Quarterfinals: Previewing the 2016 Elite Eight
Joshua J Grine
Today, we take a look at the Elite Eight field and what to expect on Wednesday - hands down the best day for boys basketball.
MUST SEE GAMES IN EACH CLASS
No. 11 Rio Rancho vs No. 3 Cibola, 1:15p (WisePies)
Not only does it feature the Cinderella story of the 2016 State Tournament but it also puts two of the best guards in the state against each other. Desmond Carpenter (Cibola) vs Clay Patterson (Rio Rancho). They each have supporting cast members that will be a sight to see as well.
No. 7 Gallup vs No. 2 Grants, 3:00p (WisePies)
Two regional rivals in Grants and Gallup will square off again this post season at the PIT in what could be a must see classic as both have split against each other this season winning on each others home court. Grants features Richie Lucero a 6-5 wing that put in 25 and 13 in the opening round. Gallup features 6-5 Colton Lowely a forward with a jumper and handles.
No. 5 Silver vs No. 4 Pojoaque Valley, 9:45a (Santa Ana Star Center)
Two of the best teams in 4A basketball will square off in what will put two disciplined half-court teams. Pojoaque Valley features one of the top players in 4A basketball in James Garcia but it could be supporting cast members like Dominic Roybal and Devon Escobedo.
No. 5 Santa Rosa vs No. 4 Tucumcari, 7:00p (Cleveland HS)
The two have met in district play and the two will meet again as each of the other games have been what you look forwarded too in New Mexico High School basketball. It puts two of the best coaches in 3A basketball against each other, two I really enjoy watching
HEADLINES
Top Seed On Alert: Cleveland (2-Seed 6A)
This match up brings some extra story headline to it as Rio Grande head coach Sean Jimenez was an assistant coach to Brian Smith (Cleveland) while at Rio Rancho in 2007 when they won the state championship. Rio Grande played well, better than we expected and Cleveland struggled with a 15-seed.
Must See Player Match Up: Cesar Molina (Centennial) vs Daniel Amador (Roswell)
They likely won't guard each other but what's not to like in a battle of two of the best players in 5A basketball. Molina, trying to take the defending champs back to the Final Four or Amador Aka The Mayor of Roswell with top numbers each week.
NMPreps.com Mr. Basketball Award Could Come Down To This Week: We have a short list of players to take the overall player of the year and this could be the final chance to take the vote. Names to keep an eye on - Johnny McCants (Onate), Daniel Amador (Roswell), John Paul Garcia (Tucumcari), Richie Lucero (Grants), Clay Patterson (Rio Rancho), Desmond Carpenter (Cibola), Marcus Williams (Cleveland) and Anthony Chavez (Valley).
1-Seed That Looks Like A 1-Seed Should: Lordsburg
The Mavericks are playing well and minus the one loss, they are hands down the team to beat and at this point look unstoppable.
QUARTERFINAL PICKS
Onate
Carlsbad
Cleveland
Rio Rancho
Roswell
Bernalillo
Grants
Capital
Hope Christian
Silver
Portales
West Las Vegas
Lordsburg
Tucucmari
Texico
Laguna-Acoma
Melrose
Escalante
Mora
Magdalena
Cliff
Springer
Hondo Valley
Maxwell
6A PREVIEW
No. 7 Rio Grande vs No. 2 Cleveland, 9:45a (WisePies)
Players: Marshall Moore (Rio Grande) v Marcus Williams (Cleveland)
Why Rio Grande: They are playing well and will have some confidence going into the Elite Eight. Welcome to the PIT. The Storm have bigs that create issues for teams but Rio Grande has Dakota Yancey as the x-factor a player playing well lately.
Why Cleveland: The have the depth and maybe shaking off the one bad game, a close one in the opener. They have that type of take over player in Marcus Williams. The ball will be in his hands to make plays.
No. 11 Rio Rancho vs No. 3 Cibola, 1:15p (WisePies)
Players: Clay Patterson (Rio Rancho) vs Desmond Carpenter (Cibola)
Why Rio Rancho: They have guards that can make big plays from outside or off the dribble. They have a staff who was in the Final Four last season and could only be peaking at the right moment.
Why Cibola: They have depth in the backcourt, plenty of it, and a forward who is playing extremely well. He can hit outside treys or off the dribble.
