PREP ROUNDUP

Boys basketball

What happened: The Elks built a 53-39 lead entering the fourth quarter, but the Timberwolves scored 27 points in a frantic attempt to overcome the deficit that fell short in both teams’ season opener Tuesday in Pojoaque. Depth became an issue for Pojoaque Valley down the stretch, as three Elks fouled out and two more had four fouls. The Elks showed scoring balance, though, as four players reached double figures.

Standouts: Lukas Archibeque led Pojoaque with 17 points, and Nathan Valdez added 12. Marcos Vigil and Dante Ortiz each had 10. Tim Fuchs led East Mountain with 21 points.

What’s next: The Elks (1-0) take on Gallup on Dec. 3 at home.

Girls basketball

What happened: The Lady Hilltoppers overcame a scoreless third quarter by using their size to offset some sloppy play in the backcourt in both teams’ season opener. They held a 50-27 advantage on the glass, but it was still a 32-all score after 32 minutes. Los Alamos finally got some breathing room thanks to a Natalie Gallegos jumper and a pair of free throws from Becca Green to build a 39-34 lead. Standouts: Green finished with 17 points to lead Los Alamos, and Gallegos added eight. Rachel Morgan had 13 points for the Lady Horsemen, including a 3-pointer in the final seconds for the final score. Carisa Padilla scored 12.

What’s next: Los Alamos (1-0) heads to Santa Fe High on Dec. 3. St. Michael’s (0-1) hosts Albuquerque Academy the same day.

What happened: The Lady Jaguars were within 22-21 at the half, but a four-point third quarter did them in as the Elkettes built a 39-25 lead that held up in Edward A. Ortiz Memorial Gymnasium. Michaela Martinez keyed the 17-point third for Pojoaque with six points, and Madison Gonzales had a 3-pointer. Capital, meanwhile, struggled to find balance on offense as only four players scored through the first three quarters.

Standouts: The Elkettes were led by a pair of Martinezes who scored 14 points each — Michaela and Ashten. The Lady Jaguars had Rebecca Sorensen score 15 points, and Ethena Silva had seven of her 11 points in the second half.

What’s next: Capital plays Los Alamos on Dec. 5 in the opening round of the Bobby Rodriguez Capital City Tournament. Pojoaque Valley gets back at it Wednesday at Bernalillo.