Daily Dimes – Week 3 – Tuesday, December 10
Publisher Joshua Grine’s Daily Blog on New Mexico High School BasketballTuesday night hoops are here, and the New Mexico high school basketball slate is packed with intriguing matchups that could shape early-season narratives. Let’s dive into the top games to watch, the storylines, and predictions as we edge closer to the holidays.
Tuesday's Specials On Tap
Santa Fe (3-0) at Atrisco Heritage (2-2), 7 PM
Grine’s Deal or No Deal Game of the Night- Why Watch: In a premier 5A matchup, the 7th-ranked Atrisco Heritage Jaguars host the 11th-ranked Santa Fe Demons in a game with early postseason implications. This weeks Grine’s Deal or No Deal Game is a December staple, often shaping the top seed conversation for the March State Tournament.
The Jaguars are coming off a tough loss to Organ Mountain (83-61), a setback that highlighted defensive inconsistencies. Head coach Steve Heredia has built an offense capable of scoring in bunches, but defensive stops remain a work in progress. Tonight offers an opportunity for a key bounce-back performance.
Meanwhile, Santa Fe enters with momentum, riding high off a strong showing at their home tournament, which included resume wins over Santa Fe Indian and Farmington. Year two under head coach Francisco Rivera is mirroring last year’s hot start, with the Demons leaning heavily on their dynamic offensive duo of Christian Herrera (2025) and Joe Gonzales (2025). - NMPreps Favorite: Atrisco Heritage, -4.5
- Grine’s Take: This game is likely to go down to the wire. Santa Fe’s recent close wins could either fuel their confidence or result in a fatigue hangover. Atrisco’s high-tempo offense will be a critical factor, and this game should provide valuable insight into both teams' trajectories. Expect a physical, hard-fought battle that sets the tone for December hoops.
Hobbs (5-0) at Texas-San Angelo Central (9-2), 6 PM
- Why Watch: Hobbs takes its high-octane style on the road to Texas, facing a San Angelo Central team with similar scoring firepower. The Eagles, ranked No. 3 in the 5A NMPreps Power-12, are led by Abraham Peña (2025), who’s been electric on both ends, averaging 17 points, 4 steals, and 3 assists per game. The depth of this Hobbs team, with six players averaging 7+ points, makes them tough to beat. However, the Bobcats have home-court advantage and an impressive 9-2 record.
- Favorite: Texas-San Angelo Central, -2.5
- Grine’s Take: This could be a track meet, with both teams pushing the pace. Hobbs’ defense will be key if they want to remain unbeaten.
Grants (3-0) at St. Michael's (2-2), 7 PM
- Why Watch: In a clash between top 4A/3A programs, 4A No. 5 Grants brings their sharpshooting offense to the tight, intense environment of St. Michael's Perez-Shelley gym. The 3A No. 2 Horsemen will rely on their size, with standout big men Noah Redus (2027), Ryan Hunt (2027), and Donevan Ricker (2026) controlling the paint. Grants must execute from the perimeter, while St. Michael's will look to dominate the boards and disrupt the Pirates' rhythm.
- Favorite: St. Michael's, -4.5
- Grine’s Take: Grants has the offensive edge, but the Horsemen’s size and home-court advantage could tilt this in their favor.
West Las Vegas (4-0) at Española Valley (4-1), 7 PM
- Why Watch: A Northern New Mexico showdown, this game is a measuring stick for both teams. The undefeated 3A No. 6 Dons have dominated early but face their toughest test yet against a balanced Sundevils squad. 4A No. 9 Española’s depth, led by DeVaughn Kensey, Jonathan Gonzales, Ethan Tafoya and CJ Perea, shone last weekend, with all four starters scoring in double figures.
- Favorite: Española Valley, -2.5
- Grine’s Take: The Sundevils' ability to control tempo and play in transition will be key. This is a must-watch for fans of competitive 4A/3A basketball.
Santa Fe Prep (2-0) at Socorro (0-1), 7 PM
- Why Watch: This 3A matchup has postseason implications, with both teams vying for top-8 seeding come March. Santa Fe Prep’s Morgan Field is coming off a dominant 24-point game against Pecos, while Socorro is looking to bounce back after a loss to Magdalena. With coaching instability at Socorro, this is a crucial early test for the Warriors.
- Favorite: Socorro, -3.5
- Grine’s Take: The Blue Griffins need another standout performance from Field, but this could be closer than expected if Socorro finds their rhythm.
Last Night Leftovers
Cibola Cougars Shock 4A No. 1 HighlandCibola (2-0) stunned 4A No. 1 Highland 59-56, delivering one of the season’s biggest surprises. The Cougars, unranked in the 5A NMPreps Power-12, could be on the cusp of a playoff push this season.
