Española tennis continues great start to season
The Española tennis teams are continuing along what could shape up to be the best seasons in school history.
“We’ve been on a pretty grueling schedule, but it’s been worth it,” said coach Nancy Suazo.
The boys team is 7-2 in head-to-head matches, while the girls team is 8-2.
Last weekend, at the Capital Invite, the Sundevils were highlighted by boys doubles team Ian Gaytan and Joaquin Salazar finishing in second place.
The boys team finished last year by reaching the state tournament, but lost in the first round to Hope Christian. But they avenged that loss this year with an 8-1 victory in Española, losing only in 1 Singles to the defending state singles champion.
They also won a match against Piedra Vista, a team a year removed from reaching the finals in 5A (though with a team that was dominated by seniors).
“There’s just been highlight after highlight,” Suazo said.
The girls team has also been strong, winning matches against district opponents including St. Michael’s, Santa Fe Prep and Los Alamos ahead of district pool play in the coming weeks.
The Sundevils will next compete at the two-day Albuquerque Academy Tournament on Friday and Saturday.
Local athletes receive all-state recognition
Several athletes from northern New Mexico were named to the all-state teams, named by the New Mexico High School Coaches’ Association.
Tana Lopez made the 2A first team from Mesa Vista as a sophomore; she is listed at the very top on the website, though it is unclear if that pertains to the voting order. Joining her on the first team is Escalante senior Brycelyn Martinez, who led the Lady Lobos to the state final; it is her third year as an all-state selection and second-straight first team. Their teammates, Cipriana Garcia from Escalante and Bella Boies from Mesa Vista, were honorable mentions.
On the 2A second team this year is Dulce’s Bailey Vigil and Peñasco freshman Rochelle Lopez. Fellow Peñasco Panther Analise MacAuley was an honorable mention.
For boys 2A, Escalante junior Luka Torrez was selected to the second team, while Mesa Vista senior Jordan Cervantes was an honorable mention. Cervantes was the first Trojan recognized since 2011.
Finally, Pojoaque senior Derek Sanchez was named a member of the 4A second team after a season where he averaged over 25 points per game.
Northern’s Harris dunks on national stage
Northern New Mexico College’s Jamal Harris took to a national stage as part of the State Farm College Slam Dunk championship on March 30 at the site of the NCAA March Madness Final Four.
Harris competed against top Division I athletes, and Georgia Southern’s Kamari Brown took first place. Harris had a dunk where he jumped over former women’s basketball coach JR Giddens, but it was not enough to advance past the first round.
Harris is a mini-celebrity with his dunking ability; his Instagram account has more than 60,000 followers, often highlighting his impressive jumps and slam dunks.