No. 8 Hobbs vs No. 1 Onate, 4:45p (Wisepies)
Players: Pierre Swain (Hobbs) v Johnny McCants (Onate)
Why Hobbs: The Eagles shine in March, they have been to three Final Fours in the last three years. Pierre Swain could go off for 25 plus any night, this might be the option to do that.
Why Onate: The Knights are one of the better basket offensive teams. The last time they were ranked number one they took it all. Also, they have the best player in the state.
No. 5 Valley vs No. 4 Carlsbad, 8:15p (WisePies)
Players: Anthony Chavez (Valley) v Brenden Boatwright (Carlsbad)
Why Valley: This team has likely one of the best trios in Chavez, Segun Oyeku and Teton Saltes. Valley can handle ball pressure well.
Why Carlsbad: When a team (or program) plays in the PIT for the first time it could be sort of shell shocking. That happened last season to the three seed Cavemen. This year they are continuing to get better all season long and this could be one of the most dangerous teams in the PIT right now with the make up and style of play with intense pressure on Chavez and Oyeku.
5A PREVIEW
No. 6 Los Lunas vs No. 3 Capital, 8a (WisePies)
Players: Mario Trujillo (Los Lunas) v Eric Coca (Capital)
Why Los Lunas: They have some talent in Walker, Zeller, Trujillo and Wisneski creating a deep backcourt. However, they love the games to be played at the basket and this one will be played in the halfcourt.
Why Capital: The Jaguars and Tigers will be a game at the basket, maybe a coin flip at this point but if they pull this one out it will be because the senior leadership.
No. 8 Centennial vs No. 1 Roswell, 11:30a (WisePies)
Players: Cesar Molina (Centennial) v Daniel Amador (Roswell)
Why Centennial: They are the defending champs and they have beat Roswell this season (one of two teams). Also, they can counter much of what Roswell likes to do.
Why Roswell: The Coyotes are the hottest teams right now and when you have a player as special as Amador you have an edge any game.
No. 7 Gallup vs No. 2 Grants, 3p (WisePies)
Players: Colton Lowely (Gallup) v Richie Lucero (Grants)
Why Gallup: This program has been here and they are one of the few teams in New Mexico to beat the Pirates. Gallup backcourt is under appreciated or under mentioned and they will play a big part.
Why Grants: The Pirates are number two for a reason. They are also one of the deeper teams in 5A. The X-factor will be forcing Gallup to take contested shots, Gallup can run and score early but they will have pressure consistently on them.
No. 13 Bernalillo vs No. 5 Espanola Valley, 6:30p (WisePies)
Players: Ty Darnell (Bernalillo) vs Uriah Arellano (Espanola)
Why Bernalillo: The Spartans can shoot and if they get hot they could outshoot the Sundevils.
Why Espanola: The Sundevils win when they push and make the game chaotic. They have a history of struggling in the halfcourt game and they have to keep the tempo moving.
4A PREVIEW
No. 1 Hope vs No. 8 Sandia Prep, 1:15p (Santa Ana Star Center)
Players: Dustin Gaddis (Prep) vs Jordan Leake (Hope)
Why Hope: They are one of the best teams in the state. Do I continue?
Why Prep: Every so often there is that under dog who shocks the state. Will the Sundevils ever actually get that gorilla of their back after several losses to Hope? Dustin Gaddis will need to completely take over and have supporting teammates knock down open looks.
No. 5 Silver vs No. 4 Pojoaque Valley, 9:45a (Santa Ana Star Center)
Players: Joshua Saenz (Silver) v James Garcia (Pojo)
Why Silver: This team handles pressure well and very disciplined on offense - kudos to great coaching - and will be able to get Pojo to take bad looks.
Why Pojoaque: They have several options and also an under valued post in Escobedo who went for a double double the last time we seen him. He cleans the glass well and you can't give them an inch from the three or they will knock it down.
No. 7 Portales vs No. 2 Robertson, 4:45a (Santa Ana Star Center)
Players: Jeremie Kargnbaye (Portales) v Sebastian Gonzales (Robertson)
Why Portales: The Rams reached the Final Four last season and this season they could be looking to finish that chapter. Head coach Rickie McBroom has placed himself among the best of them in the classification and has the roster to do so in this one. Robertson needs an answer for the big but can't forget about Staugaard or Ramirez
Why Robertson: They have basketball instinct kids. All five on the court play basketball in their sleep and it shows in their play. They can run, shoot and handle the ball.
