THE NEW MEXICAN
2015-16 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW
BOYS GAMES TO WATCH
H HOOPS
St. Michael’s at Hobbs Holiday Tournament, Dec. 28-30 Considered the crown jewel of basketball tournaments in New Mexico, the Horsemen become the first northern team since Santa Fe High 14 years ago to appear in it. Chances are St. Michael’s might come away with a win, maybe two, but it will gain a lot from playing big schools from around the region — and not just from New Mexico.
Northern Rio Grande Tournament, Jan. 7-9 While it is usually a competitive and fun tournament for the North’s small schools, but this year’s edition should be one of the best in years. Pecos is on the rise again in Class 3A, while Mora, Escalante, Questa and Mesa Vista all fashion themselves as 2A contenders. The winner of this tournament will have a boatload of momentum to carry it through the rest of the season.
Española Valley at Grants, Jan. 12 Capital at Grants, Jan. 16
BOYS PLAYERS TO WATCH
GIRLS PLAYERS TO WATCH
GIRLS GAMES TO WATCH
D.J. Bustos, West Las Vegas
Danielle Vigil, St. Michael’s
As a sophomore, the 6-foot-3 Bustos led the Dons with 20 points and eight rebounds per game — although the team matured rapidly after he suffered a gruesome sprained ankle in February, and the Dons made a run to the 4A championship. He’ll be counted on even more as West Las Vegas has to replace six seniors, but he seems to be up to the task. Bustos had 29 points in a season-opening 102-16 win over Hot Springs, then added 23 in a 59-38 win over Wingate.
Simply put, she’s a monster in the middle — just like her great uncle, legendary 7-foot Horsemen center Nick Pino. A double-double machine, this 6-1 junior is a lock to pull down double-digit boards and points most nights. With her size and quickness, she can also pile up the blocks — “She probably had six blocks in our first game, and she never even left her feet,” said her head coach, Martin Romero. If she avoids foul trouble, this Lady Horsemen tower is going to become one of the most dangerous low-post threats in the North.
West Las Vegas at St. Michael’s, Dec. 8
Eric Coca, Capital Coca has emerged from his youthful, reckless style of play to become a composed, confident leader the Jaguars will need if they are going to make a run at the Class 5A title. He comes off a 13.8 ppg performance last year, which earned him a spot on the All-District 2-5A first team. His quickness and fluidity combine with a deadly jumper to make him one of the harder players to guard in the state.
Horsemen Shootout, Jan. 14-16
Uriah Arellano, Española Valley
Escalante vs. Mora, Feb. 5 & 13 Last year, both teams fell short of making it an all District 5-2A state championship, but both have enough talent coming back to believe they can do it again. These two games will be crucial for seeding purposes for the district and state tournament. Then again, every game in 5-2A will be crucial, because the district’s overall strength makes it perhaps the toughest in 2A. James Barron
Francis Castillo y Mulert, Santa Fe Prep
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2015
Why are these games together? Well, this should be the benchmark of where the Sundevils and the Jaguars are heading into District 2-5A play, because the Pirates are widely considered one of the teams to beat in 5A. Both Española and Capital feel the same way, so they will discover if they are contenders or pretenders. If they both pass the test, that will make their two district battles all the more interesting to watch.
Yes, the Horsemen are in the prestigious Hobbs Holiday Tournament, but their fourteam round-robin is a mini-Class 4A State Tournament preview. Silver, Portales and Las Vegas Robertson are all in the conversation as far as the top teams in the class, along with St. Michael’s and Albuquerque Hope Christian. Oh, and the Jan. 16 matchup between the Rams and the Horsemen is full of grudge-holding for the boys in blue-andwhite. Last March, Portales ended a 10-year run of St. Michael’s advancing to the state semifinals.
Full sports section inside
Here’s when you know you have a top-notch program. The Sundevils lose first-team AllState guard Jared Garduño, but who steps up but a 5-foot-9 senior guard who is just as effective. Arellano scored 29 points in a season-opening 64-49 win over Gallup. He is another in a long line of quick, goodshooting guards the Sundevils are known to develop.
Francis Castillo y Mulert, Santa Fe Prep Opposing teams will make sure to know where Castillo y Mulert is at all times, because he will be the cog that determines how well the Blue Griffins do this season. Expect his stat line to improve significantly, especially the 17.1 ppg average he had last year. Always a shooter, he already scored 28 vs. Albuquerque Bosque School on Nov. 16, but his ability to get his teammates involved will go a long way toward a successful season for Prep.
Augie Ciofalo, Santa Fe Waldorf The e Wo olves senior is one of the best guards in Class 1A, and his value was already on display in the season-opener at Springer on Nov. 20. He had 24 points, but cramps slowed him down as the Wolves saw a 12-point fourth-quarter lead disappear in na 64-63 loss. The e nextt day, d though, th h he h sho howed d his defensive prrowess, collecting 10 stea als in a rout of Wagon n Mound. Another quick, aga gressive guard the North is accustomed to, he also can sho oot from beyond 3-point ra ange without a consc cience. James Ba arron
Au ugie Ciofalo, Sa anta Fe Waldorf
Deanna Bustos, West Las Vegas The Bustos gene pool has produced another winner in this highly talented 5-6 senior shooting guard. Much like her older sister, legendary West grad and current UNM assistant coach Vera Jo Bustos, Deanna has an all-around game that can fill any of the five spots on the floor. A reliable shooter with outstanding court vision, she can drive and absorb contact or penetrate the lane to kick it to an open teammate. As playmakers go, she’s one of the best.
Ashlynn Trujillo, Los Alamos A 5-7 senior who, technically, is listed as a guard, she has a knack for finding space inside to grab rebounds or post up against bigger players. Her tenacity is what sets her apart, and it has helped land her a scholarship to play next season at New Mexico Highlands. A former star at rival Española Valley, she has settled in nicely with the Lady Hilltoppers and makes them an instant contender for a potential run deep into the Class 5A state tournament.
Milan Schimmel, Santa Fe Indian The next big thing made a huge splash last year as a freshman with the Lady Braves. Now a 5-6 sophomore guard who can probably play any of the five positions, she has the pedigree of a true star thanks to an all-around game that dwarfs those around her. The more she matures, the more she’ll show anyone in the building that she can take over games single-handedly and make plays based on her raw athleticism and unmatched feel for the game.
Kayla Salazar, Los Alamos A 5-7 senior guard, she followed Trujillo out he door at Española Valley. While Trujillo flourished in her first year on the hill, Salazar will certainly do the same in her one season with the Lady Hilltoppers. She started with a bang, scoring 19 points in the opener with her usual array of outside shooting and penetratng drives through traffic. What’s more, she’s playing with a purpose now that she has made the decision to leave her hometown to play for a heated district rival. It’s an environment she will surely flourish in. Will Webber
Really, the one bad thing about this matchup of 4A title contenders is that it happens so early in the season. Given that it’s a matchup of two longtime traditional rivals, it’s easy to build the hype. It just would have been so much better to wage this little war sometime in late January when both teams have settled in and crafted an identity. At any rate, it’s West Las Vegas’ Deanna Bustos vs. the Lady Horsemen’s Joce Fernandez and Danielle Vigil. Should be a fun one.
Take your pick, Dec. 19 Yeah, that’s right. One date, multiple sites. You can fire up the family truckster and head to Portales to watch West Las Vegas take the litmus test against the big, bad Lady Rams. Or you can head to Pojoaque and watch the finals of the Ben Luján Tournament. You can’t lose either way, because the annual Ben Luján Tournament always produces excitement in the title game and it’s a welcome send-off heading into the Christmas break. If that doesn’t do it for you, there’s always the New Mexico Bowl that afternoon.
Lady Horsemen Christmas Tournament, Dec. 28-30 From a media standpoint, this is a dream to cover simply because the hospitality room is off the charts. More than that, it’s got everything a local hoops fan could want as St. Michael’s plays host to, among others, Española Valley, Pecos, Pojoaque Valley, Las Vegas Robertson and Monte del Sol. Anyone for a Ron Drake-St. Michael’s rematch? While we’re at it, Drake also can have a reunion tour with Pojo and Española.
