AAA update circa Feb. 12

No surprises at the top, but the rest is a jumbled mess. Why can't teams just win when they're supposed to? (I'm looking at you, Horsemen Nation). Makes seeding to much easier that way. Oh well, I'll give it a shot, even though it's likely to change by the time i end this posting. At least I was right when I wrote it.

1. Hope Christian (19-3). Go ahead, St. Michael's. Redeem yourselves Monday. Otherwise, the Huskies will have clear sailing to a three-peat.
2. Taos (15-6). Ah, Wingate, you were so close to this spot. Then the Bears lost to Shiprock last night. Meanwhile, the Tigers survived a scare at West Las Vegas, but their win over St. Michael's is the trump card. Oh, and a win over Socorro. Oh, and a win over Portales. Pretty impressive for a first-year AAA school.
3. St. Michael's (14-7). The Horsemen get this spot because it beat Sandia Prep, and the Sundevils have to stay behind them in accordance to NMAA bylaws. But St. Michael's has not looked good in losing its last two games. This weekend could make or break a good seed.
4. Sandia Prep (13-6). Tonight's the night for the Sundevils to take back what was lost at St. Michael's. A win and they jump ahead of the Horsemen. A loss? Well, watch who's No. 5 slide on by ...
5. Wingate (16-2). You lose to Shiprock, and you deserve to drop further. At least the Bears can boast about a split with the Chieftains. But you lost to 10-13 Shiprock!!! For shame.
6. Socorro (14-8). The Warriors are 5-0 in 3AAA play, but that 3-4 mark against the rest of AAA hurts. They can hope the rest of 5AAA (asise from Hope Christian) continues to beat each other up. Or that someone else comes along to tug on Wingate's cape.
7. Portales (13-7). The Rams opened 4AAA with a big win over Lovington, but tonight's matchup against Ruidoso is equally as crucial. This is a team that's gathering momentum and could move up.
8. Las Vegas Robertson (13-6). A lot is riding on Monday's matchup against Taos. The 2AAA lead, for sure. But the Cardinals could really cause a jumbled mess in the seedings with a win. They are on a six-game winning streak, which is the perfect time to do it.
9. Silver (12-11). The Colts are 6-1 in 3AAA, with only a loss to Socorro. This is a team that is turning it around at the right time, and a win over the Warriors could do even more for them.
10. Pojoaque Valley (13-11). Yay! The Horsemen Curse is broken! Booo!!! You lost to the Braves and Hope the next two games!
11. Shiprock (10-13). Look what one win can do to a program! The Chieftains are 5-1 in AAA, but the win over Wingate was the most impressive one. Trumps what the rest of the rest have done.
12. SFIS (9-11). The wheels have fallen off the Braves. They lost seven in a row before beating the Elks. Then they lost to the Horsemen. SFIS isn't out of the tournament, but they are falling further and further down the ladder.
13. Lovington (12-11). This is why the Wildcats need to play more AAA teams. A 1-1 mark - all in 4AAA - doesn't cut. Still, SFIS' losses are their gains.
14. Ruidoso (10-12). The Warriors' district struggles leave them 0-2 and dead last. At least they are ahead of the back pack.
15. Zuni (8-10). The Thunderbirds have three wins against AAA schools, which is enough to trump ...
16. West Las Vegas (5-14). The Dons almost secured their way into the dance with a win over Taos. They overall resume is better than 9-14 Hot Springs, but the Tigers' record looks better. Doesn't mean they are the better team. Chances are, they get in before West does.