MaxPreps 2013-14 New Mexico preseason boys basketball Fab 5

Click here to see the boys basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state

1. Sandia (Albuquerque)
2012-13 record: 21-7, lost in 5A quarterfinals
Head coach: Alvin Broussard

The Matadors are simply loaded, possessing athleticism, length and size. With five players on its roster 6-foot-4 or taller, Sandia has one of the most imposing teams in the state. The Matadors have a physical big man in 6-7 center Ryan Ashbaugh; a dynamic 6-6 forward in Tim Brennan; an athletic slasher and above-the-rim talent in 6-6 wing Jordan Jones; an explosive playmaker in 6-4 guard-forward Camrron Bean, and a solid distributor in 6-4 point guard Adam Cumber. "Everything starts with Adam," Broussard said. "He runs the show and I think is going to surprise a lot of people because he’s only 17 and is still growing. Even though we can shoot it, we’re obviously going to take advantage of our size and pound it inside."

2. Valley (Albuquerque)
2012-13 record: 20-6, lost in 5A first round
Head coach: Joe Coleman

The Vikings have one of the best three-guard rotations in the state in seniors Joseph Anaya, Robert Armijo and Adonis Saltes. Armijo is entering his fourth year as the varsity starter at point guard, and is better than ever at getting to the basket off dribble penetration along with elevating the level of his teammates' play. Anaya and Saltes combine to give opponents fits with their athleticism, length and ability to lock down even the best offensive talents.

3. Atrisco Heritage Academy (Albuquerque)
2012-13 record: 17-10, lost in 5A first round
Head coach: Adrian Ortega

In just their fourth year of fielding a varsity program, the Jaguars are a legitimate threat to reach the state final. Atrisco Heritage has four of its top six players back from a year ago, including Corbin Waquie (Sr., G), Joseph Brooks (Sr., G), Patrick Roark (Sr., C) and Adrian Ortega (Sr., PG). The Jaguars are one of the best shooting teams in the state, and can get to the basket off dribble penetration at will. However, they’re a bit undersized compared to some of the other top teams in the state, so rebounding will be key.
 
4. Hobbs (N.M.)
2012-13 record: 22-9, lost in 5A quarterfinals
Head coach: Mike Smith

Despite returning just one starter — 6-1 wing Devante Brown — the Eagles simply reload and are always a handful for opponents because of their aggressive, full-court pressure defense. Brown, who won the high jump state championship in May, leads an athletic supporting cast that includes point guard Trey Nelson, shooting guard Cayson Meredith and power forward Jordan Chavarria.

5. Las Cruces
2012-13 record: 24-7, won 5A state title
Head coach: William Benjamin

The defending state champions are poised to make another deep postseason run behind returning starters Malik Woods (6-1 Sr., SG/SF) and J.T. Romney (6-2 Sr., SG/SF). The Bulldawgs also expect strong production from 6-3 center Cody Murillo and dynamic guards Anthony Collins and Darnell Cuylear. Always tough from a mental and physical standpoint, Las Cruces traditionally has one of the most fundamental squads in the state.