St. Michael’s at Hope Christian, Feb. 11 Got what it takes, Lady Horsemen? We shall see when this titanic 5-4A matchup rolls around in the secondto last week of the regular season season. By to-last now, all that should remain standing in the district’s penthouse are these two teams. The winner will have the i id track inside t k to t the th tournament’s t t’ top t seed and, after that, a prime spot at state.
Española Valley vs. Los Alamos, Jan. 27 & Feb. 13 Go ahead and clear your calendar for both games, particularly the night Los Alamos visits Española just before Valentine’s Day. Aside from the theatrics surrounding the transfer of Lady Sundevils stars Ashlynn Trujillo (two years ago) and Kayla Salazar (this year) to Los Alamos, both of these games will likely decide who wins the District 2-5A regular season title and earns the inside track for a top seed at state. And don’t get us started on the things Española head coach Cindy Roybal will have to say. Can’t wait for that … Will Webber
D.J. Bustos, West Las Vega as
Ashlynn Trujillo, Los Alamos
NEW MExICAN PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
Danielle Vigil, St. Michael’s
2015-16 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW
HOOPS H SAt UrDAY, D EcEMBEr 5, 2015
BOYS DiStrict 1-6A
Santa Fe High Demons 2014-15 record: 11-16, 0-8 in 1-6A. Head coach: David Rodriguez (fourth year) Key players: Victor Salcido, so., guard, 5-foot-10; Bailey Lozada-Cabbage, jr., post, 6-2; Draven Lopez, sr., post, 6-2; Larry Garcia, sr., guard, 6-1; Santi Gonzales, sr., guard, 5-8; Everett Robinson, jr., center, 6-4; David Marquez, jr., guard, 5-10; Oscar Perez, jr., guard, 5-9; John Rodriguez, jr., guard, 5-9 Overview: Firmly entrenched as a 6A school whether they want it or not, the Demons actually showed signs of survival last year in a brutal district slate against some of the state’s best. A retooled roster that lost several experienced seniors aims to take that next step. An underclassman, Salcido can score in bunches from the guard spot while team captains Lopez and LozadaCabbage, if healthy, can provide at least a little presence in the paint. What the Demons lack is a go-to big man, which means they’ll need solid guard play and heady defense. Anything less could bring more of the same — a good non-district run followed by an 0-fer.
DiStrict 2-5A
capital Jaguars 2014-15 record: 12-17 overall, 2-6 in 2-5A. Lost to Las Cruces Centennial 46-43 in first round of Class 5A State Tournament. Head coach: Ben Gomez (third year) Key players: Eric Coca, sr., guard, 5-foot-11; Isaiah Brooks, jr., post, 6-1; Augie Larranaga, sr., forward, 6-0; Jeremy Anaya, jr., guard, 5-8; Brandon Lucero, jr., wing, 6-0; Bryan Garcia, sr., wing, 5-11. Overview: The rebuilding should be over for Gomez, and he has a team capable of making a deep run in the state tournament. Capital has one of the most dynamic players in the North in Coca, while Brooks has come into his own as a presence in the paint. Larranaga and Kevin Brown offer speed and size, while Anaya and Jerome Arroyos are strong guards who take some of the ball-handling pressure off of Coca. The only element this team lacks is size, but it might have the right chemistry to overcome that.
Los Alamos Hilltoppers 2014-15 record: 2-25 overall, 0-8 in 2-5A. Head coach: Mike Kluk (second year) Key players: Jack Stewart, so., wing, 6-foot-1; Antonio Trujillo, so., guard, 5-6; Adam Paulson, jr., post, 6-5; Michael Naranjo, so., forward, 6-2; Troy Hammock, so., center, 6-3; Ivan Balakirev, so., center, 6-4. Overview: The Hilltoppers will be big — young but big. Last year saw four freshmen contribute significant minutes, but Los Alamos saw another struggle near the bottom of the district. Expect a significant jump forward because of the experience players such as Trujillo (who led the team with 8.3 points per game) and Stewart (7.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg) received as freshmen. Kluk has done a good job building up a program that was once one of the tops in the state just five years ago. The returns on his efforts could show up this year, but definitely in 2016-17.
Española Valley Sundevils 2014-15 record: 23-7 overall, 7-1 in 2-5A. Lost to Las Cruces Centennial 80-53 in the Class 5A semifinals. Head coach: Richard Martinez (13th year) Key players: Uriah Arellano, sr., guard, 5-foot-10; Elias Archuleta, sr., guard, 5-11; Marcos Flores, sr., wing, 5-10; Azaziah Salazar, so., post, 6-4; Leo Pacheco, jr., post, 6-3. Overview: The Sundevils might have lost five seniors, including first-team AllState wing Jared Garduño, but they reload with another strong senior class. This one is led by Arellano, who already showed a scoring spark with 29 points against Gallup on Nov. 20. The Sundevils are counting on Salazar and Pacheco to mature in the post to give them size to match up against bigger teams. Still, this will be a deep, talented group capable of making life miserable for the rest of the state.
DiStrict 5-4A
St. Michael’s Horsemen 2014-15 record: 18-12, 6-2 in 5-4A. Lost to Portales, 54-49, in the Class 4A quarterfinals Head coach: Ron Geyer (11th year) Key players: Andrew Griego, sr., guard, 5-foot-10; Erich Schandelwein, sr., center, 6-5; Adrian Perez, sr., post, 6-2; Luke Archuleta, jr., post, 6-1; Cameron Conway, sr., 6-2; Curtis Rogers, jr., guard, 5-9; Thomas Pacheco, jr., guard, 5-10; Luke Wink-Moran, sr., post, 6-2 Outlook: At long last, the Horsemen have the kind of size that will allow them to grind away at both ends of the floor. While it remains to be seen who, other than Conway, will provide a consistent scoring punch night in and night out, anyone who knows Geyer understands that for the Horsemen, it’s not how many points you score that’s important — it’s how few you give up. Defense will again be the focal point of this club, and with a healthy dose of size (Perez is still rehabbing from a football injury and is uncertain), the Horsemen will be looking
to bounce back from an uncharacteristically early exit at state a year ago.
Santa Fe indian School Braves 2014-15 record: 12-15, 3-5 in 5-4A. Lost to Taos, 77-50, in the first round of the Class 4A State Tournament Head coach: Cecilee Moses (second year) Key players: Emanuel Yepa, sr., guard, 5-foot-10; Job Schimmel, sr., guard, 5-11; Matthew Trujillo, sr., forward, 6-0; Francis Calabaza, sr., guard, 5-8; Damian Herrera, jr., guard, 5-9; Mick Schimmel, eighth-grader, forward, 6-0 Outlook: The Braves enter their final year in the so-called “private school” district on a bit of an upswing. They reached the state tournament a year ago after finishing third behind eventual state champion Hope Christian and perennial power St. Michael’s. The returning cast revolves around senior guards Schimmel (the coach’s son) and Calabaza. Both can light it up from the outside, can handle the ball and have the ability to create space and drive the lane. While it remains an uphill battle for SFIS against the state’s elite, the gap is quickly closing under Moses’ watch.
DiStrict 2-4A
Pojoaque Valley Elks 2014-15 record: 19-10, 3-3 in 2-4A. Lost to Taos, 46-35, in the Class 4A quarterfinals Head coach: Joey Trujillo (12th year) Key players: Devon Escobedo, sr., forward, 6-feet; James Garcia, jr., shooting guard, 6-4; Chris Cordova, sr., forward, 6-0; Dominic Roybal, jr., guard, 6-2; Avery Torrez, so., guard, 5-7 Outlook: A vastly improved team over last season’s club since players like Garcia and Roybal bring size and range to the perimeter, complementing the grinding style of Cordova in the post. This will be a typical Joey Trujillo team, one that emphasizes guard play with speed and ball control. Combine that with solid defense and a confidence that comes with recent success, and it means something special could be in the works. If all the elements come together, the Elks have the potential to challenge West Las Vegas in an extremely tough district slate.