No. 6 Bloomfield vs No. 3 West Las Vegas, 8:15pm, (Santa Ana Star Center)
Players: Charley (Bloomfield) vs DJ Bustos (West Las Vegas)
Why Bloomfield: They are sort of the unknown still even in the Elite Eight. Head coach Devon Manning has this team playing well and if they can limit DJ Bustos with the ball and not forgetting about Miguel Sena who likes to attack off the dribble from the top of the key they will do fine.
Why West: DJ Bustos. Kid can take over games.
SMALL SCHOOL BASKETBALL
3A Basketball
Lordsburg vs Mesilla Valley Christian: Edge goes to the Mavericks as they are a top shooting team in the state and loaded with juniors who can flat out play. We talk about chemistry in Onate (6A) but this team has been in the works for a few years.
Tucumcari vs Santa Rosa: Nothing like a rematch to the rematch as these two square off once again. John Paul Garcia has been a top player for a few years and I don't see a player like him falling short.
Texico vs Navajo Prep: Navajo Prep should have been seeded a tad higher, nice win, but Texico has the tradition and talent with nothing but a Final Four being short.
Pecos vs Laguna-Acoma: The Laguna-Acoma Hawks are well coached and the ability to have two gears should fluster Pecos. Pecos is talented but LA has been here before and this program is playing in an environment they are used too.
2A Basketball
No. 5 Gateway vs No. 4 Escalante (8am): Gateway is having one of those special years and with this being the last hurrah for their head coach this could add extra meaning. Escalante has relied on talent the recent past with a title in their hands, same story with a stud like Hurd.
No. 8 Ft. Sumner vs No. 1 Melrose (11:30am): Ft Sumner has played underdog throughout the season and same story here as they face a tough Buffaloes team. Sophomore Cade Banard is on the big stage now.
No. 6 Mesa Vista vs No. 3 Magdalena (3:00pm): Mesa Vista silenced critics (gulp) and they won a battle with Logan. Magdalena now is the test as the defending champions have a sophomore of their own in Jorrell Mirabal a lights out shooter.
No. 7 Menaul vs No. Mora (6:30pm): Another team not given the credit due when they were matched up in the firs round with the Menaul Panthers. Mora will be another huge test for Menaul in a battle between really good guard play vs a frontcourt that features 6-foot-8 Ou.
We will be releasing the rest of the classifications throughout the day.
Joshua J Grine
Today, we take a look at the Elite Eight field and what to expect on Wednesday - hands down the best day for boys basketball.
MUST SEE GAMES IN EACH CLASS
No. 11 Rio Rancho vs No. 3 Cibola, 1:15p (WisePies)
Not only does it feature the Cinderella story of the 2016 State Tournament but it also puts two of the best guards in the state against each other. Desmond Carpenter (Cibola) vs Clay Patterson (Rio Rancho). They each have supporting cast members that will be a sight to see as well.
No. 7 Gallup vs No. 2 Grants, 3:00p (WisePies)
Two regional rivals in Grants and Gallup will square off again this post season at the PIT in what could be a must see classic as both have split against each other this season winning on each others home court. Grants features Richie Lucero a 6-5 wing that put in 25 and 13 in the opening round. Gallup features 6-5 Colton Lowely a forward with a jumper and handles.
No. 5 Silver vs No. 4 Pojoaque Valley, 9:45a (Santa Ana Star Center)
Two of the best teams in 4A basketball will square off in what will put two disciplined half-court teams. Pojoaque Valley features one of the top players in 4A basketball in James Garcia but it could be supporting cast members like Dominic Roybal and Devon Escobedo.
No. 5 Santa Rosa vs No. 4 Tucumcari, 7:00p (Cleveland HS)
The two have met in district play and the two will meet again as each of the other games have been what you look forwarded too in New Mexico High School basketball. It puts two of the best coaches in 3A basketball against each other, two I really enjoy watching
HEADLINES
Top Seed On Alert: Cleveland (2-Seed 6A)
This match up brings some extra story headline to it as Rio Grande head coach Sean Jimenez was an assistant coach to Brian Smith (Cleveland) while at Rio Rancho in 2007 when they won the state championship. Rio Grande played well, better than we expected and Cleveland struggled with a 15-seed.
Must See Player Match Up: Cesar Molina (Centennial) vs Daniel Amador (Roswell)
They likely won't guard each other but what's not to like in a battle of two of the best players in 5A basketball. Molina, trying to take the defending champs back to the Final Four or Amador Aka The Mayor of Roswell with top numbers each week.
