Prep Hoops New Mexico: Updated 5A and 4A Team Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Class 5A Boys Team Power Rankings Going Into Week Twelve</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Rank</td><td>Team</td><td>Previous Ranking</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td><strong>Volcano Vista </strong>21-1 (4-1)</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td><strong>Sandia </strong>18-4 (5-1)</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td><strong>Cleveland </strong>17-6 (4-1)</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td><strong>West Mesa </strong>16-6 (4-2)</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td><strong>Los Lunas </strong>18-4 (5-1)</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td><strong>Organ Mountain</strong> 18-3 (6-0)</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td><strong>Atrisco Heritage Academy</strong> 18-5 (2-3)</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td><strong>Eldorado </strong>14-8 (4-2)</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td><strong>Santa Fe </strong>14-8 (5-1)</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td><strong>Carlsbad </strong>15-7 (2-0)</td><td>Not Ranked</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 <strong>Volcano Vista</strong>: The Hawks remain the best team in the State until proven otherwise. They have the best record in New Mexico at 21-1. They avenged their only loss from a week ago vs Cleveland and defeated the Strom 66-55 this past Thursday. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1176300' first='Kenyon' last='Aguino']</strong> had 33 points and 12 rebounds and regained control of 5A District-1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 <strong>Sandia</strong>: The Matadors are back in first place in 5A District-2. They picked up a great win vs West Mesa on the road on Wednesday night. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1360191' first='Andrew' last='Hill']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1076706' first='Ely' last='Lovato']</strong> combined for 35 points vs the Mustangs who they were tied for first in district with at that point. The Matadors also defeated Farmington yesterday on the road with [player_tooltip player_id='1076710' first='Dalen' last='Moyer'] playing well scoring 22 points. They stand alone at the top of 5A-District-2 at 5-1. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 <strong>Cleveland</strong>: The Storm have been one of the hottest teams as of late. Going into Thursday's game vs Volcano Vista, they were undefeated at 4-0 in 5A District-1. They remain as the only team to defeat the defending champion Volcano Vista Hawks. Despite losing to the Hawks in their second matchup on Thursday night, they are still tied with them at 4-1 in 5A District-1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158654' first='Daniel' last='Steverson']</strong> scored 28 points vs the Hawks along with 17 from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678143' first='Nic' last='Trujillo']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 <strong>West Mesa</strong>: The Mustangs are playing some of their best basketball this season and among others in the State. Despite losing to Eldorado last weekend, than Sandia on Wednesday, the Mustangs got a much needed road win vs La Cueva yesterday afternoon. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1076703' first='Sonny' last='Ortiz']</strong> scored 24 points and made 6 three-pointers while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1124238' first='Elijah' last='Brody']</strong> added 21 points vs the Bears. The Mustangs control their own destiny and if they can avenge their losses to Eldorado and Sandia, they still can win 5A District-2. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#5. <strong>Los Lunas</strong>: The Tigers went 2-0 this week in 5A District 5. They received some help from Rio Grande defeating Santa Fe in their district. The Tigers are currently tied with the Demons for first place in 5A-District-5 at 5-1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1176298' first='Jalin' last='Holland']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1076721' first='Ezra' last='Guest']</strong> combined for 47 points vs vs Albuquerque on Wednesday and another 22 from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1176298' first='Jalin' last='Holland'] </strong>vs Manzano. The Tigers have won 18 of their 22 games this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#6 <strong>Organ Mountain</strong>: The Knights have been one of the most consistent teams in New Mexico Basketball this year. They won both district matchups this week vs Mayfield and Gadsden convincingly. Organ Mountain is 18-3 this year and undefeated at 6-0 in district play in 5A District-3. If they defeat Alamogordo and Las Cruces this week, they should clinch their district title this Thursday night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#7 <strong>Atrisco Heritage</strong> <strong>Academy</strong>: The Jaguars have been hit with injuries and illness all season and are still 18-5 this year. The only reason Atrisco Heritage is this low is due to their district record being at 2-3, otherwise they are 16-2 vs the rest of the State. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1176301' first='Latavious' last='Morris']</strong> scored an impressive 33 points vs Volcano Vista this past Tuesday and will keep the Jaguars in the mix the rest of this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#8 <strong>Eldorado</strong>: The Eagles remain in the hunt for a district title in 5A District-2 along with Sandia and West Mesa. Eldorado went 1-1 in their games this week losing to La Cueva and defeating Piedra Vista. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1362491' first='Caileb' last='Parham']</strong> and <strong>Mike Knuab</strong> played well in their loss to La Cueva combining for 41 points. In their win vs Piedra Vista yesterday afternoon, it was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1276348' first='Josh' last='Jackson']</strong> who led the way with a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds. They currently are in second place at 4-2 in 5A-District-2. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#9 <strong>Santa Fe</strong>: The Santa Fe Demons are the most underrated team in the 5A Class. They are quietly making noise in 5A District-5. They have a solid 14-8 record and sit in first place in district at 5-1. This past weekend, the Demons defeated Albuquerque thanks to <strong>Lukas Turner's</strong> 25 points. If they can defeat Los Lunas again and avenge their only district loss to Rio Grande, they can lock up the district title soon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#10 <strong>Carlsbad</strong>: After starting the season slow, the Carlsbad Cavemen have become one of the most dangerous teams in 5A. After starting the season 0-4, this team has won 15 of their last 18 games which includes 7 in a row. They are 2-0 in district and are in first place of 5A District-4. