High school hoops season hits final stretch

Time is running out for Valencia County basketball teams to move up the ladder in the district standings as the regular season concludes next week.

Girls basketball

Los Lunas (21-3, 5-1) warmed up for a key showdown Saturday against Albuquerque High, unbeaten in District 5-5A, by downing winless Atrisco Heritage Academy 69-17 on Tuesday.

The Tigers end the regular season next Friday, Feb. 20, at Rio Grande.

Valencia (17-6, 4-1) takes a three-game winning streak into Friday’s contest at St. Pius. The Jaguars beat Grants Friday 41-40 when Francesca Otero scored at the buzzer and Monday defeated Los Alamos 37-24 in a makeup game.

VHS hosts District 5-4A leader Highland on Tuesday, and next Friday visits Belen to end the regular season.

BHS (7-17, 0-6) was tied at halftime Tuesday at Highland, but the Hornets secured a 49-41 victory.

Next week, the Eagles visit Grants on Tuesday and Friday host VHS.

Boys basketball

Top ranked Highland (19-4, 5-0) all but wrapped up the District 5-4A title Tuesday with a 73-52 victory at second-place Belen (14-10, 4-2).

Next week, the Eagles conclude the regular season Tuesday at home against Grants, and Friday at Valencia.

VHS (14-9, 2-3) hosts St. Pius Friday, is at Highland Tuesday and then welcomes BHS the following Friday.

Tuesday, Los Lunas (8-16, 2-4) fell to AHA 70-58. Next week on Friday, LLHS hosts Rio Grande.