Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 15-17
Boys Basketball: Ben Lujan Tournament
The Pojoaque Elks (6-2) are hoping to capture the tournament title on their home court, but the competition will be tough. Portales (3-1) and Silver (4-2) are off to strong starts this year, and Santa Fe Indian (3-2) may just be the best of the bunch. Smaller-school teams including Dulce (4-2) and Mesa Vista (3-1) are also looking to show that they belong with the competition. This year, the 8-team bracket is in one combined field, while last year Pojoaque lost the championship of the 4-team upper field, while Mesa Vista won their first game and lost to Bosque in the lower bracket. The championship game plays Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 15-17
Girls Basketball: Ben Lujan Tournament
The action kicks off right away, with what looks to be an exciting game between Moriarty (5-2) and Mesa Vista (3-0) Thursday for a first-round game, with the Trojans high off an upset over Taos, and with a legitimate chance to go all the way. Dulce (5-1) has also been strong, and would love to match up with the Lady Trojans again after a 1-point loss, and those two 2A teams could turn the bracket into upset central. Pojoaque (4-3) has been up and down to start the season, beating some weak teams but losing to strong ones, including 50-5 to defending state champion Kirtland Central. But they should have no issue with Monte Del Sol (0-2) in the first round.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Girls Basketball: NACA vs. McCurdy
The Lady Bobcats (0-5) are searching for a win, and could have a good opportunity this week. Having 12 days between games gives the team, full of young players and some new to basketball, time to practice together and debrief after playing five games to start the year at a rapid pace. The Native American Community Academy Eagles (0-3) share a loss to Mora with the Bobcats, but have shown a bit more offensive firepower. McCurdy, who has averaged 21 points per game so far, will have to score more to come away with a win. NACA won last year 56-55 when Raine Edaakie scored 31 points.
Monday, Dec. 19
Boys Basketball: Estancia vs. Escalante
The Lobos (2-2) have a new look this year after losing most of last year’s production, and are still searching for an identity, though they have some strong early results against larger-classification schools. Monday will be a good test of where they stand against another returning state quarterfinalist in the Bears (2-2). Last year, Estancia came out on top in a tough 80-72 battle, despite 36 points from Santiago Rivas.