A new offense sprouted in California in 2007. It took advantage of a loop hole in football rules to use players without linemen numbers (between 50-79), meaning everybody on the field could be an eligible receiver. Not that all of them were eligible receivers, but any of them could be one of the five eligible to catch the football.
Well, such innovation was met with disdain by some coaches, and the National Federation of State High School Associations put the kabosh to the offense - called the A-11 offense.
If you would like to see how this offense worked, YouTube is full of videos of it. You can also do the same by clicking on the highlighted link.
Feb 20, 2009
Feb 19, 2009
AAA update
The regular season is in its final three days. All I can say is, "Hooray!" because it means we're that much closer to this sports writer's Christmas - the State Tournament. Speaking of the state tournament, here is a AAA update to the seedings.
Of course, I have no insight other than what the NMAA provides. Let's hope it's right.
1. Hope Christian (21-3). The Huskies are two District 5AAA games away from finishing the regular season with a 17-game winning streak. Of course, there is one small matter - beating Sandia Preparatory on Saturday. If not, a playoff game will commence, likely on Monday, and that could derail a top seed. And guess who could be laying in wait ...
2. St. Michael's (17-7). What was said about Hope can be said about the Horsemen when it comes to wrapping up the district. Just exchange "Pojoaque" for "Sandia Prep." Would now be a good time to bring up that 12-game winning streak the Horseman have over the Elks? I'm sure if it grows to 13 after Friday, somebody will mention it. A Pojoaque win would be worth mentioning, especially since it would set up a one-game playoff.
3. Portales (16-8). Guess what the Rams don't have to worry about? If you said, "A playoff game?" you would be correct. Portales took care of those concerns by beating Lovington 72-54 on Feb. 13. The Rams lost a tough one to AA Texico, the reigning state champion, on Tuesday but finish with 3AAA foeDexter Friday. An 8-0 record should follow that matchup.
4. Bloomfield (17-5). The Rams continue to roll along, but they must finish 1AAA business by beating Wingate. Or else ... Yeah, you know. A loss would also hurt their seeding because there's not a lot separating Bloomfield and Sandia Prep. Any slip-up will come with a seeding slide.
5. Sandia Prep (17-6). The Sun Devils could jump over Bloomfield regardless if they beat Hope Christian. It could happen. Of the 10 AAA schools to play Hope this season, only one was within single digits - Sandia Prep.
6. Pojoaque (17-8). Cue up the pinball music, because this is where teams begin to bounce around. The Elks move up here thanks to quagmire that is District 1AAA and 2AAA. They can solidify this spot - there is no way to get ahead of the Sun Devils, in my humble opinion - with a win over St. Michael's. A loss could have them falling back to eight, which was where I had them before.
7. Wingate (17-6). Perhaps my thinking is wrong when it comes to Rehoboth. So maybe the Bears shouldn't be punished for a 45-42 loss to the Lynx on Saturday .... Nah. A loss to a AA school is a loss to a AA school. Enough said.
8. Socorro (14-11). The Warriors stayed perfect in 3AAA at 6-0, but one score jumps out at you - a 59-56 home win over Hatch Valley on Feb. 10. Guess where Socorro finishes the season on Friday?
9. West Las Vegas (14-11). So what separates the Dons from Crownpoint, Newcomb and Santa Fe Indian School? That win over Portales is huge, for starters. That they maintain third place -with SFIS - in 2AAA is also crucial. Here's the thing: If West Las Vegas beats Las Vegas Robertson and SFIS beats Raton, it's a 5-5 deadheat. And both teams beat each other by four. So I hear a coin flip in both team's future. Right now, the money is on the Dons. But barely.
10. SFIS (12-12). The remaining three teams shaped up this way: Newcomb currently is second in 1AAA , putting it ahead of Crownpoint. So it comes down to resumes, then. Newcomb has two wins over Class A teams (Ramah and Temple Baptist). SFIS has three AA wins and a win over Bernalillo. Oh, and Pojoaque is a six (district foes cannot face each other in the first round at state). That seals it for now.
11. Newcomb (13-10). If the Skyhawks get past Tohatchi on Friday, their matchup with Wingate becomes crucial. The Bears have second place sewn up, so it could be a good opportunity for an upset. If that happens, third place - and an 11 seed - likely is Newcomb's reward.
12. Crownpoint (13-10). The Eagles almost upset Bloomfield (73-72), then lost to Wingate and beat Tohatchi. If they can end the season with wins of Miyamura and Zuni today and Friday, a 15-10 record should suffice for a spot here. And that could also save Bloomfield from losing ground to Sandia Prep.
13. Lovington (11-13). The Wildcats nabbed the No. 2 seed in 3AAA by beating Ruidoso on Tuesday. They are the best of the rest, and even a loss to Ruidoso in the district tournament wouldn't hurt.
14. Hatch Valley (7-18).The Bears are here for one reason - who else is there? Ruidoso or NMMI can't move up because of Portales' placement, and Lovington isn't worthy of anything more than a 13. So the (technically) 16th seed will be right here. If Hatch beats Socorro, then this spot is solid. If not, could Laguna-Acoma (which could be second in 5AAA if it beat Cuba on Tuesday) be in play?
15. Ruidoso (10-15). The Warriors have third place secured at 3-4. No thanks will be awarded to to Portales, however. Ruidoso is really a 14, but can't be there because of the Rams. Lovington can't jump past Crownpoint because of its record and resume, so the Warriors are trapped.
16. NMMI (10-15). Again, the Colts suffer from the same plight. Not deserving of a No. 16, but they have no control over where they're at. So, does their matchup with Ruidoso on Friday mean anything? Alas, no.
Of course, I have no insight other than what the NMAA provides. Let's hope it's right.
