The Cibola-Rio Grande game looked to be close one. The Journal is reporting that the RG head coach did not start his star shooting guard because of a  “strategic decision”. It boggles my mind why you wouldn’t start a player that can help you get to the next level and keep her out for the first three minutes. No complaints from Cibola for this egregious decision. Cougar Alex De La O had the shot to lift her team to the next level. Looking at the box, Cibola got exactly what they needed off the bench. Nice performance from Ashley Ward (14 pts) and Elyse Brewster (12 pts).

La Cueva shut down Mayfield’s three-point attack perfectly.

Eldorado: Yikes!

The final score in the Valley-Hobbs game: 60-19. Hobbs is a pretty good team and Valley ran past them with no problems. Valley played some great defense and had a strong showing from their bench. Angel Reyes lead all scorers with 20 points, followed by Jordan Gutierrez with 11. Watch out for the Vikes–if they can sustain this level of play, they will be are dangerous.

On the opposite end of the point differential spectrum, Manzano played Gallup much, much closer than I think anyone could have predicted. April Semler had 12 points, Caroline Lantor 11. Gallup’s Alannah Spencer lead the way for the Lady Bengals with 14 points.

Scores from last night

Updated Brackets

Even though #16 seed Alamogordo enters the tournament playing #1 seed Lady Golden Eagles, Eldorado head coach Michael Huston doesn’t plan to make any adjustments

“Our team has been very balanced all year and that will be a key for us vs. Alamogordo, as well as the rest of the field.”

“Our game plan will not change much for Alamogordo in that we will work to pressure them both offensively and defensively. At this time I have only heard things about them but will be viewing some tape on them hopefully tomorrow night when it arrives. I know that they have 3 excellent players that are similar to kids we have played against at Rio Grande. It should be an interesting test for us mostly because of the unknown but also because they have improved through the year.”

Players to Watch

Kya DeGarmo (E), Madison Lopez (E), Shanae Hilliard (A), Genoveva Rodriguez (A)

Last year

Alamogordo lost to Valley (61-46) in the first round
Eldorado defeated Carlsbad (69-43) and lost to Sandia in the semis (59-46).

#2 Sandia vs #15 Oñate

Both Sandia and Oñate enter unchartered territory when they face each other on Friday evening in at Sandia.

“From what I have gathered together so far – Onate is a very scrappy team that will mix it up on defense – showing both man and zone – full court and half court,” said Sandia head coach, Susan Kubala. Kubala has a watchful eye on several of the player on the Oñate squad, “Their top three players have been playing well as of late – Andrea Reiff their shooting guard, as well as Marissa Valles and Cindy Burciaga.”

Oñate head coach Rick Viramontes has done his homework as well:

“All I really know is that they are a very talented team with an excellent inside-outside game. Their post players are very good and one of these players, Ebony Walker, is going to Texas Tech to play basketball. Their point guard, Elena Vasquez, is an excellent player and good scorer. Their size will definitely create a problem.”

Viramontes also knows Sandia will require a top-notch game from his squad to challenge the Lady Matadors, “We will have to do a better job of blocking out, be patient on offense, and have good shot selection. We will have to play our best game of the season to give ourselves a chance. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished this year and I know we’re going to give it our best shot.”

Players to Watch

Andrea Reiff (O), Cindy Burciaga (O), Ebony Walker (S), Elena Velasquez (S)

Last year

Sandia beat Rio Grande (71-46) and Eldorado (59-46) and lost to Cibola (49-38) in the quarter finals.
Oñate did not earn a seed last year.

#3 Las Cruces vs. #14 Carlsbad

Shaking off a difficult loss to rival Mayfield in the 3-5A district tournament is paramount for the Bulldawgs, and head coach Matt Abney knows his squad can’t take anyone lightly.

“Carlsbad is a much-improved team then when we played them back in November.  They are definitely a team on the rise.  Coach Zunbrum has done a great job in a short amount of time.  They are a young, talented team,” said Abney.  “We must take advantage of our playoff experience when they come to LCHS this Friday night.”

