AAA update

Boy, this is tiring. Updating all three classes in one day. But it's what I do because I love it. And to give you, the readers, some reasoning for my thought process.
Anyway, AAA isn't as hopping as AAAA was, but the tweaks will be there.
Enjoy.

1. Hope Christian (23-3). If there was any doubt about the Huskies' dominance, Saturday night was a subtle reminder about everybody's place in Class AAA. Hope Christian 63, Sandia Preparatory 43. See you on March 14, Hope.
2. St. Michael's (19-7). The Horsemen wrapped up a perfect District 2AAA season with an overtime win over Pojoaque, and thus have wrapped up the No. 2 seed. Yes, Portales is sitting there at a three, but what can the Rams say they have that the Horsemen don't?
3. Portales (18-8). The Rams are 8-0, but more important is what thy have done since Dec. 29. After losing to West Las Vegas in the Stu Clark Tournament, Portales is 16-3. Its only losses are to Hope Christian, Texico and Artesia. Not bad company there. just not enough to leap over St. Michael's.
4. Sandia Prep (18-7). So Prep got walloped by Hope Christian. Yet, the Sun Devils move up a spot. That's the benefit of a strong nondistrict schedule. That and the fact that they are undefeated in their last 13 games against teams not named Hope Christian.
5. Wingate (20-6). Well, do the Bears really deserve this spot? The answer is no, but because 1AAA occupies key spots at the bottom of the bracket, they move here. They are the top seed in the district tournament, but the district champion likely will be moved to this spot.
6. Pojoaque (17-9). Again, the Elks are really a No. 5, but they fall victim to the seeding game. Or do they? As it stands now, Pojoaque is away from Hope Christian's side of the bracket. That means it could see St. Michael's in the semifinals, but the Elks have to believe it's easier to beat the Horsemen than it is to beat the Huskies.
7. Bloomfield (21-6). The Rams have nothing to hang their hat on after losing to Wingate. Sure, they beat the Bears, but by a 74-73 score. That was wiped away after Saturday. So that leaves you with a win over Socorro, but the Warriors aren't looking much better.
8. SFIS (15-12). The Braves are 7-2 since an 0-3 start in 2AAA. Their stock can only rise over the next three days. A win over Pojoaque would be huge. Perhaps enough to get past Bloomfield. Either way, SFIS has earned itself a home date.
9. Socorro (14-12). Time to pat myself on the back. Did I not foreshadow the impending loss to Hatch Valley to close out the 3AAA season? The Warriors won't drop any further, even if the Bears repeat their performance in the district championship
10. West Las Vegas (15-14). It hasn't been a good week to be a Don. First, they have to forfeit their regular season finale to Robertson for scheduling too many games. Then, they lose a heartbreaker to SFIS on Tuesday. At least West Las Vegas has 10 days to recuperate.
11. Crownpoint (15-11). Third place in 1AAA gets you this spot. That won't change despite a loss to Newcomb in the district tournament on Tuesday.
12. Lovington (11-13). I found a reason to move the Wildcats up! Thanks, Wingate. Funny, the Lovington has done nothing in a week, yet it found a way to improve its slot. Continue not playing and I'll see about getting you a home game.
13. Newcomb (15-12).The Skyhawks might disagree with this spot, but they are trapped by the confines of the New Mexico Activities Association's rules. Sorry about that.

OK, so this is where it gets messy. Who goes where? Hatch is a 15 or a 16 seed, bit can't be there because Ruidoso, who has been a 15 since the start, is in the same district as Portales. If Dexter gets the other spot, it can't go here either for the same reason. If I choose Cuba - who deserves the 16th seed - it can't be there because of district partner Hope Christian. So, we will do this:

14. Cuba (9-18). It was hard choice trying to find someone who deserved to be the 16th team into the tournament. But the Rams beat Crownpoint and beat (a bad) AAAA team in Kirtland Central. Now, you get to go to Portales.
15. Ruidoso (12-15). The Warriors are improving, having won three of four games. Their win over Dexter on Tuesday sets up a district semifinal against Lovington, and they can move closer to an automatic bid with win. It still won't change their place.
16. Hatch Valley (8-18). Welcome to the state tournament, Bears. A win over Socorro cinched that. Now, enjoy Albuquerque. And say hi to Jim Murphy for me. He's a great guy.