NEW MEXICO STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

MEET THE 2026 CHAMPIONS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 2026

Mesa Vista girls hug each other after winning the 2A championship game against Tatum at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026

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.

Tatum fans react to their team missing a free throw 2A championship game against Mesa Vista at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026

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, 2026

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, 2026

Mesa Vista fans celebrate their team win during 2A championship game against Tatum at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026

Mesa Vista Head Coach Jesse Boies yells to his team during 2A championship game against Tatum at the Pit on Friday, Mar. 13, 2026

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, 2026

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, 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chancey Bush

Chancey Bush Chancey Bush Chancey Bush Journal Staff Photographer

Eddie Moore

Eddie Moore Eddie Moore Eddie Moore Journal Staff Photographer

Jessica Baca

Jessica Baca Jessica Baca Jessica Baca Journal Staff Photographer

Published March 14, 2026 - 12:04 p.m. Modified March 14, 2026 - 12:11 p.m.

This story will be updated throughout the day

5A BOYS: (1) Volcano Vista vs. (2) Cleveland

8 p.m., The Pit

5A GIRLS: (1) Hobbs vs. (3) Rio Rancho

2 p.m., the Pit

4A BOYS: (1) Highland vs. (2) Artesia

4 p.m., the Pit

4A GIRLS: KIRTLAND CENTRAL

Kirtland Central senior Haylee Nocki (5) holds the trophy after the Broncos defeated Gallup in the 4A girls state championships in the Pit on Friday.

—> Story | Highlights | Postgame press conference

3A BOYS: (1) St. Michael’s vs. (10) Robertson

12 p.m., the Pit

3A GIRLS: SANTA FE INDIAN SCHOOL

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 in the Pit on Friday.

—> Story | Highlights | Postgame press conference | Box score

2A BOYS: TEXICO

—> Story | Highlights | Postgame press conference | Box score

2A GIRLS: MESA VISTA

Mesa Vista' Jordyn Serrano, center, celebrates with her teammates after the Trojans won the 2A girls state basketball championship against Tatum in the Pit on Friday.

—> Story | Highlights | Postgame press conference | Box score

1A BOYS: (1) Logan vs. (2) Fort Sumner/House

6 p.m., the Pit

1A GIRLS: LOGAN

—> Story | Highlights | Postgame press conference | Box score

kirtland central new mexico high school basketball the pit sports state championships santa fe indian school

Powered by Labrador CMS