Patience Benally

More great news on local New Mexico talent. Farmington’s Patience Benally has signed her letter of intent to play basketball at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Benally’s athletic and academic achievements are numerous; 2X All-District Selection in 1-4A, 3X Team MVP, Navajo Times All-Star 09-10, Scholar Athlete Award winner, Fighting Heart Award 09-10, and making the All-Academic Team her entire high school career. She ends her prep career having tallied over 1,100 points.

Kansas Wesleyan University, located in Salina, KS, plays in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Lady Coyotes are lead by Gordon Reimer, who took the Lady Coyotes from 5-24 in the 2004-05 season to a 27-6 season in 2008-09 to advance to the NAIA Divsion II National Championships.

Congratulations, Patience!

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Kansas Wesleyan University Women’s Basketball

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Class 1A

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Andrea Aragon, the prolific Las Cruces High shooting guard, has signed to play for New Mexico Junior College in the 2010-11 campaign.

Aragon lead the Lady Bulldawgs in 3-point field goal percentage, assists, deflections and steals over the last two years. She also finished up her prep career with a total of 1,060 points, second in state history, according to the NMAA.

Good luck, and congrats, Andrea!

Peralta, a guard from nearby Cliff, New Mexico, will bring leadership to the squad next season. At Cliff High School, Peralta led the team to a 30-1 record during her senior season and a district championship. Last month her team played in the New Mexico Class 1A championship game.

In 2010, Peralta was named to the District 5 All-District First Team, New Mexico High School Coaches Association South All-Star Basketball Team, District 1A All-State First Team, and All-Tournament Team at the Cowgirl Invite. This season she averaged 20 points and six rebounds per game. She also received the Heart and Hustle award for her performance on the court.

As a junior, Peralta was named to the District 1A All-State Second Team. She also was placed on the all-tournament teams at the Mountain Top Tournament, Lady Maverick Fiesta, and Cowgirl Invite. In 2008, Peralta was named to the Mountain Top Tournament and Lady Maverick Fiesta All-Tournament teams. Also in 2008, she was named an All-District Honorable Mention selection.

Throughout her four years at Cliff, Peralta maintained an impressive 4.15 GPA while participating in athletics. In 2010, she received the US Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award and placed first in the Regional Science Fair. She is a proud member of the National Honors Society and has continually been placed on the Honor Roll.

“Mariah will bring a tough-minded approach that our team needs. She is a natural leader, and I see her contributing in a lot of ways, both on and off the court,” states Adams. “She will develop into a solid and consistent player over the next few years.”

Surrounded by family, Jade Brown signs her letter of intent to play for Eastern.

Congratulations to Jade Brown for signing to play for Eastern New Mexico.

Brown, a transfer to Las Cruces High from Oñate two seasons ago, made her mark as a gritty and smart player helping the Lady ‘Dawgs to a final four appearance in the 2009-10 state tournament.

Learn more about Brown’s signing in the Las Cruces Sun News

Check out the Eastern New Mexico Women’s basketball web site.

Devon Mulheron signs with Cochese College as mom, Danielle watches

Devon Mulheron has signed to play at the next level with Cochise College.

The Las Cruces center scored 850 points, had 428 rebounds and blocked 68 shots in her basketball career at Las Cruces High. Most recently, Mulheron was money at the charity stripe during the Bulldawgs state championship game, sinking 10 out of 12 free throw attempts during the second half of the Cruces-Cibola game.

Congrats, Devon!

To learn more, visit the Cochise College website

Angel weighed her many options and offers but felt comfortable with the program. Coached by Drew Sanders, the the Lady T-Birds are a fairly young program, ending the season with six sophomores and 11 freshmen. They went 16-14 in the 2009-2010 campaign, losing the Collin County CC in the first round of the NJCAA Region 5 tournament.

Congrats again to Angel – good luck!

In addition to the great athletes in this game, the coaches are top-notch; Abney and Kubala will put on a great show.

These two met earlier in the season, and while the Matadors got the win (50-34), I don’t think the score was a good indication what Cruces is capable of.

Comparing the two, Las Cruces looks to have the advantage as far as depth is concerned—size and athleticism on the inside looks to be Sandia’s advantage.

Sandia’s win over Valley proved they are able to handle the press and guard the perimeter against a dangerous shooter. Against Valley, it was Reyes; against Las Cruces, it will be Aragon.

Ebony Walker and Jalessa Russell are leaders on this team, but I think Camille Boal is just as valuable for all the opportunities she opens up for Walker—she should be recognized for her selfless play.

Forward Elena Martinez-Velasquez is the wildcard here. If she can get hot—she was averaging 12.1 during the season, she had 7 against Valley—she’ll be one more thing Cruces will have to worry about.

Sandia effectively shut down Valley’s Kylynn Brown, the state’s leading rebounder. Cruces is much deeper at post than Valley with Devon Mulheron, Jade Brown and Sharayah Newton.

The only downside to Sandia I can see is their depth. With only four players scoring against Valley (Valley’s strategy may have had something to do with it), the Matadors will need more production from Boal and get Dana Layer into the game.

With 19 points, Andrea Aragon was on fire against Cibola. Las Cruces will need to get the ball to her often, and Sandia know this. Look for coach Matt Abney to get a fast tempo going to get Aragon free.

If there’s enough attention on Aragon, there are many options inside that Cruces can turn to. Devon Mulheron is the obvious choice with her size, but her dependability at the charity stripe makes her truly dangerous. Going, 10-12 against Cibola, her confidence at the free throw line changed the game.

The other option inside is Jade Brown. A 5’ 9” post, what Brown lacks in height she makes up in smarts, technique and a fierce attitude under the iron.

On Tuesday, Las Cruces did look a little nervous, played somewhat sloppy, and came out completely flat in the third, letting the Cougars back into the game. The ‘Dawgs can’t afford to make the same mistakes.

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.