Upset Watch: (10) Farmington at (7) Sandia. We had to pick a game, we also try avoiding the 8-9 game. That being said we go with the Farmington Scopions on the road in Albuquerque as they take on the 7-seed Sandia Matadors. However, taking down double-double machine Viane Cumber (2021) will be a tall order. Can the Henderson (head coach of Farmington) use his post season magic again, behind the shooting of 2023 guard Kiiyani Anitielu?
Best Game: (9) Cibola at (8) Carlsbad. One coach has held the blue trophy in March (Cibola), one has yet to get over that hill (Carlsbad). This one will bring two of the best in the game but will it be the guard led - Isabel Montoya (Cibola) over the inside presence of Kaliyah Montoya (Carlsbad)? The x-factor in this one could be speedy guard Baylee Molina (2020) as the Cavegirls look to defend their home court.
Close or No Cigar: (11) West Mesa at (6) Centennial. The West Mesa Lady Mustangs are looking to defend their 2019 State Championship and have a pair of next level players. They are also coming into the playoffs after playing in the top-down best district in the state in 2-5A. The hard part is the very talented Centennial group has a killer duo in Larissa Laborin and Jessica Rios. This could either be a close one down to the fourth quarter or a Centennial comfortable win, no in-between.
No Cigar: 1-Hobbs, 2-Piedra Vista, 3-Volcano Vista, 4-La Cueva and 5-Mayfield. The top-five seeds will move along and get playing time for bench players as they prep for the Elite Eight next Tuesday in Albuquerque.
NMPreps First Round Picks
(1) Hobbs, -25
(2) Piedra Vista, -30
(3) Volcano Vista, -22
(4) La Cueva, -18
(5) Mayfield, 21.5
(6) Centennial, -5
(7) Sandia, -2.5
(8) Carlsbad, -2
Skinny: Although we discussed possibilities of upsets or close-calls we couldn't take the chances. All eight top seeds should move along, creating a powerful Elite Eight round, but crazier things have happened. Who are you taking NMPreps members?
Best Game: (9) Cibola at (8) Carlsbad. One coach has held the blue trophy in March (Cibola), one has yet to get over that hill (Carlsbad). This one will bring two of the best in the game but will it be the guard led - Isabel Montoya (Cibola) over the inside presence of Kaliyah Montoya (Carlsbad)? The x-factor in this one could be speedy guard Baylee Molina (2020) as the Cavegirls look to defend their home court.
Close or No Cigar: (11) West Mesa at (6) Centennial. The West Mesa Lady Mustangs are looking to defend their 2019 State Championship and have a pair of next level players. They are also coming into the playoffs after playing in the top-down best district in the state in 2-5A. The hard part is the very talented Centennial group has a killer duo in Larissa Laborin and Jessica Rios. This could either be a close one down to the fourth quarter or a Centennial comfortable win, no in-between.
No Cigar: 1-Hobbs, 2-Piedra Vista, 3-Volcano Vista, 4-La Cueva and 5-Mayfield. The top-five seeds will move along and get playing time for bench players as they prep for the Elite Eight next Tuesday in Albuquerque.
NMPreps First Round Picks
(1) Hobbs, -25
(2) Piedra Vista, -30
(3) Volcano Vista, -22
(4) La Cueva, -18
(5) Mayfield, 21.5
(6) Centennial, -5
(7) Sandia, -2.5
(8) Carlsbad, -2
Skinny: Although we discussed possibilities of upsets or close-calls we couldn't take the chances. All eight top seeds should move along, creating a powerful Elite Eight round, but crazier things have happened. Who are you taking NMPreps members?