1. Hope Christian (21-3). The Huskies are two District 5AAA games away from finishing the regular season with a 17-game winning streak. Of course, there is one small matter - beating Sandia Preparatory on Saturday. If not, a playoff game will commence, likely on Monday, and that could derail a top seed. And guess who could be laying in wait ...
2. St. Michael's (17-7). What was said about Hope can be said about the Horsemen when it comes to wrapping up the district. Just exchange "Pojoaque" for "Sandia Prep." Would now be a good time to bring up that 12-game winning streak the Horseman have over the Elks? I'm sure if it grows to 13 after Friday, somebody will mention it. A Pojoaque win would be worth mentioning, especially since it would set up a one-game playoff.
3. Portales (16-8). Guess what the Rams don't have to worry about? If you said, "A playoff game?" you would be correct. Portales took care of those concerns by beating Lovington 72-54 on Feb. 13. The Rams lost a tough one to AA Texico, the reigning state champion, on Tuesday but finish with 3AAA foeDexter Friday. An 8-0 record should follow that matchup.
4. Bloomfield (17-5). The Rams continue to roll along, but they must finish 1AAA business by beating Wingate. Or else ... Yeah, you know. A loss would also hurt their seeding because there's not a lot separating Bloomfield and Sandia Prep. Any slip-up will come with a seeding slide.
5. Sandia Prep (17-6). The Sun Devils could jump over Bloomfield regardless if they beat Hope Christian. It could happen. Of the 10 AAA schools to play Hope this season, only one was within single digits - Sandia Prep.
6. Pojoaque (17-8). Cue up the pinball music, because this is where teams begin to bounce around. The Elks move up here thanks to quagmire that is District 1AAA and 2AAA. They can solidify this spot - there is no way to get ahead of the Sun Devils, in my humble opinion - with a win over St. Michael's. A loss could have them falling back to eight, which was where I had them before.
7. Wingate (17-6). Perhaps my thinking is wrong when it comes to Rehoboth. So maybe the Bears shouldn't be punished for a 45-42 loss to the Lynx on Saturday .... Nah. A loss to a AA school is a loss to a AA school. Enough said.
8. Socorro (14-11). The Warriors stayed perfect in 3AAA at 6-0, but one score jumps out at you - a 59-56 home win over Hatch Valley on Feb. 10. Guess where Socorro finishes the season on Friday?
9. West Las Vegas (14-11). So what separates the Dons from Crownpoint, Newcomb and Santa Fe Indian School? That win over Portales is huge, for starters. That they maintain third place -with SFIS - in 2AAA is also crucial. Here's the thing: If West Las Vegas beats Las Vegas Robertson and SFIS beats Raton, it's a 5-5 deadheat. And both teams beat each other by four. So I hear a coin flip in both team's future. Right now, the money is on the Dons. But barely.
10. SFIS (12-12). The remaining three teams shaped up this way: Newcomb currently is second in 1AAA , putting it ahead of Crownpoint. So it comes down to resumes, then. Newcomb has two wins over Class A teams (Ramah and Temple Baptist). SFIS has three AA wins and a win over Bernalillo. Oh, and Pojoaque is a six (district foes cannot face each other in the first round at state). That seals it for now.
11. Newcomb (13-10). If the Skyhawks get past Tohatchi on Friday, their matchup with Wingate becomes crucial. The Bears have second place sewn up, so it could be a good opportunity for an upset. If that happens, third place - and an 11 seed - likely is Newcomb's reward.
12. Crownpoint (13-10). The Eagles almost upset Bloomfield (73-72), then lost to Wingate and beat Tohatchi. If they can end the season with wins of Miyamura and Zuni today and Friday, a 15-10 record should suffice for a spot here. And that could also save Bloomfield from losing ground to Sandia Prep.
13. Lovington (11-13). The Wildcats nabbed the No. 2 seed in 3AAA by beating Ruidoso on Tuesday. They are the best of the rest, and even a loss to Ruidoso in the district tournament wouldn't hurt.
14. Hatch Valley (7-18).The Bears are here for one reason - who else is there? Ruidoso or NMMI can't move up because of Portales' placement, and Lovington isn't worthy of anything more than a 13. So the (technically) 16th seed will be right here. If Hatch beats Socorro, then this spot is solid. If not, could Laguna-Acoma (which could be second in 5AAA if it beat Cuba on Tuesday) be in play?
15. Ruidoso (10-15). The Warriors have third place secured at 3-4. No thanks will be awarded to to Portales, however. Ruidoso is really a 14, but can't be there because of the Rams. Lovington can't jump past Crownpoint because of its record and resume, so the Warriors are trapped.
16. NMMI (10-15). Again, the Colts suffer from the same plight. Not deserving of a No. 16, but they have no control over where they're at. So, does their matchup with Ruidoso on Friday mean anything? Alas, no.
Prep basketball polls for 2/19. Really. I mean it.
Class AAAAA
1. Manzano 146
2. Hobbs 119
3. Valley 93
4. Gallup 91
5. Las Cruces 88
6. Eldorado 83
7. Highland 81
8. La Cueva 48
9. Clovis 27
10. (tie) Alamogordo 13
10. (tie) Oñate 13
Also receiving votes: Rio Rancho 12, Rio Grande 7, West Mesa 2, Sandia 1, Gadsden 1.
Class AAAA
1. Española 140
2. Roswell 110
3. Deming 101
4. Artesia 96
5. Los Alamos 80
6. Alb. Academy 78
7. St. Pius X 76
8. Belen 36
9. Bernalillo 29
10. Goddard 22
Also receiving votes: Capital 18, Grants 14, Silver 10, Del Norte 4, Shiprock 3, Farmington 2.
Class AAA
1. Hope Christian 87
2. St. Michael’s 75
3. Sandia Prep 69
4. Portales 58
5. Pojoaque 51
6. Bloomfield 45
7. West Las Vegas 30
8. Socorro 28
9. Wingate 26
10. Santa Fe Indian 17
Also receiving votes: Hot Springs 10, Thoreau 4, Ruidoso 2.
