2026-27 Team Preview: Volcano Vista Hawks

2026-27 VOLCANO VISTA HAWKS PREVIEW   OVERVIEW   As Wilt Chamberlain famously said many years ago, no one roots for Goliath. So, when [player_tooltip player_id='2111977' first='David' last='Lunn'], the 2025-26 New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year,  announced he was transferring to a prestigious prep school in the Boston area for his senior season a couple of months after leading Volcano Vista to its fifth consecutive Class 5A state title, few folks felt sorry for the Hawks.   Lunn's departure, along with five seniors, gives Volcano Vista largely a new look in 2026-27. But the expectations haven't wavered even though the Hawks won't be favored to lift the blue trophy again in March.   “We have a hardworking group of returning players,” Volcano Vista head coach Greg Brown told Prep Hoops New Mexico. “A handful of those guys have state tournament experience. We're excited to see what this team's identity is. We still need to create that identity. We know we have challenges ahead. The preseason has been very good. We should be fine. It's going to be tough, of course.”   Volcano Vista is renowned across the state for its unique team culture, something Brown described as ‘very strong.'   “We believe in what we do,” Brown said. “This year will be fun. We still have very high expectations. We know we won't be the top, top dog early on in the season. We like the potential of this team. They like being in the gym. They've bought into the work we need to put in to become our best.”   Left without its superstar, Volcano Vista plans to tweak its scheme and focus on ball movement.   “The ball has to move a little bit more,” Brown said. “We have to have a greater attention to detail. We have to win on grit. We Have to be physical defensive team. We won't have that obvious Division I caliber player to rely on this year. But we feel we're going to have a strong team. We had some success with that in the summer.”                  PLAYERS TO WATCH   Luis Gonzales (Sr., G): Expected to be the Hawks' leader after being a major contributor to their 5A title run last March. Skilled smaller guard. In the Hawks' semifinal win over La Cueva, Gonzales scored nine straight points to give his team an early lead. Afterwards, Brown described Gonzales as ‘the ultimate teammate' and a player who ‘sacrifices a lot for his teammates.'      [player_tooltip player_id='2714701' first='Houston' last='Brown'] (Jr., G): Another experienced player who will be counted on heavily this coming season. Also plays football. “We're looking to Luis and Houston as the leaders of our team this season, on and off the court,” Brown said. “They've been around the program the longest. They've played in big games and have had big moments in big games for us. They understand the program and what the expectations are. Our guys are very motivated and that starts with Luis and Houston.”     [player_tooltip player_id='2966846' first='Jackson' last='Mangrum'] (So., 6-5, F): He'll take on a much bigger role after gaining valuable experience as a freshman last season. Saw a lot of action for the JV team. Also a standout baseball player. “He's developing,” Brown said. “He's an athletic, rim-protecting, finisher type of player. He's a quick learner. But he is still learning and growing. You can see his youth at times. But he understands what he needs to do to help us win.”         NAMES TO KNOW   [player_tooltip player_id='2959204' first='Elijah' last='Marquez'] (Sr.): Has some experience. Underrated player. Expected to play a bigger role.   Chimdi Akwani (Sr.): The third senior on this year's Hawks team.   [player_tooltip player_id='3622183' first='Jashad' last='Douglas'] (Jr., G): Also plays on the Volcano Vista football team. Southpaw. Looking to contribute as a ‘bigger guard.'      Eli Accilien (Jr.): Listed on the varsity roster last season. Another guy who saw most of his action with the JV team.     KEY NEWCOMERS   [player_tooltip player_id='2887528' first='Omri' last='Buck'] (Jr., 6-2, G): Promising playmaker. Competing to be a starter or one of the first players off the bench.   Jayceon Hill (8th grade): Younger brother of former Hawks star Ja'Kwon Hill, the 2022 New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year. He could contribute to the varsity as an eighth-grader.   Javeon Hill (So.): Like his younger brother, he's a promising up-and-comer. Could have a role on this year's varsity.   FINAL THOUGHTS   Volcano Vista faces an early test when they face Sandia in the season opener on Nov. 24. They'll travel to Centennial on Dec. 5. The Hawks will then compete in multiple tournaments in Farmington and Rio Rancho before the Albuquerque Metro Tournament and the start of district play in January.   District 5A-1 will again be a Godzilla this coming season with Cleveland, Farmington, Piedra Vista, Rio Rancho and Volcano Vista. Don't be surprised if the district race goes down to the wire as it did last season.

2026-27 VOLCANO VISTA HAWKS PREVIEW