The New Mexico Activities Association released the brackets for the state boys basketball tournament, revealing that St. Michael”s has secured the top seed in the Class 3A tournament, which kicks off on Saturday. However, the announcement did not provide an easy path for the Horsemen as they will compete against strong contenders like the Braves, who are seeded fifth, and Navajo Prep, the District 1-3A champion, which earned the fourth seed.
Head coaches Byron Trujillo of Santa Fe Indian School and Dakota Montoya of St. Michael”s expressed their surprise at the bracket”s structure. Despite being ranked second in the latest MaxPreps.com rankings, the Braves find themselves on the same side as the top seed, creating what has been dubbed the “Side of Death” for 3A fans. This term, borrowed from soccer, signifies a particularly challenging group.
Trujillo noted the strong competition, stating, “For the majority of the season, St. Michael”s, Navajo Prep, and us were considered the top three teams in the state.” He believes that this competitive side of the bracket will likely yield the eventual state champion.
The potential for an exciting quarterfinal matchup between the Braves and the Eagles exists, recalling their previous encounter at the Braves Invitational, where Navajo Prep triumphed with a last-second three-pointer. The reconfiguration of the brackets has positioned both Navajo Prep and Santa Fe Indian School alongside St. Michael”s, especially after Tularosa and Cobre took the second and third seeds, respectively.
Montoya acknowledged the challenge, emphasizing that every state champion must confront top teams during the playoffs. “This is a tough side,” he remarked, indicating the intense competition awaiting them.
In Class 2A, Pecos and Mesa Vista received the second and third seeds, respectively. The seed swap occurred as Pecos climbed higher in the final MaxPreps rankings, despite Mesa Vista having previously defeated them earlier in the season.
Meanwhile, Santa Fe High has made its way into the state tournament for the record tenth consecutive year, claiming the 16th and final seed in Class 5A. The Demons will face the reigning champions, Albuquerque Volcano Vista, in the opening round. Coach Cisco Rivera expressed his satisfaction with the team”s achievement, stating, “That”s the number-one thing. It”s a fun group to be around, and they”re really excited.” He anticipates a strong week of practice leading up to the game.
In other matchups, Taos earned the fifth seed in Class 4A and will compete against Albuquerque St. Pius X. Pojoaque Valley secured the 14th seed and will challenge Albuquerque Hope Christian, the third seed. Additionally, Las Vegas Robertson and West Las Vegas will also compete in the 3A bracket, with Robertson facing East Mountain and the Dons heading to Tularosa.
All boys games are scheduled for Saturday at the home of the higher seed, with times to be confirmed by Monday.
