Way-Too-Early: Predictions

The 2024-25 season for girls' high school basketball officially begins Nov. 23.   Here are some projections for this upcoming season. Both from a team and individual standpoint that will hopefully be justifiable and warranted, come end-of-season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Title Game Predictions</h2>   5A Matchup: Sandia Matadors vs Hobbs Eagles   The Matadors will be looking to go back-to-back while the Eagles are seeking their second title in three years. Both schools have capable defenders, willing passers and offensive threats who rank towards the top of the 2025 class.   Sandia will be led by [player_tooltip player_id='391103' first='Sydney' last='Benally'], [player_tooltip player_id='391104' first='Hope' last='Giddings'], and [player_tooltip player_id='391109' first='Audriana' last='Wright']. A skilled senior trio that has accumulated well over 25 next-level offers.   Returning for Hobbs, is the dynamic quartet of [player_tooltip player_id='458555' first='Bhret' last='Clay'], [player_tooltip player_id='458556' first='Brynn' last='Hargrove'], [player_tooltip player_id='467050' first='Kyndle' last='Cunningham'] and [player_tooltip player_id='467055' first='Nakia' last='Mojica']. Like their counterparts, each player is a senior and college bound.   4A Matchup: Gallup Bengals vs Albuquerque Academy Chargers   The Bengals have won two Championships in the last four years (2021, 2023) and have a great chance to add a third. Gallup, arguably has one of the best, if not the best frontcourt tandem with senior [player_tooltip player_id='467051' first='Rylie' last='Whitehair'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='901165' first='Kayden' last='Tsosie']. Two six-footers with a feathery touch and excellent footwork.   The Chargers are a relatively young squad, however, ABQ. Academy has a great chance to win their District (4A-6) and obtain a top four seed come March 2025. As a team, the Chargers have good positional length and capable offensive talents such as [player_tooltip player_id='648196' first='Adeline' last='Spratley']. Spratley is an All-State talent and one of the better interior players in 4A. Listed at 5'11", Spratley is a Double-Double threat that logged eight total this past season. Spratley averaged 13.4 points -- on 51 percent shooting -- with 7.3 rebounds.   3A Matchup: Robertson Cardinals vs SFIS Braves   Despite being in the same District, both Robertson and SFIS will reach the 3A Title Game. If that is indeed the case, both clubs should meet four times in 2024-25. Twice during District play, once more during the District tournament and lastly at 'The Pit' for all the marbles.   The Cardinals most recent State Championship came in 2022. Will the Cardinals reclaim the 3A crown? Stay tuned. Leading the way is [player_tooltip player_id='968109' first='Arianna' last='Martinez']. A 2028 guard that shot the 3ball at a high clip in 2023-24. Martinez finished with 38 3PM on 38 percent, averaging 10.5 points!   The Braves will be led by [player_tooltip player_id='391321' first='Emma' last='Lewis'], a Two-Time All-State Selection (1st Team 2023, 2024). For her career, Lewis has averaged 8.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 39 percent from the floor.   2A Matchup: Tucumcari Rattlers vs Tatum Coyotes   Fresh off a class realignment -- Tucumcari dropped a class level from 3A to 2A -- the Rattlers are well equipped for a Title run. The primary reason being, the 'Big Three' of [player_tooltip player_id='391105' first='Caylee' last='Benavidez'], [player_tooltip player_id='648205' first='Kyla' last='Lopez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='391114' first='July' last='Lafferty'].   Defensively, the Rattlers were in the upper echelon in terms of forcing turnovers and points per game allowed. The question is, can that production carry over to the 2024-25 season? The belief is that Tucumcari will continue being a tenacious defense that forces opponents to get sped-up and make mistakes. This is why they have a good shot at capturing glory. Oh and because of the aformentioned trio of Benavidez, Lafferty and Lopez all returning. All three averaged 13+ points and more than 3.5 steals per game!   The Coyotes are poised for another deep playoff run as they return [player_tooltip player_id='893558' first='Avery' last='Henard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='888503' first='Louann' last='Villasenor']. A dynamic duo that competes on both ends of the floor. In 2023-24, Henard was an All-State Second Team Selection while Villasenor was a Honorable Mention.   1A Matchup: Fort Sumner/House Vixens vs Roy/Mosquero Lady Blue's   Over the last four seasons, each program has claimed two Championships (F.S/H 2022, 2024 | R/M 2021, 2023). With this in mind, who will get their third?   The Vixens are led by the Casaus siblings -- Allyssa and Emmarie -- who each have earned an All-State nod. The pair is arguably the best duo in Class-A; But they will have to knock-off another skilled tandem in order to go back-to-back.   Leading the charge for R/M, is [player_tooltip player_id='403408' first='Nora' last='Crisp'] and [player_tooltip player_id='642715' first='Sylvania' last='Baca']. Like the Casaus siblings, both Crisp and Baca have been selected for All-State. This past season, Crisp was a First Team Selection while Baca was on the Second Team.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Individual Predictions</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='391103' first='Sydney' last='Benally'] will notch her fourth consecutive season with 100+ total Assists   Benally is an outstanding facilitator with great awareness and vision. The 5'9" point-guard, is a terrific scorer that can takeover for long stretches in a game, but with that being said, Sydney is more than happy to get her teammates involved and put them in situations to succeed. The difference between Benally and other back-court players across the State, is her ability to create off the dribble. Sydney is an excellent passer out of the pick'n'roll, to both the screener and other players. Moreover, the senior is great at delivering the 'drop-off pass' when operating in the lane, if and when the help-side defender rotates over.   [player_tooltip player_id='391321' first='Emma' last='Lewis'] will reach 800 career Rebounds   Emma is a dangerous offensive rebounder that high-points the ball of the rim and or glass. In 74 games played, Lewis has totaled 571 total rebounds, which averages out to 7.7 rebounds per game. Lewis' ability to rebound in traffic on both ends of the court is rather impressive and shows her commitment to finishing and or extending plays in the half-court.   [player_tooltip player_id='839425' first='Harper' last='Dunn'] will reach 500 career Blocks   Cardinals center [player_tooltip player_id='839425' first='Harper' last='Dunn'] has been on an absolute tear since her arrival. The 6'6" Dunn has dominated both ends of the court but has particularly stood out as a shot-blocker. In 43 career games played, Dunn has totaled 320 blocks which has averaged out to a 7.4 blocks per game. Staggering numbers for an underclassman.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   *Statistics via MaxPreps*   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coupon Code</h2>   Enter code at checkout and receive $10 off your registration!   Code: MartinezPGH2024

The 2024-25 season for girls' high school basketball officially begins Nov. 23.