Class AA
1. Mesilla Valley 139
2. Texico 115
3. Santa Rosa 109
4. Mesa Vista 100
5. Bosque School 66
6. Tularosa 51
7. Peñasco 45
8. Rehoboth 38
9. Hagerman 36
10. Lordsburg 31
Also reciving votes: Questa 17, Pecos 13, Navajo Pine 4, McCurdy 1.
Class A
1. Springer 99
2. Cliff 97
3. Dora 79
4. Reserve 57
5. Fort Sumner 52
6. Tatum 47
7. Floyd 39
8. Des Moines 24
9. Elida 22
10. Gallup Catholic 19
Also receiving votes: Logan 18, Cimarron 11, Gateway Christian 10, Melrose 9, Temple Baptist 9, Grady 4, Quemado 4, Santa Fe Waldorf 2, Animas 2, Magdalena 2, Wagon Mound 1, Menaul 1, Valley Christian 1.
Girls
1. Rio Rancho 97
2. Eldorado 93
3. Las Cruces 70
4. Mayfield 58
5. Clovis 54
6. Valley 42
7. Sandia 41
8. La Cueva 34
9. Cibola 21
10. Hobbs 8
Also receiving votes: Rio Grande 7, Albuquerque High 7, Gallup 5, Alamogordo 5, Carlsbad 5, Santa Fe 3.
Class AAAA
1. St. Pius X 119
2. Roswell 103
3. Moriarty 93
4. Kirtland Central 75
5. Deming 73
6. Del Norte 48
7. (tie) Shiprock 37
7. (tie) Belen 37
9. Alb. Academy 21
10. Aztec 19
Also receiving votes: Española 12, Los Alamos 9, Artesia 7, Piedra Vista 4, Bernalillo 4, Santa Teresa 4, Grants 3, Silver 2, Farmington 1, Volcano Vista 1.
Class AAA
1. Pojoaque 80
2. Lovington 64
3. St. Michael’s 58
4. West Las Vegas 51
5. Portales 34
6. Hope Christian 25
7. Crownpoint 20
8. (tie) Robertson 19
8. (tie) Ruidoso 19
10. (tie) Socorro 13
10. (tie) Santa Fe Indian 13
Also receiving votes: Hatch 11, Miyamura 10, Tohatchi 6, Laguan Acoma 4, Sandia Prep 2, NMMI 1, Thoreau 1.
Class AA
1. Texico 88
2. Navajo Prep 82
3. Clayton 65
4. Santa Rosa 57
5. Rehoboth 50
6. Navajo Pine 47
7. Mora 28
8. Lordsburg 27
9. McCurdy 22
10. (tie) Tularosa 10
10. (tie) Jal 10
Also receiving votes: Mesa Vista 4, Questa 2, Estancia 2, Peñasco 1.
Class A
1. Cimarron 66
2. Cliff 53
3. Magdalena 52
4. Animas 34
5. Des Moines 32
6. Dora 31
7. Elida 22
8. Fort Sumner 19
9. (tie) Floyd 18
9. (tie) Gallup Catholic 18
Also receiving votes: Reserve 9, Roy 8, Tatum 5, Grady 4, Springer 3, Quemado 1.
1. Manzano 146
2. Hobbs 119
3. Valley 93
4. Gallup 91
5. Las Cruces 88
6. Eldorado 83
7. Highland 81
8. La Cueva 48
9. Clovis 27
10. (tie) Alamogordo 13
10. (tie) Oñate 13
Also receiving votes: Rio Rancho 12, Rio Grande 7, West Mesa 2, Sandia 1, Gadsden 1.
Class AAAA
1. Española 140
2. Roswell 110
3. Deming 101
4. Artesia 96
5. Los Alamos 80
6. Alb. Academy 78
7. St. Pius X 76
8. Belen 36
9. Bernalillo 29
10. Goddard 22
Also receiving votes: Capital 18, Grants 14, Silver 10, Del Norte 4, Shiprock 3, Farmington 2.
Class AAA
1. Hope Christian 87
2. St. Michael’s 75
3. Sandia Prep 69
4. Portales 58
5. Pojoaque 51
6. Bloomfield 45
7. West Las Vegas 30
8. Socorro 28
9. Wingate 26
10. Santa Fe Indian 17
Also receiving votes: Hot Springs 10, Thoreau 4, Ruidoso 2.
Class AA
1. Mesilla Valley 139
2. Texico 115
3. Santa Rosa 109
4. Mesa Vista 100
5. Bosque School 66
6. Tularosa 51
7. Peñasco 45
8. Rehoboth 38
9. Hagerman 36
10. Lordsburg 31
Also reciving votes: Questa 17, Pecos 13, Navajo Pine 4, McCurdy 1.
Class A
1. Springer 99
2. Cliff 97
3. Dora 79
4. Reserve 57
5. Fort Sumner 52
6. Tatum 47
7. Floyd 39
8. Des Moines 24
9. Elida 22
10. Gallup Catholic 19
Also receiving votes: Logan 18, Cimarron 11, Gateway Christian 10, Melrose 9, Temple Baptist 9, Grady 4, Quemado 4, Santa Fe Waldorf 2, Animas 2, Magdalena 2, Wagon Mound 1, Menaul 1, Valley Christian 1.
Girls
1. Rio Rancho 97
2. Eldorado 93
3. Las Cruces 70
4. Mayfield 58
5. Clovis 54
6. Valley 42
7. Sandia 41
8. La Cueva 34
9. Cibola 21
10. Hobbs 8
Also receiving votes: Rio Grande 7, Albuquerque High 7, Gallup 5, Alamogordo 5, Carlsbad 5, Santa Fe 3.