West Las Vegas Dons 2014-15 record: 24-6, 5-1 in 2-4A. Lost to Abq. Hope Christian, 69-57, in the Class 4A championship game. Head coach: David Bustos (third year) Key players: D.J. Bustos, sr., forward, 6-foot-3; Miguel Sena, sr., guard, 5-9; Nick Gurule, sr., guard, 5-9; Sammy Martinez, sr., guard, 5-9; Jordan Martinez, sr., guard, 5-9; Terence Baca, sr., forward, 5-11 Outlook: The Dons were aiming to become the first public school to win a 4A (previously 3A) state title since 2008. As it was, they were the first non-private school to reach the finals in seven years. To make a return trip largely depends on how far D.J. Bustos can carry them. One of the top players in the state, he was slowed by an injury late last season. He never did quite get back to game shape by season’s end. If he can stay upright, the Dons will certainly have a say in who gets the last crack at Hope in the state tournament.
Las Vegas robertson ertson cardinals 20114-15 record: 8-21, 0-6 in 2-4A. Lost to St. Michael’s, 53-41, in the first round d of the Class 4A State Tournament. Hea ad coach: Manuel Romero (fourth year) Key y players: Sebastian Gonzales, sr., shooting guard, 5-8; Ishmael Martinez, so., gu uard, 5-8; Arjay Ortiz, so., point guard, 5-11; Javan Gallegos, sr., forward, 6-3; Frrancisco Arguello, sr., forward, 6-2; Je erimiah Gouin, jr., forward, 6-1 Outtlook: Seldom are there years when both basketball teams in the Meadow City are good at the same time. This could be one of those rare seasons, as the Cardinals and their b boot-stomping, crew-cut head c coach are making strides in a distric ct that has absolutely no weak teams. The Redbirds return n a strong core led by Gonza ales, the team’s leading sc corer, and Ortiz, the leaderr in rebounds and assistts. The team has size and, m most importantly, confid dence after playing we ell over the summer againsst rivals they’ll face down the road.
taoss tigers 20114-15 record: 18-12, 4-2 in 2-4A. Lost to West Las Vegass, 51-39, in the Class 4A semifinals Hea ad coach: Daniel Trujillo (sixth year) Key y players: Lande en Archuleta, jr., forrward, 6-feet; Daniel Aguilar, jr., gua ard, 5-8; Migue el Padilla, sr., po oint guard, 5-7; A.J. Fresquez, jr., gua ard, 5-10; Johnn ny Martinez, sr., gu uard, 5-8 Outtlook: A
year removed from their first semifinal appearance in 15 years, the Tigers may be just as good this year yet still struggle to avoid the basement in 2-4A. With the district’s other three teams arguably better this season, Taos must forge ahead after losing a trio of all-state and all-district players. Seizing the reigns in the backcourt this winter are Padilla and Martinez, who will split time between the point and shooting guard. With the loss of leading scorer Abran Trujillo to graduation, someone will need to step up and be the go-to guy when points are needed.
DiStrict 2-3A
wing, 5-10; Cyrus Kirkman, sr., forward, 6-3; Mauricio Saenz, sr., forward, 6-2; Sean Delica, jr., guard, 5-8; Gabriel Lopez, fr., wing, 5-11. Overview: The Phoenix began their rise slowly, struggling when district play rolled around due to inexperience and youth. Casaus wants to see better discipline out of the team, because he feels there is plenty of talent. King is the top returning scorer (8.6 ppg) and Kirkman’s size will cause problems for opponents in the paint. However, ATC doesn’t have much depth, which means it must play with discipline and at a controlled pace if it wants to challenge the likes of Prep, Dulce and Pecos this season.
Santa Fe Prep Blue Griffins
Pecos Panthers
2014-15 record: 22-8 overall, 10-0 in 2-3A. Lost to Mesilla Valley 70-67 (OT) in the Class 3A semifinals. Head coach: Clyde Sanchez (first year) Key players: Francis Castillo y Mulert, sr., wing, 6-foot; Jeremy Portillo, sr., forward, 6-0; Shane Unverferth, jr., post, 6-6; Xavier Dominguez, sr., wing, 6-1; Danny Laposata, jr., guard, 6-0. Overview: The Blue Griffins took a big hit in many ways in the offseason. They lost five seniors on a team that almost upset the eventual state champion, plus they said goodbye to Dennis Casados, who resigned after four years. Sanchez, the former Pecos head coach, was Prep’s junior varsity head coach last year, so he knows some of the underclassmen coming in to mesh with the returning players. Castillo y Mulert is clearly the best player on the team and possibly the district, but the growth of Unverferth, who played primarily with the JV, and Dominguez will be the telltale sign of how the Blue Griffins’ season unfolds.
Desert Academy Wildcats 2014-15 record: 9-15 overall, 2-8 in 2-3A. Head coach: Ernie Rodriguez (third year) Key players: Tomas Rodriguez, sr., guard, 5-foot-10; Mike Heath, sr., wing, 6-2; Jon Rigatti, jr., forward, 6-3; Gurusundesh Singh, jr., guard, 5-9; Taso Warza, jr., forward, 6-2. Overview: The Wildcats went through growing pains, as an underclassmen-dominant team struggled mightily when it reached district play. However, expect continued improvement from Rodriguez, the coach’s son, and Rigatti, who has shown flashes of potential in the post for the past two years. Depth might be a problem, so that means the veterans of the group will have to balance being aggressive and smart to move up the ladder in 2-3A.
Monte del Sol Dragons 2014-15 record: 9-18 overall, 2-8 in 2-3A. Head coach: Alfredo Lujan (first year) Key players: Javi Castillo, sr., guard, 5-foot-11; Kyle Brooke, sr., forward, 6-1; Johnny Martinez, so., guard, 5-9; Victor Carillo, sr., forward, 5-11. Overview: Lujan returns to the bench after a 10-year hiatus, but he has a big challenge ahead of him. The program struggled through the turmoil of then-head coach Nick Rivera resigning midseason, and lost key players in Omar Ndiaye and Ryan VanderHam to graduation. Castillo is the top returning player, but he will be surrounded by an untested and young group (nine underclassmen in all, with six of them freshmen). Brooke provides some size, but the Dragons need a proven, consistent presence inside to take the pressure off the guards.
Academy for technology and the classics Phoenix 2014-15 record: 10-17 overall, 2-8 in 2-3A. Head coach: Ralph Casaus (second year) y Key players: Michael King, so.,
2014-15 record: 16-14 overall, 6-4 in 2-3A play. Lost to Texico 61-52 in the first round of the Class 3A State Tournament. Head coach: Ira Harge (third year) Key players: Mario Archuleta, so., wing, 6-foot; Joseph Vigil, sr., post, 6-2; Arturo Archuleta, sr., guard, 5-7; Isaac CdeBaca, jr., wing, 6-0; Carlos Cordova, so., wing, 6-0; Jacob Varela, so., guard, 5-5. Overview: The Panthers are an intriguing mix of seniors and emerging underclassmen, led by last year’s leading scorer Mario Archuleta (17.9 ppg). Pecos also has some size in Vigil, CdeBaca and Cordova that will allow them to challenge taller teams — something they struggled with last season. With Prep expected to take a step back, Pecos and Dulce are considered the contenders in this district. The Panthers have the ability to become a contender on the 3A scene, if Harge can balance his roster.
DiStrict 2-2A
tierra Encantada Alacranes 2014-15 record: 12-15, 3-7 in 6-2A. Head coach: Mark Archuleta (third year) Key players: Cesar Ferrer, sr., forward, 6-foot-1; Andres Flores, sr., forward, 6-1; Xavier Benavidez, jr., forward, 5-8; Gabe Pacheco, so., guard, 5-4; Manny Hernandez, jr., guard, 5-10; Santiago Archuleta, jr., guard, 5-8; Nolan Bencomo, so., forward, 5-11. Overview: This could be the youngest and most experienced team in all of 2A this season, with four juniors, two sophomores and four freshmen. Whether it translates into a postseason run is anyone’s guess, since the Alarcranes have gone .500 over the last two seasons and still not received an at-large bid to the playoffs. That could change with this season’s team, which has only two seniors but a roster full of players who got plenty of valuable varsity experience. If anything defines this club, it’s defense. The Alarcranes prefer low-scoring affairs where D is the name of the game.
