Basketball Game Preview: Highland Hornets vs. Albuquerque Academy Chargers

Having just played yesterday, the Highland Hornets will jump right back in to play the Albuquerque Academy Chargers at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Highland is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 61.1 points per game this season.

Highland is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Wednesday. They came out on top against St. Pius X by a score of 59-51. The game was the first time the Hornets have beaten the Sartans on their court since February 6, 2024.

Jesus Licon

Points

02/26/25 vs Belen	36
03/12/25 vs St. Pius X	35
02/28/25 @ St. Pius X	32
01/31/25 vs Valencia	31
02/14/25 vs Grants	30
+ 12 more games

Highland relied on the efforts of Jesus Licon, who shot 43% from the field on his way to 35 points and eight rebounds, and Juan Limas, who dropped a double-double with 20 points and 11 boards. Highland is 5-1 when Licon posts 25 or more points, but 12-13 otherwise.

Meanwhile, Albuquerque Academy was able to grind out a solid win over Taos on Wednesday, taking the game 54-43. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Chargers.

Highland is on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five matches. That's provided a massive bump to their 17-14 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 68.6 points over those games. Albuquerque Academy's record now sits at 21-8.

Highland came up short against Albuquerque Academy in their previous matchup back in January of 2024, falling 66-61. Can Highland avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.