Mike Powers| News-Bulletin photos
Belen’s Danilynn Bob drives the baseline against Lovington during the Hub City Basketball Tournament.
The holiday rush of high school basketball tournaments is now underway, but hardware was hard to come by for the three area teams playing in hoop showcases last week.
After capturing the Hatch Valley Tournament title early in December, the Belen girls’ went 0-2 as hosts of the Hub City Tournament. In the opener against Manzano, the Eagles were missing several players due to illness and injury and lost 40-33.
Belen’s Jadarose Wright fights for a rebound against Lovington during the Hub City Basketball Tournament.
“We stayed close but couldn’t find a way to overcome,” said coach Sam Gavaldon.
The next day, Lovington handled Belen 65-43. Tuesday, BHS (4-2) traveled to Socorro, outscoring the Warriors 19-2 in the second quarter to win 61-38. Jaelynn Bob, Analeigh Wright and Danilynn Bob combined for 38 points.
At the Sandia Prep Tournament, the Belen boys finished seventh but showed encouraging signs.
“We played well,” coach Donald Marquez said.
The Eagles opened with a hard fought 63-60 setback to top ranked Albuquerque Academy, the defending state champions in 4A.
“We missed a wide-open three to send it to overtime,” according to Marquez.
That was followed by a 72-52 loss to much-taller Rio Grande, and a 69-51 victory over the host Sun Devils. Gabriel Valerio was named All-Tournament.
BHS (2-3) hosts the boys’ Hub City Tournament starting at 7:15 p.m., Thursday, against ATC Santa Fe. Other Thursday match-ups include El Paso Riverside facing West Mesa, Centennial versus Manzano and Mayfield against Bloomfield.
After losing to Alamogordo 45-42 to open the Artesia tournament, the Los Lunas boys’ came back to win the consolation championship. In the second half of the 39-26 victory over Carlsbad, LLHS held CHS to seven points while Jalin Holland scored all of the Tigers’ 26 points.
Los Lunas ended the tournament with a 75-30 victory over Gallup (0-3.) Holland was selected for the all-tournament team.
LLHS (4-2) resumed play Tuesday at Atrisco Heritage Academy, winning 84-81 behind 42 points from Holland. Coach Travis Julian added, “other guys really stepped up,” including Logan Tafoya with 14 points, Isaiah Juarez with 11 points, while Isaiah Aragon took a crucial charge in the fourth quarter and Rex Kinsey added nine points and six rebounds.
Valencia girls (4-3) traveled Tuesday to Los Alamos, downing the Hilltoppers 56-33.
VHS boys (4-2) were on the road Monday at Las Vegas Robertson, falling to the Cardinals 62-53.
Mike Powers spent more than 40 years as a television news and sports anchor, mostly in the Albuquerque market. He has won numerous awards including New Mexico Sportscaster of the Year. He covers a wide range of sports, including the Valencia County prep scene.
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April 25, 2024