DiStrict 5-2A
Escalante Lobos 2014-15 record: 28-2 overall, 10-0 in 5-2A. Lost to Logan, 66-63, in the Class 2A semifinals. Head coach: Bill Russom (fifth year) Key players: Dominic Montano, sr., guard, 5-foot-9; Joe Hurd, sr., guard, 6-1; Lucas Cordova, sr., guard, 5-6; Waylon Hinds, jr., guard, 5-7; Tristan Martinez, jr., forward, 5-8. Overview: This is a team that has won 52 games the last two seasons, more than any other team in 2A. The run ended with a painful semifinal loss a year ago, but it’s reasonable to assume another huge season is on its way. Two key pieces return in Hurd and Montano. Hurd led the team in scoring and clearing the boards, averaging 21 points and more than a dozen rebounds. Expect those numbers to climb as he and Montano form a potent 1-2 punch in the backcourt for a team that will start the season atop the 2A polls.
Mesa Vista trojans all, 4-6 in 2014-15 record: 10-15 overa 5-2A. gil (ninth Head coach: Thomas Vig year) Gallegos, Key players: Diego G sr., guard, 5-foot-9; Isaiah Garaac Baldocia, sr., guard, 5-9; Isa 0; Xavier nado, jr., center, 6-0 5-10. Perez, jr., forward, 5 Overview: Thiss team e gap if needs to close the it is to continue tturning he Trothings around. Th jans followed consecutive ns with three-win season gence. last year’s resurg The problem was staying e better close against the heir final teams. Each of th at least 11 losses was by a 19 points. They will rely on ns most a roster that return of its top players from last backcourt season, led by the b Garcia. duo of Gallegos and G
Mccurdy Bobcatts 2014-15 record: 4--20 overall, 1-9 in 5-2A. Head coach: Ernestto Espinoza (second year) Key players: Jordan Sanchez, sr., forward, 6-foot-1; Andres Saiz, jr., center, 6-3; Alejandro Croff, sr., forward, 6-2; Andrew Ortiz, ego, so., jr., guard, 5-7; Markus Grie guard, 5-6. me addiOverview: The welcom Capital’s Eric p makes tion of Croff to the lineup Coca averaged the Bobcats instantly bettter. A 13.8 ppg last hoops senior, he hasn’t played h year, which n, but his since his freshman season earned him a impact has already been feltt in the spot on the season’s first two games ass he leads All-District be one the team in scoring. He’ll b 2-5A first team. of three solid post playerss, joining the ball-hawking play of fforwards ake no Sanchez and Saiz. But ma mistake; the Bobcats will go as far as their defense carries them. ct slate in With a formidable distric
front of them, the ‘Cats will lean on their D to keep pace.
Questa Wildcats 2014-15 record: 20-10 overall, 6-4 in 5-2A. Lost to Magdalena, 88-58, in the Class 2A quarterfinals. Head coach: Cruz Chavez (first year) Key players: Matthew Maldonado, sr., guard, 5-foot-9; Isaiah Chavez, sr., guard, 5-7; Zach Gallegos, sr., guard, 5-8; David Trujillo, jr., forward, 5-11; Julian Gomez, sr., guard, 5-7. Overview: Fast, faster, fastest. With guards playing all five positions and a new coach who likes to get out and run, the Wildcats are going to fire the afterburners and go all out on both ends of the floor. Chavez describes his style as “chaotic,” but the truth is he has the Wildcats relying on their quickness and speed to get the job done. It’s going to take just that to keep up in a loaded 5-2A that includes two of the top teams in the state in Escalante and Mora. Peñasco Panthers 2014-15 record: 4-23 overall, 1-9 in 5-2A. Head coach: Tim Pachecho (first year) Key players: Adam Esquibel, sr., guard, 5-foot-9; Jesse Lucero, jr., guard, 5-5; Eric Trujillo, sr., guard, 5-7; Wanonce Rakestraw, sr., forward, 5-9; Ernesto Lopez, so., forward, 5-11. Overview: The Panthers finished last in a tough and top-heavy district a year ago. Making significant strides won’t be easy unless their undersized roster (only two players stand taller than 5-11) can turn games into high pressure track meets with reliable shooting and relentless defensive intensity. While an improvement is likely, it will be tough sledding unless the inside-out combo of Esquibel and Rakestraw can produce points regularly.
Mora rangers 2014-15 record: 21-9 overall, 8-2 in 5-2A. Lost to Magdalena, 78-65, in the Class 2A semifinals. Head coach: Hank Laumbach (first year) Key players: Casimiro Fresquez, sr., shooting guard, 5-foot-8; Santiago Laumbach, jr., guard, 6-3; Emmerick Martinez, sr., forward, 5-11; Jose Alcon, sr., forward, 5-8; Curtis Vasquez, sr., post, 6-5; Travis Romero, jr., wing, 5-8. Overview: A young team that reached the state’s final four returns a year older and a whole lot hungrier. They also have a new coach, as Laumbach returns after a three-year absence. Fresquez led the team at 18 points per game a year ago, but he’ll have plenty of help in an uptempo offense that averaged 71 points per game. Vasquez and Valencia routinely hit double figures, while Vasquez was the team leader in blocked shots and rebounds. With most everyone back from last year, expectations are as high as ever in a town that lives for Rangers hoops.
DiStrict 1-1A
Santa Fe Waldorf Wolves 2014-15 record: 23-7 overall, 10-0 in 1-1A. Lost to Hondo Valley, 80-50, in the Class 1A quarterfinals. Head coach: Rob Clifford (fifth year) Key players: Augie Ciafolo, sr., guard, 6-foot; Sean Ramsey, sr., forward, 6-3; Ivan Davila, sr., forward, 6-2; Shea Bennett, sr., post, 6-3; Evan Hammans, sr., guard, 5-10; Liam Otero, fr., guard, 5-10; Alan Proano, jr., forward, 6-2. Overview: This year could be a special one for the Wolves. A senior-loaded team that has one of the best guards in Class A (Ciofalo) and a pair of potential double-double machines in Ramsey and Davila could spell trouble for teams come March. If they have a weakness, it’s their bench: Otero is their best option. Last year’s quarterfinal loss to Hondo showed what could happen if players get in foul trouble or are fatigued from spending so much energy getting back into games. If Waldorf can control the tempo, it could be a dark horse for the state title.
New Mexico School for the Deaf roadrunners 2014-15 record: 3-20 overall, 2-8 in 1-1A. Head coach: Letty Perez (first year) Key players: Deven Thompson, fr., post, 6-foot-8; Jonathan Garcia, fr., guard, 5-7; Alex Lucero, so., forward, 5-9; Alex McCullough, so., forward, 5-11. Overview: Change was in order for the Roadrunners, and it came in Perez, who coached the girls team for almost a decade before switching over to the boys side. She inherits a young squad, but quite a talent in the paint in Thompson, who recorded six blocks in the season opener against Desert Academy on Nov. 19. NMSD will need to work on its guard play if it wants to succeed, because few teams will be able to match up with Thompson.
coronado Leopards 2014-15 record: 9-19 overall, 6-4 in 1-1A. Lost to Quemado, 78-41, in the first round of the Class 1A State Tournament. Head coach: Matthew Coriz (second year) Key players: A.J. Martinez, sr., guard, 5-foot-7; Diego Jacquez, jr., guard, 5-5; Jack Walker, jr., post, 6-2; Lucas Trujillo, sr., post, 5-9; Sergio Chacon, so., guard, 5-6. Overview: The Leopards started off strong in 1-1A last year, going 4-0, before hitting the tougher part of the schdule and finishing third. They have a strong backcourt in Martinez and Jacquez, while Walker learned a lot as an underclassman. In a district that features Waldorf and Evangel Christian, both of which return the bulk of their lineups, Coronado will have to find a way to steal a win or two from those teams to get itself in position for a top two spot in district. That might be enough to swing a home game for the state tournament.
girls
West las Vegas lady dons 2014-15 record: 20-10 overall, 4-2 in 2-4A. Lost to Portales, 57-31, in the Class 4A quarterfinals. Head coach: Jose “Majic” Medina (12th year) Key players: Deanna Bustos, sr., guard, 5-foot-6; Jaylen Gutierrez, sr., forward, 5-8; Kerstin Morgan, sr., post, 5-9; Jenna Bustos, so., guard, 5-8; Jenika Padilla, jr., guard, 5-5. Overview: Easily one of the top teams in 4A, the Lady Dons are led by one of its most dynamic players in Deanna Bustos. Athletic enough to create her own shot, she will only get better once the audition for point guard is settled. Finding a player capable of filling that role is the key for a team that started the season with three straight wins and has its sights set on a bigger, shinier prize than a district title.
