Hobbs Survives Thriller, AHS Upsets Undefeated Rams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.</em> — The APS Metro Championships girls' semifinals delivered high-stakes drama on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Del Norte High School, as two powerhouse matchups showcased elite talent from across New Mexico. In a thrilling double-header, Hobbs staged a gritty comeback to advance, while Albuquerque High pulled off a statement upset over undefeated Rio Rancho.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kirtland Central Broncos (11-1) vs. Hobbs Eagles (13-2) — 5:15 p.m.<br><strong>Final: Hobbs 68, Kirtland Central 63</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 5A/4A clash lived up to the hype with blistering tempo, tenacious defense, and nail-biting drama down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams brought pressure early, transitioning from full-court presses into 2-3 zones with occasional man-to-man switches. Kirtland Central jumped out to a 20-11 lead after the first quarter, but Hobbs exploded with a 13-0 run to open the second, flipping the script. After a Broncos timeout, the Eagles led 24-20 at the 4:49 mark and carried a 34-25 advantage into halftime.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hobbs maintained control through three quarters, leading 50-38, but Kirtland Central refused to fold. The Broncos battled back, cutting the deficit to a single possession (63-61) with 1:47 left. In the end, the Eagles sealed the victory 68-63, improving to 14-2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hobbs was powered by an unstoppable trio: [player_tooltip player_id='583274' first='Kacelynn' last='Muniez'] erupted for a team-high 24 points (including six three-pointers), 6 rebounds, and 3 steals, doing most of her damage in the first half. [player_tooltip player_id='831119' first='Matysen' last='Zepeda'] and Xoey Ross delivered clutch plays on both ends, combining for 30 points with steals, tough layups, and defensive highlights. Ross added 3 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Kirtland Central, [player_tooltip player_id='1058912' first='Elaina' last='Clani'] led all scorers with a game-high 25 points and 4 steals. The junior point guard — back after missing much of the season — looked sharp orchestrating in the half-court. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1068199' first='Allyson' last='Tsosie'] posted a cool 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rio Rancho Rams (12-0) vs. Albuquerque High Bulldogs (9-2) — 7:00 p.m.<br><strong>Final: Albuquerque High 52, Rio Rancho 40</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A raucous crowd fueled a competitive battle, but the Albuquerque High Bulldogs took charge and never looked back against the previously undefeated Rams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs won the tip and edged ahead 14-12 after one quarter, then extended to a 26-20 halftime lead. They dominated the third, outscoring Rio Rancho to build a 40-28 advantage entering the fourth and cruising to a 52-40 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1356317' first='Abrielle' last='Pavia'], the dynamic freshman point guard and top-ranked player in her class, was electric — pouring in a game-high 27 points with 8 rebounds, 7 steals, and 4 blocks! Senior center [player_tooltip player_id='648197' first='Savannah' last='Combs'] anchored the paint with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rio Rancho fought hard despite foul trouble. [player_tooltip player_id='839457' first='Madilynn' last='Martinez'] led the Rams with 13 points but battled foul issues, picking up her third early in the second quarter and fourth with 2:33 left. [player_tooltip player_id='648192' first='LillyAnna' last='Martinez'] provided a spark with 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What's Next</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The championship awaits: Hobbs (14-2) vs. Albuquerque High (10-2) on Saturday, January 10, at 3:00 p.m. at Del Norte High School. Don't miss this clash!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->