Although Las Cruces beat the Cavegirls soundly in November, Carlsbad’s win against Mayfield the previous night should resonate loudly with anyone looking past the young squad.

Players to Watch

Andrea Aragon (LC), Jade Brown (LC), Taylor Edmondson (C), Kali McCormick (C), Shannon Niemier (C)

Key wins

Carlsbad beat Mayfield 51-44 on November 20, 2009.

Last year

Las Cruces lost to Cibola in the first round (51-45)
Carlsbad lost to Eldorado (69-43) in the first round.

#4 Gallup vs. #13 Manzano

Manzano faces the Gallup Bengals, Version 2.0. This group of young ladies puts the run in run and gun.

“I think that with our game against Manzano, the Lady Bengals will have to make it a fast pace up and down game. I don’t think that they can keep up with us for 32 minutes. They are bigger than us, but everyone we play has been bigger than us so that is nothing new,” said head coach Kamau Turner. “We will try to take away their strengths and see if they are versatile in their offense. If we are able to score in the 70’s we will have a great chance to advance to Albuquerque.”

Regarded as one of the toughest places to play, and with the most passionate and loyal set of fans in the state, Turner knows the value of a great fan base.

“I expect a very large crowd of Bengal fans and that can be very intimidating for opposing teams, while energizing our team.”

Players to Watch

Courtney Billy (G), Stacy Charley (G), April Semler (M), Sarah Evans (M), Caroline Lantor (M)

Last year

Gallup beat Mayfield 40-39 in the first round and lost to La Cueva, 50-47, in the semis.
Manzano, the #16 seed, lost in the first round to Rio Rancho, 58-30.

#5 Clovis vs. #12 Cleveland

Considering the age of the program and the experience of their players, Cleveland has done a great job this season. Making it to the district tournament final and now earning a seed in the state tournament, the Storm is furiously living up to its namesake.

Anchored by Antiesha Brown, Clovis has been a steady performer all year.

Players to Watch

Antiesha Brown (Clo), Shanikwa Jackson (Clo), Sara Hattis (Cle), Courtnie Lantham (Cle)

Key wins

Cleveland has already beat Clovis, 51-49 on January 16, 2010.
Clovis beat Mayfield, 63-41, on January 2, 2010.

Last year

Cleveland did not play last year
Clovis beat West Mesa 66-50 in the first round and lost to Cibola (50-52) in the semis.

#6 Cibola vs. #11 Rio Grande

These teams are very similar in that each has depended on a limited number of players to shoulder the load. The main  difference beween the two: Cibola lost one of their heavy lifters, Korina Chapman, to a foot injury.

“We are working hard this week and we will have to play our very best basketball in every single game.  We lost Korina Chapman two weeks ago to a broken foot and my team has really had to dig in without her,” according to head coach Lori Stephenson.

Like any other team in the same situation, the loss of a big producer is bound to have detrimental effect on self-confidence. Stephenson remains positive and is focused on the task at hand.

“We are capable of making some noise if we show up mentally tough! Obviously we will have to get it done on the defensive end and will really need to have people ready to step up and guard Bernadette Sanchez from Rio Grande in our first game.”

Unfortunately for Cibola, Sanchez is not the only threat. One needs to look no further than Monique Macias to understand the damage she is capable of on both offense and under the basket.

While Sanchez is averaging an amazing 25 PPG, Macias is not far behind with 18.5 PPG; not shabby by any measure. Just as impressive are the 10 rebounds per game she’s pulling down—those statistics are in the neighborhood of Valley’s Kylynn Brown’s and a healthy Korina Chapman. That’s some nice company she’s keeping.