Class 6a
santa Fe High demonettes 2014-15 record: 16-12 overall, 5-3 in District 1-6A. Lost to Las Cruces, 68-47, in the first round of the Class 6A State Tournament. Head coach: Richard Apodaca (first year) Key players: Elena Gonzales, jr., center, 6-foot-2; Adonica Martinez-Baca, so., forward, 5-10; Ashlee Leyba, sr., forward, 5-9; Destiny Chavez, sr., guard, 5-6; Alayna Montoya, sr., forward, 5-10. Overview: Apodaca takes over for the wildly successful Elmer Chavez, who bolted to Mescalero Apache after leading the Demonettes to the 2014 4A state title and the semifinals the year before. No stranger to winning himself after serving as an assistant to Ron Geyer with the St. Michael’s boys, Apodaca inherits a team with plenty of size. The go-to player in the post will be Gonzales, but the bigger issue is a rugged 1-6A slate that includes defending champ Cibola and perennial powers Volcano Vista, Rio Rancho and Cleveland.
las Vegas robertson lady Cardinals 2014-15 record: 10-18 overall, 2-4 in 2-4A. Lost to St. Michael’s, 38-29, in the first round of the Class 4A State Tournament. Head coach: Leroy Barela (second year) Key players: Brianna Roybal, so., guard, 5-foot-11; Hannah Lopez, sr., post, 5-10; Elicia Trujillo, sr., forward, 5-7; Ashlea Lujan, so., guard, 5-5; Angelica Montoya, so., center, 6-2; Samantha Montano, jr., guard, 5-5. Overview: There’s finally continuity at the top as Barela returns for a second season as head coach, snapping a run of one-and-dones that ended with his arrival a year ago. He returns with a retooled roster that lost seven talented, experienced seniors. With size in the post with Montoya and Lopez, the key will be the guard play. Montano is an athletic backcourt player, but the role of point guard will be a key spot for a team that will likely rely on a defense-first approach.
Class 4a
Capital lady jaguars 2014-15 record: 1-26 overall, 0-8 in 2-5A. Head coach: Dale Lucero (third year) Key players: Kayla Redhers, sr., forward, 5-foot-6 ; Rachel Friend, jr., center, 5-8; Kyannah Cole, fr., forward, 5-6; Mariah Brown, jr., forward, 5-6; Miranda Cortez, fr., guard, 5-4. Overview: The slow rebuilding project enters its third year under Lucero, but the Lady Jaguars are showing they are more competitive even with a 1-3 start. Despite being somewhat undersized, the frontcourt of Redhers, Friend and Cole is leading the way. The issue for the Lady Jaguars, as it has been through a 1-52 mark through the past two seasons, is taking care of the ball in order to get it to their playmakers. If Cortez and Brown can improve in that area, it might lead to a few more wins.
taos lady tigers 2014-15 record: 15-13 overall, 5-1 in 2-4A. Lost to West Las Vegas, 48-31, in the first round of the Class 4A State Tournament. Head coach: Robert Trujillo (12th year) Key players: Midnight Lujan, sr., forward, 6-feet; Elena Espinoza, jr., guard, 5-5; Leann Sanft, sr., guard, 5-6; Elicia Sanchez, sr., forward, 5-5; Aaliyah Quintana, so., guard, 5-4. Overview: The pendulum is swinging upward for the Lady Tigers. A bubble team at state two years ago, they were the surprise winner in 2-4A last year before bowing out earlier than expected. With a core of veterans such as Lujan and Sanchez back in the starting lineup, Taos is a legitimate contender for a deep playoff run. The key could be injuries. Lujan was slowed by an injury for most of last season. If she remains upright, the sky is the limit for this team.
española Valley lady sundevils 2014-15 record: 25-4 overall, 7-1 in 2-5A. Lost to Gallup, 78-51, in the Class 5A semifinals. Head coach: Cindy Roybal (second year) Key players: Kaitlyn Romero, sr., wing, 5-foot-9; Leah DeAguero, jr., guard, 5-3; Alycia Archibeque, jr., 5-4; Celina Velasquez, sr., guard, 5-4; Joselinn Rascon, sr., post, 5-11; Brenda Garduño, jr., forward, 5-7. Overview: Everything was set up for the Lady Sundevils to take the next step up the 5A ladder, then the offseason hit. Kayla Salazar transferred to Los Alamos and Alexis Lovato tore her ACL in the summer. If Lovato makes a full recovery during the season, Española’s prospects become that much better. The Lady Sundevils have Romero, who matured in her wing role the latter half of the season, while DeAguero, Velasquez and Archibeque settled into their roles in the backcourt. If Rascon and Garduño can help ease Lovato’s absence, Española might have something to say in March.
santa Fe indian school lady Braves 2014-15 record: 16-13 overall, 3-5 in 5-4A. Lost to Abq. Hope Christian, 47-35, in the Class 4A quarterfinals. Head coach: Christie Abeyta (first year) Key players: Milan Schimmel, so., guard, 5-foot-6; RanDee Toya, sr., forward, 5-11; Cody Aguilar, sr., forward, 5-7; Alliyah Coriz, sr., guard, 5-3; Megan Lewis, jr., forward, 5-8; Demetria Ortiz, sr., guard, 5-6. Overview: The cupboard is never bare at SFIS, a place where the new head coach’s father spent years carrying on a rich tradition of success in the postseason. In her first year with her alma mater, Abeyta has a talented backcourt at her disposal — notably Schimmel, a versatile guard who was one of the area’s biggest stars during her freshman year. If a secondary scorer can step up and take some of the heat off Schimmel, the Lady Braves can make some noise in a top-heavy district that includes Hope and St. Michael’s.
los alamos lady Hilltoppers 2014-15 record: 24-6 overall, 6-2 in 2-5A. Lost to Roswell, 53-41, in the Class 5A quarterfinals. Head coach: Nestor Trujillo (second year) Key players: Ashlynn Trujillo, sr., wing, 5-foot-7; Kayla Salazar, sr., guard, 5-7; Sophia Roybal, sr., wing, 5-5; Elena Abeyta, jr., guard, 5-6; Makaela Jones, sr., post, 5-10; Ashley Logan, jr., wing, 5-6; Hannah Sledzik, jr., post, 6-3. Overview: The transformation to Española West continues as Salazar changes her colors from the red-andgold to the green-and-gold to pair up with Trujillo, one of the top players in 5A. The Lady Hilltoppers are trying to show they are more than just a two-player team, with Jones and Roybal showing they are capable of making opposing defenses pay for focusing on Salazar and Trujillo. When Logan and Sledzik return from injuries, Los Alamos will be a force to reckon with in 5A.
st. Michael’s lady Horsemen 2014-15 record: 24-7 overall, 4-4 in District 5-4A. Lost to Portales, 36-29, in the Class 4A semifinals. Head coach: Martin Romero (ninth year) Key players: Jocelyn Fernandez, jr., guard, 5-foot-5; Monse Camarena, jr., guard, 5-4; Lainie Serna, sr., guard, 5-2; Danielle Vigil, jr., center, 6-1; Latysha Archuleta, sr., guard, 5-6. Outlook: Size matters, and for the Lady Horsemen, they finally have a little bit of it. A lot, actually. Standing 6-1, Vigil is the biggest (literally) addition to the varsity roster that also appears to have more speed. Vigil had six blocks in the season opener, giving the team something it sorely lacked in a semifinal run a year ago with a team whose tallest regular was only 5-6. With a scoringby-committee approach, expect to see some big nights from Serna, Fernandez and the always-dangerous Archuleta.