Class AAAA
1. St. Pius X 119
2. Roswell 103
3. Moriarty 93
4. Kirtland Central 75
5. Deming 73
6. Del Norte 48
7. (tie) Shiprock 37
7. (tie) Belen 37
9. Alb. Academy 21
10. Aztec 19
Also receiving votes: Española 12, Los Alamos 9, Artesia 7, Piedra Vista 4, Bernalillo 4, Santa Teresa 4, Grants 3, Silver 2, Farmington 1, Volcano Vista 1.
Class AAA
1. Pojoaque 80
2. Lovington 64
3. St. Michael’s 58
4. West Las Vegas 51
5. Portales 34
6. Hope Christian 25
7. Crownpoint 20
8. (tie) Robertson 19
8. (tie) Ruidoso 19
10. (tie) Socorro 13
10. (tie) Santa Fe Indian 13
Also receiving votes: Hatch 11, Miyamura 10, Tohatchi 6, Laguan Acoma 4, Sandia Prep 2, NMMI 1, Thoreau 1.
Class AA
1. Texico 88
2. Navajo Prep 82
3. Clayton 65
4. Santa Rosa 57
5. Rehoboth 50
6. Navajo Pine 47
7. Mora 28
8. Lordsburg 27
9. McCurdy 22
10. (tie) Tularosa 10
10. (tie) Jal 10
Also receiving votes: Mesa Vista 4, Questa 2, Estancia 2, Peñasco 1.
Class A
1. Cimarron 66
2. Cliff 53
3. Magdalena 52
4. Animas 34
5. Des Moines 32
6. Dora 31
7. Elida 22
8. Fort Sumner 19
9. (tie) Floyd 18
9. (tie) Gallup Catholic 18
Also receiving votes: Reserve 9, Roy 8, Tatum 5, Grady 4, Springer 3, Quemado 1.
Prep basketball polls for 2/19 ... But first, a rant.
Before unveiling the prep polls for this week, I have to get this off of my chest. Maybe it has to do with the fact that there are some coaches out there who read this, and this message is aimed directly at their brethren.
My question is simple, and not all that humble:
What are some of you guys smoking????
I mean, really? Are you watching and reading the same games I am? Are you seeing the same scores I am?
First off, how does Valley jump over Gallup in AAAAA boys when the Bengals haven't lost in 18 games! Please, explain it to me.
My e-mail address is:
jbarron@sfnewmexican.com
My phone number is:
Office: 505-986-3045
Cell (work): 505-490-0852
It doesn't end there, folks.
Roswell Goddard boys - losers of 10 of their last 13 games, including their last five - managed enough votes to finish 10th.
That's 10th for a 10-15 team that finished last in District 3AAAA. Was it that hard to vote for, I don't know, Grants? Capital? Farmington?
Girls coaches, you are on notice as well.
For those of you that are curious, go to the New Mexico Activities Association Web site (www.nmact.org. Look, I even linked it for you). Hit the "Member schools" section and click on Santa Fe High's link.
Now go to the girls basketball team.
If you can explain why the Demonettes (4-22, losers of their last 17) even got 3 points, please write me back. And recite your school's drug policy after you do that.
Think I'm done? Not quite.
Class AAAA, look at the "Also receiving votes" list. There you will see the Lady Spartans of Bernalillo - all of 2-23 - getting 4 points. They earned more respect from coaches than Silver, the leaders of District 3AAAA at 4-0 and 13-9 overall, a 12-10 Grants team and Volcano Vista at 8-17. The Lady Scorpions of Farmington, at 5-18, also couldn't earn enough respect, although they earned a single vote from some well-intentioned coach.
Apparently, Bernalillo's wins over AA Questa (52-47) and AAA Cuba (50-38) really impressed coaches.
So, after all of this, I ask coaches, "Do you want your basketball polls to maintain any respect and integrity?" If you voted for those teams out of sympathy or just some desire to show those teams support, do yourself a favor and stop voting.
If the answer to my question is "Yes," please - please - do some research and learn about those teams. And if all else fails, call me. I can really help if you need it.
Ok, I am done now. I will release the prep poll in a new post.
My question is simple, and not all that humble:
What are some of you guys smoking????
I mean, really? Are you watching and reading the same games I am? Are you seeing the same scores I am?
First off, how does Valley jump over Gallup in AAAAA boys when the Bengals haven't lost in 18 games! Please, explain it to me.
My e-mail address is:
jbarron@sfnewmexican.com
My phone number is:
Office: 505-986-3045
Cell (work): 505-490-0852
It doesn't end there, folks.
Roswell Goddard boys - losers of 10 of their last 13 games, including their last five - managed enough votes to finish 10th.
That's 10th for a 10-15 team that finished last in District 3AAAA. Was it that hard to vote for, I don't know, Grants? Capital? Farmington?
Girls coaches, you are on notice as well.
For those of you that are curious, go to the New Mexico Activities Association Web site (www.nmact.org. Look, I even linked it for you). Hit the "Member schools" section and click on Santa Fe High's link.
Now go to the girls basketball team.
If you can explain why the Demonettes (4-22, losers of their last 17) even got 3 points, please write me back. And recite your school's drug policy after you do that.
Think I'm done? Not quite.
Class AAAA, look at the "Also receiving votes" list. There you will see the Lady Spartans of Bernalillo - all of 2-23 - getting 4 points. They earned more respect from coaches than Silver, the leaders of District 3AAAA at 4-0 and 13-9 overall, a 12-10 Grants team and Volcano Vista at 8-17. The Lady Scorpions of Farmington, at 5-18, also couldn't earn enough respect, although they earned a single vote from some well-intentioned coach.
Apparently, Bernalillo's wins over AA Questa (52-47) and AAA Cuba (50-38) really impressed coaches.