NMPreps.com Mr. Basketball Award Could Come Down To This Week: We have a short list of players to take the overall player of the year and this could be the final chance to take the vote. Names to keep an eye on - Johnny McCants (Onate), Daniel Amador (Roswell), John Paul Garcia (Tucumcari), Richie Lucero (Grants), Clay Patterson (Rio Rancho), Desmond Carpenter (Cibola), Marcus Williams (Cleveland) and Anthony Chavez (Valley).
1-Seed That Looks Like A 1-Seed Should: Lordsburg
The Mavericks are playing well and minus the one loss, they are hands down the team to beat and at this point look unstoppable.
QUARTERFINAL PICKS
Onate
Carlsbad
Cleveland
Rio Rancho
Roswell
Bernalillo
Grants
Capital
Hope Christian
Silver
Portales
West Las Vegas
Lordsburg
Tucucmari
Texico
Laguna-Acoma
Melrose
Escalante
Mora
Magdalena
Cliff
Springer
Hondo Valley
Maxwell
6A PREVIEW
No. 7 Rio Grande vs No. 2 Cleveland, 9:45a (WisePies)
Players: Marshall Moore (Rio Grande) v Marcus Williams (Cleveland)
Why Rio Grande: They are playing well and will have some confidence going into the Elite Eight. Welcome to the PIT. The Storm have bigs that create issues for teams but Rio Grande has Dakota Yancey as the x-factor a player playing well lately.
Why Cleveland: The have the depth and maybe shaking off the one bad game, a close one in the opener. They have that type of take over player in Marcus Williams. The ball will be in his hands to make plays.
No. 11 Rio Rancho vs No. 3 Cibola, 1:15p (WisePies)
Players: Clay Patterson (Rio Rancho) vs Desmond Carpenter (Cibola)
Why Rio Rancho: They have guards that can make big plays from outside or off the dribble. They have a staff who was in the Final Four last season and could only be peaking at the right moment.
Why Cibola: They have depth in the backcourt, plenty of it, and a forward who is playing extremely well. He can hit outside treys or off the dribble.
No. 8 Hobbs vs No. 1 Onate, 4:45p (Wisepies)
Players: Pierre Swain (Hobbs) v Johnny McCants (Onate)
Why Hobbs: The Eagles shine in March, they have been to three Final Fours in the last three years. Pierre Swain could go off for 25 plus any night, this might be the option to do that.
Why Onate: The Knights are one of the better basket offensive teams. The last time they were ranked number one they took it all. Also, they have the best player in the state.
No. 5 Valley vs No. 4 Carlsbad, 8:15p (WisePies)
Players: Anthony Chavez (Valley) v Brenden Boatwright (Carlsbad)
Why Valley: This team has likely one of the best trios in Chavez, Segun Oyeku and Teton Saltes. Valley can handle ball pressure well.
Why Carlsbad: When a team (or program) plays in the PIT for the first time it could be sort of shell shocking. That happened last season to the three seed Cavemen. This year they are continuing to get better all season long and this could be one of the most dangerous teams in the PIT right now with the make up and style of play with intense pressure on Chavez and Oyeku.
5A PREVIEW
No. 6 Los Lunas vs No. 3 Capital, 8a (WisePies)
Players: Mario Trujillo (Los Lunas) v Eric Coca (Capital)
Why Los Lunas: They have some talent in Walker, Zeller, Trujillo and Wisneski creating a deep backcourt. However, they love the games to be played at the basket and this one will be played in the halfcourt.
Why Capital: The Jaguars and Tigers will be a game at the basket, maybe a coin flip at this point but if they pull this one out it will be because the senior leadership.
No. 8 Centennial vs No. 1 Roswell, 11:30a (WisePies)
Players: Cesar Molina (Centennial) v Daniel Amador (Roswell)
Why Centennial: They are the defending champs and they have beat Roswell this season (one of two teams). Also, they can counter much of what Roswell likes to do.
Why Roswell: The Coyotes are the hottest teams right now and when you have a player as special as Amador you have an edge any game.
No. 7 Gallup vs No. 2 Grants, 3p (WisePies)
Players: Colton Lowely (Gallup) v Richie Lucero (Grants)
Why Gallup: This program has been here and they are one of the few teams in New Mexico to beat the Pirates. Gallup backcourt is under appreciated or under mentioned and they will play a big part.
Why Grants: The Pirates are number two for a reason. They are also one of the deeper teams in 5A. The X-factor will be forcing Gallup to take contested shots, Gallup can run and score early but they will have pressure consistently on them.