Players to Watch

Bernadette Sanchez (RG), Monique Macias (RG), Elyse Brewster (C), Amber Battle (C)

Key wins

Cibola defeated Gallup, 54-51 on February 10.
Rio Grande beat Manzano 75-35 on January 26

Last year

Cibola defeated Las Cruces (51-45), Clovis (60-52), Sandia (49-38) and lost to La Cueva, 51-43 in the state final.
Rio Grande lost to Sandia, 71-46 in the first round

#7 Valley vs. #10 Hobbs

Valley hosts Hobbs in what should be an entertaining first-round game.

Hobbs’ claim to fame this season is being the only team to defeat juggernaut Eldorado. The Eagles picked up the win with some smart defense, a consistent offense and some good, old-fashion coaching. They’ll need to be almost perfect in execution of their game plan against Valley.

The Vikings are a very well coached team with as balanced attack as any team in the state. Sharpshooter Angel Reyes leads the way for the Vikes, and post Kylnn Brown is the top rebounder in the state.

Key wins

Hobbs: Eldorado on Dec. 28, 2009 at the Las Crucse Hoop-La. 49-47
Valley: La Cueva on Jan. 19, 2010 at La Cueva. 68-61

Players to watch

Angel Reyes (V), Kylynn Brown (V), Jade Burnell (H), Summer Patterson (H)

Last year

Valley beat Alamogordo in the first round, 61-46. Valley lost to Rio Rancho in the quarterfinals.
Hobbs lost in the first round to La Cueva.

#8 La Cueva vs. #9 Mayfield

The defending state champions are set to take on the unpredictable Trojans on Friday in Albuquerque. While La Cueva has struggled lately to find consistency, Mayfield is improving every game.

“We’re playing well now, and it depends on our three categories; if can take care of the ball, especially on the road, make free throws, and not miss too many lay-ups, I think we’ve got a shot.”

With size favoring the Lady Bears both inside and out, look for the smaller Trojans to bring a fast paced game to La Cueva, not unlike the Gallup team. “We don’t match up really well as far as their size, but pretty much the whole season we haven’t matched up as far as the height,” said Maya.

Being undersized, Maya knows the importance of making every shot. “We’re shooting the ball well now. Against Oñate we had eight threes and against Cruces, we hit seven.”

No doubt the Trojans have turned some heads in the state–watch for Mayfield to do damage from beyond the three-point arc (Holguin, Bourger, Hernandez and Hutchinson) to counter the strong inside play of Higgs, Cogan and Kemper.

Players to Watch

Elena Holguin (M), Alina Burger (M), Erica Baca (LC), Tyahnna Higgs (LC)

Key wins

Mayfield beat #2 Las Cruces in the District 3-5A tournament championship game, 44-42.
La Cueva beat #2 Sandia on February 16, 52-51.

Last year

La Cueva won the state championship with wins over Hobbs, Gallup, Rio Rancho and Cibola.
Mayfield lost in the first round against Gallup, 39-40.

The seeding committees will meet at 10:00 in Albuquerque to decide the seeding of the respective classes. To view the complete committee list, download from the NMAA site. The final seeds are usually available by 12 noon.

Scores from last night

Mayfield 42, Las Cruces 40

Mayfield was determined to get a win against their nemesis, and while it may have taken them four regular season games and numerous match-ups over the summer, they finally got it.

Mayfield’s Elena Holguin lead the Lady Trojans on the night with 15, but it was Alina Burger’s two clutch three-point goals in the final minutes of the game that deflated the ‘Dawgs.

Las Cruces almost made the comeback with an Andrea Aragon three-point shot to bring them within two, but with Mayfield running an aggressive press, there were able to get the steal and hold on the ball for the win.

Eldorado 71, Rio Grande 48

Kya DeGarmo was in the zone last night, with 34 points (9 off 3-pointers) as Eldorado took care of business in the 5-5A district championship game. Very nice. Again, it looks like the majority of the Eldo bench got to see some play against the Ravens.

It wasn’t enough, but Monique Macias racked up 25 points of her own, followed by Bernadette Sanchez’s 17. Unfortunately, the combined total of the only other two players to score was six points.

