2025-26 Team Preview: Belen Eagles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025-26 BELEN EAGLES PREVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OVERVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Belen earned the No. 14 seed in last March's Class 4A state tournament and were eliminated by Espanola Valley in a hard-fought first-round matchup. The Eagles finished 12-16.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Belen loses four key seniors off last year's team but Eagles head coach Donald Marquez believes a promising group of younger players are ready to take the reins and push the program forward. Belen will be taller than a season ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Once last season ended, these guys really went to work improving their fundamentals and building their strength in the weight room,” Marquez said. “They don't want to just make the first round this year. Their goal is to qualify for the state tournament and get past the first round. I've enjoyed seeing them put in the work.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sammy Sanchez (Sr., 6-3, F): </strong>Three-year starter for the Eagles. Very athletic and quick. Excellent at finishing around the basket and rebounding. Also capable of getting out in transition and beating defenders down the floor.<br>“Sammy is going to be our go-to top player,” Marquez said. “He will be our key. If we can keep him healthy, he'll present matchup problems for a lot of teams.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rodney Masterman</strong> <strong>(Jr., 6-2, F/G)</strong>: Able to play inside or outside. Belen's best 3-point shooter. Also scores on drives to the basket. “Rodney looks young but he's long and athletic,” Marquez said.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason Montoya (Jr., 6-1, G)</strong>: Excellent defensively. Sparks Belen's press by playing at the top ad getting a lot of steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daniel Aguilar (Sr., 5-10, G)</strong>: One of Belen's leaders. Described by Marquez as a “glue guy.” Excels at defense and hitting 3-point shots. High basketball IQ. Knows the playbook inside and out. “He's like my coach on the court,” Marquez said. “He'll put guys in the right position if he has to.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dalton Hersberger (Sr.): </strong>Will compete for a starting job. Good 3-point shooter. Solid all-around player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Torin Karnes (Jr.)</strong>: One of Belen's best defensive players. Usually assigned to guard the opponent's top offensive player. Brings energy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gonzalo Cano (Sr., G)</strong>: Quarterback on the Belen football team. Known as ‘Chalito' to coaches and teammates. Will bring excellent speed and athleticism to the court. Likely the backup point guard. Good defensive player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ismael Cano (Jr.)</strong>: Younger brother of Gonzalo. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elijah Schaffino (Sr.)</strong>: Another strong leader. Brings toughness to the court. Fearless defender. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>KEY NEWCOMERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pablo Aguilar (Jr., G): </strong>Younger brother of Daniel Aguilar. Played main JV last season. Suffered an injury and missed part of the season. Expected to compete for a starting job. Extremely quick. Good shooter. Marquez described him as Belen's biggest surprise during the summer and fall. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FINAL THOUGHTS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Belen opens the 2025-26 season with home games against Valley (12/2) and Moriarty (12/9). They will also host the North/South Challenge in January. The Eagles compete in District 4A-5 with Grants, Highland, St. Pius X and Valencia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marquez says Belen looks to take the next step by playing ‘lock down defense' and pushing the ball on offense and getting penetration for layups and easy baskets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We want to play fast but not be in a hurry,” Marquez said. “If we have a fast break opportunity, we'll take it. But our guys are very good at setting up our offense. We share the basketball very well.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->