A packed Pit as Kirtland Central face Gallup in the 4A girls state championships at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Kirtland Central won the championship game 52-33.Chancey Bush/Journal
Kirtland Central senior Haylee Nocki (5) holds the trophy after the Broncos defeated Gallup in the 4A girls state championships at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Kirtland Central won the championship game 52-33.Chancey Bush/Journal
Kirtland Central senior Haylee Nocki (5) holds the trophy after the Broncos defeated Gallup in the 4A girls state championships at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Kirtland Central won the championship game 52-33.Chancey Bush/Journal
Kirtland Central head coach Devon Manning is handed the trophy as the Broncos react after they defeated Gallup in the 4A girls state championships at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Kirtland Central won the championship game 52-33.Chancey Bush/Journal
The Kirtland Central Broncos react as Ray Yazzie, the team’s bus driver, holds up their trophy after the Broncos defeated Gallup in the 4A girls state championships at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Kirtland Central won the championship game 52-33.Chancey Bush/Journal
Tatum sophomore Maomi Garcia, left, attempts to stop Mesa Vista freshman Aaliyah Boies, right, during 2A championship game at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026Jessica Baca/Journal
Mesa Vista girls hug each other after winning the 2A championship game against Tatum at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026Jessica Baca/Journal
Kirtland Central fan Kaniah White, 17, reacts during the 4A girls state championships against Gallup at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Kirtland Central won the championship game 52-33.Chancey Bush/Journal
Tatum fans react to their team missing a free throw 2A championship game against Mesa Vista at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026Jessica Baca/Journal
Tatum junior Aaliyah De La O, left, attempts to pass the ball around Mesa Vista junior Janessa Sandoval, right, during 2A championship game at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026Jessica Baca/Journal
Mesa Vista Aaliyah Boies, left, and Isabella Gallegos hugs each other after they win the 2A championship game against Tatum at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026Jessica Baca/Journal
Mesa Vista fans celebrate their team win during 2A championship game against Tatum at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026Jessica Baca/Journal
Mesa Vista Head Coach Jesse Boies yells to his team during 2A championship game against Tatum at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026Jessica Baca/Journal
Mesa Vista player Isabella Gallegos heads down the court with the ball during the 2A championship game against Tatum at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026Jessica Baca/Journal
Mesa Vista player Jordyn Serrano, center, celebrates her teams win in the 2A girls state basketball championship game against Tatum at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026Jessica Baca/Journal
Santa Fe Indian senior Kaydence Riley (32) looks to shoot the ball during the 3A girls state basketball championship at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Santa Fe Indian secured the championship title with a final score of 43-35.Chancey Bush/Journal
Santa Fe Indian fans react in the stands during the 3A girls state basketball championship at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Santa Fe Indian secured the championship title with a final score of 43-35.Chancey Bush/Journal
Santa Fe Indian senior Kaydence Riley (32) looks to shoot the ball during the 3A girls state basketball championship at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Santa Fe Indian secured the championship title with a final score of 43-35.Chancey Bush/Journal
Santa Fe Indian senior Izreonia Harrison (24) battles for the ball with Navajo Prep junior Nataya Serrano (10) and freshman Dejahnelle Denetso (3) during the 3A girls state basketball championship at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Santa Fe Indian secured the championship title with a final score of 43-35.Chancey Bush/Journal
The Santa Fe Indian Braves react as they receive their trophy after defeating Navajo Prep during the 3A girls state basketball championship at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Santa Fe Indian secured the championship title with a final score of 43-35.Chancey Bush/Journal
Santa Fe Indian senior Kaydence Riley (32) runs to her teammates to celebrate their victory over Navajo Prep in the 3A girls state basketball championship at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Santa Fe Indian secured the championship title with a final score of 43-35.Chancey Bush/Journal
Santa Fe Indian junior Lashae Atencio (14) and senior Kaydence Riley (32) celebrate their victory over Navajo Prep in the 3A girls state basketball championship at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Santa Fe Indian secured the championship title with a final score of 43-35.Chancey Bush/Journal
Santa Fe Indian head coach Khadijha Jackson sheds tears as she hugs senior Kaydence Riley (32) while celebrating their victory during the 3A girls state basketball championship at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Santa Fe Indian secured the championship title with a final score of 43-35.Chancey Bush/Journal
Santa Fe Indian sophomore Toni Riley (23) attempts to shoot the ball as Navajo Prep senior Kameron Dale (11) closes in behind during the 3A girls state basketball championship at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Santa Fe Indian secured the championship title with a final score of 43-35.Chancey Bush/Journal
The Santa Fe Indian Braves wave to their fans after defeating Navajo Prep during the 3A girls state basketball championship at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, March 13, 2026. Santa Fe Indian secured the championship title with a final score of 43-35.Chancey Bush/Journal
Texico's Jett Curtis, left, puts up a 3 point shot against Mesilla Valley Christian during their semifinal game in the state basketball tournament, going on at the Pit, in Albuquerque, Friday, March 13, 2026. Texico won the game 62-45.Eddie Moore/Journal
Texico's Bennett Wahlen, left, drives to the basket against Mesilla Valley Christian's Camden Daves during their semifinal game in the state basketball tournament, going on at the Pit, in Albuquerque, Friday, March 13, 2026. Texico won the game 62-45.Eddie Moore/Journal
Texico's Jett Curtis, center, scrambles for a loose ball against Mesilla Valley Christian's Cameron Evaro, left, and Gavis Torres during their semifinal game in the state basketball tournament, going on at the Pit, in Albuquerque, Friday, March 13, 2026. Texico won the game 62-45.Eddie Moore/Journal
Santa Fe Indian School's Dontrey Callado, right, hugs his teammates after loosing to St. Michael's 62-55, during their 3A semifinal game in the state basketball tournament, going on at The Pit, in Albuquerque, Friday, March 13, 2026.Eddie Moore/Journal
Santa Fe Indian School's Dontrey Callado, left, puts up a shot over St. Michael's Ryan Hunt, during their 3A semifinal game in the state basketball tournament, going on at The Pit, in Albuquerque, Friday, March 13, 2026. St. Mike's won the game 62-55.