Other Scores

Cleveland 37, Cibola 31

Kudos to Cleveland for making it to the district tournament championship game in their inaugural season. Lead by Sara Hattis’s 14 and Courtnie Latham’s 9, the Storm now gets to travel to Gallup and take on the tough Lady Bengals in an even tougher place to play. I wonder how effective Hattis will be with Gallup swarming all over her.

With Cibola’s Chapman out with a broken foot the bench needs to step up and produce (I posted about earlier this season.) Cibola’s Amber Battle lead the Cougars with 9 points before she fouled out. Elyse Brewster had 6 before she fouled out.

Rio Grande 49, Manzano 46

I did a double take; both Sanchez and Macias with only 11 apiece? Luckily Jocelyn Gamboa was able to put down 20 to help the Ravens get past the up-and-coming Manzano. Nice peformance from Lady Monarch Caroline Lantor, who lead her team with 15.

Next up for the Ravens is Kya DeGarmo and the Eldo squad. The Ravens need Sanchez, Macias and the rest of the squad to be in top form to have a chance at the might Lady Golden Eagles tonight.

Texico 37, Santa Rosa 35

Another close one for the Wolverines, senior guard Victoria Richards was able to lift Texico over the scrappy Lions on a three-point play.

The rest of the scores

Games to Watch

A quick rundown of games to watch:

Mayfield @ Las Cruces 7:00 PM

This is the fourth regular season meeting between these arch-rivals. Las Cruces has been able to hold off the Lady Trojans thus far, but Mayfield made a game of it in their last match-up.

Hatch Valley @ Socorro 5:30 PM

These two have split the regular season, each winning on their home court.

Cleveland @ Gallup 7:00 PM

Cleveland played them tough in their last match-up, Cleveland’s Latham and the rest of the Storm will really need to step it up to make this a game.

La Cueva @ Sandia 7:00 PM

Sandia, #3 in the state, takes on the always-relevant Bears.

Scores from Wednesday night

Games to Watch

Lots of good ones going into the district tournament championship games. From here on out, I don’t think you can go wrong–so get out and support your favorite team!

As far a games to watch, I spotted a trend from last year. Both of these match ups happened about the same time last year, and both were nothing short of major upsets. You can bet the two underdogs are hoping history repeats itself.

Texico hosts Santa Rosa @ 6:00 PM

Santa Rosa hasn’t bested the Lady Wolverines yet this year, but there is always a chance for the upset. You might remember that last year, Santa Rosa traveled to Texico and beat the Wolverines, 33-29, to win the district tournament.

Rio Grande host Manzano @ 7:00 PM

The big upset in last year’s District 5-5A tournament was Manzano winning over Rio Grande, and saw coach Rick Espinoza’s ejection from the game.

Losing by 40 to the Lady Ravens in the first match up this season, Manzano was able to close the point differential to 10 in their last meeting. I’m not sure if they’re slowing solving Rio Grande’s offense, but containing Bernadette Sanchez and Monique Macias is going to be a critical, and the most difficult, task for the Lady Monarch defense. Winner gets Eldorado in the district championship.

Seeding for 5A
1-Eldorado vs 16-Alamogordo
2-Sandia vs 15-Carlsbad
3-Gallup vs 14-Onate
4-Las Cruces vs 13-Cleveland
5-Clovis vs 12-Manzano
6-Cibola vs 11-LaCueva
7-Valley vs 10-Rio Grande
8-Mayfield vs 9-Hobbs

No doubt about Eldorado about being the #1 seed. Sandia beat Las Cruces earlier in the year and for that they get the #2 seed.I take Gallup as your #3 because of strength of schedule and if they take down Cibola again at home they deserve it. If not Las Cruces get the #3. Las Cruces as the #4 with Clovis as your #5. Cibola getting the #6 seed since they have dropped off after losing Korina due to a foot injury. Valley Vikings are the 7 seed as long as the make to the district finals. #8 belongs to Coach Maya’s Mayfield Trojans.#9,10,11,12 are solid slots and the rest of the field you could mix them up if you want.Things could change if Cleveland makes it to the district finals which would not be a long shot. Also if La Cueva gets by Valley that could knock out the Vikings from getting a home game in the first round. I see the top 8 seeds making it to the next round and La Cueva as a three peat champion comes to an end.

