Head coach: Ernie Rodriguez (10th season)

2008-09 record: 16-14, lost to Albuquerque Hope Christian 84-50 in the Class AAA semifinals.

Returning starters: Antoine Salazar, senior, 5-10, forward; Jamaal Anderson, senior, 5-8, wing; Jody Atencio, senior, 6-3, post.

Top newcomers: Stevan Rodriguez, senior, 6-1, forward; Matt Montoya, junior, 5-10, forward; Darren Pedro, senior, 6-1, post.

Outlook — This might be the strongest and deepest Braves team at the Class AAA level, and perhaps one of the best under Coach Rodriguez's tenure. SFIS has a unique group of speed, quickness, strength and size. That will allow the Braves to apply pressure at every turn.

"That's what we strive for — continuous pressure defensively, continuous pressure offensively," Ernie Rodriguez said. "This year we're going to have depth to make sure that stays at an optimum level."

If all goes according to plan, the Braves should be uttered in the same breath as Albuquerque schools Hope Christian and Sandia Preparatory, plus St. Michael's, Pojoaque and Portales as contenders for a state title.




Head coach: Ron Geyer (fifth season)

2008-09 record: 23-8, lost 55-44 to Albuquerque Hope Christian in Class AAA championship

Returning starters: David Gonzalez, 5-10, senior, guard; Justin Smith, 5-11, junior, post/forward

Returning letter winners: Patrick Griswold, 5-10, senior, guard/forward; Antonio Garcia, 5-6, sophomore, point guard

Key newcomers: Patrick Trujillo, 5-10, senior, guard; Colin Friedman, 6-4, sophomore, post; Rob Cron, 6-2, junior, post; Cameron Montoya, 6-1, junior, post; Wesley Vaughan, 5-7, junior, point guard

Outlook — There is no replacement for the graduation of St. Michael's graduated star Jordan Romero, the go-to guy everyone on the team looked for in the clutch.

But what this edition of Horsemen boys basketball has that last year's Class AAA state runner-up did not is lots of size. And if they want to knock off the preseason favorites to win this year's Class AAA title — defending champ Albuquerque Hope Christian and Albuquerque Sandia Prep — they'll need the emergence of post players like 6-foot-4 sophomore Colin Friedman, 6-2 junior Rob Cron and 6-1 junior Cameron Montoya.

"Having more size should help us, but we need those guys to step into these bigger roles and work hard at this level," Geyer said.

At guard, Gonzalez could be poised for a big senior season and get more looks on offense in Romero's absence. He and Smith, now done with his football season, are the lone returning regular starters and senior Patrick Griswold also returns a wealth of varsity experience.


Head coach: Joey Trujillo (sixth season)

2008-2009 record: 19-11; lost to St. Michael's 56-54 in Class AAA quarterfinals.

Returning starters: Luke Salazar, 5-foot-7, junior, point guard; Tom Nakotte, 6-2, senior, shooting guard; Christian Baca, 6-2, junior, post.

Key newcomers: Chris Ortiz, 5-9, senior, shooting guard; Brian Montoya, 6-2, junior, guard/post.

Outlook — Trujillo sees the Elks as a potential district title contenders — but Pojoaque will have to put in plenty of sweat if it hopes to unseat perennial rival St. Michael's at the top of 2AAA. "Right now our expectations are just to play hard and play as a team," Trujillo says. There will be few easy games on the 2AAA slate. "Our district is just loaded from top to bottom," Trujillo says. "I think Robertson, Indian School, St. Michael's and us all have a legitimate chance of winning the district title, but I'd have to say St. Michael's is the favorite until somebody beats them."




Head coach: David Bustos (second season)

2008-2009 record: 7-17; lost to Las Vegas Robertson in first round of 2AAA tournament.

Returning starters: Larry Romero, 5-8, senior, point guard; Justin Bustos, 6-3, sophomore, shooting guard; Mike Martinez, 5-10, junior, post; Clint Grayfield, 6-2, senior, post.

Key newcomers: Fabian Varela, 6-1, junior, post.

Outlook — The Cardinals were the district doormat in 2AAA last year, but after losing just one senior to graduation, the team is looking to avenge last year's struggles during the 2009-2010 campaign. "Last year we were really young," says David Bustos. "This year we are cautiously optimistic that we will have a good team." Varela, one of two transfers for West Las Vegas along with Josh Brito, will give the Cardinals some added size on the inside.




Head coach: David Montaño (second season)

2008-2009 record: 18-10; lost to Albuquerque Sandia Preparatory 56-48 in AAA quarterfinals.

Returning starters: Ambrose Castellano, 5-8, senior, point guard.

Key newcomers: Anthony Madrid, senior, 5-10, shooting guard; Ryan Aragon, senior, 5-10, guard/forward; Thomas Benavidez, senior, 5-9, guard/forward.

Outlook — The Dons begin the year short on varsity experience, but long on work ethic, according to Montaño. "Right now we're really not favored at all," Montaño says. "We're just going to have to battle as hard as we can." The Dons' team speed could help West Las Vegas turn spoiler when the 2AAA season kicks off, however. "We're faster than we were last year, so hopefully we're going to surprise some people," Montaño says.