So, after all of this, I ask coaches, "Do you want your basketball polls to maintain any respect and integrity?" If you voted for those teams out of sympathy or just some desire to show those teams support, do yourself a favor and stop voting.
If the answer to my question is "Yes," please - please - do some research and learn about those teams. And if all else fails, call me. I can really help if you need it.
Ok, I am done now. I will release the prep poll in a new post.
Feb 18, 2009
AAAA update
Obviously, tonight's Española-Los Alamos game will go far in shaping the seeds, but I figured to get this out of the way before the week gets too hectic.
1. Española Valley (21-4). The task is simple for the Sundevils: They must beat Los Alamos tonight to have a shot at the No. 1 seed, both in District 2AAAA and overall. If the Hilltoppers win, they will hold a one-game District 2AAAA edge over Española (6-1 to 5-2). More important, they will have a sweep in the head-to-head matchup. If that happens, the Sundevils might be lucky to earn a Top-4 seed, even if their resume suggests they should.
2. Roswell (18-6). The Coyotes should wear green-and-gold tonight. The loss to Clovis should not have an effect on the Coyotes' seeding. They still have better wins than Deming, and they escaped any trouble by beating Roswell Goddard in 4AAAA play on Tuesday. All that's left is a win over Artesia, and they will be in line for a one or a two.
3. Deming (19-6). The Wildcats are sitting at No. 3, but don't think it is a comfortable position. A 77-56 win over Chaparral on Tuesday made it 14 in a row, and Santa Teresa beat Silver, so that clinched the top seed in 3AAAA They could move up, but behind them lurks ...
4. St. Pius X (17-7). The Sartans have two challenging 6AAAA games ahead - at an improving Volcano Vista and at Belen. They still are a game up on the Eagles, so Saturday's game will be essential in the Sartans being able to at least hold their position.
5. Artesia (18-7). The Bulldogs beat Goddard on Feb. 13, setting up a one-game shootout with the Coyotes to force a playoff. Artesia needs a win, if only to keep up with the rest of the state. A loss likely moves the Bulldogs into 7-9 territory.
6. Los Alamos (17-7). The Hilltoppers are on the cusp of moving into the Top 4, as cited in the Española explanation. They are in control of their own destiny, and wins over the Sundevils and Capital would move that into a good position. It's starting to look like 2AAAA is the toughest in the state this season.
7. Belen (15-10). The Eagles struck out against the Sartans last week, but rebounded with wins over Volcano Vista and Grants. That locked up the second seed in 6AAAA. They stay static in the seedings, but beware the Spartans of Bernalillo and ....
8. Albuquerque Academy (6-19). The Chargers pulled off a big win over La Cueva on Valentine's Day, proving that they are Top-8 material. But any upsets in 5AAAA will wipe away all work toward restoring their credibility.
9. Bernalillo (14-10). The Spartans did not look good against the Hilltoppers on Friday (70-48) and that dropped them a notch after Academy's success. They can respond in kind on Saturday against Española and perhaps leapfrog Belen as well.
10. Farmington (9-12). The Scorpions continue to roll right along in the worst district (1AAAA) in the class. They have a chance to avenge their only district loss against Aztec on Thursday, not that it will do anything for their seeding. They can only go in one direction, and that is down.
11. Grants (16-8). Another week of futility against St. Pius and Belen leads to this question: Do the Pirates deserve to stay at No. 11? But then you look at the team below them and wonder, "Do they deserve to move up?"
12. Capital (14-11). So the Jaguars beat Taos sans its entire coaching staff. Big whoop. They had to rally from a nine-point deficit to do it. Which means their first round district tournament rematch with the Tigers - and against nemesis James Branch - could be really interesting. Interesting meaning bad in this instance.
13. Silver (12-13). Don't look now, Colts. The Panthers of Piedra Vista are closing in, especially after a 45-36 loss to Santa Teresa on Tuesday. Bad timing on your part could be made worse if Deming blasts you like it did on Feb. 10 (69-42).
14. Piedra Vista (11-14). Things are looking up for the Panthers. If they can cap 1AAAA play with a win over Shiprock to solidify second in the district, it might be impressive enough to move up a notch. Don't ask what happens if the alternative happens. Here's a hint: Don't lose by more than one point. Or else.
15. Shiprock (12-10). A lot could have been gained with a win over Farmington. But a 43-35 loss means nothing is lost. The scenario repeats itself when Piedra Vista rolls into town on Saturday.
16. Goddard (10-15). Goddard put on a good show in a 47-37 loss to Roswell, but is a five-game losing streak (which likely will become six after the 4AAAA tourney) worthy of a bid? Well, Del Norte is making an argument to replace you. It will get stronger if it beats Moriarty on Friday.
All I have to say in your defense is: Go Pintos!
1. Española Valley (21-4). The task is simple for the Sundevils: They must beat Los Alamos tonight to have a shot at the No. 1 seed, both in District 2AAAA and overall. If the Hilltoppers win, they will hold a one-game District 2AAAA edge over Española (6-1 to 5-2). More important, they will have a sweep in the head-to-head matchup. If that happens, the Sundevils might be lucky to earn a Top-4 seed, even if their resume suggests they should.
2. Roswell (18-6). The Coyotes should wear green-and-gold tonight. The loss to Clovis should not have an effect on the Coyotes' seeding. They still have better wins than Deming, and they escaped any trouble by beating Roswell Goddard in 4AAAA play on Tuesday. All that's left is a win over Artesia, and they will be in line for a one or a two.
3. Deming (19-6). The Wildcats are sitting at No. 3, but don't think it is a comfortable position. A 77-56 win over Chaparral on Tuesday made it 14 in a row, and Santa Teresa beat Silver, so that clinched the top seed in 3AAAA They could move up, but behind them lurks ...
