Capital a favorite in District 2-4A
Demons join Jaguars at top of list for boys basketball.
BOYS
After earning its first District 2-4A title in seven years, the Capital Jaguars head into the coming district season as prohibitive favorites, due in large part to two of 4A’s finest: seniors Michael Lopez and Christian Martinez. Of course, Capital will have competition from Santa Fe and Bernalillo, which feature top-quality scorers in Wyatt Honstein and Brandon Saiz, respectively. And while Española Valley missed the playoffs last season after claiming the state title, it has already proven this season that it can compete against top competition.
Capital Jaguars
HEAD COACH: Mark Senteney, fourth year
LAST YEAR: 22-7, 7-1 in 2-4A; lost to Atrisco Heritage in 4A state quarterfinals
RETURNING STARTERS: 2 KEY PLAYERS: Michael Lopez, Sr. (6-foot-3, Forward); Christian Martinez, Sr. (5-10, Guard); Michael Sanders, Sr. (5-9, G)
OUTLOOK: The tandem of Michael Lopez and Christian Martinez led Capital to a District 2-4A title, and all the way to the state quarterfinals before running out of steam. The pair, who have helped lead the Jaguars to a 3-0 start, will be relied on heavily again this season. How well Lopez and Martinez play will determine if Capital can get past the state quarterfinal round.
Santa Fe Demons
HEAD COACH: David Rodriguez, third year
LAST YEAR: 8-17, 3-5 in 2-4A; missed playoffs nearly half the season last year — and perhaps health will again be a deciding factor in the postseason fate of the Demons. Honstein is expected to lead the squad from the point, while Tres — as his name indicates — will be relied upon for points from beyond the arc.
Española Valley Sundevils
HEAD COACH: Richard Martinez, 10th year
LAST YEAR: 14-15, 4-4 in 2-4A; missed playoffs
RETURNING STARTERS: none KEY PLAYERS: Kyle Gains, Sr. (5-10, F); Nathan Cordova (6-0, F); Gabriel Borrejo, Sr. (6-3, F); Daniel Velasquez, Sr. (6-0, F).
OUTLOOK: Since the graduation of Rodney Coles from Española Valley’s only state-title team two seasons ago, Sundevils coach Richard Martinez’s search for a closer continues. This year, Kyle Gains appears to be the top candidate to handle scoring duties down the stretch, but after back-to-back onepoint losses this season, Martinez said his search for the next “Rocket” is far from over. While 6-foot-4 senior transfer, John Cotton, has been declared eligible to play, Martinez tempered expectations for his newest big man by adding that this will be his first season of organized basketball. Cotton
HEAD COACH: Fil Dominguez, second year
LAST YEAR: 11-15, 3-5 in 2-4A; lost to Goddard in 4A opening round
RETURNING STARTERS:
none
KEY PLAYERS: Travis Richins, Sr. (6-foot-3 Center); Skylar Venus, Jr. (6-1, F); Franklin Archuleta, Jr. (5-10, G).
OUTLOOK: After a sluggish regular season last year, Los Alamos eked into the playoffs as the 16th seed. But once in the postseason, the Hilltoppers nearly upset then top-ranked Goddard in Roswell. Now after graduating its entire starting lineup, what Los Alamos lacks in experience and depth, it will have to make up for with that same moxie it displayed against the Rockets in order to return to the playoffs, while avoiding the district cellar.
Bernalillo Spartans
COACH: Terry Darnell, 19th
year
LAST SEASON: 17-12; lost in 4A first round to Kirtland Central
RETURNING STARTERS: 4 KEY PLAYERS: Brandon Saiz, Sr. (5-9, G); Tristan Arnett, Sr. (5-11, G); Alan Rodriguez, Sr. (6-0, F); Aaron Griffith, Sr. (5-11, G).
OUTLOOK: As usual, the Bernalillo Spartans are small and quick, and will press and fast break as much as humanly possible. Brandon Saiz is among the top scorers in the state. Perimeter scoring should not be an issue with this team. RETURNING STARTERS: 3 KEY PLAYERS: Wyatt Honstein, Sr. (6-foot-1, G); Elliot Nicholas, Sr. (6-2, F); Tres Chaires, Sr. (6-2, F)
OUTLOOK: Injuries plagued Santa Fe early on — with guard Wyatt Honstein (wrist) and forward Tres Chaires (concussion) both missing has begun practicing with the squad and is expected to suit up with the team later this month, Martinez said.
Los Alamos Hilltoppers