Class 4a
pojoaque Valley elkettes 2014-15 record: 7-20 overall, 1-5 in 2-4A. Head coach: Seledon Martinez (first year) Key players: Aubrey Aldaz, jr., shooting guard, 5-foot-5; Shania Thronas, so., center, 5-10; Kaylee Salazar, sr., forward, 5-8; Ashley Serna, sr., guard, 5-6; Justice Ainsworth, sr., shooting guard, 5-4. Overview: Another year, another head coach for the Elkettes. The program dipped from 15 wins to seven a year ago, ushering in a quick exit for the one-hit wonder that was Chris Williams. Martinez is the program’s third coach in as many years, and it’s a position that comes with a perpetual hot seat. Expectations always are high in Pojoaque, and given the fact that this year’s roster has depth and experience, it’s reasonable to assume that Martinez is under the microscope to turn things around in a hurry. y
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OL HIGH SCHO15 5-16 HOOPS 20 DECEM BER
Class 3a
santa Fe prep Blue griffins 2014-15 record: 15-13 overall, 6-4 in 2-3A. Head coach: Anika Amon (sixth year) Key players: Bianca Gonzales, sr., wing, 5-foot-7; Gressia Burrola, sr., post, 5-11; Ariel Whitten, sr., guard, 5-4; Bernice Talachy, fr., guard, 5-3; Ashley
desert academy Wildcats 2014-15 record: 7-14 overall, 3-7 in 2-3A. Head coach: Richard De La Cruz (first year) Key players: Natasha Browne, sr., guard, 5-foot-5; Courtney Brookover, eighth grade, guard, 5-6; Rebeca Soifer, jr., forward, 5-7; Gillian Chmielarczyk, eighth grade, guard, 5-4. Overview: Another year, another new coach. De La Cruz is the third coach in five years for the program, but he has a bigger roster (10 compared to eight last year) to start the season. Part of that can be attributed to the arrival of Brookover and Chmielarczyk, but the task will be to find someone who can help Brookover handle the scoring duties. Browne and Soifer are key returning players, but it could take most of the pre-district season before players settle in to their roles. Will it be enough to track down Pecos and Dulce, widely considered the favorites in 2-3A?
academy for technology and the Classics phoenix 2014-15 record: 1-26 overall, 0-8 in 2-3A. Head coach: Ray Roybal (second year) Key players: Ashley Zapata, so., guard, 5-foot-6; Felicity Sealy, so., forward, 5-8; Amrit Sandhu, sr., forward, 5-7; Reina Rodriguez, so., forward, 5-6; Lina Lozano, jr., forward/center, 5-5; Jacqueline Diaz, fr., guard, 5-5. Overview: It might be Year 2 of varsity life for the Phoenix, but it’s more like Year 1.5 under Roybal, who took the job in the fall of 2014 and spent most of last season teaching and evaluating his players. Zapata and Sealy were nice finds, as they carried the scoring load last winter (a combined 15 points per game) and will again. Diaz could be an emerging freshman, while the rest of the team grew a lot from playing big schools in summer camps. How that translates into this season remains to be seen, though.
pecos lady panthers 2014-15 record: 23-5 overall, 10-0 in 2-3A. Lost to Clayton, 49-40, in the Class 3A quarterfinals. Head coach: Ron Drake (second year) Key players: Megan Armijo, jr., guard, 5-foot-2; Addalisha Ortiz, sr., forward, 5-6; Brooke Gallegos, jr., forward, 5-6; Cassandra Muller, fr., guard, 5-4; Jamie Varela, jr., forward, 5-8. Overview: While the Lady Panthers lost their top two scorers to graduation, they are well-positioned to remain the team to beat in 2-3A. Ortiz and Armijo make for a strong inside-outside tandem, while Varela improved significantly over the summer. Muller made a big impact p late last season as an eighth-grad der, and Drake considers her a key factor as to whether the Panthers make the leap l to a 3A contender this season.
Class 2a
escalante lady lobos 2014-15 record: 20-7 overall,, 9-3 in 5-2A. Lost to Dora, 59-24, in th he first round of the Class 2A State Tourn nament. Head coach: Tara Terrazas-Martinez (second year) Key players: Tori Salazar, jr., p post, 5-foot-11; Tenisha Torrez, so., gua ard, 5-4; Alex Marquez, jr., forward, 5-6; Sarah Hurd, jr., guard, 5-4; Rikki Rivas, sso., guard, 5-1. Overview: While much of lastt year’s youthful roster returns from a 20 0-win season, the doubts that linger fro om an ugly first-round exit at state remain. A 20-point loss in the season opener didn’t help, but at least there is an efforrt to beef up the non-district schedule e that is required to get the Lady Lobos ov ver the hump. Salazar is the top returnin ng player, averaging a double-double last year. Torrez offers plenty of support in the e backcourt, but the key could be Marquez in the post with Salazar.
Mesa Vista lady trojan ns 2014-15 record: 3-23 overall, 0-10 in 5-2A. Head coach: Robert Howard (first ( year) Key players: Aubrianna Martinez, fr., guard, 5-foot-1; Veronica Varela, ssr., center, 5-10; Darien Halder, jr., forward, 5-10; Danielle Martinez, sr., forward, 5--8. Overview: The sky caved in on the Lady Trojans a year ago, slipping from 16 wins and a state tournament b berth two years ago to finishing last se eason with a 14-game losing streak and d losses in 17 of their final 18 games. Muc ch of that team returns, as last year’s rroster had only two seniors. There is so ome size in the post, but this team’s bread d and butter will be its transition game e. The mileage the Lady Trojans get outt of their young but experienced backcourrt will determine whether this season will w be a success.
6, 2015
questa
BOYS AND GIRL S SCHEDULES
For comple te prep basket and scores ball coverag
SUNDAY,
DECEM BER
6, 2015
HIGH SCH HOOPS 20OOL 15-16
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Feb. 4 at Victory 5 p.m. Feb. 13 at Pecos del Sol 6:30 p.m Volcano Vista p.m. Dec. 10-12 Feb. 2 Mora Feb. 5 at Monte p.m. Vista 5:30 Tournament 6:30 p.m. Dec. 23 Volcano Vista Feb. 2 Abq. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. p.m. 5 p.m. Christian 5 6:30 Ben Luján Feb. 6 McCurd Dec. 15 Cuba p.m Cibola Jan. 29 Abq. Feb. 11-13 at Feb. 16 ATC p.m. Feb. 6 at Mora Dec. 17-19 Feb. 9 Dulce tourney TBA y 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 7 Cibola 7 p.m. Feb. 5 Rio Rancho 7 p.m. Great Plains 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 4 at Los Lunas Feb. 11 Mora Dec. 17 Pecos the Deaf Tournam Feb. 2 at Abq. School for Feb. 19 Santa Feb. 14 at McCurdp.m. Dec. 28-30 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at Pecos p.m. Jan. 7 5:30 ari, 6:30 p.m. Rancho 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at Rio Fe Prep 5 p.m. ent TBA e 2 p.m. 6:30 Feb. 13 at Mesa p.m. Feb. 16 at Santa Dec. 18 Tucumc te 6 p.m. To Feb. 5 at Rio Rancho Clevela nd Feb. 17 at Mesa y 4 p.m. p.m. Jan. 2 Wingat Feb. 16 ATC Vista 4 p.m. Feb. 16 Abq. nd 7 p.m. Rancho Clevela Fe Prep 6:30 Vista 4 p.m. Feb. 19 Escalan 7 p.m. Alamos 7 p.m. Feb. 17 Corona Fe Waldorf 5 p.m. nde Jan. 2 at Escalan n Rio Gran Monte del Feb. 9 Rio Volcano Vista Jan. Feb. 18 McCurd Feb. 19 Santa Jan. 5 Los te 5:30 p.m. Volcano Vista p.m. do 5 p.m. Feb. 19 at Abq. Norther 7 p.m. sol y Feb. 20 at Michael’s 7 Jan Jan. 7-9 at ent TBA Feb. 16 at Abq. Cibola, 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Feb. 20 Peñasc 4:30 p.m. Questa 4 p.m. Jan. 12 St. sol Dec. 7 East Cibola 7 p.m. Tournam al TBA pojoaque Bosque School na o 4 p.m. Mountain 5:30 Jan Monte del Feb. 19 Abq. p.m. Cuba Invitatio Valley Jan. 14 at Abq. Dec. 15 at Capital 7 p.m. Mesa Vista Ja Santa Fe Waldor p.m. Mountain 5:30 Jan. 14-16 at peCos p.m. Dec. 3 Socorro Dec. 7 at East Jan. 16 at Thoreau p.m. Dec. 28-30 f 5 p.m. y 6:30 p.m. 23 Mora 6:30 Ja Dec. Capital 7 TBA 5 p.m. Jan. at 10-12 Lady McCurd p.m. at tourney at Capital City Dec. 15 at Horsem Dec. 5 at Bernalil y 4:30 Dec. 8 at Mora Christmas f 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 7 p.m. Jan. 23 Ruidoso Pecos F at Capital City tourney TBA Dec. 15 Moriart Tournament en lo 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28 McCurd o 7 p.m. Sandia Prep 6:30 p.m. Santa Fe Waldor Dec. 10-12 Dec. 18 Tucumc 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10-12 Jan. 5 at Cimarro TBA y 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at Dec. 15 at Jan. 27 at Abq. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. tourney TBA F at Capital City Dec. 29-31 NACA 6:30 ari m. Feb. 5 at Peñasc te 6:30 p.m n 6 p.m. at Ben Luján Dec. 17 at Taos p.m. Grants at Roswell tourney TBA Jan. 2 at Escalan 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17-19 p.m. Jan. 9 Raton Dec. 15 Mesa Dec. 17-19 7 Jan. 30 at on 7 p.m. Goddard Ben Luján Tournament 1 p.m. n 6 p.m. m. Feb. 6 at Escalan y 4:30 p.m Vista 6:30 Tournament Dec. 19 Artesia Vegas Roberts TBA Jan. 4 at Santa te 3 p.m. Dec. 28-30 l’s 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at Desert p.m. Dec. 19 Texico Jan. 5 at Cimarro Rosa tourney TBA TBA Feb. 3 Las Jan. 5 at Grants at St. Michae Fe Prep 6:30 Feb. 11 at McCurd6:30 p.m. Santa Academy 5 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at Christmas Lady Horsemen 7 p.m. p.m. Jan. 7-9 at p.m. Jan. 23 Santa o Dec. 28-30 p.m. Jan. 14-16 at on 4:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Taos Tournament Jan. 8 Santa 7 p.m. Northern Rio Academy 6:30 Fe Prep 3:30 at Feb. 13 Peñasc Las Vegas Jan. 14 Santa TBA Fe High 7 p.m. Jan. 2 at Lovingt 7 p.m. Tournament Grande Jan. 26 ATC Christmas Lady Horsemen p.m. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Desert Prep 6:30 p.m. on 7 p.m. Fe Indian School Jan. 12 at Santa Feb. 11 at West TBA Lunas Tournament 4:30 Feb. 17 Questa Fe Jan. 16 at Thoreau Jan. 14-16 at Vegas Roberts Jan. 5 Los Fe Prepara 7 p.m. Jan. 7-9 at TBA 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Dulce p.m. Jan. 23 Santa y 7 p.m. Cuba Invitatio Jan. 13 at St. tory 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at Las N. Rio 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at Mora 4 p.m. 7 p.m. Jan. 21 Españo Michael’s 7 Jan. 23 Mora nal TBA Jan. 7 at Moriart p.m. 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at Raton Grande tourney TBA Feb. 1 Pecos Jan. 26 ATC p.m. Academy 7 Jan. 16 at Las 5:30 la Feb. 17 Taos 6 p.m. 8 p.m. Vegas 7 p.m. Jan. 22 Grants Valley 7 p.m. Jan. 28 McCurd p.m. Jan. 9 at Abq. Vegas Roberts Jan. 19 at Dulce 5:30 p.m. nado Feb. 5 Desert Jan. 28 at Dulce p.m. 19 West Las Cueva 7 p.m. Jan. La 7 Coro on Feb. y p.m. 19 4:30 7 Abq. p.m. at 5 Academ p.m. Los Alamos p.m. 6:30 Jan. 27 Abq. Jan. 12 Jan. 29 at Questa m. y 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at ATC Feb. 8 at Santa , 7 p.m. p.m. y 5:30 p.m Feb. 1 Pecos Sandia Prep Jan. 22 Bernalil Fe High 7 p.m. 4:30 os Fe Prep 6:30 Academy 6:30 7 p.m. Dec. 8 McCurd Gai 5 p..m. Jan. 29 at Abq. Jan. 14 Santa Feb. 5 at Peñasc 5:30 p.m. lo Jan. 26 at Desert p.m. Feb. 12 at ATC los alaM 7 p.m. p.m. Feb. 5 Desert Jan. 27 at Abq. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Hope Christia Prep Tse Yi Grants o at 5:30 at Prep 15 16 Academ Fe 4:30 Sandia p.m. p. Dec. Feb. Jan. Feb. 6 Escalan p.m. Del Norte 7 n 7 p.m. 4 Las Vegas at Abq. y 5 p.m. Jan. 28 Santa Feb. 16 at Dulce Academy 5 Feb. 9 at Santa p.m. Jan. 30 Españo p.m. Alamos 7 p.m. Dec. 10-12 ent TBA te Robertson Fe 6 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18 Desert p.m. Feb. 6 at Taos Jan. 20 Los Feb. 11 at McCurd5 p.m. la Valley 7 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at Monte Prep 5:30 p.m. Tournam Feb. 20 at lo 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at ATC 7:30 p.m. p.m. Feb. 5 Los 7 p.m. d 7 p.m. Pecos 4 p.m. y 4:30 p.m. TB del 2 at Cuba 5 al Alamos Highlan Sol Feb. Jan. Jan. 23 at BernalilNorte 7 p.m. Feb. Dulce 6 vitation Abq. p.m. 10 at Inv Feb. 2 at Santa 13 Peñasco at West Dec. 18 Feb. 16 Feb. 10 at Bernalil 7 p.m. Del tourney TBA Quemado p.m. Rosa 5:30 l TBA p.m. Feb. 12 at Las Las Vegas 7 p.m. Jan. 7-9 at Jan. 26 Abq. at Poe Corn Pecos 6:30 Feb. 17 Questa 4 p.m. lo 7 p.m. aCadeMy p.m. Feb. 6 Dulce la Valley 7 Dec. 28-30 Feb. 20 at Feb. 13 Abq. Cuba Invittationa Vegas Roberts 4 4 p.m. Del Feb. 18 Taos Jan. 14-16 at Jan. 29 at Españo 5 p.m. Feb. 19 at Mora p.m. on 7 p.m. chool for teCHnoloFor Feb. 9 ATC Feb. 16 at EspañoNorte 7 p.m. Jan. 2 Taos 7 p.m. Alamos 7 p.m. Mexico Sc For 4:30 5:30 p.m. e Valley 7 p.m. Feb. 20 West Feb. 6 at Los Jan. 18 New 6:30 p.m. la Valley 7 aCadeMy gy and tHe Class gy and Feb. 13 Desert p.m. lo 7 p.m. Jan. 5 at Pojoaqu Las Vegas p.m. the Deaf Academy 5 iCs (atC) 7 p.m. Coronado p.m. Feb. 9 Bernalil 7 p.m. teCHnolo iCs (atC) Feb. 16 at Santa p.m. st. MiCHael’s 5 p.m. Del Norte 7 Jan. 7 Aztec Dec. 8 at New Jan. 22 Cuba p.m. los alaM Feb. 12 at Abq. Valley 7 p.m. 6 5 p.m. a 6:30 tHe Class Feb. 20 Monte Fe Prep 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 McCurd os la for the Deaf Mexico School Jan. 9 Belen p.m. da 4:30 p.m. Dec. 8 West del Sol 4 p.m. f6p Jan. 23 at Walatow y 4:30 p.m. Feb. 17 Españo 5 p.m. St. Pius x 7 W Las Vegas Tierra Encanta Dec. 5 Abq. Dec. 17 Tse p.m. Dec. 10 at Santa Fe Waldor 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Jan. 13 at Abq. p.m. Dec. 10-12 Volcano Vista Yi Gai 6:30 Tierra Encanta Jan. 30 at Mountain 7:30 7 at Capital City 0 p.m. Mora el’s Dec. 8 at Abq. 7 p.m. p.m. a 6:30 Dec. 18 at da 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Dec. 17 at East tourney TBA Jan. 15 Artesia Dec. 15 Bernalil st. MiCHa da 6:30 p.m. Jemez Valley Hope Christia Abq. Bosque Feb. 4 Walatow tourney TBA on 3:30 p.m. lo 7 p.m. Dec. 10-12 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 Pecos n 7 p.m. School 5 p.m. 22 Tierra Encanta Dec. 22 at Dec. 17 at East 16 Lovingt at Capital City Dec. Dec. Jan. at 10-12 Abq. Cuba 17-19 Wolf 6:30 f p.m. Dec. p.m. Academ 6:30 p at Be L pm Mount i T D t Capital 7 l Valley 7 8 9 at Waldor
Boys
Thomas, jr., wing, 5-7. Overview: The law of diminishing returns is affecting the Blue Griffins this season. They lost five seniors from last year, but low turnout over the past few years has left the cupboard bare — enough to push the start of the season to January. The fall season saw several players suffer injuries in their respective sport, and they should be ready by the new year. Gonzales and Burrola are the most experienced from last year, and they will have to help the newcomers get comfortable with varsity life.