No. 13 Bernalillo vs No. 5 Espanola Valley, 6:30p (WisePies)
Players: Ty Darnell (Bernalillo) vs Uriah Arellano (Espanola)
Why Bernalillo: The Spartans can shoot and if they get hot they could outshoot the Sundevils.
Why Espanola: The Sundevils win when they push and make the game chaotic. They have a history of struggling in the halfcourt game and they have to keep the tempo moving.
4A PREVIEW
No. 1 Hope vs No. 8 Sandia Prep, 1:15p (Santa Ana Star Center)
Players: Dustin Gaddis (Prep) vs Jordan Leake (Hope)
Why Hope: They are one of the best teams in the state. Do I continue?
Why Prep: Every so often there is that under dog who shocks the state. Will the Sundevils ever actually get that gorilla of their back after several losses to Hope? Dustin Gaddis will need to completely take over and have supporting teammates knock down open looks.
No. 5 Silver vs No. 4 Pojoaque Valley, 9:45a (Santa Ana Star Center)
Players: Joshua Saenz (Silver) v James Garcia (Pojo)
Why Silver: This team handles pressure well and very disciplined on offense - kudos to great coaching - and will be able to get Pojo to take bad looks.
Why Pojoaque: They have several options and also an under valued post in Escobedo who went for a double double the last time we seen him. He cleans the glass well and you can't give them an inch from the three or they will knock it down.
No. 7 Portales vs No. 2 Robertson, 4:45a (Santa Ana Star Center)
Players: Jeremie Kargnbaye (Portales) v Sebastian Gonzales (Robertson)
Why Portales: The Rams reached the Final Four last season and this season they could be looking to finish that chapter. Head coach Rickie McBroom has placed himself among the best of them in the classification and has the roster to do so in this one. Robertson needs an answer for the big but can't forget about Staugaard or Ramirez
Why Robertson: They have basketball instinct kids. All five on the court play basketball in their sleep and it shows in their play. They can run, shoot and handle the ball.
No. 6 Bloomfield vs No. 3 West Las Vegas, 8:15pm, (Santa Ana Star Center)
Players: Charley (Bloomfield) vs DJ Bustos (West Las Vegas)
Why Bloomfield: They are sort of the unknown still even in the Elite Eight. Head coach Devon Manning has this team playing well and if they can limit DJ Bustos with the ball and not forgetting about Miguel Sena who likes to attack off the dribble from the top of the key they will do fine.
Why West: DJ Bustos. Kid can take over games.
SMALL SCHOOL BASKETBALL
3A Basketball
Lordsburg vs Mesilla Valley Christian: Edge goes to the Mavericks as they are a top shooting team in the state and loaded with juniors who can flat out play. We talk about chemistry in Onate (6A) but this team has been in the works for a few years.
Tucumcari vs Santa Rosa: Nothing like a rematch to the rematch as these two square off once again. John Paul Garcia has been a top player for a few years and I don't see a player like him falling short.
Texico vs Navajo Prep: Navajo Prep should have been seeded a tad higher, nice win, but Texico has the tradition and talent with nothing but a Final Four being short.
Pecos vs Laguna-Acoma: The Laguna-Acoma Hawks are well coached and the ability to have two gears should fluster Pecos. Pecos is talented but LA has been here before and this program is playing in an environment they are used too.
2A Basketball
No. 5 Gateway vs No. 4 Escalante (8am): Gateway is having one of those special years and with this being the last hurrah for their head coach this could add extra meaning. Escalante has relied on talent the recent past with a title in their hands, same story with a stud like Hurd.
No. 8 Ft. Sumner vs No. 1 Melrose (11:30am): Ft Sumner has played underdog throughout the season and same story here as they face a tough Buffaloes team. Sophomore Cade Banard is on the big stage now.
No. 6 Mesa Vista vs No. 3 Magdalena (3:00pm): Mesa Vista silenced critics (gulp) and they won a battle with Logan. Magdalena now is the test as the defending champions have a sophomore of their own in Jorrell Mirabal a lights out shooter.
No. 7 Menaul vs No. Mora (6:30pm): Another team not given the credit due when they were matched up in the firs round with the Menaul Panthers. Mora will be another huge test for Menaul in a battle between really good guard play vs a frontcourt that features 6-foot-8 Ou.
We will be releasing the rest of the classifications throughout the day.
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