St. Michael's Nathan McCoy, center, drives to the basket against Santa Fe Indian School's Ohitika Martin, left, and Aydres Leon, right, during their 3A semifinal game in the state basketball tournament, going on at The Pit, in Albuquerque, Friday, March 13, 2026. St. Mike's won the game 62-55.Eddie Moore/Journal
St. Michael's Ryan Hunt, center puts up a shot against against Santa Fe Indian School's Taivan Callado, left, and Ohitika Martin, right, during their 3A semifinal game in the state basketball tournament, going on at The Pit, in Albuquerque, Friday, March 13, 2026. St. Mike's won the game 62-55.Eddie Moore/Journal
From left, Zeke Holman, 15, Ryker Russell, 18, Aidan Sartain, 15, and dozens of fans from Texico, celebrate after their boys team beat Mesilla Valley Christian 62-45, Friday, March 13, 2026. Texico advance sto the boys 2A championship game in the state tournament being played at The Pit on Saturday.Eddie Moore/Journal
Artesia's Diego Morales, center, and other Bulldogs react as a teammate scores during Thursday's semifinal game against Hope Christian in the 4A state tournament at the Pit. Artesia won 71-52 and returns to the championship game, again playing Highland.Eddie Moore/Journal
Hope Christian's Kyle Eades, center, gets by Artesia's Clay Kincaid for a basket during their playoff game in the 4A state championship tournament, Thursday, March 12, 2026. Artesia won the game 71-52.Eddie Moore/Journal
Artesia's Cael Houghtaling, left, guards Hope Christian's Brayden Giron, center, as he gets a shot off during their playoff game in the 4A state championship tournament, Thursday, March 12, 2026. Artesia won the game 71-52.Eddie Moore/Journal
Artesia's Trent Egeland, left, and Hope Christian's Jayce Miera try to get their hands on a loose ball during their playoff game in the 4A state championship tournament, Thursday, March 12, 2026. Artesia won the game 71-52.Eddie Moore/Journal
Artesia's Braylon Vega, center, was charged with an offensive foul as he drove between Hope Christian's Brayden Giron, left, and Isaac Aaron during their playoff game in the 4A state championship tournament, Thursday, March 12, 2026. Artesia won the game 71-52.Eddie Moore/Journal
Artesia's Charlie Campbell, left, is fouled as he drives to the basket against Hope Christian's Brayden Giron during their playoff game in the 4A state championship tournament, Thursday, March 12, 2026. Artesia won the game 71-52.Eddie Moore/Journal
Artesia's Tootie McNeil, right, drives to the basket against Hope Christian's Conor Dwyer, center, during their playoff game in the 4A state championship tournament, Thursday, March 12, 2026. Artesia won the game 71-52.Eddie Moore/Journal
Rio Rancho sophomore Madi Martinez (4) attempts a shot on the basket as she falls to the court during the 5A girls state basketball championships semifinals game against Volcano Vista at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Rio Rancho won 62-45.Chancey Bush/Journal
Rio Rancho head coach Lori Mabrey high-fives her players after the Rams beat Volcano Vista in the 5A girls state basketball semifinals at the Pit in Albuquerque on March 12, 2026. Rio Rancho won 62-45.Chancey Bush/Journal
Rio Rancho freshman Danae Lee cheers from the sidelines during the 5A girls state basketball championships semifinals game against Volcano Vista at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Rio Rancho won 62-45.Chancey Bush/Journal
Volcano Vista senior LaLicia Garcia (23) blocks Rio Rancho Mariah Jennings (20) shot at the basket during the 5A girls state basketball championships semifinals game at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Rio Rancho won 62-45.Chancey Bush/Journal
Rio Rancho sophomore Madi Martinez (4) takes a hand to the face as she moves past Volcano Vista sophomore Zoey Loretto (34) during the 5A girls state basketball championships semifinals game against Volcano Vista at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Rio Rancho won 62-45.Chancey Bush/Journal
Gallup junior Marie Nez (1) shoots the ball as Albuquerque Academy sophomore Lily Skarsgard (20) closes in during the 4A girls state basketball championships semifinals game against Albuquerque Academy at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Gallup won the game 54-44 and advances to the finals.Chancey Bush/Journal
Gallup junior Laylanah Williams (22) reacts after a three-pointer during the 4A girls state basketball championships semifinals game against Albuquerque Academy at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Gallup won the game 54-44 and advances to the finals.Chancey Bush/Journal
Gallup junior Marie Nez (1) falls to the court while passing the ball to junior Mykeia Vicenti (10) during the 4A girls state basketball championships semifinals game against Albuquerque Academy at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Gallup won the game 54-44 and advances to the finals.Chancey Bush/Journal