o sCHool neW MexiC For tHe deaF
peñasCo
girls
Coming sunday look for boys and girls high school basketball schedules inside sunday’s edition.
2015-16 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW
HOOPS H sat urday, d eCeMBer 5, 2015
McCurdy lady Bobcats
Class 1a
2014-15 record: 13-13 overall, 6-4 in 5-2A. Lost to Jemez Valley, 83-41, in the first round of the Class 2A State Tournament. Head coach: Ron Sanchez (first year) Key players: Karla Santos, so., guard, 5-foot-3; Marianna Santos, sr., guard, 5-3; Celina Valdez, sr., guard, 5-1; Azaira Arroyo, so., forward, 5-5 Overview: The Lady Bobcats reached the postseason a year ago with Karla Santos leading the way as a freshman. If another trip to the tournament is in the works, Santos is going to need some help. The team’s top scorer and one of its top defenders, she is going to be the focal point of an offense that will go uptempo thanks to a heaping helping of guards who can get out and run. It essentially boils down to defense. If the press can force turnovers and keep things close, another postseason trip is in the works.
santa Fe Waldorf lady Wolves
questa lady Wildcats 2014-15 record: 12-16 overall, 3-7 in 5-2A. Head coach: Miguel Romero (12th year) Key players: Jordan Mascarenas, sr., guard, 5-foot-3; Leaanna Aragon, sr., guard, 5-5; Brianna Gomez, sr., guard, 5-6; Brittany Sanchez, sr., guard, 5-4. Overview: Chemistry is the key for a team that has four seniors in its starting lineup. Whether that translates to wins remains to be seen since, once again, the Lady Wildcats will have to rely on a guard-heavy roster that needs to create points in transition and hit shots from the perimeter. If that happens, the rest falls to a run through a tough district that appears to only be getting better.
peñasco lady panthers 2014-15 record: 7-19 overall, 4-6 in 5-2A. Head coach: Clarence Vigil (fourth year) Key players: Charlyna Gonzales, jr., forward, 5-foot-5; Estrella Gonzalez, so., guard, 5-2; Carly Gonzales, fr., guard, 5-3; Alaska Lopez, fr., forward, 5-5; Kaylanna Gonzales, sr., forward, 5-5. Overview: Having been around the proverbial block a few times in his coaching career, Vigil knows a thing or two about building a program from the ground up. While this year’s version of the Lady Panthers may be a season or two away from becoming a serious contender as a talented corps of underclassmen reaches the varsity level, what’s on tap right now is a roster that has what it takes to turn things around following last year’s seven-win campaign. Charlyna Gonzales will be at the forefront in the low post.
Mora rangerettes 2014-15 record: 20-8 overall, 11-1 in 5-2A. Lost to Mountainair, 45-40, in the first round of the Class 2A State Tournament. Head coach: Frank Romero (first year) Key players: Maria Garcia, jr., guard, 5-foot-6; Christen Laumbach, jr., point guard, 5-2; Brianna Pacheco, sr., center, 5-9; Monika Pacheco, jr., forward, 5-7; Esmerelda Lovato, jr., guard, 5-8. Overview: The Rangerettes have won 97 games the last four seasons but have very little to show for it. Only once have they reached the state semifinals, getting knocked out in the quarters (or earlier) three times. It has led to a carousel in the coaching spot as Romero becomes the program’s third coach in as many years. He takes over a team led by Brianna Pacheco, one of the top players in 2A and easily one of the most dynamic inside-out threats in Northern New Mexico.
2014-15 record: 11-15 overall, 5-5 in 1-1A. Head coach: Leslie Gaztambide (first year) Key players: Aylin Sheehan, jr., guard, 5-foot-4; Martine Perez, so., wing, 5-7; Amia Cressman, so., forward, 5-7; Hannah Laga-Abram, fr., forward, 5-6; Devta Khalsa, so., post, 5-7; Eliana Blum, so., forward, 5-8. Overview: Gaztambide comes over from Estancia, but he inherits a similar problem previous coaches have had — no depth. With only six players on the roster, the Lady Wolves will again have to navigate the challenges of foul trouble to succeed in 1-1A. Sheehan is by far the top returning player, scoring 14 of the team’s 19 points in a 62-19 loss to Cimarron on Nov. 21. While Waldorf has size, it will take some time to develop chemistry, especially with a new coach.
new Mexico school for the deaf lady roadrunners 2014-15 record: 9-16 overall, 1-9 in 1-1A. Head coach: Benny Gallegos (first year) Key players: Janell Miller, so., post, 5-foot-7; Maria Antonia Martinez, so., guard, 5-1; Mya Malone, eighth grade, post, 5-8; Vergena Chee, so., wing, 5-5. Overview: The program went through a significant chance, as Letty Perez left her post after 12 years to coach the boys team. In her place is Gallegos, who coached at Pecos from 2006-2011. He has a team with plenty of size in Miller and Malone, but NMSD’s success will be determined by the play of its guards. Martinez is a capable scorer, and Chee can handle the ball, and if they can limit turnovers, the Lady Roadrunners have a chance at moving up the 1-1A standings in February.
Coronado lady leopards 2014-15 record: 16-12 overall, 7-3 in 1-1A. Lost to Evangel Christian, 58-47, in the first round of the Class 1A Tournament. Head coach: Adam Garcia (first year) Key players: Soledad Vigil, so., wing, 5-5; Celina Chavez, jr., guard, 5-3; Anjelika Garcia, jr., wing, 5-6; Denise Velasquez, jr., guard, 5-4. Overview: While the Lady Leopards lost three senior post players and head coach Bill McLaughlin, they still have Vigil, Chavez and Velasquez, who saw significant playing time last year. Add coach Garcia and his daughter to the mix, and Coronado should be contender again in 1-1A. Expect the Lady Leopards to use their strong guard play to push the tempo, while they try to find the right mix in the paint to augment Coronado’s style.
james Barron and Will Webber
Milan Schimmel made a huge splash last year as a freshman with the Santa Fe Indian School Lady Braves.
NEW MExICAN FILE PHOTOS
WHY ST. MICHAEL’S? class of 2015 is attending 33 different colleges and universities
academic excellence
100% of the class of 2015 was accepted to college
tradition safe environment 16:1 student to faculty ratio 23 extracurricular offerings character development faith 21 athletic teams 84 state championships class of 2015 offered more than $3 million in college scholarships
30% of students receive generous financial aid
st. michael’s five-year average percentage of aP students with scores of 3+ is 67%, well above the state’s average of 46%
505.983.7353 • www.stmichaelssf.org