Live Action: Rio Grande @ Rio Rancho – 12/21/23
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Final Score: Rio Rancho 56 Rio Grande 50 Player of the Game: Kevin Archuleta Kevin Archuleta 5'11" | CG Rio Rancho | 2025 State NM , Rio Rancho – 6 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl Leader in Points:…
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Continue ReadingFinal Score: Rio Rancho 56 Rio Grande 50
Player of the Game: Kevin Archuleta Kevin Archuleta 5'11" | CG Rio Rancho | 2025 State NM , Rio Rancho – 6 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl
Leader in Points: Chris Lucero Chris Lucero 6'1" | SG Rio Rancho | 2026 State NM , Rio Rancho – 15
Leader in Rebounds: Santiago Gonzalez Santiago Gonzalez 6'5" | PF Rio Grande | 2024 State NM , Rio Grande – 11
Leader in Assists: Jayden Johnson Jayden Johnson 6'0" | SG Rio Rancho | 2024 State NM , Rio Rancho – 3
Leader in Steals: Eliseo Velasquez Eliseo Velasquez 5'8" | PG Rio Grande | 2025 NM , Rio Grande & Kevin Archuleta Kevin Archuleta 5'11" | CG Rio Rancho | 2025 State NM , Rio Rancho – 4
Leader in Blocks: Mateo Gonzalez, Rio Grande & Kayden Decker Kayden Decker NM , Rio Rancho – 2
Rio Rancho looked like the dominant team in the first half, taking a 22-point lead at the half. The Ravens stormed back however, cutting the lead to 12 in the 3rd, and at one point to 4 in the 4th. They couldn’t pull it out in the end, however, as Rio Rancho finally came together in the final minutes to grind out the win.
Though his stat line wasn’t eye-popping, Kevin Archuleta Kevin Archuleta 5'11" | CG Rio Rancho | 2025 State NM was the central force behind the Rams’ winning effort. His 4 steals led the team, and he took control of the game late, showing his patience and ball-handling to keep the Ravens at bay. Chris Lucero Chris Lucero 6'1" | SG Rio Rancho | 2026 State NM was on fire in the first half, sparking the Rams’ offensive surge and ending the game with 15 points and 3 steals.
Jayden Johnson Jayden Johnson 6'0" | SG Rio Rancho | 2024 State NM showcased his freak athleticism and body control around the rim, ending with 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. He was able to create off-the-drive for his teammates as well in this one, which was invaluable in the fourth quarter. Aidan Wood was a threat in the catch-and-shoot game early, knocking down 3 three’s to tally 9 points.
The Gonzalez brothers were dominant in the second half for the Ravens. Mateo Gonzalez was strong in the 3rd quarter, ending with 9 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, and Santiago Gonzalez Santiago Gonzalez 6'5" | PF Rio Grande | 2024 State NM was strong in the 4th, coming through with 12 points and 11 rebounds. They both established themselves as strong paint presences throughout the course of the game.
Eliseo Velasquez Eliseo Velasquez 5'8" | PG Rio Grande | 2025 NM was a menace on the defensive side of the ball. He ended with 4 steals and caused many more turnovers due to his aggressiveness. He also contributed 13 points, tied for first on the team with Isaiah Lucero Isaiah Lucero 5'11" | CG Rio Grande | 2024 State NM . Lucero was clutch late in the game, knocking down multiple threes to inch the Ravens closer to the finish line.