NMPreps Unveils Preseason Rankings for the 2023/2024 New Mexico High School Basketball Season
Date: November 20, 2023
As the 2023/2024 New Mexico high school basketball season tips off today, NMPreps is thrilled to present our preseason rankings for the top ten teams to watch. With tryouts underway, anticipation is high for a season brimming with talent and competition. Let's delve into the rankings and spotlight the teams and players set to make waves this year.
Date: November 20, 2023
As the 2023/2024 New Mexico high school basketball season tips off today, NMPreps is thrilled to present our preseason rankings for the top ten teams to watch. With tryouts underway, anticipation is high for a season brimming with talent and competition. Let's delve into the rankings and spotlight the teams and players set to make waves this year.
Top Ten Teams:
1. Volcano Vista Hawks (Albuquerque, NM) - 6A
- Dynasty Continues: The two-time defending 6A state champions, the Volcano Vista Hawks, boast an impressive track record, having won 58 of their last 59 games over the past two years. Head coach Greg Brown has established a dynasty, and with standout Kenyon Aguino (2025) returning for his junior season, the Hawks are poised for a potential three-peat.
2. Cleveland Storm (Rio Rancho, NM) - 5A
- New Leadership, Same Ambition: With a new head coach, Zack Cole, at the helm, the Cleveland Storm enters the season with a talented roster led by guard Daniel Stevenson (2024), who averaged an impressive 21.2 points per game last season. Keep an eye on sophomore Remy Albrecht (2026), a rising star for the Storm.
3. Organ Mountain Knights (Las Cruces, NM) - 5A
- Building Momentum: The Knights made a memorable run to the 6A Final Four last season, narrowly missing the championship. With top-five player Brandon Kehres (2024) leading the charge, head coach Rocky Gonzales aims to capitalize on last year's success. The Knights aim to build on their 25-5 record and make another postseason impact.
4. La Cueva Bears (Albuquerque, NM) - 5A
- Roster Revival: The Bears, seeking redemption from an underachieving season, welcome talented guard Dylan Chavez (2024) into the fold. Chavez, committed to the University of New Mexico, teams up with Daniel Lovato (2025) and Cameron Dyer (2025), making La Cueva a team to watch.
5. Los Lunas Tigers (Los Lunas, NM) - 5A
- Prospect Power: With a Final Four appearance last season, the Tigers, led by junior Jalin Holland (2025), hold high expectations. Holland, a sought-after prospect, has offers from notable colleges like Texas, Oklahoma and San Diego State, setting the stage for a compelling season.
6. Albuquerque Academy Chargers (Albuquerque, NM) - 4A
- Defending Champions: The Chargers capped off last season with a 13-game win streak and the 4A State Championship. Head coach Marcos CdeBaca guides a dynamic duo in Dillon McCleskey (2024) and Joe Jack (2024), aiming for another deep playoff run.
7. Atrisco Heritage Jaguars (Albuquerque, NM) - 5A
- Dynamic Duo: Marquise Renfro (2024) and Latavious Morris (2025) form a formidable pair for the Jaguars. With both players returning at full strength, Atrisco Heritage eyes a successful season after reaching the second round last year.
8. Sandia Matadors (Albuquerque, NM) - 5A
- Reload and Rebuild: After playing for the 6A state championship last season, the Matadors face a reload as key players graduate. Thomas Adams (2025) steps into a leadership role, aiming to guide the team through a transition period.
9. West Mesa Mustangs (Albuquerque, NM) - 5A
- Wing Watch: The West Mesa Mustangs, coming off a 22-win season, look to build on their success. Wing prospect Elijah Brody (2024) is one to watch, and finding a supportive cast will be crucial for another deep tournament run.
10. Eldorado Eagles (Albuquerque, NM) - 5A
- Rising Potential: With returnees Josiah Mitchell (2024) and Joshua Jackson (2024), the Eldorado Eagles have the makings of a rising force. 6-foot-7 stud Michael Knaub adds intrigue, positioning the Eagles as contenders in the hunt.