4. St. Pius X (17-7). The Sartans have two challenging 6AAAA games ahead - at an improving Volcano Vista and at Belen. They still are a game up on the Eagles, so Saturday's game will be essential in the Sartans being able to at least hold their position.
5. Artesia (18-7). The Bulldogs beat Goddard on Feb. 13, setting up a one-game shootout with the Coyotes to force a playoff. Artesia needs a win, if only to keep up with the rest of the state. A loss likely moves the Bulldogs into 7-9 territory.
6. Los Alamos (17-7). The Hilltoppers are on the cusp of moving into the Top 4, as cited in the Española explanation. They are in control of their own destiny, and wins over the Sundevils and Capital would move that into a good position. It's starting to look like 2AAAA is the toughest in the state this season.
7. Belen (15-10). The Eagles struck out against the Sartans last week, but rebounded with wins over Volcano Vista and Grants. That locked up the second seed in 6AAAA. They stay static in the seedings, but beware the Spartans of Bernalillo and ....
8. Albuquerque Academy (6-19). The Chargers pulled off a big win over La Cueva on Valentine's Day, proving that they are Top-8 material. But any upsets in 5AAAA will wipe away all work toward restoring their credibility.
9. Bernalillo (14-10). The Spartans did not look good against the Hilltoppers on Friday (70-48) and that dropped them a notch after Academy's success. They can respond in kind on Saturday against Española and perhaps leapfrog Belen as well.
10. Farmington (9-12). The Scorpions continue to roll right along in the worst district (1AAAA) in the class. They have a chance to avenge their only district loss against Aztec on Thursday, not that it will do anything for their seeding. They can only go in one direction, and that is down.
11. Grants (16-8). Another week of futility against St. Pius and Belen leads to this question: Do the Pirates deserve to stay at No. 11? But then you look at the team below them and wonder, "Do they deserve to move up?"
12. Capital (14-11). So the Jaguars beat Taos sans its entire coaching staff. Big whoop. They had to rally from a nine-point deficit to do it. Which means their first round district tournament rematch with the Tigers - and against nemesis James Branch - could be really interesting. Interesting meaning bad in this instance.
13. Silver (12-13). Don't look now, Colts. The Panthers of Piedra Vista are closing in, especially after a 45-36 loss to Santa Teresa on Tuesday. Bad timing on your part could be made worse if Deming blasts you like it did on Feb. 10 (69-42).
14. Piedra Vista (11-14). Things are looking up for the Panthers. If they can cap 1AAAA play with a win over Shiprock to solidify second in the district, it might be impressive enough to move up a notch. Don't ask what happens if the alternative happens. Here's a hint: Don't lose by more than one point. Or else.
15. Shiprock (12-10). A lot could have been gained with a win over Farmington. But a 43-35 loss means nothing is lost. The scenario repeats itself when Piedra Vista rolls into town on Saturday.
16. Goddard (10-15). Goddard put on a good show in a 47-37 loss to Roswell, but is a five-game losing streak (which likely will become six after the 4AAAA tourney) worthy of a bid? Well, Del Norte is making an argument to replace you. It will get stronger if it beats Moriarty on Friday.
All I have to say in your defense is: Go Pintos!
Feb 17, 2009
Updated AAAAA seedings
No better time than before the final week of the basketball season heats up and the district tournaments commence. There will be some changes in the seedings.
Some teams moved up (Valley, Rio Rancho, Clovis), while some dropped like a rock (I'm looking at you, Las Cruces and Alamogordo). But there was a flurry of activity that rearranged the middle.
At least the top three remained the same.
But there's still another week of regular season games to go. That gives teams one more week to make an impression.
Here is mine at the AAAAA level.
1. Albuqueruqe Manzano (23-2). The Monarchs wrapped up top seed in District 5AAAAA when the Highland Hornets beat Eldorado last week. But they can't back off now, not with Hobbs and Gallup right on their tail. An undefeated district season will be complete with a win over Eldorado tonight. Then they have 11 days before playing again in the tourney championship. But will that be too much rest to keep Manzano sharp?
2. Hobbs (20-4). A lot hinges on the Eagles beating Clovis on Saturday. That would ensure the top seed in the 4AAAAA tournament and keep the pressure on Manzano to win. But travelling to Wildcat Country is no easy feat. A loss could trigger a one-game playoff, and then Hobbs could be scrambling for a decent seed.
3. Gallup (17-3). The state's longest boys basketball winning streak - 16 games - partly resides here (and in Class A Clayton) and it should reach 18 after this week. The big test will be when the Rams of Rio Rancho visit Gallup, but the Bengals already beat Rio Rancho by 8 two weeks ago. Gallup has an outside shot at gaining the top seed, but that requires meltdowns from Manzano and Hobbs. The Bengals' best wins are over Clovis, Alamogordo and Rio Rancho. Not quite No. 1 material.
4. Valley (18-6). The No. 4 spot is a three-team race between the Vikings, La Cueva and Las Cruces. All three lost last week. The best loss came in Valley's 54-53 score to Highland. Valley now turns its attention to its final two 2AAAAA games - at Santa Fe High and at Sandia. Another loss here and the Vikings then have to tussle with Eldorado for No. 7. A pair of wins could set up a 2AAAAA showdown with ...
5. La Cueva (17-7). The Bears lost - again - to Albuquerque Academy, but only this one counts (the Chargers had to forfeit their Dec. 30 win). And it hurt because they had a chance to move to No. 4. La Cueva still has a shot, but it must beat Albuquerque High and Sandia to set up a district playoff with Valley.
6. Eldorado (17-7). The Eagles lost at Highland - which has regained the focus lost during a 1-4 skid at the worst time - but are wins over Manzano and Rio Grande from securing a No. 2 seed in 5AAAAA. Eldorado might enjoy a slight bounce with a win over the Monarchs, but its ceiling is really a No. 5. But a pair of losses, and the Eagles will find out how low they can go.
