Preseason Rankings: No. 34 Bernalillo Spartans
The 2015-2016 season has officially started and today we start our countdown of the top 50 programs in New Mexico Big School Division (6A-4A).
More: Preseason Rankings Home | Rankings 72-51 | Preseason Preview Page
The Bernalillo Spartans return this season after a (19-12, 5-3) season and Elite Eight appearance beating district rival Del Norte in the first round.
Overview: The Spartans had success last season, graduated four players and looking to be a favorite in 5A basketball going into 2015-2016. The Spartans return shooting guard Ty Darnell (6'1/2016) along with eight seniors who were all on varsity as juniors last season. The experience, the depth and the coaching is definitely there and this could be a Final Four season. Right now we have them floating around tenth in 5A but don't be shocked to see this team rise. The thing with Bernalilllo and having a solid shooting guard is the fear that he goes off for 30 on any given night. Anytime that they have had good shooting guards they either win the title (2004 & 2005) or make the Final Four.
Last Season
Record: 19-12, 5-3
Home Record: 8-4
Away Record: 6-5
Post Season: Elite Eight, lost to Centennial (64-46)
Points per game: 57.5 (1784)
Points against: 53.9 (1672)
Realistic Prediction: Sometimes with Bernalillo we are either spot on or they are the team that surprises us. 19 wins last season was impressive and this team could be better? Well, that is the reason that we are putting them a bit higher than most on the list. Dare we predict 20 wins? Well, going to play it safe and say the 15-19 range, because their district is tough and will wait to see the rest of their pre-district schedule. I would be shocked if they make the Elite Eight but won't go as far as say Final Four because there is tons of parity in 5A.
District Champ: 80%
Playoff Team: 99%
Elite Eight: 52.3%
Final Four: 26%
Title Game: 1%
Returning Players: We mentioned that they return eight seniors(!). Most of them are guards, and that's okay for the style of play Bernalillo runs, and this team has some things to keep you entertained this season. A pair of Darnell's on the roster are intriguing, if they shoot anything like Head Coach Terry Darnell then they are set.
Roster
Jamal Campbell (2016)
Diego Aragon (2016)
Daniel Jaramillo (2016)
Austin Darnell (2016)
Lorenzo Martinez (2016)
Ty Darnell (2016)
Bryan Guerrero (2016)
Diego Sedillo (2016)
The 2015-2016 season has officially started and today we start our countdown of the top 50 programs in New Mexico Big School Division (6A-4A).
More: Preseason Rankings Home | Rankings 72-51 | Preseason Preview Page
The Bernalillo Spartans return this season after a (19-12, 5-3) season and Elite Eight appearance beating district rival Del Norte in the first round.
Overview: The Spartans had success last season, graduated four players and looking to be a favorite in 5A basketball going into 2015-2016. The Spartans return shooting guard Ty Darnell (6'1/2016) along with eight seniors who were all on varsity as juniors last season. The experience, the depth and the coaching is definitely there and this could be a Final Four season. Right now we have them floating around tenth in 5A but don't be shocked to see this team rise. The thing with Bernalilllo and having a solid shooting guard is the fear that he goes off for 30 on any given night. Anytime that they have had good shooting guards they either win the title (2004 & 2005) or make the Final Four.
Last Season
Record: 19-12, 5-3
Home Record: 8-4
Away Record: 6-5
Post Season: Elite Eight, lost to Centennial (64-46)
Points per game: 57.5 (1784)
Points against: 53.9 (1672)
Realistic Prediction: Sometimes with Bernalillo we are either spot on or they are the team that surprises us. 19 wins last season was impressive and this team could be better? Well, that is the reason that we are putting them a bit higher than most on the list. Dare we predict 20 wins? Well, going to play it safe and say the 15-19 range, because their district is tough and will wait to see the rest of their pre-district schedule. I would be shocked if they make the Elite Eight but won't go as far as say Final Four because there is tons of parity in 5A.
District Champ: 80%
Playoff Team: 99%
Elite Eight: 52.3%
Final Four: 26%
Title Game: 1%
Returning Players: We mentioned that they return eight seniors(!). Most of them are guards, and that's okay for the style of play Bernalillo runs, and this team has some things to keep you entertained this season. A pair of Darnell's on the roster are intriguing, if they shoot anything like Head Coach Terry Darnell then they are set.
Roster
Jamal Campbell (2016)
Diego Aragon (2016)
Daniel Jaramillo (2016)
Austin Darnell (2016)
Lorenzo Martinez (2016)
Ty Darnell (2016)
Bryan Guerrero (2016)
Diego Sedillo (2016)