Gallup junior Odessa Harvey (44) reacts during the 4A girls state basketball semifinals game against Albuquerque Academy on Thursday in the Pit. Gallup won 54-44 and advances to the finals, where they'll play top-seeded Kirtland Central for the title on Friday.Chancey Bush/Journal
Gallup junior Mykeia Vicenti (10) shoots the ball as Albuquerque Academy junior Harper Dunn (40) and sophomore Kiara Brown (12) attempt to block the shot during the 4A girls state basketball championships semifinals game against Albuquerque Academy at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Gallup won the game 54-44 and advances to the finals.Chancey Bush/Journal
Albuquerque Academy senior Addie Spratley (30) gets blocked by Gallup senior Summer Joe (32) during the 4A girls state basketball championships semifinals game against Albuquerque Academy at the Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Gallup won the game 54-44 and advances to the finals.Chancey Bush/Journal
Del Norte’s Francois Satchivi, left, scores a basket while being defended by Taos’ Malakhai Ely during their 4A quarterfinal game Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in the Pit.Roberto E. Rosales / for the Journal
The Taos boys basketball team, including Austin Chavez, center, celebrates their 4A quarterfinal victory over Del Norte on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in the Pit.Roberto E. Rosales / for the Journal
Former head coach for Bosque Clifton Davidson congratulates Josiah Wilson after the Bobcats beat Cobre 69-64 in their playoff game in the 2A state championship tournament. The game was played at the Rio Rancho Event Center, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.Eddie Moore/Journal
Cobre's Aaden Villanueva, #5, with teammate Zavin Guck, #3, puts up a shot between Bosque's Peyton Davidson, left, and Jordan Kruft, right, during their playoff game in the 2A state championship tournament. Bosque won the game 69-64 at the Rio Rancho Event Center, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.Eddie Moore/Journal
Bosque players Alex Starr, left, and Josiah Wilson react after the Bobcats beat Cobre 69-64 in their playoff game in the 2A state championship tournament. The game was played at the Rio Rancho Event Center, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.Eddie Moore/Journal
Bosque's Luca Kalishman, center, keeps moving with the ball to let the time run out as they beat Cobre 69-64 in their playoff game in the 2A state championship tournament. The game was played at the Rio Rancho Event Center, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.Eddie Moore/Journal
Pecos' Elias Chavez, left, and Cameron Holton, right, battle against Menaul's Brayden King, center, for a rebound during their playoff game in the 2A state championship tournament. Pecos won the game 60-51 at the Rio Rancho Event Center, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.Eddie Moore/Journal
Menaul's Nick Brock, left, and Pecos' Elias Chavez battle for a rebound during their playoff game in the 2A state championship tournament. Pecos won the game 60-51 at the Rio Rancho Event Center, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.Eddie Moore/Journal
Menaul's J'Quan Samuels with plans for a dunk is fouled by a Pecos player during their playoff game in the 2A state championship tournament. Pecos won the game 60-51 at the Rio Rancho Event Center, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.Eddie Moore/Journal
Pecos' Cameron Holton, center, puts up a shot against Menaul's Carlos Cummins, left, and Brayden King during their playoff game in the 2A state championship tournament. Pecos won the game 60-51 at the Rio Rancho Event Center, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.Eddie Moore/Journal
Carlsbad Zee Huerta, left, puts up a shot over Cleveland’s Noah Valler in the first half of their state tournament quarterfinal game Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in the Pit.Roberto E. Rosales / for the Journal
Cleveland’s Remy Albrecht splits through Carlsbad defenders Dylan Sims, left, and Mario De Leon in the final seconds of their state tournament quarterfinal game Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in the Pit.Roberto E. Rosales / for the Journal
Cleveland’s Noah Valler, center, jumps in celebration with teammate Remy Albrecht (2), as they take the lead over Carlsbad at the half during a state tournament quarterfinal game Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in the Pit.Roberto E. Rosales / for the Journal
Clevelan’s Brycen Bowie, right, deflects a shot by Carlsbad Zee Huerta in the fourth quarter of a state tournament quarterfinal game Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in the Pit.Roberto E. Rosales / for the Journal