Feature Ranking the Must-Watch Quarterfinal Games: Breaking Down the Best Matchups and Potential Upsets

[J Grine]

Ranking the Must-Watch Quarterfinal Games: Breaking Down the Best Matchups and Potential Upsets​

NMPreps.com presents its rankings of the top games to watch in the New Mexico high school basketball state tournament quarterfinals. With games taking place across the Albuquerque Metro Area on Wednesday, March 12, the action will be intense. The PIT hosts Classes 5A and 4A, the Rio Rancho Events Center is home to 3A and 2A, and Bernalillo High School will showcase Class 1A. Here’s a breakdown of the must-watch games and the matchups that could lead to major upsets.

8 For 8: Top Elite Eight Games​

1. #2 Hobbs vs. #7 Cleveland (4:45 PM, The PIT – Class 5A)
   Two of the top 10 players in the state, Remy Albrect (Cleveland) and Abraham Peña (Hobbs), will face off in what promises to be a high-scoring showdown. The teams split their regular-season meetings, with Cleveland taking the most recent matchup 84-75. Expect an electric atmosphere and plenty of offense.
2. #2 Artesia vs. #7 Valley (3 PM, The PIT – Class 4A)
   A rematch of their December battle, where Valley edged Artesia 50-46. Artesia averages 61 points per game, while Valley grinds out wins in the 40s. Expect a gritty, physical battle with a spot in the Final Four on the line.
3. #3 Tohatchi vs. #6 Santa Fe Indian (8:15 PM, Rio Rancho Events Center – Class 3A)
   This game should be high-energy, with a packed crowd fueling a shootout. Both teams average over 60 points per game, and the Callado brothers lead a battle-tested Santa Fe Indian squad. The Braves reached the Final Four last season and will look to take another step forward.
4. #1 St. Pius X vs. #8 Highland (11:30 AM, The PIT – Class 4A)
   A potential upset brewing, Highland pushed St. Pius X to the brink in their last meeting, forcing overtime. Highland’s Jesus Licon is one of the most electric players in the state, and this could be the last chance to see him on the high school stage.
5. #2 Robertson vs. #7 West Las Vegas (4:15 PM, Rio Rancho Events Center – Class 3A)
   The rivalry between the two Las Vegas, NM schools shifts to Rio Rancho. Robertson swept the regular-season meetings, but West Las Vegas has gained momentum in March. Can the Cardinals stay on track for a championship, or will West Las Vegas spoil their run?
6. #3 Sandia vs. #6 Albuquerque (1:15 PM, The PIT – Class 5A)
   Albuquerque High dominated Santa Fe in the first round, and now they face a Sandia team loaded with talent. I've always enjoyed Danny Brown led teams, he has led deep tournament runs before, and this could be his most balanced squad yet.
7. #1 St. Michael’s vs. #8 Navajo Prep (1:15 PM, Rio Rancho Events Center – Class 3A)
   A battle of defending champions, with St. Michael’s winning the 2023 title and Navajo Prep capturing the 2024 crown. Both teams have new coaches this season, and this contrast in styles—Navajo Prep’s perimeter shooting against St. Michael’s interior dominance—makes for an intriguing matchup.
8. #4 Albuquerque Academy vs. #12 Taos (8 AM, The PIT – Class 4A)
   A battle of big men as Taos’ 6-foot-7 Malachi Ely takes on Academy’s 6-foot-10 Hunter Aime. This early morning tipoff may not favor either team, but it’s a game featuring size, skill, and the potential for a hard-fought finish. (Get ride of 8AM games for a state tournament).

9. #3 Española vs. #6 Silver (6:30 PM, The PIT – Class 4A)
10. #5 Bosque vs. #4 Tularosa (9:45 AM, Rio Rancho Events Center – Class 3A)
11. #1 Texico vs. #9 Jal (6:30 PM, Rio Rancho Events Center – Class 2A)
12. #4 Roswell vs. #12 Farmington (9:45 AM, The PIT – Class 5A)
13. #12 Mora vs. #4 Pecos (11:30 AM, Rio Rancho Events Center – Class 2A)
14. #1 Volcano Vista vs. #8 La Cueva (8:15 PM, The PIT – Class 5A)
15. #3 Mesa Vista vs. #6 Legacy Academy (8 AM, Rio Rancho Events Center – Class 2A)
16. #4 Magdalena vs. #5 Roy/Mosquero (8:15 AM, Bernalillo HS – Class 1A)
17. #1 Logan vs. #8 Cliff (4:45 PM, Bernalillo HS – Class 1A)
18. #7 Rehoboth Christian vs. #2 Santa Rosa (3 PM, Rio Rancho Events Center – Class 2A)
19. #2 Melrose vs. #7 Maxwell (1:15 PM, Bernalillo HS – Class 1A)
20. #3 Fort Sumner vs. #6 Cimarron (9:45 AM, Bernalillo HS – Class 1A)

Four Games on Upset Alert​

1. #12 Farmington vs. #4 Roswell (9:45 AM, The PIT – Class 5A)
   Farmington is underrated and plays at a fast pace. Roswell is tough and experienced, but if this game is close late, Farmington has the shooters to make things interesting.
2. #8 Highland vs. #1 St. Pius X (11:30 AM, The PIT – Class 4A)
   St. Pius X is 3-0 against Highland this season, but their last matchup needed overtime. Both teams average 60 points per game, and Highland’s ability to hit deep shots makes them a dangerous underdog. Defending state champs (Highland) taking down the 1-seed?
3. #6 Silver vs. #3 Española Valley (6:30 PM, The PIT – Class 4A)
   Silver has quietly emerged as a Final Four contender, after being counted out. We mentioned they had scorers in the first round preview, they back it up putting up 82-points over Hope. Española Valley had to battle past Belen in the first round, and if Silver can dictate the tempo, they could pull off the upset.
4. #3 Tohatchi vs. #6 Santa Fe Indian (8:15 PM, Rio Rancho Events Center – Class 3A)
   Santa Fe Indian’s experience in this venue and trio of dynamic guards make them a tough out. They nearly knocked off eventual champion Navajo Prep last season and have the tools to make another deep run. I don't believe Tohatchi has made it to the quarterfinals. Those deep bleacher background affects shooters at times. Leaning on the team that is experienced in the gym.