5A Girls’ Hoops All-Regular Season: Third Team Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025-26 regular season in New Mexico Class 5A girls' high school basketball was packed with talent from top to bottom, and this Third Team rounds out the celebration of the players who delivered consistent impact, versatility, and heart. From district champions to underrated gems, these standouts helped shape an unforgettable campaign and set the stage for postseason fireworks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Disclaimer:</em></strong> This All-Regular Season Team is an independent recognition of standout regular-season performances and is not affiliated with official All-State selections. The formal All-State process has yet to be completed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is Part 3 (and the finale) of our three-part series highlighting the best of NM Class 5A girls basketball from the regular season. Thanks for following along—now let's dive into the Third Team!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">All-Regular Season Team – Third Team</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='648201' first='Lailah' last='Bouldin'] – Albuquerque High Bulldogs (Class of 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bouldin's experience and multi-positional versatility were key ingredients in the Bulldogs' 5A-5 district title run. In a solid senior campaign across 25 games, the 5'6" shooting guard averaged 11.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.8 steals per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shooting splits: 43% FG, 29% 3PT, 62% FT.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She notched 15 double-figure games and two 20-point outings under Coach Morrison, peaking with 22 points against West Mesa on Feb. 4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='828810' first='Caris' last='Dale'] – Farmington Scorpions (Class of 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dale formed a dynamic Big 3 alongside her teammates, providing fundamental soundness and reliability that powered Farmington to the 5A-1 regular-season district championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Across 26 games, the 5'9" small forward averaged 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Shooting: 41% FG, 31% 3PT, 63% FT.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She tallied 19 double-figure games and one 20-point performance, with a season-high 23 points against Cleveland on Jan. 22.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='648227' first='Sofia' last='Herrera'] – Las Cruces Bulldawgs (Class of 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Herrera flew under the radar as one of the most energetic and savvy two-way players in 5A, bringing hustle and smarts on both ends. In 25 games for the Bulldawgs, the dynamic shooting guard averaged 11.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and an impressive 4.5 steals per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She posted two 20-point games and reached double figures in 14 contests. Shooting splits: 39% FG, 83% FT.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1671430' first='Bella' last='Walter'] – Centennial Hawks (Class of 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walter burst onto the scene with explosive energy, powering the Hawks to a 5A-3 district championship and thriving in her pivotal role—especially in second-half surges.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Across 25 games, the 5'9" forward averaged 10.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. She recorded three double-doubles and 17 double-figure outings, with a season-high 19 points against Del Valle on Jan. 12.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shooting: 50% FG, 62% FT. Her contributions were massive in Centennial's title push.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1068499' first='Kayla' last='Finley'] – Los Lunas Tigers (Class of 2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finley emerged as the primary option for Los Lunas and Coach Vigil, standing out with her rare versatility that created constant mismatches in the halfcourt. The 5'11" forward excelled when attacking the paint off the dribble, making her a nightmare for defenses. As a dynamic sophomore, she positioned the Tigers for a strong postseason run, showcasing star-level potential and leadership all regular season long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Third Team completes the full picture of the incredible depth in New Mexico 5A girls hoops—resilient, talented athletes who made every game must-watch. What a season it's been; now bring on the playoffs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->