Standout Performers from the NMAA State Semifinals

The semifinals of the NMAA State Championship at The Pit are officially complete, and several players stepped up with big time performances to help their teams punch a ticket to the championship round. From efficient scoring nights to clutch plays and high energy efforts on both ends of the floor, these players made their presence felt when the stakes were at their highest.   Here are a few players who stood out during the semifinal matchups.    [player_tooltip player_id='2714580' first='Gad' last='Harris'] carried a heavy offensive load for Sandia after [player_tooltip player_id='2714567' first='Isaiah' last='Brown'] went down with an injury during the game. Harris stepped up in a major way, finishing with 29 points and knocking down six three pointers. He shot an efficient 8 for 13 from the field and was aggressive getting to the line, converting 7 of his 8 free throw attempts. Harris made plays throughout the game and had a big impact on both ends of the floor, helping keep Sandia competitive despite losing a key piece in their lineup.     [player_tooltip player_id='2919518' first='Jordan' last='Rivera'] delivered a clutch performance for Cleveland, finishing the game with 19 points and a double double. Rivera shot 7 for 12 from the field and was a major threat from beyond the arc, knocking down 4 of his 6 three point attempts. He also made his presence felt on the glass, pulling down 10 rebounds. Rivera's ability to score efficiently while also contributing on the boards played a major role in Cleveland advancing to the championship game.     [player_tooltip player_id='2146038' first='Clay' last='Kincaid'] put together one of the most efficient performances of the semifinals in Artesia's win over Hope Christian. Kincaid finished with 24 points while shooting an impressive 11 for 12 from the field. He was dominant around the basket and controlled the paint throughout the game. Kincaid also grabbed 11 rebounds, securing a double double and helping Artesia control the interior as they moved one step closer to a state title.     [player_tooltip player_id='2694526' first='Hunter' last='Butler'] had a strong showing in his final high school game with La Cueva. Butler finished with 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds while battling hard throughout the game. He played with great energy from start to finish and had to manage foul trouble against Volcano Vista, but continued to compete and give his team valuable minutes. His effort and leadership were evident as he left everything on the floor in the semifinal matchup.     [player_tooltip player_id='2111977' first='David' last='Lunn'] continued his strong tournament run with another big performance for Volcano Vista in their win over La Cueva. Lunn was aggressive attacking the basket and consistently got downhill throughout the game. His ability to put pressure on the defense led to frequent trips to the free throw line, where he attempted 17 free throws and converted 12 of them. Lunn also shot 6 for 9 from the field and finished with 24 points, helping lead Volcano Vista into the state championship game.     Nico Sanchez delivered an outstanding all around performance in Highlands' semifinal win over Taos. Sanchez finished with 26 points while shooting 12 for 17 from the field. He was extremely difficult to contain, repeatedly going coast to coast and finishing through contact in the paint. Sanchez also played with a relentless motor on the defensive end, recording an impressive nine steals during the game. His energy and playmaking helped Highlands hold off Taos and secure their spot in the championship round.

The semifinals of the NMAA State Championship at The Pit are officially complete, and several players stepped up with big time performances to help their teams punch a ticket to the championship round. From efficient scoring nights to clutch plays and high energy efforts on both ends of the floor, these players made their presence felt when the stakes were at their highest.