Live Action: Hope Christian vs Pojoaque Valley – 2/1/24
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Final Score: Hope 81 PV 56 Co-Players of the Game: Nathan Saavedra Nathan Saavedra 6'2" | PF Hope Christian | 2024 State NM , Hope – 17 pts, 8 reb, and 1 blk & Noah Perry Noah Perry 6'0" |…
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Continue ReadingFinal Score: Hope 81 PV 56
Co-Players of the Game: Nathan Saavedra Nathan Saavedra 6'2" | PF Hope Christian | 2024 State NM , Hope – 17 pts, 8 reb, and 1 blk & Noah Perry Noah Perry 6'0" | PG Hope Christian | 2024 State NM , Hope – 8 pts, 3 reb, 7 ast, 2 stl
Leader in Points: Serafin Mendez Serafin Mendez 6'4" | PF Pojoaque Valley | 2026 State NM , Pojoaque – 27
Leader in Rebounds: Serafin Mendez Serafin Mendez 6'4" | PF Pojoaque Valley | 2026 State NM , Pojoaque – 12
Leader in Assists: Noah Perry Noah Perry 6'0" | PG Hope Christian | 2024 State NM , Hope – 7
Leader in Steals: Noah Perry Noah Perry 6'0" | PG Hope Christian | 2024 State NM & Ian Koenigsburg Ian Koenigsburg 5'10" | SG Hope Christian | 2024 State NM , Hope – 2
Leader in Blocks: Brayden Giron Brayden Giron 6'6" | PF Hope Christian | 2026 State NM , Hope – 3
Early on it looked as though the Elks could hang with Hope, but after the first quarter, they simply could not match Hope’s level of play. The Huskies were automatic from beyond the arc, and their defense was suffocating, causing turnover after turnover to lead to a multitude of fast break opportunities.
After watching him in multiple matchups, I firmly believe Noah Perry Noah Perry 6'0" | PG Hope Christian | 2024 State NM is the best passing point guard in 4A. I have yet to see a player with the combination of patience and court vision that Perry possesses, and it’s been one of the main factors in the Huskies’ success. Nathan Saavedra Nathan Saavedra 6'2" | PF Hope Christian | 2024 State NM was a beast in the paint and punished all who attempted to stand in his path. His offensive rebounding abilities are invaluable, and he’s improved as a finisher around the rim.
Ian Koenigsburg Ian Koenigsburg 5'10" | SG Hope Christian | 2024 State NM was as automatic as ever from beyond the arc. He finished with 15 points, all from 3-point range, and will continue to be one of the best sharp-shooters in 4A. Xavier Otero Xavier Otero 5'9" | SG Hope Christian | 2024 State NM has flourished in his role as a combo guard and is one of the best rebounding guards I’ve seen.
This was my first opportunity to see Serafin Mendez Serafin Mendez 6'4" | PF Pojoaque Valley | 2026 State NM in person. After only being able to hear the hype for so long, he lived up to everything that I’d heard. He finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing a knockdown jump shot from all levels. Perhaps his most impressive trait was his touch around the basket, especially off offensive rebounds, and this will serve him well in the long run.
Deondro Lopez showed creativity in getting the basket and was able to get to score to spark instant offense for the Elks. Nick Manzanares was able to cash in on his catch-and-shoot opportunities, and he showed what he can contribute to the Elks in the long run. All three of the aforementioned players are underclassmen, which is a sign of good things to com for the Elks.