High school hoop season begins; tournaments ahead

The basketball season started Thanksgiving week with mixed results for Los Lunas and Valencia, while the Belen boys and girls tipped off their seasons Tuesday against Valley. A number of teams will be playing in tournaments starting Thursday.

Boys’ basketball

It will be a tall order early this season for Los Lunas, with first-year coach Pablo Gabaldon replacing five starters.

The Tigers (0-2) fell 56-29 on Saturday to Centennial. It didn’t get any easier Tuesday for LLHS, falling 72-40 at Cleveland. Los Lunas opens play in the Artesia tournament on Thursday.

Valencia (2-0) got off to a quick start with victories at Deming, 45-35, and home to Gallup, 52-35.

Jared Porter averaged 16 points in the two wins. Tuesday at Del Norte, the Jaguars dropped a 63-40 decision. VHS will play Farmington Thursday in the first round of the Santa Fe Capital Invitational.

Belen (0-1) started the season on the road Tuesday, losing 60-41 to Valley. Beginning Thursday, the Eagles take part in the Sandia Prep Tournament, facing Manzano in the first round.

Girls’ basketball

Los Lunas opened with three games against Las Cruces schools, posting a 2-1 record.

The Tigers made two trips to southern New Mexico within five days. LLHS had 13 points, each from Vayda Golino and Tessa Jaramillo in a 48-33 victory at Las Cruces High, and defeated Centennial 48-23.

Los Lunas hosted Mayfield Tuesday, losing 38-27. LLHS plays at Eldorado on Thursday.

A challenging schedule greeted Valencia (1-2), falling at Gallup 73-40 and losing at home in overtime to 5A Clovis 62-58. The Jaguars broke through, beating Del Norte 51-38 Tuesday. Farmington is next for VHS on Thursday in game one of the Capital Invitational.

A rally came up just short for Belen (0-1) Tuesday against Valley, a 40-39 setback at BHS. Saturday, the Eagles are at Manzano.