2023’s most-viewed sports stories at rrobserver.com

The following stories were the most-viewed sports stories written by the Rio Rancho Observer from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.

1. Storm beat Panthers but forfeit series; season over (3,445).

Senior pitcher exceeded the 120-pitch maximum for a three-day span forcing Cleveland baseball team to forfeit spot in quarterfinals.

2. Howes, Ridenour look for work; former prep stars optimistic (2,091).

Former high school football coaches in the City of Vision, David Howes (Rio Rancho) and Heath Ridenour (Cleveland), are not retained by the new University of New Mexico football coach.

3. Storm stomped at home 35-0, now 3-3 in 2023 (2,012).

Texas football team crushes Cleveland.

4. Cleveland High adds 8 to its Athletics Hall of Fame (1,890).

Inductees are recognized at halftime of the Storm’s Oct. 20 football game.

5. Rio Rancho Blue Warriors win a state championship (1,630).

NMPW 11-Under Division football team won its division’s state title.

6. Cleveland High basketball coach Jimenez resigns, cites need for more family time (1,544).

The boys basketball coach had a record of 144-56 in his seven seasons, with five consecutive final four appearances (2017-21) and the blue trophy in the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season.

7. Former CHS basketball coach charged with embezzlement (1,477).

Sean Jimenez was charged in July with the charges dropped in August.

8. Congratulations to Cleveland, Rio Rancho all-district football players (1,471).

Eight Storm and six Rio Rancho High School players were named to the prestigious first team.

9. Former Storm ace leaves UTEP, heads to UNM (1,394).

Aalijah Alarcon returns home to play softball for the Lobos.

10. Storm do it again, beat Rams, head to championship game (1,347).

Cleveland tops Rio Rancho for 10th time in a row and second time this season to reach football title game.