Look Ahead: Top Rebounders Returning In 2026-27

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026-27 season promises to be another exciting campaign in New Mexico. While the start of the season is still 5-1/2 months away, here are () of the top rebounders you need to know heading into the new year:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2832949' first='Pierce' last='Culpepper'], Portales</strong>: The 6-foot-7 Culpepper is ready to emerge as one of the state's top players next season. He's already enjoying a standout summer on the AAU circuit. Led all juniors in the state last season with 10.7 rebounds per game. In fact, he averaged a double-double as he scored 16.7 points per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2839406' first='Alex' last='Dominguez'], Hatch Valley</strong>: Individually, the 6-foot-4 Dominguez had a solid season in 2025-26, but because Hatch Valley struggled to win games, few noticed. He averaged about 9 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Bears. Look for him to emerge as one of the top players in Class 3A next season. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2216707' first='Nathan' last='Gonzales'], Robertson</strong>: A two-sport standout, the 6-foot-5 Robertson enjoyed a sensational 2025-26 season for the Cardinals, who again reached the Class 3A state championship game in March. Robertson posted impressive numbers: 17.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game. Gonzales, also the quarterback for the Cardinals football team, is a major reason Robertson will be very good again in 2026-27. Elite athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2402829' first='Jerry' last='Moody'], Highland</strong>: Moody will go into the 2026-27 season as one of the most intriguing players in the Albuquerque Metro Region. He's been a role player for the Hornets the past two seasons, but he will be expected to take on a larger role in 2026-27, especially scoring. Averaged 9.8 rebounds per game in helping spark Highland to the Class 4A title. Came close to averaging a double-double. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3573873' first='Aaron' last='Torres'], Fort Sumner/House</strong>: The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Torres had a major role in Fort Sumner's ride to the Class 1A state title last season. He's a standout two-sport athlete. New Mexico has offered in football. Averaged 10.5 rebounds per game in 2025-26. Fort Sumner returns virtually everybody in 2026-27, so they'll be heavy favorites to repeat as champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Me and the Boys won State Basketball! <a href="https://x.com/coachjmacarthur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachjmacarthur</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachGrigs619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachGrigs619</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachBakerP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBakerP</a> <a href="https://x.com/coachnickgould?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachnickgould</a> <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachIosefa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachIosefa</a> <a href="https://t.co/rvBpgRJwhS">pic.twitter.com/rvBpgRJwhS</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='3573873' first='Aaron' last='Torres'] (@Torres52Aaron) <a href="https://x.com/Torres52Aaron/status/2033048760566370566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->