2025-26 Team Preview: Volcano Vista Hawks

2025-26 VOLCANO VISTA HAWKS PREVIEW   OVERVIEW   Volcano Vista is an incredible 117-4 with four straight Class 5A state championships since the 2021-22 season. But if there's one constant about high school basketball, it's the roster is always changing from year-to-year.   Gone are most of the players that were the backbone of Volcan Vista's recent phenomenal success, including three-time Gatorade Player of the Year Kenyon Aguino (signed with Montana), 3-point ace Rian Gonzales and point guard Hudson Brown. Volcano Vista returns one starter from last season.   Volcano Vista isn't  going away, though. The Hawks' 2025-26 roster is loaded with talented players, some of whom have patiently waited for their opportunity to shine. Are the Hawks capable of capturing their FIFTH straight class 5A crown? You betcha.   “There's going to be some learning and growing this season with a younger team,” Volcano Vista head coach Greg Broewn told Prep Hoops New Mexico. “But we do have five seniors.  We are young in terms of varsity experience. In big moments in big games, there will be some growing for us to do.   “We're looking forward to it. New team, new challenge. We won't have the length we've had in the past. Just the fact many of our guys have been a part of the program and know what it's about will give us confidence to have a successful year.”   PLAYERS TO WATCH   [player_tooltip player_id='2111977' first='David' last='Lunn'] (Jr., 6-4, G/F): Some folks are probably surprised Lunn is back with Volcano Vista, and didn't enroll in an elite private academy where many D1 prospects go before they head to college. Enjoyed a sensational summer on the AAU circuit. He's already scored over 1,000 career points. “We look forward to David leading our team, and having a good year for us,” Brown said. “He benefited from playing with a good group of seniors last year. He's a very dominant downhill driver and he's very good in the open court. We're going to challenge him to impact winning and do more than just score. He's one of our most experienced players. Obviously, he has a tremendous upside.” New Mexico State and West Virginia have offered.   Spirit Penn-Cook (Sr., 6-2, G): Elite athlete. Also the quarterback on the Volcano Vista football team. Good length for a guard. “He can play at a high level,” Brown said.   [player_tooltip player_id='2714701' first='Houston' last='Brown']  (So., PG): Younger brother of former Volcano Vista standout Hudson Brown. He is expected to be the Hawks starting point guard. “He knows and understands the expectations of the program,” Brown said. “He's had a good understanding and a good impact on winning on both sides of the ball for us.”       NAMES TO KNOW   [player_tooltip player_id='2743220' first='Finley' last='Fitak'] (Sr., 6-2, SG): Excellent shooter from the wing. “We look forward to Finley having a good year shooting the basketball,”: Brown said.   Luis Gonzales (Jr., CG): Already been a member of the Volcano Vista varsity for a couple of years. Dynamic playmaker and combo guard.   [player_tooltip player_id='2402807' first='Eli' last='Covell'] (Sr., 6-4, F/C): Inside player for the Hawks. High Hoops IQ. Good rebounder.   Chimdi Akwani (Jr., 6-3, G/F): Likely fill the power forward role for Volcano Vista.            KEY NEWCOMERS   Jayden Allen (Sr.): Defensive standout expected to bring energy when he comes off the bench. “He'll provide with a defensive spark and some energy,” Brown said. “He'll be an important role player for us.” JV player in 2024-25.   Wyatt Kuhlman (Sr.): Another football player (OLB) for the Hawks. Good athlete. Expected to come off the bench.      [player_tooltip player_id='2966846' first='Jackson' last='Mangrum'] (Fr., 6-4): Just a freshman. Very athletic. Also an elite baseball player. Expected to have an impact this season. Very promising future. “We look forward to him growing and developing in the program,” Brown said. “He's a hard worker.”   FINAL THOUGHTS   Volcano Vista opens the season Nov. 25 at Albuquerque High before hosting La Cueva in early December. District 5A-1 foes include Cibola, Cleveland, Farmington, Piedra Vista and Rio Rancho.   “Our district is going to be a lot of fun,” Brown said. “We look forward to it. We've had some battles with those teams in the past. We look forward to competing.”       <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ <a href="https://t.co/yzI4bUOFAA">pic.twitter.com/yzI4bUOFAA</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='2111977' first='David' last='Lunn'], III (@lunn_iii) <a href="https://twitter.com/lunn_iii/status/1899432396979609603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2025</a></blockquote>

2025-26 VOLCANO VISTA HAWKS PREVIEW