Week 2: Top Performers & More
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Here are some the top performers from the second week of the 2023-24 regular season for girls basketball and some recent ‘In-Season’ Tournament Champions. Janessa Gallegos Janessa Gallegos 5'2" | SG Atrisco Heritage | 2024 State NM | 34 Points…
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Continue ReadingHere are some the top performers from the second week of the 2023-24 regular season for girls basketball and some recent ‘In-Season’ Tournament Champions.
Janessa Gallegos Janessa Gallegos 5'2" | SG Atrisco Heritage | 2024 State NM | 34 Points vs Rio Grande
On Dec. 6 Gallegos caught fire from 3-point range vs Rio Grande finishing with 10 made 3s. Gallegos, who is one of the top 3-point shooters — 52 3PM in 2022-23 — torched the Ravens for 34 points. Janessa moved well without the ball and was relentless in creating separation. Never really adjusting, Rio Grande continuously kept going under the Jaguars screens, allowing Janessa to have room to rise up.
Next Up: 12/12 AHA (1-1) @ Los Lunas (1-3) @ 7 p.m.
Bella Hines Bella Hines 5'10" | CG Eldorado | 2025 State NM | 30 Point DBL-DBL vs Los Lunas | 25 Points vs Volcano Vista
To no surprise, the no. 1 ranked player in the class of 2025 is cooking early. Hines did a great job vs the Tigers breaking their full-court press and forcing defenders to commit. The ability to split the trap allowed Bella to get several coast-2-coast takes and wide open 3s.
The game-plan the Hawks devised, was simple. Take the ball out of Bella’s hand. For a majority of the game, the plan was somewhat working. However, the relentless Hines could not be fully contained. Bella still scored a game-high 25 points thanks to her ability to score from well beyond the arc.
Next Up: 12/12 Eldorado (2-1) vs Cleveland (3-2) @ 7 p.m.
Aleena Rodriguez Aleena Rodriguez 5'7" | SF Eunice | 2025 State NM | 34 Points vs ‘NVO’ | 19 Points vs Seagraves (TX)
Already the All-Time leader in 3’s made for the Cardinals, Aleena continues adding to her 3PT total. To begin the 2023-24 season, Rodriguez is playing solid basketball on the offensive end and is shooting the rock with supreme confidence. Aleena, primarily a corner specialist, has made 10 total 3’s in her past two games.
Next Up: 12/12 Eunice (2-1) vs Lovington (5-2) @ 6:30 p.m.
Faith Ortiz Faith Ortiz 5'2" | PG Volcano Vista | 2024 State NM | 15 Points vs Organ Mountain
With ‘TT’ Hill garnering most of the attention, and rightfully so, the Hawks need someone else on the roster to step up and provide relief. On Saturday, that help came from Ortiz who finished with 15 points vs the Knights. Ortiz was decisive in catch & shoot situations, connecting on multiple 3s. Faith also was able to both secure layups off the dribble and get 2nd chance points by crashing the glass and getting put-backs.
Next Up: 12/12 VVHS (2-1) vs La Cueva (2-1) @ 7 p.m.
Eva Love Eva Love 5'9" | SG La Cueva | 2024 State NM | 22 Points vs Centennial
It was a terrific showing for the no. 1 ranked player in the class of 2024 as Eva Love Eva Love 5'9" | SG La Cueva | 2024 State NM dominated both ends of the floor vs the Hawks. Eva’s playmaking was evident as both a defender and ball handler, especially in DHO situations. Love finished with 22 points on the evening, leading all scorers.
Next Up: 12/12 La Cueva (2-1) @ Volcano (2-1) @ 7 p.m.
Jordyn Dyer Jordyn Dyer PF La cueva | 2026 State NM | 19 Points vs Centennial
Dyer was a standout defensively for the Bears, causing havoc with her length and quickness. Jordyn continuously put herself in great position as a help-side defender, anticipating and jumping passes over and over again vs the Hawks. If Dyer continues playing at this level, another ‘All-State’ selection is heading her way.
Next Up: 12/12 La Cueva (2-1) @ Volcano (2-1) @ 7 p.m.
Elizabeth Buendia | 20 Points vs West Mesa
Spoiled at the buzzer/after the buzzer was the performance from Lovington’s CG Elizabeth Buendia, who was a questionable call away from leading a tremendous comeback victory vs the West Mesa Mustangs. Keeping the Wildcats in the game with 20 points, thanks to timely 3-pointers and free-throws.
Next Up: 12/12 Lovington (5-2) @ Eunice (2-1) @ 6:30 p.m.
‘Hub City’ Tournament Champions – West Mesa Mustangs
After two weeks of action, the West Mesa Mustangs are 3-0 despite losing arguably their best player to a season-ending knee injury. With the likes of Cece Thrasher Cece Thrasher SG West Mesa | 2024 State NM who can score inside-out, Marsai Martinez Marsai Martinez 5'4" | PF West Mesa | 2024 State NM a high-energy plus defender and Monique Sena Monique Sena PG West Mesa | 2025 State NM a floor spacing slasher, the Mustangs are still a solid squad.
| 12/8 vs Lovington (W) 40-39 | 12/9 vs Manzano (W) 59-33 |
Next Up: 12/12 vs St. Pius X (3-1) @ 6 p.m.
Capital HS ‘Al Armendariz’ Tournament Champions – Hobbs Eagles
The defending 5A State Champions are currently 6-1 and off to a hot start. Comprised of a versatile roster, the Eagles are positioned for another deep playoff run. Hobbs has physical forwards with Kyndle Cunningham Kyndle Cunningham 6'0" | PF Hobbs | 2025 State NM & Jayla David Jayla David 5'10" | PF Hobbs | 2025 State NM , they got floor spacers in Brynn Hargrove Brynn Hargrove 5'6" | PG Hobbs | 2025 State NM & Nakia Mojica Nakia Mojica 5'6" | CG Hobbs | 2025 State NM and lastly wing players like Bhret Clay Bhret Clay 5'9" | SG Hobbs | 2025 State NM that can create and score off the dribble.
| 12/7 vs Grants (W) 87-14 | 12/8 vs SFIS (W) 67-16 | 12/9 vs Navajo Prep (W) 81-32 |
Next Up: 12/19 vs Centennial (2-1) @ 7 p.m.