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The final games of the regular season in high school basketball are this week. That means one last chance to nail down a district championship or improve positioning for next week’s district tournaments.
Girls’ basketball
It doesn’t take a crystal ball to see that Valencia, ranked third in 4A, and Los Lunas, number seven in 5A, will be off to the state tournament. However, the path for each to repeat as district champions, while not insurmountable, became difficult last week.
Friday, a 37-33 victory by St. Pius (16-7, 6-1) over VHS (19-6, 6-1) gave the Sartans the lead in the District 4-4A race. The Jaguars played Wednesday at Highland, a 54-50 victory, to tie St. Pius atop the district. Friday, VHS will host Belen.
If VHS and St. Pius remain tied, they will meet in a one-game playoff next week for the top seed in the district tournament and an automatic bid to the state championship.
For the second time, LLHS lost to Albuquerque High. The 50-46 final score Friday gave AHS (19-4, 7-0) a sweep of the Tigers (20-5, 5-2). Wednesday, the Bulldogs clinched the District 5-5A title with 67-45 victory at Rio Grande. Los Lunas ends the regular season Friday at home against Rio Grande.
Belen (8-17, 1-6) concluded the regular season Tuesday with a 45-35 victory against Grants, ending the Eagles’ nine game losing streak.
Boys’ basketball
All three local boys’ teams are seeking to build momentum heading into the district tournaments.
Tuesday at Grants, BHS (10-14, 2-5) lost 71-66. Friday, the Eagles host VHS.
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Before the battle with BHS, Valencia (9-15, 1-6) played Wednesday at Highland, a 48-43 setback.
Los Lunas (6-18, 1-6) ends the regular season Friday with a home game against Rio Grande.
