Danny's Picks: Cheer

We have covered all the fall sports, and now we are going to shout out some athletes from year-long sports. This week, I have spoken to coaches and watched any cheer competition videos that I could find. Here are some standout cheerleaders in the area and ones to keep an eye on this season. I really relied on coaches for this one and want to thank coaches for their insight.

Cleveland High School

Back Spot Isabelle "Belle" Perez (senior): Perez is a standout athlete who is incredibly strong and well-versed in all aspects of the sport (she has been a cheerleader for more than 10 years). Perez is an absolute role model to all of the underclassmen on the team; she has a strong rapport with each teammate and is one of the leaders on the team. According to coaches, Perez is loved by everyone in the program and is regarded as "the type of athlete that every coach is lucky enough to encounter in their career."

Side Base Andreya "Andi" Lopez (senior): Lopez has been a cheerleader for eight years, and it shows in her technique and work ethic. Not only is Lopez a standout cheerleader, but she is also a member of the Storm regiment marching band. During football games, you can spot her on the field cheering, and at halftime you can see her performing with the marching band, still in her cheerleading uniform. According to coaches, Lopez juggles the two programs effortlessly, maintains a positive attitude each day and, despite being tired, she always walks into practice with a smile on her face and is ready to support her teammates.

Rio Rancho High School

Secondary Base Madison Pitts (senior): Pitts is in her second year on the varsity cheer squad and is a talented cheerleader who can tumble, stunt and do just about anything that is asked of her. Pitts is coachable, knowledgeable and supportive when the going gets tough. She is also the perfect example of a student-athlete and a hard worker. Besides cheer, Pitts is also the RRHS student body secretary. According to coaches, Pitts is a true light on the team and one of the sweetest individuals you'll meet whose character always shines through. Pitts was crucial in the Rams Metro Championship win last year and helped them place second in the nation at the National High School Cheerleading Championship.

Flyer Iliana Perea (junior): Perea is a fierce competitor who is an elite stunter and tumbler with a ton of experience in club cheer. Perea, a known leader on the team, simply strives to be the best. Perea is able to motivate vocally, through her talent and through supporting her teammates. This is her third year on the RRHS varsity cheer team, and Perea has already helped RRHS cheer find so much success, including a Metro championship, eighth and second place at national competitions (National High School Cheerleading Championships), and helping RRHS place top three at state competitions for three straight years. According to coaches, Perea is a "dream athlete, and student, when it comes to cheerleading."

Bernalillo High School

Flyer Briana Sotelo (junior): Sotelo has been a staple in the Spartan program for a while. In fact, she has been on varsity since she was a freshman. Sotelo is a leader on the team and a great competitor come competition time. She has great balance and a clear understanding of what needs to be done. Sotelo was also an All-American at the Spirit Xpress West cheer camp this summer and is a big reason why Bernalillo is a true contender for a state title.

Flyer Maliyah Armijo (freshman): What can't Armijo do? She's one of the youngest cheerleaders on the Spartan squad who is very, very talented. In the summer, she showed off her impressive tumbling skills and was named the tumbling champion at the Spirit Xpress West cheer camp. Also, at a recent football game, Armijo did 16 consecutive back handsprings that got the stadium rocking. Armijo has had an immediate impact on the program and will be essential this team's success.