2025-26 Team Preview: Artesia Bulldogs

2025-26 ARTESIA BULLDOGS REVIEW   OVERVIEW   The disconcerting aspect for the other 28 teams in Class 4A about Artesia's run to the state title last March is the  Bulldogs didn't have a single senior on their roster. That means, of course, every meaningful player from last season returns, making Artesia heavy favorites to repeat as state champions. Head coach Michael Mondragon, though, took steps over the summer to make sure complacency didn't take root.   “We went to a lot of tough team camps and played some tough competition,” Mondragon told Prep Hoops New Mexico. “We knew we were going to return everybody. Eleven of the 12 players are back from a team that won a state championship. We have a lot of high hopes. We definitely have a lot of experience going into this season. But we also need the same work ethic, discipline, dedication and perseverance moving forward, as well.”   One thing Artesia doesn't lack is height. Eight returning players stand 6-foot-2 or taller, making the Bulldogs one of the tallest teams in the entire state. Many of them are also multiple sport athletes. In fact, 10 of the 12 players expected to be on the upcoming season's roster are currently playing football.    “What's really good about this year is we have a lot of guys who can help us and do a lot of good things,” Mondragon said. “We were tall last year, but we're even bigger and stronger this year. Defensively, our length bothers people. It's going to be a fun year. We're going to lean on our leadership and experience. Some of our guys have done so much already, but we know that's in the past.”   PLAYERS TO WATCH   [player_tooltip player_id='1846065' first='Charlie' last='Campbell'] (Sr., 6-3, G/F): Three-year starter for the Bulldogs. Last season's leading scorer. “He's the glue, he's the heartbeat of our team,” Mondragon said. “He's having a great year in football. He loves to compete. He plays on both ends. He often guarded the opponent's best player last season. He works hard.”      [player_tooltip player_id='1717327' first='Braylon' last='Vega'] (Sr., 6-2, G): Outstanding 3-point shooter. Transferred from Hobbs in the summer of 2024. “I'm looking for Braylon to make a big jump this season,” Mondragon said. “We didn't get Braylon until after July last year. So, he spent last season learning the program. Eventually, he got comfortable. He hit big shots for us at the right moments. He had the entire spring and summer to play with our guys. I'm looking forward to a big year from him. He's been shooting the ball well this fall. He's spent a lot of time in the gym.” New Mexico Highlands has offered.           [player_tooltip player_id='2146038' first='Clay' last='Kincaid'] (Sr., 6-8, F/C): Three year starter. Excellent post player. Next level talent. “In my opinion, he's the best post player in the state,” Mondragon said. “He's been working on playing with both hands and his square up game. I'm looking for a huge year out of Clay.” New Mexico Highlands has offered.            [player_tooltip player_id='2827151' first='Trent' last='Egeland'] (Sr., 6-4, F): Outstanding wide receiver on the football team. Ability to leap over defenders to make catches. Elite athleticism. Second leading scorer for Artesia in last March's state championship game. “He's very sneaky good,” Mondragon said. “He fills up the stat sheet with all the stuff we don't talk about – rebounding, offensive boards, defensive boards, putbacks. He's very athletic and bouncy around the rim. He's strong and physical, like a lot of our guys.”      [player_tooltip player_id='2827160' first='Cael' last='Houghtaling'] (Sr., 6-3, G): Limited by injuries early last season. Plays slot WR for the football team. “Cael is another big piece of what we do, especially defensively,” Mondragon said.     NAMES TO KNOW   Corbyn Dominguez (Jr., 6-3, G): Major contributor off the bench last season. “Corbyn had a huge spring and he' s only getting bigger and stronger,” Mondragon said. “I look for him to do great things.”   Jack Byers (Sr., 6-4, G/F): Elite baseball prospect. Committed to Arizona. Also plays football. Three-sport standout.      Jace Deans (Jr., 6-0, G): Very good shooter. Able to come off the bench and fill up the rim. High hoops IQ.      Derrick Warren (Sr., 6-0, G): Starting quarterback on the football team. Played mostly JV last season. Very athletic. Excellent defender. Good speed.     Tootie McNeil (Sr., 6-2, G): Outstanding defensive back on the football team. Expected to contribute off the bench.   Sawyer Whitehead (Sr. 5-9, G): His toughness and grit will earn him playing time off the bench.   KEY NEWCOMERS   Diego Morales (Sr.): Described as a ‘high motor guy.' Also plays football and baseball.    FINAL THOUGHTS   Artesia opens the 2025-26 season Dec. 4 with a home game against Kirtland Central as part of the City of Champions Classic. They'll participate in the Hobbs Holiday Tournament in late December.   In January, they'll participate in the North/South Shootout at Belen High School and also participate in the Hope Christian Tournament, so the Bulldogs will make at least two trips to the Albuquerque Metro area.   Senior Steven Williams decided not to return to the basketball team in 2025-26.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">New look inside the Bulldog Pit here at City of Champions. It's Great to be a Bulldog!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Artesia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Artesia</a> <a href="https://t.co/EOVhMxZ2kg">pic.twitter.com/EOVhMxZ2kg</a>— Artesia Bulldogs (@Artesiabball) <a href="https://twitter.com/Artesiabball/status/1948743918410977347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2025</a></blockquote>   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I had a great visit today at <a href="https://twitter.com/NMHU_Basketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMHU_Basketball</a>! Thank you Coach Breitenstein, Coach Aargon, and Coach Durham! <a href="https://t.co/puh2sjbQdY">pic.twitter.com/puh2sjbQdY</a>— CKin00 (@c_kin00) <a href="https://twitter.com/c_kin00/status/1980113627874234533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a></blockquote>   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">100 logo makes, looking forward to another great season!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShootersShoot?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShootersShoot</a> <a href="https://t.co/kKZBegwnjm">pic.twitter.com/kKZBegwnjm</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='1717327' first='Braylon' last='Vega'] (@BraylonVega2026) <a href="https://twitter.com/BraylonVega2026/status/1959367602150543687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2025</a></blockquote>   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">2025 ENMU team camp Champions on the Big School tournament and Lightning tournament!! It's Great to be a Bulldog!! <a href="https://t.co/wBL8ysFxvd">pic.twitter.com/wBL8ysFxvd</a>— Artesia Bulldogs (@Artesiabball) <a href="https://twitter.com/Artesiabball/status/1939130081781113240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2025</a></blockquote>

2025-26 ARTESIA BULLDOGS REVIEW