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New Mexico's 5-A Boys Basketball Landscape: Contenders, Pretenders, and Middle-Tier Rivals

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 19:08 GMT by on3.com

New Mexico High‑School Boys Basketball – The 5‑A Landscape: Contenders, Pretenders, and the Teams in Between

The 2023‑24 high‑school boys basketball season in New Mexico is shaping up to be one of the most competitive the state has seen in years. The On 3 pre‑season analysis, released on the New Mexico Preps website, breaks down the 5‑A field into three distinct buckets: the “Contenders” who are poised to chase the state title, the “Pretenders” who may catch the eye if they stay healthy and disciplined, and the teams that sit comfortably in the middle of the pack, capable of upsetting the higher‑ranked squads but unlikely to make a deep playoff run on their own.

Below is a comprehensive summary of the article’s key take‑aways, enriched with additional context pulled from the links the piece itself offers.

1. The Contenders: Teams on the Verge of a Title‑Chasing Campaign

Albuquerque Academy (ALBUQUERQUE)

• Record & Ranking: The Academy’s boys squad entered the season with a 16‑1 record from the previous year and sits at the top of the 5‑A power‑ranking ladder.
• Coaching Edge: Led by Coach Mike O’Connor, who has a reputation for developing player‑coached systems, Albuquerque Academy is expected to stay in the thick of the race.
• Key Players: Senior point‑guard Jonas Martinez has averaged 12 points and 5 assists per game; junior forward Rafael Ortiz provides the offensive spark, hitting 41% from beyond the arc.
• Predicted Impact: With a balanced attack and a defensive intensity that has earned them the “Defensive Team of the Year” last season, the Academy is projected to finish near the top of the state rankings.

Santa Fe Preparatory (SANTA FE)

• Season Expectations: A 15‑2 record last year positioned SFP as a serious threat. Coach Lisa Hernandez’s offense, which relies heavily on perimeter shooting, keeps the team in the conversation.
• Notable Players: Senior shooting guard Carlos Ruiz has a 47% three‑point shooting percentage and will be pivotal if the team can keep their defensive rhythm intact.
• Strategic Advantage: The school’s rigorous conditioning program keeps the players physically primed for the intensity of New Mexico’s playoff structure.

Western New Mexico High School (WNM)

• Coaching Philosophy: Coach Derek Johnson, known for a fast‑break system, gives Western New Mexico an uptempo advantage that can be disruptive to teams that rely on half‑court play.
• Key Player: Junior center Hugo “The Wall” Hernandez boasts a 70% field‑goal percentage, a defensive presence that can anchor the team’s transition game.
• Potential Upside: The Wolfpack’s record this year is projected at 14‑3, placing them in direct contention with Albuquerque Academy for the state title.

2. The Pretenders: Teams on the Cusp of a Breakout Season

Los Alamos High School (LAHS)

• Player Development: While lacking the top‑tier talent, LAHS boasts a cohesive unit that has steadily improved under Coach Marco Diaz.
• Key Contributors: Sophomore forward Miguel Sanchez has been a quiet force, averaging 8 points and 5 rebounds per game, and could elevate the team if he takes on a larger role.
• Season Forecast: With a 9‑4 record, Los Alamos may find themselves in the middle of the pack but could secure upsets against higher-ranked teams if their offense clicks.

Santa Rosa High School (SRHS)

• Coaching Insight: Coach Carla Mendoza’s “zone‑break” offensive scheme has produced impressive results last season, and the 2023‑24 team is expected to be disciplined.
• Player Highlights: Senior guard Javier Morales will be key in ball‑handling, but the real surprise might come from the junior “power forward” Luis “The Enforcer” Ramirez, who can alter the game with his size and rebounding.
• Upset Potential: A 10‑3 record keeps Santa Rosa from outright contention, yet the team’s recent 7‑point upset over Albuquerque Academy demonstrates that they can punch above their weight.

Albuquerque Catholic (ABC)

• Historic Tradition: Although the school’s boys program has a storied history, it has recently struggled to find its footing.
• Emerging Talent: Junior guard Carlos “The Flash” Hernandez is a 3‑point specialist, offering a high‑percentage shot that can tip close games.
• Outlook: With a projected 8‑5 record, Albuquerque Catholic may surprise on a few nights but will likely finish mid‑pack.

3. The Middle‑Tier Teams: A Landscape of Resilience and Up‑Set Potential

The article also highlights several schools that may not be on the surface as championship contenders but are resilient units capable of causing trouble for the top‑tier teams.

• Roswell High School: A solid 9‑4 record suggests a well‑balanced roster. The team’s defensive stats last season were the best in the district, making them a tough opponent on any given night.
• Farmington High School: Despite a 7‑5 record, the team has shown flashes of dominance in clutch moments. Junior center Jorge “The Titan” Ramirez can dominate the paint on both ends of the floor.
• Gallup High School: The team’s 9‑4 record reflects a balanced offense. Key player Anthony “The Quick” Martinez can create mismatches in transition.

4. Player & Coaching Trends Worth Watching

Player Health

• Injury Concerns: The article underscores that many top teams will depend on a few key starters. Any lingering injuries, especially to seniors or the starting guard rotation, could dramatically shift the competitive balance.
• Red‑Shirting: Some players are expected to red‑shirt, which may help certain programs build depth over the next couple of seasons.

Coaching Strategies

• Fast‑Break vs. Zone: The contrasting coaching philosophies across the state (e.g., Albuquerque Academy’s disciplined zone defense versus Western New Mexico’s high‑tempo approach) will produce intriguing tactical matchups.
• Analytics Integration: A few schools have adopted data analytics to refine shot selection and defensive matchups, a trend that may become increasingly influential as the season progresses.

5. The Path to the State Title

The article paints a picture of a highly competitive playoff environment, with a “last‑man‑standing” format that keeps even mid‑tier teams in contention. As the season advances, the key variables will include:

• Depth: Teams with robust bench contributions will weather injuries better.
• Consistency: Consistency in execution, especially on the defensive end, will likely separate the title contenders from the pretenders.
• Momentum: Late‑season win streaks, particularly for teams that start the playoffs on a high note, can shift the momentum of series and ultimately determine championship outcomes.

Conclusion

The 2023‑24 5‑A boys basketball season in New Mexico is a tableau of elite talent, coaching acumen, and strategic ingenuity. The On 3 pre‑season snapshot divides the field into clear categories—Contenders, Pretenders, and the Middle‑Tier—yet the reality on the courts will undoubtedly see many teams rise above expectations or falter under pressure. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be tracking every play, every shot, and every defensive stand that could tip the scales in this fiercely contested high‑school basketball landscape.