Quarterfinals
1-Eldorado vs 8-Mayfield
2-Sandia vs 7-Valley
3-Gallup vs 6-Cibola
4-Las Cruces vs 5-Clovis

I see Kya DeGarmo leading the Golden Eagles past the Trojans into the semis. My Cinderella pick will be Valley and Angel Reyes getting by Sandia after the fifth try and pulling off the upset. Gallup takes down Cibola as Justina Prairie-Chief leads her team to the semis.The Bulldawgs contain Antiesha Brown and the rest of the wildcats and end up playing the Golden Eagles in the semi finals.

Semi-Finals

1-Eldorado vs 4-Las Cruces the rematch that didn’t happen because the Hobbs Eagles took down Eldorado in the Las Cruces tournament.The speed of Kya DeGarmo and the rest of the Lady Golden Eagles will be to much for the Dawgs and DeGarmo will see her second finals in four stellar years at Eldo.The other Semi finalists will be the 3-Bengals vs the 7-Vikings.The crowd and the experience of the Bengals will be too much for the young Vikings and Gallup squeaks into the finals.

Finals

1-Eldorado vs 3-Gallup
Close your eyes and picture the PIT in Orange and Black on one side matter of fact all sides and the texas burn’t orange white and gold mixed in.The PIT will be rockin at 2:30pm on Saturday March 13TH. Be There!!!!!!

Eldorado wins the Blue trophy and DeGarmo is the MVP!!!! Sorry Bengal Fans.See you next year.

Gallup 65, Cibola 52

Meeting half-way in Grants last night, Gallup was able to get the win over Cibola for the District 1-5A tiebreaker.

Gallup got plenty of production from the bench with Paulette Coffey leading the way with 17 points. Justina Prairie Chief followed with 15. Cibola’s Clarissa Dominguez lead Cibola with 15.

Under former coach John Lomasney, Gallup was always team that was considered dangerous; under coach Kamau Turner, nothing has changed. Look for Gallup to end their days as a 5A team with a bang.

When it comes down to it, all that matters are the girls are on the court and the game they bring with them–seedings become useless. Last year’s finals with heavily favored Rio Rancho falling to La Cueva is all you need to look at. I guarantee all the coaches will be using this as a warning or a motivator.

Whatever your opinion, you know it’s going to be another great finale to a great season!

GIRLS CLASS 5A

Who’s In: Las Cruces, Clovis, Valley, Cibola, Gallup, La Cueva, Sandia, Eldorado, Rio Grande, Mayfield, Cleveland, Manzano, Carlsbad, Hobbs
Who’s Out: West Mesa, Santa Fe, Highland, Los Lunas, Gadsden
On the Bubble: Rio Rancho, Oñate, Alamogordo, Albuquerque High
Seeding:

1. Eldorado
2. Sandia
3. Las Cruces
4. Clovis
5. Gallup
6. Cibola
7. Rio Grande
8. Valley
9. Mayfield
10. La Cueva
11. Hobbs
12. Manzano
13. Cleveland
14. Carlsbad
15. Oñate
16. Alamogordo

Last In & Out: Onate and Alamogordo get in before Rio Rancho and Albuquerque High. Putting the Rams and Bulldogs into the bubble conversation is a stretch anyway, but Bracketology rules are Bracketology rules. Gotta have bubble teams.

The Low-Down: The field is pretty much set, meaning the only suspense this week comes in how the seeding process shakes out through district tournament results. Regardless, the top three teams are not much source of debate. Eldorado has established itself as the clear favorite while Sandia and Las Cruces follow in step in the 2-3 seeds. Putting the clamps on Eldo is a pretty tall order, though. The Eagles are undefeated since the new year and haven’t played a game decided by single digits since a 51-43 at La Cueva on Jan. 12. Beware of Sandia. Two of the Matadors’ three losses were to Eldorado and they handed Las Cruces its only loss – by 16 points – back on Dec. 12.

