Now that the fall sports have been put to bed for another season, the local student athletes have jumped right into the winter season, with basketball tipping off last week before the footballs and volleyballs even got cold.
Boys Basketball
Nov. 22
Española Valley 70, Aztec 26
The host Sundevils (1-0) threw up a smothering defense in limiting the Tigers offensive output in the season opener.
Nov. 24
Coronado 50, Native American Community Academy/Evangel Christian Academy 40
The host Leopards (1-0) stymied the Eagles, particularly from the outside, allowing just three 3-point buckets, while Coronado’s defense was particularly strong from the outset, giving up just four points in the first quarter.
Nov. 25
Santa Fe Indian School 60, Española Valley 55
The visiting Sundevils (1-1) fell victim to a 10-0 Braves first-quarter run and could not recover in an emotional game as Santa Fe Indian School honored its former coach, Jayson Abeyta, and assistant athletic director Nathan Abeyta, brothers from Ohkay Owingeh who were both killed in a car accident in April.
Albuquerque Academy 72, Pojoaque Valley 66
The visiting Elks (0-1) had a tough road opener against the perennial 4A title contending Chargers.
Nov. 28
Menaul 79, Coronado 31
The host Leopards (1-1) ran into a buzz saw as the Panthers ran wild.
Nov. 29
McCurdy 49, Monte del Sol 8
The visiting Bobcats (1-0) jumped out to a 20-2 first-quarter lead and never let up on the throttle, not allowing the Dragons to score more than three points in any quarter.
Valencia 47, Española Valley 45
The Sundevils (1-2) dropped a tight home game to the Jaguars.
Mesa Vista 53, Pecos 51
Two Class 2A championship contenders showed why in the season-opening bash, with the visiting Trojans (1-0) grabbing early bragging rights.
Legacy Academy 58, Coronado 47
The visiting Leopards (1-2) could not overcome the Silverbacks.
Girls Basketball
Nov. 24
Coronado 42, Native American Community Academy/Evangel Christian Academy 31
The Lady Leopards (1-0) got 18 points from sophomore Mia Gallegos and junior Tracy Negale added 10 to start the season strong against the Lady Eagles.
Nov. 25
Pojoaque Valley 57, Grants 53
The host Elkettes opened the season in strong fashion with a win over the Lady Pirates.
Santa Fe Indian School 49, Española Valley 21
The young Lady Sundevils (0-1) struggled to find their offense against the pressing Lady Braves.
Nov. 28
Dulce 59, Mountainair 31
The Lady Hawks (1-0) opened the Thanksgiving Classic tournament with a strong win over the Lady Mustangs, going up 26-15 at halftime, then using 21-10 third quarter to gain a large advantage.
Nov. 29
Mesa Vista 60, Pecos 32
The Lady Trojans (1-0) opened the season with a convincing win over last year’s Class 2A runner-up and enacted a small measure of revenge against the Lady Panthers, who knocked out Mesa Vista in the state semifinals. Freshman Aaliyah Boies had 24 points, 11 steals and eight rebounds to lead the rout. Freshman Jordyn Serrano grabbed 14 rebounds and had four blocks and eighth grader Charlene Archuleta added 10 points and four steals.
Dulce 64, Legacy Academy 39
The visiting Lady Hawks (2-0) used a big second half to overcome a 22-15 halftime deficit against the Lady Silverbacks in the Thanksgiving Classic tournament, behind a strong defensive effort that limited the host team to 33% shooting from the field and caused 32 turnovers.