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Class 4A Boys Team Power Rankings Going Into Week Twelve</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Rank</td><td>Team</td><td>Previous Ranking</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td><strong>Highland </strong>15-6 (4-0)</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td><strong>Albuquerque Academy </strong>18-3 (5-0)</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td><strong>St. Pius X</strong> 14-7 (4-1)</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td><strong>Hope Christian </strong>15-8 (3-2)</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td><strong>Artesia </strong>14-9 (3-0)</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td><strong>Gallup</strong> 15-7 (5-1)</td><td>Not Ranked</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td><strong>Kirtland Central </strong>15-7 (5-1)</td><td>Not Ranked</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td><strong>Valley </strong>11-11 (2-3)</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td><strong>Del Norte </strong>12-9 (1-3)</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td><strong>Taos </strong>12-9 (3-1)</td><td>9</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 <strong>Highland</strong>: The Defending 4A State Champion Highland Hornets remain the team to beat in the 4A Class. They had a first place district showdown vs St. Pius this past Tuesday where [player_tooltip player_id='1485758' first='Alexis' last='Dominguez'] scored 21 points. They now lead 4A District-5 alone undefeated at 4-0 and defeated Albuquerque Academy a few games prior in what can be a potential 4A Boys State Championship Preview. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2 <strong>Albuquerque Academy</strong>: Albuquerque Academy is arguably the best team in 4A and an argument can be made they should be #1. Their 18-3 record is the best in the 4A Class and they lead 4A District-6 undefeated at 5-0. They went 2-0 this week defeating Menaul and district rival Valley. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685484' first='Joe' last='Jack']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1208052' first='Kellan' last='Gehres']</strong> combined for 49 points vs Menaul and another 26 points from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1208052' first='Kellan' last='Gehres']</strong> vs Valley. With three district games left, don't be surprised if the Chargers finish undefeated at 8-0. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 <strong>St. Pius X</strong>: The Sartans look like a serious threat like last year to compete for the 4A State Championship. They only have one district loss and that's to the current #1 ranked and defending champion; Highland Hornets 51-50. St. Pius X is 14-7 and 3-1 in district play. With the recent play of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1445839' first='Brian' last='Kalb']</strong>, the Sartans have emerged as a elite team in 4A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 <strong>Hope Christian</strong>: The Huskies should finish at worst second in 4A District-6 behind Albuquerque Academy. That should get them a top five seed for the 4A State Tournament with their 15-8 overall record and 3-2 district record. They went 1-1 this week in their district games vs Del Norte and Bernalillo. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1293133' first='Jett' last='Wyckoff']</strong> averaged 20.5 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game this week. With a player like himself, he gives Hope Christian a realistic shot at contending for the 4A State Tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#5 <strong>Artesia</strong>: After starting the season slow at 4-7 through the first 11 games, the Artesia Bulldogs have turned around their season winning 10 of their last 12. Artesia is currently 14-9 and sit in first place undefeated at 3-0 in 4A-Distirct-4. With the leadership of senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1208047' first='Nick' last='Sanchez']</strong>, they won both of their games this week. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#6 <strong>Gallup</strong>: The Gallup Bengals are in first place of 4A District-1 at 5-1. They sit at 15-7 and have won five of their last six games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#7 <strong>Kirtland Central</strong>: The Kirtland Central Broncos are tied with the Gallup Bengals at 5-1 in 4A District-1. This team has been rolling in their last 10 games with 8 during that stretch. They won both games this week vs Shiprock and Miyamura. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1076725' first='Satchel' last='Hogue']</strong> scored 29 and 33 points vs the two teams this week and is averaging 22 points per game on the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#8 <strong>Valley</strong>: The Valley Vikings are 11-11 this year but their record doesn't tell the whole story. They are in the toughest district in 4A and went 1-1 in district play this week. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680001' first='Julian' last='Chavez']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1685508' first='Charles' last='Lopez-Burton']</strong> scored 25 points each in their OT win vs Bernalillo. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680001' first='Julian' last='Chavez']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680000' first='Tyler' last='Kozlowski']</strong> than combined for 34 points in a loss to Albuquerque Academy. That duo will make it a tough matchup for just about anyone come playoff time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#9 <strong>Del Norte</strong>: The Del Norte Knights got hit with some injuries over the past few weeks but got a much needed district win vs Hope Christian; a top five team in 4A. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1076702' first='Shane' last='Douma-Sanchez']</strong> scored an efficient 22 points on the road and helped the Knights get their first district victory. Del Norte is now 12-9 this season and as long as their healthy, can make a run in the 4A State Tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#10 <strong>Taos</strong>: Taos currently sits at 12-9 overall and 3-1 in district play and in second place of 4A-Distirct-2. After starting the season slow at 4-6, they won 8 of their next 11 games. They are led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1507055' first='Daemon' last='Ely']</strong> who is arguably one of the best players in the state averaging 23.9 points per game and 13.4 rebounds per game. If he can continue his elite play and get consistent production from his teammates, they will be a problem for many teams going forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->