Midseason Report: Takeaways at the halfway point

<p>We are half way through the season, and there have been some major takeaways already. Player of the year candidates, breakout players, and impactful underclassmen have emerged. Some teams are solidifying their spots in the playoffs, and others are fighting for a spot with every game meaning more this season than ever before. Here are some notes to know as we get closer to the playoffs!</p> <p>Cleveland and Las Cruces are on track again to be the top two teams in the state. Las Cruces boasts the best duo in the state with Duece and Carr, but Cleveland is proving to have the deepest roster in the state with a trio of all state players to lead the way. Will this be the year they finally meet in the 5A state championship?</p> <p>Los Lunas and Alamogordo have both surprised the entire state and look to contend for the playoffs. Newcomer Los Lunas (3-0)  is proving that they not only belong in 5A, but will be a legitimate contender for the two at large bids. Alamogordo has shocked everyone starting the season 4-1, and [player_tooltip player_id="1168769" first="Ivan" last="Bernal"] looks to lead them in to the playoffs.</p> <p>La Cueva and Santa Fe are both sitting a top of their respective districts, but both will need to continue to play great basketball in order to keep that top spot.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Del Norte has emerged as the favorite in 4A beating Atrisco in their season opener. They have a deep squad that is led by sophomore guards [player_tooltip player_id="1076701" first="Judah" last="Casaus"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1076702" first="Shane" last="Douma-Sanchez"].</span></p> <p>District 1 is proving to be the ultimate challenge with Atrisco Heritage, Cibola, Rio Rancho, and Volcano Vista all competing for the 2nd place spot that is almost guaranteed an at large bid. It will be a tough for every team and they have to hope they don’t beat each other up too much or that at large bid could go to a different district.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>