (2023) who is coming off a solid freshman season averaging 5 points per game.
No. 25 East Mountain Timberwolves
Last season: 2-23 overall, 0-10 district
Skinny: The Timberwolves basketball program is coming off a 2-win season under first-year head coach Nathan Cordova. The Timberwolves hope to make a leap in year two and could be much improved in year two but they have to replace five graduating players.
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