Mike Powers| News-Bulletin photo
Valencia’s Damian Estrada, surrounded by family and friends, has signed to play basketball at the University of the Southwest in Hobbs.
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The University of the Southwest in Hobbs has landed Valencia basketball standout Damian Estrada.
Last week, in front of family, friends and former VHS teammates, the 6-foot, 2-inch guard signed a national letter of intent to play for the Mustangs, an NAIA school.
USW competes in the Red River Athletic Conference.
“I want to see how far basketball can take me in life,” Estrada said, adding he will be the first person in his family to attend college. “I believe I have the opportunity to do something special.”
As a senior, Estrada averaged 19 points per game for Valencia, but his season was cut short in late January because of a meniscus injury.
“The knee is doing good,” said Estrada. “We’re still rehabbing, trying get it stronger … doing everything possible.”
Sports management will be Estrada’s major at USW, with an eye on sports medicine or coaching. Estrada hopes to play basketball professionally after getting his degree.
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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May 2, 2024
