The fifth week of New Mexico high school girls basketball showcased outstanding individual and team performances across the state, with standout efforts from top-ranked players and rising stars alike. From dominant wins to hard-fought battles, here’s a comprehensive look at the week’s most impressive contributions.
Thursday and Friday Highlights
Valencia started the week strong with a 43-39 victory over Centennial. Senior guard Jadyn Montoya led the Jaguars with 20 points, while junior Francesca Otero added 10 points. Farmington displayed their depth in a 63-20 win over Texas-El Paso El Dorado, with juniors Chenoa Parrish (14 points), Kjani Anitelu (13 points), and Caris Dale (11 points) leading the charge.
Top-ranked Sandia continued their dominance with a 57-39 win over Los Lunas, powered by senior Sydney Benally’s stellar 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Fellow seniors Nadia Randall and Hope Giddings chipped in with 12 and 9 points, respectively.
On Friday, Farmington secured a 69-60 win over Texas-Riverside in Hobbs, with Parrish (18 points), Anitelu (15 points), and Dale (12 points) combining for 45 points. Las Cruces followed suit with a commanding 63-23 victory over El Dorado (Texas), led by 17 points from Bethzy Quinones and 15 points from Danae Pacheco.
Hope Christian’s Bri Bishop, a promising sophomore, posted a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds in a 44-29 win over Shiprock.
Goddard Rockets Shine Across Three Games
On Thursday, Goddard dominated Shiprock, led by a stellar performance from Carmen Grado, who recorded 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. Aubrie Bolaños contributed across the board with 9 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals, while Jazmin De Leon rounded out the effort with 7 points, 4 assists, and 5 steals.
Friday’s matchup against Deming saw balanced contributions once again. Jazmin De Leon posted 12 points, 6 steals, and 5 rebounds. Natalie Hardwick anchored the team with a double-double of 12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Aubrie Bolaños added 8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals.
In Saturday’s game against Lovington, Carmen Grado led the Rockets with 18 points, 5 steals, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Natalie Hardwick continued her strong play with 11 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocks, while Aubrie Bolaños contributed 12 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals.
Saturday Standouts
Sandia capped their week with a 76-36 victory over Catalina Foothills (Tucson, Arizona). Senior Sydney Benally showcased her versatility with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 assists, while freshman Kaiyah Benally added 14 points and 7 steals.
Hope Christian’s Mia Bishop recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in a hard-fought 40-30 loss to Albuquerque Academy.
Las Cruces edged Piedra Vista 49-45, with standout contributions from seniors Bethzy Quinones (13 points, 4 steals) and juniors Sofia Herrera and Jaysha Hawkins (10 points each).
Valencia capped their week with a 51-28 win over Organ Mountain, led by Montoya’s 22 points, 4 assists, and 8 steals. Juniors Savannah Saavedra and Francesca Otero added crucial support.
Clovis earned a thrilling 44-42 victory over Caprock (Texas), with standout efforts from junior Brynn Petner (14 points), senior Amanda De La Rosa (11 points), and sophomore Kerrington Goff (10 points).