7. Las Cruces (19-5). There are bad losses. And there are bad losses. The Bulldogs took one against 3AAAAA bottom-feeder Mayfield on Friday (71-66). They still secured the district's top seed with an Alamogordo loss, but they also feel the sting in the eyes of this committee.
8. Clovis (15-9). The Wildcats righted their ship with wins over Carlsbad and AAAA Roswell, and thanks to slip-ups from Alamogordo and Rio Grande (losses to Manzano and AAA Hope Christian), they find themselves sneaking back up the ladder. They can rocket up the seedings with a win over Hobbs ... and another win over Hobbs (in a presumptive 3AAAAA playoff for the top seed).
9. Rio Rancho (14-10). The Rams benefit from being the runner-up in 1AAAAA behind the Bengals. You also look at their losses and realize that, outside of a season-opening loss to Sandia, the Rams have lost to some impressive teams. Two to Highland (yes, I know they are the fourth-place team in 5AAAAA ... for now), a pair tothe Bengals and one each to Clovis, Hobbs and Manzano. If only a couple of those losses were wins ....
10. Rio Grande (15-9). So much is riding on tonight's game against Highland. A win secures the third spot in 5AAAAA and prevents the Hornets from rising up into the top 8. But a loss will send the Ravens dropping further into the teens.
11. Highland (19-5). The best fourth-place district team in the state can become the best third-place district team in the state with a win over Rio Grande. And if Eldorado falters this week, we will see the Hornets get right back where they belong - somewhere in the Top 5.
12. Alamogordo (17-7). Ouch. This is what a loss to Oñate feels like. Before then, the Tigers were flirting with Top 8 status. Their loss to Rio Grande (58-57 on Jan 9) looks bigger - and worse - by the day.
13. Las Cruces Oñate (14-11). OK. Now it's time to go to the NMAA rulebook. Chances are the Knights and Alamogordo will tie for second in 3AAAAA. In that case, the tie could be settled on the point differential tiebreaker. The Tigers' 58-46 win at Oñate would trump a 39-38 Knights win on Friday. Or it could be a coin flip. Which would suck.
14. Sandia (13-11). The Matadors pretty much secured a berth with a convincing win over Santa Fe High last week (74-44). They can leave no doubt with the seeding committee with a win over Valley or La Cueva this week. In which case, Sandia would serve the role as spoiler for the Vikings or the Bears. In which case, the potential rematch in the district tournament next week could be a doozy.
15. Gadsden (12-10). The Panthers can lock up a spot with a win over Las Cruces or Alamogordo this week. If they beat Alamogordo, Oñate will slip them a nice little present. Maybe even sealed with a kiss.
16. Carlsbad (12-13). The Cavemen will go winless in 3AAAAA play (only Clovis on Feb. 17 stands in the way of that). But given that the other option is Santa Fe High, the Cavemen sneak in. For now.
How can Santa Fe High find its way into the tournament? Well, beat Valley tonight for starters. Then reach the 2AAAAA semis and they will make a solid argument. Reach the championship game (Which means winning three games in as many days) and the Demons will be in for sure. Probably as the 16th seed, but they'll be in.
Some teams moved up (Valley, Rio Rancho, Clovis), while some dropped like a rock (I'm looking at you, Las Cruces and Alamogordo). But there was a flurry of activity that rearranged the middle.
At least the top three remained the same.
But there's still another week of regular season games to go. That gives teams one more week to make an impression.
Here is mine at the AAAAA level.
1. Albuqueruqe Manzano (23-2). The Monarchs wrapped up top seed in District 5AAAAA when the Highland Hornets beat Eldorado last week. But they can't back off now, not with Hobbs and Gallup right on their tail. An undefeated district season will be complete with a win over Eldorado tonight. Then they have 11 days before playing again in the tourney championship. But will that be too much rest to keep Manzano sharp?
2. Hobbs (20-4). A lot hinges on the Eagles beating Clovis on Saturday. That would ensure the top seed in the 4AAAAA tournament and keep the pressure on Manzano to win. But travelling to Wildcat Country is no easy feat. A loss could trigger a one-game playoff, and then Hobbs could be scrambling for a decent seed.
3. Gallup (17-3). The state's longest boys basketball winning streak - 16 games - partly resides here (and in Class A Clayton) and it should reach 18 after this week. The big test will be when the Rams of Rio Rancho visit Gallup, but the Bengals already beat Rio Rancho by 8 two weeks ago. Gallup has an outside shot at gaining the top seed, but that requires meltdowns from Manzano and Hobbs. The Bengals' best wins are over Clovis, Alamogordo and Rio Rancho. Not quite No. 1 material.
4. Valley (18-6). The No. 4 spot is a three-team race between the Vikings, La Cueva and Las Cruces. All three lost last week. The best loss came in Valley's 54-53 score to Highland. Valley now turns its attention to its final two 2AAAAA games - at Santa Fe High and at Sandia. Another loss here and the Vikings then have to tussle with Eldorado for No. 7. A pair of wins could set up a 2AAAAA showdown with ...
5. La Cueva (17-7). The Bears lost - again - to Albuquerque Academy, but only this one counts (the Chargers had to forfeit their Dec. 30 win). And it hurt because they had a chance to move to No. 4. La Cueva still has a shot, but it must beat Albuquerque High and Sandia to set up a district playoff with Valley.
6. Eldorado (17-7). The Eagles lost at Highland - which has regained the focus lost during a 1-4 skid at the worst time - but are wins over Manzano and Rio Grande from securing a No. 2 seed in 5AAAAA. Eldorado might enjoy a slight bounce with a win over the Monarchs, but its ceiling is really a No. 5. But a pair of losses, and the Eagles will find out how low they can go.
