Most Likely To Upset in The Elite Eight?
Joshua J Grine of NMPreps.com
No. 11 Rio Rancho over No. 3 Cibola, Wed, 1:15p
Well, I went on a limb to say that Rio Rancho would make the Final Four even during their slump. Well, I still like the Rams in this one and thankful to Rio Rancho guard Clay Patterson for making the three to keep my 11-seed in the Final Four.
1. They have been here... sort of.
The Rams reached the Final Four last season before falling to eventual champs Hobbs High School. Though they had hype returning they lacked the minutes outside of maybe Patterson and Snyder. So they where here last season, not particularly these players but you don't think they were right there with them. Cibola well this will somewhat be a brand new experience.
2. Patterson, a junior, still in the player of the year conversation
Clay Patterson a name we all know by now along with the likes of Onate's Johnny McCants and Roswell's Daniel Amador. They young fella can shoot, make plays and on that open Bob King Court you will be able to see him run wild.
No. 7 Portales over No. 2 Robertson, Wed, 4:45p
We head to the Santa Ana star for our next potential upset pick. Oh yeah and its to a team that we considered a heavy chance to be upset in the first round. So now why do we shift gears?
1. A Final Four last season was maybe the opening credits
The Rams of Portales have been sort of up and down this season. Well, they were battle tested in the opening round and might be heading to the PIT with some much needed confidence. We will talk about the big man but two others in Jr Ramirez and Bronte Staugaard have us taking a second look at this backcourt that can handle the pressure and uptemp approach that Robertson will bring.
2. Can Robertson find an answer for Jeremie Karngbaye?
The Cardinals are a backcourt orientated team, maybe the best in 4A but do they have an answer for one of the best big men in New Mexico? Karngbaye, if Portales could slow the tempo of this one into their favor could win this one on the shoulders of him. The more the looks for him this one could be tricky.
No. 6 Laguna-Acoma over No. 3 Pecos, Wed, 5:00p
Well, it might look like I am backpedaling again in this one (yeah I can do that). These two do have some history, we at NMPreps.com made the trip to Pecos a few years ago to watch the 1 vs 2 battle. Pecos is under new management but Laguna, lucky, is not and head coach Ryan Peil is one of the best in 3A and that's where we start.
1. Ryan Peil the head coach of Laguna-Acoma
You really cant count out a head coach with a ring. The program at Laguna-Acoma was nothing but a doormat before he arrived six years ago and now they have a pair of title game appearances and a system that has proven successful.
2. It's a different game when you hit the Elite Eight
Basically staying on topic here, the Panthers have been in the cozy gyms that fit around 1000 people and have the crowd bascially on the floor with you. As a program Laguna-Acoma has played on the open court of the Santa Ana at least ten times including regular season tournaments over the years. This one could come down to be comfortable in a different environment.
Joshua J Grine of NMPreps.com
No. 11 Rio Rancho over No. 3 Cibola, Wed, 1:15p
Well, I went on a limb to say that Rio Rancho would make the Final Four even during their slump. Well, I still like the Rams in this one and thankful to Rio Rancho guard Clay Patterson for making the three to keep my 11-seed in the Final Four.
1. They have been here... sort of.
The Rams reached the Final Four last season before falling to eventual champs Hobbs High School. Though they had hype returning they lacked the minutes outside of maybe Patterson and Snyder. So they where here last season, not particularly these players but you don't think they were right there with them. Cibola well this will somewhat be a brand new experience.
2. Patterson, a junior, still in the player of the year conversation
Clay Patterson a name we all know by now along with the likes of Onate's Johnny McCants and Roswell's Daniel Amador. They young fella can shoot, make plays and on that open Bob King Court you will be able to see him run wild.
No. 7 Portales over No. 2 Robertson, Wed, 4:45p
We head to the Santa Ana star for our next potential upset pick. Oh yeah and its to a team that we considered a heavy chance to be upset in the first round. So now why do we shift gears?
1. A Final Four last season was maybe the opening credits
The Rams of Portales have been sort of up and down this season. Well, they were battle tested in the opening round and might be heading to the PIT with some much needed confidence. We will talk about the big man but two others in Jr Ramirez and Bronte Staugaard have us taking a second look at this backcourt that can handle the pressure and uptemp approach that Robertson will bring.
2. Can Robertson find an answer for Jeremie Karngbaye?
The Cardinals are a backcourt orientated team, maybe the best in 4A but do they have an answer for one of the best big men in New Mexico? Karngbaye, if Portales could slow the tempo of this one into their favor could win this one on the shoulders of him. The more the looks for him this one could be tricky.
No. 6 Laguna-Acoma over No. 3 Pecos, Wed, 5:00p
Well, it might look like I am backpedaling again in this one (yeah I can do that). These two do have some history, we at NMPreps.com made the trip to Pecos a few years ago to watch the 1 vs 2 battle. Pecos is under new management but Laguna, lucky, is not and head coach Ryan Peil is one of the best in 3A and that's where we start.
1. Ryan Peil the head coach of Laguna-Acoma
You really cant count out a head coach with a ring. The program at Laguna-Acoma was nothing but a doormat before he arrived six years ago and now they have a pair of title game appearances and a system that has proven successful.
2. It's a different game when you hit the Elite Eight
Basically staying on topic here, the Panthers have been in the cozy gyms that fit around 1000 people and have the crowd bascially on the floor with you. As a program Laguna-Acoma has played on the open court of the Santa Ana at least ten times including regular season tournaments over the years. This one could come down to be comfortable in a different environment.
