No teams have emerged as the clear-cut favorites for the District 3AA and District 2AA boys basketball titles as the pre-district season winds down.
In District 3AA, Peñasco may have the early edge after its 77-74 overtime victory Dec. 23 over Mesa Vista in the Ben Lujan Tournament. The Trojans dominated the first half but suffered a total collapse in the third quarter to allow the Panthers to come back for the win. I expect Trojans’ coach Thomas Vigil to be better prepared for the Panthers’ press next time these two teams meet.
The Trojans are still finding themselves. With the exception of senior Estevan Trujillo, who is the lone returning starter, none of the current varsity players have much experience at the varsity level.
One of the good things that could come out of Mesa Vista’s currently unsettled situation is that a lot of players are getting playing time, and a number of them have stepped up and made plays. Vigil has continually stressed that depth will be one of the Trojans strong points this season, and he may have hit the nail on the head. He doesn’t have the individuals to make up for the loss of stars Frankie Giron and Jaime Cruz to graduation, but he may be able to make up the difference with sheer numbers. The Troajns are still a work in progress, but the pieces are there.
McCurdy looks poised to surprise a few teams if their players can learn to finish games. I’ve seen some good athleticism from several Bobcats’ players — Carlos Herrera, Randy Martinez and Isaac Valdez come to mind — but all too often they miss makeable shots. The Bobcats also have to learn how to handle the pressure defense that Peñasco and Mesa Vista will bring. This means point guard Ryan Bustos is going to have to protect the ball for the Bobcats.
If McCurdy can control the ball and force teams to play half-court offense, it could make a move in the District standings. Because McCurdy does not have the quickness and depth of a Mesa Vista or a Peñasco, coach Walter Bustos has said that McCurdy can’t get into a fast-paced game.
Questa is rebuilding, but does have a quality player in senior Jared Herrera. The Wildcats will need some inexperienced players to step up if they are to challenge for the District 3AA title.
Over in District 2AA, the Coronado Leopards have adopted a style of play that isn’t popular with their opponents’ fans. The Leopards have been spreading the floor and forcing teams to come out of their zone defenses. This can lead to low-scoring games.
Coronado beat Pecos 35-31 Dec. 19 with this tactic, much to the displeasure of Pecos fans, according to Leopard coach Ezau Rios.
He has gone with this game plan since post Pedro Valdez fractured his left elbow last month. Valdez is set to return for the Northern Rio Grande Tournament to be held in early January.
Once Valdez returns the Leopards will be a different ball club.
Escalante has a lot of height, but coach Milnor Manzanares is looking for better play from his guards. Escalante is one team that over the years I can count on to improve dramatically from the beginning of the season to the end. The Lobos will be able to rebound with any team in District 2AA and they will be tough once the guard play settles down.
A team that I would normally overlook in this District, Navajo Prep, may be ready to contend for the title. The Eagles are coming off their most successful football season in years and that could carry over into basketball. They are 7-4 this season with two impressive victories over Class AAAA Aztec and two three-point losses to Class AAA Bloomfield.
Dulce is in a rebuilding mode this season due to its inexperience. Dulce has suffered some tough losses, most recently a 65-58 defeat to Mora Dec. 22 at home. The Hawks will find a way to win some games this season but are a year away from challenging for the district title.
All of these teams, except Navajo Prep and Questa, are scheduled to play in the Northern Rio Grande Tournament set for Jan. 6 to 9 in Pojoaque. This tournament will be a great measuring stick for how these teams measure up against each other. District 2AA and 3AA teams will also face off in the opening round of state later this season.