2025-26 Team Preview: St. Michael's Horsemen

2025-26 ST. MICHAEL'S HORSEMEN PREVIEW   OVERVIEW   St. Michael's had an outstanding season in 2024-25, advancing to the Class 3A state championship game against rival Robertson and finishing with an impressive 24-7 record. However, a poor first quarter doomed the Horsemen in the final and they had to settle for the red trophy.   Don't be surprised if St. Michael's wins 20+ games again and makes another deep run in the playoffs this upcoming season. They return three of their top four scorers and both of their leading rebounders.   “Our message throughout the off-season was our execution had to get better,” St. Michael's head coach Dakota Montoya. “We have to improve our shooting. If we get better with our shooting, we can space the floor and allow us to do what we like to do, which is get to the basket and put pressure on defenses. That has taken time. But to our players' credit, they've put a lot of time and effort into that. I think we will shoot the ball better this year.”              PLAYERS TO WATCH   [player_tooltip player_id='2706580' first='Ryan' last='Hunt'] (Jr., 6-4, F): Hunt is an outstanding two sport athlete, excelling at football and basketball. In football, he's one of the top defensive ends in the state. In hoops, he's an outstanding forward for the Horsemen. “Ryan is the type of player we can plug in anywhere,” Montoya said. “He fits right in. Part of that is his effort. It's hard to slow him down or control him for four quarters because of his effort. And he's very athletic. His shooting has developed so much. He's a threat to knock down shots and create space. Even his ballhandling has improved. After last season, we wanted to see his game take another step.”   [player_tooltip player_id='2394870' first='Kamal' last='Stith'] (Sr., 6-0, G): Starting quarterback on the football team. Stith is expected to have a major role in hoops as well after averaging about 6 points per game in 2024-25. As a senior, he'll be one of the leaders. “Down the stretch last season, Kamal stepped up for us,” Montoya said. “I expect him to have a monster year. He's a very athletic point guard. He creates well for himself and others. What sets him apart is he can really finish for a player his size. With his athleticism, he can create space and  get his shot off and finish. He's very good with the ball in his hands.”   [player_tooltip player_id='2394866' first='Donevan' last='Ricker'] (Sr., 6-5, F): Brings great size to the front court. The Horsemen are counting on him to take another step in his game this season. “We're going to rely on his size,” Montoya said. “Key things for him are playing smart and staying out of foul trouble. He has to be on the court for us.”   [player_tooltip player_id='2827261' first='Dillan' last='McCoy'] (Sr., 6-3, G): Averaged about 8 points and 3 rebounds per game in 2024-25. He'll be counted on to contribute more to the offense this season. “He's a key piece for us,” Montoya said. “He came into his own during the district tournament and then the state tournament. He's hard to guard. He's tall and athletic. Lot of length. He's developing a mindset to be more aggressive. When he turns on the switch, he can be unstoppable. I want him to turn on the switch and keep it on.”   NAMES TO KNOW   [player_tooltip player_id='2694614' first='Jeremiah' last='Rodriguez'] (Sr., 6-4, F): Described by Montoya as a “jackknife” type player. Excellent rebounder and defensive player. Flies around the court. Missed part of last season with an injury. Played mostly JV when he returned. “I expect him to have a very good year for us, especially on the defensive end and rebounding” Montoya said.   Noah Redus (Jr., 6-4, F/C): Goalie on the St, Michael's soccer team. Basketball skills have improved tremendously over the past couple of years. Support role in the front court. Little different from the others in that he likes to get on the block and play with his back to the basket.     Caleb Perea (Sr.): Gained valuable experience with the varsity last season. Excellent facilitator. Able to play downhill and get to the basket. Will be relied on to help fill the point guard role.   Isaiah Dominguez (Sr.): Outstanding running back and slot receiver for the St. Michael's football team. “He plays a lot bigger than his size,” Montoya said. “He's a spunky player. Two things he brings is he plays extremely hard and he can shoot the basketball.”                    KEY NEWCOMERS   [player_tooltip player_id='2975802' first='Nathan' last='McCoy'] (So., 6-4, F): Younger brother of Dillon McCoy (see above). Similar build to his brother. Mainly a JV player last season. Very skilled. Showed this summer he can handle the basketball. “He has that little brother mentality where he really wants to compete and prove himself,” Montoya said. “He will get an opportunity to do that this year. He plays with a chip on his shoulder.”   Ezra Smith (Jr.): Key player on the JV team last season. Excellent shooter. If he continues to knock down shots, he'll get an opportunity to earn playing time with the varsity this season.         FINAL THOUGHTS   St. Michael's opens the 2025-26 season with a Dec. 2 home game against St. Pius X. Circle this date: Jan. 13. The Horsemen visit Rio Rancho after upsetting the Rams last season in Santa Fe. Later that week, St. Michael's plays Pojoaque Valley and cross-town rival Santa Fe. That will be a huge week for the Horsemen going into district play.

2025-26 ST. MICHAEL'S HORSEMEN PREVIEW