7. Las Cruces (19-5). There are bad losses. And there are bad losses. The Bulldogs took one against 3AAAAA bottom-feeder Mayfield on Friday (71-66). They still secured the district's top seed with an Alamogordo loss, but they also feel the sting in the eyes of this committee.
8. Clovis (15-9). The Wildcats righted their ship with wins over Carlsbad and AAAA Roswell, and thanks to slip-ups from Alamogordo and Rio Grande (losses to Manzano and AAA Hope Christian), they find themselves sneaking back up the ladder. They can rocket up the seedings with a win over Hobbs ... and another win over Hobbs (in a presumptive 3AAAAA playoff for the top seed).
9. Rio Rancho (14-10). The Rams benefit from being the runner-up in 1AAAAA behind the Bengals. You also look at their losses and realize that, outside of a season-opening loss to Sandia, the Rams have lost to some impressive teams. Two to Highland (yes, I know they are the fourth-place team in 5AAAAA ... for now), a pair tothe Bengals and one each to Clovis, Hobbs and Manzano. If only a couple of those losses were wins ....
10. Rio Grande (15-9). So much is riding on tonight's game against Highland. A win secures the third spot in 5AAAAA and prevents the Hornets from rising up into the top 8. But a loss will send the Ravens dropping further into the teens.
11. Highland (19-5). The best fourth-place district team in the state can become the best third-place district team in the state with a win over Rio Grande. And if Eldorado falters this week, we will see the Hornets get right back where they belong - somewhere in the Top 5.
12. Alamogordo (17-7). Ouch. This is what a loss to Oñate feels like. Before then, the Tigers were flirting with Top 8 status. Their loss to Rio Grande (58-57 on Jan 9) looks bigger - and worse - by the day.
13. Las Cruces Oñate (14-11). OK. Now it's time to go to the NMAA rulebook. Chances are the Knights and Alamogordo will tie for second in 3AAAAA. In that case, the tie could be settled on the point differential tiebreaker. The Tigers' 58-46 win at Oñate would trump a 39-38 Knights win on Friday. Or it could be a coin flip. Which would suck.
14. Sandia (13-11). The Matadors pretty much secured a berth with a convincing win over Santa Fe High last week (74-44). They can leave no doubt with the seeding committee with a win over Valley or La Cueva this week. In which case, Sandia would serve the role as spoiler for the Vikings or the Bears. In which case, the potential rematch in the district tournament next week could be a doozy.
15. Gadsden (12-10). The Panthers can lock up a spot with a win over Las Cruces or Alamogordo this week. If they beat Alamogordo, Oñate will slip them a nice little present. Maybe even sealed with a kiss.
16. Carlsbad (12-13). The Cavemen will go winless in 3AAAAA play (only Clovis on Feb. 17 stands in the way of that). But given that the other option is Santa Fe High, the Cavemen sneak in. For now.
How can Santa Fe High find its way into the tournament? Well, beat Valley tonight for starters. Then reach the 2AAAAA semis and they will make a solid argument. Reach the championship game (Which means winning three games in as many days) and the Demons will be in for sure. Probably as the 16th seed, but they'll be in.
The steroid scare almost over??? Florida ends testing.
Here is another link to a story I was forwarded today (much thanks goes to former New Mexican writer Priscilla Gomez for this).
I must say, I was caught up in the steroid hysteria when it hit Major League Baseball back in 2003, but as time passes, I have seen that it was misguided. I recall doing a column about a year ago in which I talked to Robert Zayas about the New Mexico Activities Association's foray into testing, which ended rather quickly after a steroid symposium in 2004.
His concern was with other drugs - namely the illegal and prescription kind plus alcohol - and their effects on high school students. I will give him a tip of the hat today for having the foresight to not leap blindly into testing.
Which is what happened in Texas, Illinois and Florida. That is not to say we should turn a blind eye to steroids and other performance-enhancing substances, but it's encouraging to see that most kids are not falling into that trap which seemed to be gaining popularity with teenagers in general.
But let's not be lulled to sleep. We need to be vigilant about educating everyone about the pros and cons of drugs, as well as how they influence - and in some cases, destroy - lives.
I must say, I was caught up in the steroid hysteria when it hit Major League Baseball back in 2003, but as time passes, I have seen that it was misguided. I recall doing a column about a year ago in which I talked to Robert Zayas about the New Mexico Activities Association's foray into testing, which ended rather quickly after a steroid symposium in 2004.
His concern was with other drugs - namely the illegal and prescription kind plus alcohol - and their effects on high school students. I will give him a tip of the hat today for having the foresight to not leap blindly into testing.
Which is what happened in Texas, Illinois and Florida. That is not to say we should turn a blind eye to steroids and other performance-enhancing substances, but it's encouraging to see that most kids are not falling into that trap which seemed to be gaining popularity with teenagers in general.
But let's not be lulled to sleep. We need to be vigilant about educating everyone about the pros and cons of drugs, as well as how they influence - and in some cases, destroy - lives.
A heart-warming story found in Wisconsin
The issue of sportsmanship is always a healthy debate - especially after the incident involving the Mesa Vista and Pecos junior varsity teams (if you haven't heard, here is the link:
http://www.riograndesun.com/articles/2009/02/05/sports/doc498a13afe3db6676951547.txt )-
But this should be a must-read for every coach, administrator and athlete. Shows the strength of the human spirit in the face of one young man's tragedy of losing a mother to cancer.
I hope you cherish it as much as I did. Click the headline to see it.
http://www.riograndesun.com/articles/2009/02/05/sports/doc498a13afe3db6676951547.txt )-
But this should be a must-read for every coach, administrator and athlete. Shows the strength of the human spirit in the face of one young man's tragedy of losing a mother to cancer.
I hope you cherish it as much as I did. Click the headline to see it.
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