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Compared to last year's final MaxPreps computer rankings, the Eldorado Eagles currently have made the biggest improvement this season in New Mexico boys basketball. The Eagles have soared from a final finish of 58 in the state to their current No. 9 position.
After going 9-19, Eldorado has improved to 10-5 and it could have been a lot better if not for tough losses to three of the state's top 10 teams. The Eagles were nipped by No. 3 Cleveland 111-109 in a triple-overtime thriller despite 21 points from 6-foot-3 senior Tanner Carter and 20 from 6-0 junior Mike Mounbo. They also lost to No. 4 Espanola Valley 72-70 in overtime and No. 10 Albuquerque 61-60.
However, they have split with No. 5 Rio Rancho, winning 104-98 and losing 69-57.
The second-biggest jump has been by Portales, which has risen from No. 40 last year to No. 6 at this time. The Rams were 18-10 last year, but currently stand 14-2, with wins over No. 7 Roswell 65-56 and No. 22 Silver 51-50 in overtime. Jeremie Karngbaye, a 6-5 senior, poured in 27 points against Roswell.
Las Cruces also has made an impressive improvement, after finishing No. 35 last year with a 16-14 record. The Bulldawgs have skyrocketed to a 14-2 record and the No. 1 ranking in the state. They have lost only to No. 5 Rio Rancho 70-53 and No. 14 Hobbs 71-68. They handed then No. 1-ranked Cleveland its first loss 70-69 as 6-5 junior RJ Brown scored 17 points and 5-6 junior Markus Collins scored 12.
Biggest jumps of New Mexico Top 10 teams
The top 10 teams with current records, current ranking and jumps from last year follow:
1.
Eldorado (Albuquerque), 10-5, No. 9 (last season 58)
2.
Portales, 14-2, No. 6, (40)
3.
Las Cruces, 15-2, No. 1, (35)
4.
Los Lunas, 14-3, No. 8, (25)
5.
Albuquerque, 11-5, No. 10, (15)
6.
Rio Rancho, 13-6, No. 5, (13)
7.
Espanola Valley (Espanola), 14-3, No. 4, (9)
8.
Cleveland (Rio Rancho), 14-5, No. 3, (6)
9.
Roswell, 13-3, No. 7, (4)
10.
Onate (Las Cruces), 15-2, No. 2, (1)