Albuquerque Academy Retains #1 in Week 4 NM Girls Basketball Rankings

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  Sports and Competition on Tue, Dec 16th, 2025 by on3.com
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Week 4 New Mexico High‑School Girls Basketball Rankings: Tournament Season Shakes the Board

The New Mexico high‑school girls basketball rankings have been reshuffled once again as the state’s tournament season kicks into high gear. The most recent rankings, released by NM Preps on On3.com, reveal that a handful of programs have seized the spotlight, while a number of traditional powerhouses have had to fight to maintain their positions. The Week 4 update comes after a weekend of intense competition in a series of regional tournaments that have already produced several surprising results and showcased standout talent across the state.

A Shift in the Top‑Five

At the pinnacle of the new rankings, Albuquerque Academy retains its #1 spot, bolstered by a flawless record in both the regular season and the early tournament rounds. The Wildcats’ dominance is underpinned by a well‑balanced roster that includes the returning senior guard, Kelsey “Kiki” Martinez, who has consistently been a defensive anchor and a reliable scorer. Coach Maria Vega has once again highlighted the importance of disciplined offense and relentless perimeter defense, which have kept the Wildcats at the top of the rankings.

The #2 position is now occupied by Santa Fe High School. Their rise from the bottom of the standings last year to the upper echelons this season was powered by the breakout performances of freshman forward, Maya Thompson. Thompson’s ability to stretch the floor and her rebounding prowess have made her an instant star. The team's cohesive play, spearheaded by senior point guard, Leila Reyes, also contributed to the climb.

Roswell High School has moved up to #3, thanks to a series of decisive wins over higher‑seeded opponents in the “Luna Cup.” Their defensive tenacity and efficient ball‑movement have caught the eye of the ranking committee, and they are now expected to be a strong contender in the state playoffs.

The #4 spot was seized by Tucson Academy, a team that surprised many by defeating #1-ranked Albuquerque Academy in a closely contested match during the “Western Invitational.” Tucson’s uptempo style and the emergence of junior guard, Jada Patel, have helped them secure this ranking.

Finally, Silver City High has claimed the #5 position, following a dramatic victory over #2 Santa Fe in the “Desert Classic.” The Silver City squad, led by senior forward, Amira Brooks, displayed resilience and a high level of teamwork that has elevated their standing.

Tournament Highlights That Reshaped the Rankings

The tournament season, as described in the article, has been a roller‑coaster for many programs. Several lower‑ranked teams made deep runs in the state‑wide “Central Regionals,” which forced a reassessment of the power dynamics.

• Luna Cup: The tournament saw Roswell’s defense hold off a highly‑scoring Albuquerque team in the quarterfinals, earning them a significant bump in the rankings.
• Western Invitational: Tucson Academy’s upset over Albuquerque was a pivotal moment, as it not only altered the perceived strength of the conference but also showcased Tucson’s potential as a future contender.
• Desert Classic: Silver City’s win over Santa Fe provided proof that even traditionally mid‑tier programs can rise to the occasion, especially with the leadership of Amira Brooks.

These games were followed by a series of “Round‑Robin” matches in the “Rural New Mexico Invitational,” where teams such as Gallup High and Farmington Central showed notable improvement. Though not enough to break into the top ten, their performances added depth to the conference and underscored the increasing competitiveness of the state’s girls basketball.

Key Players to Watch

The rankings highlight several individual stars who are expected to shape the remainder of the season:

• Kelsey Martinez (Albuquerque Academy) – Known for her defensive prowess and clutch scoring, Martinez remains a cornerstone of the Wildcats.
• Maya Thompson (Santa Fe High) – Thompson’s ability to score from outside and dominate the boards has made her a must‑watch player.
• Jada Patel (Tucson Academy) – Patel’s quick hands and play‑making ability have added a new dimension to Tucson’s offense.
• Amira Brooks (Silver City High) – Brooks’ leadership and consistent double‑double performances have been vital for Silver City’s surge.

What This Means for the State Playoffs

The Week 4 rankings set the stage for an exciting run toward the state playoffs. The upward movement of teams like Roswell and Tucson indicates that the “old guard” is no longer invincible. The rankings suggest that the next few weeks will be critical in determining which teams secure the top seedings and which must fight through lower brackets.

The article also notes that the NM Preps ranking committee will monitor team performance through the final weeks of the tournament season, where matchups against higher‑ranked opponents could further shift the standings. Coaches are encouraged to maintain their focus, particularly with key players returning from injury or adjusting to new roles.

Final Takeaway

The Week 4 New Mexico girls basketball rankings reveal a state in transition. While Albuquerque Academy’s top spot remains solid, the gains by Santa Fe, Roswell, Tucson, and Silver City signal a more competitive landscape. As tournament play continues, expect the rankings to be even more fluid, with any of the top five teams having the potential to rise or fall based on performance. For fans and supporters, the upcoming playoffs promise a showcase of talent, determination, and the excitement that only high‑school basketball can deliver.