GIRLS CLASS 4A

Who’s In: Kirtland Central, Shiprock, Volcano Vista, Roswell, Espanola Valley, Los Alamos, Silver, St. Pius, Deming, Piedra Vista, Del Norte, Artesia
Who’s Out: Grants, Goddard, Taos, Bernalillo, Aztec, Farmington, Abq. Academy
On the Bubble: Valencia, Chaparral, Moriarty, Capital, Santa Teresa, Belen
Seeding:

1. Kirtland Central
2. Shiprock
3. Espanola Valley
4. Roswell
5. Los Alamos
6. Volcano Vista
7. Piedra Vista
8. Deming
9. St. Pius
10. Del Norte
11. Silver
12. Artesia
13. Chaparral
14. Valencia
15. Capital
16. Moriarty

Last In & Out: Moriarty and Valencia have benefitted from a 5-4A slate in which none of the four teams created much separation. That allowed the Pintos and Jags to stack up a few meaningful wins down the stretch. Chaparral finished above .500 but played a week schedule without a marquee win.

The Low-Down: An all-Four Corners finals showdown is a distinct possibility with KC and Shiprock running roughshod over the competition. Espanola Valley and Los Alamos could sneak in there, but the cream of the 4A crop is the pair of 1-4A heavyweights. Volcano Vista’s final season in 4A could end in a semifinal run, but the real sleepers are St. Pius and Del Norte. The Sartans, lest anyone forget, are the reigning champs while Del Norte is a district winner with a starting lineup that can hold up to nearly anyone else’s in 4A.

GIRLS CLASS 3A

Who’s In: Santa Fe Indian, Miyamura, West Las Vegas, Portales, Socorro, Lovington, Pojoaque Valley, Thoreau, Wingate, St. Michael’s, Hot Springs, Hope Christian, Newcomb
Who’s Out: Crownpoint, Sandia Prep, Raton, Dexter, Laguna-Acoma, Cobre, Tohatchi
On the Bubble: Robertson, Cuba, Zuni, Hatch Valley, Ruidoso, Bloomfield
Seeding:

1. Portales
2. Santa Fe Indian
3. West Las Vegas
4. Socorro
5. Lovington
6. Thoreau
7. Hope Christian
8. Miyamura
9. Pojoaque Valley
10. St. Michael’s
11. Wingate
12. Hot Springs
13. Newcomb
14. Ruidoso
15. Hatch Valley
16. Robertson

Last In & Out: Robertson has taken an absolute beating in 2-3A, all of which makes them a dangerous low seed. They’ve hung tough against 3A’s elite, so seeding them 16th might make the top team a little nervous. Bloomfield fell apart down the stretch, losing its last three and five of its last eight. Anything short of a sustained run through the 1-3A tournament means they’ll remain on the outside looking in.

The Low-Down: Giving Portales the No. 1 seed over SFIS and West will ruffle some feathers, but anyone familiar with 3A knows the final won-lost record of the Rams doesn’t mean as much as strength of schedule. Portales usually plays the toughest schedule of any team in the state, meaning the losses tend to pile up. The real fight comes in the following four seeds. SFIS and West are good enough to go all the way, but Roxanne Silva (the state’s leading scorer and rebounder) has the talent to carry her team to the finals. And never count out Lovington, one of the state’s more athletic teams.

Aragon scored her 1,000th point in the Bulldawg win against Oñate on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010.

Like many other great players, Andrea will often dish out the ball for the assist rather than go for the points herself. She is currently averaging 14 points and 5.2 assists per game.

A basketball signed by her teammates was presented to Andrea by coach Matt Abney before the Mayfield-Las Cruces contest on Friday evening.