Roundball Roundup: RR boys take Holiday Classic, Metro Tourney approaches

A new year means a new roundup of everything on the hardwood. Here is a breakdown of the past week of high school basketball.

Rio Rancho boys basketball

It was the boys' week over on Loma Colorado as the Rio Rancho Rams defended their home court with a tournament victory in the RRHS Holiday Hoops Classic.

The Rams took down the reigning 5A champs and powerhouse Volcano Vista Hawks 68-67 thanks to a Cayden Richardson go-ahead layup with just five seconds to go.

It was a poetic finish for Richardson, who was absent in Tuesday’s win against Sandia with an ankle injury. With doubt that the senior would even suit up, Richardson finished with a team-high 18 points and the biggest two-pointer of the week.

Outside of the forward, Rio Rancho saw a well-rounded performance from the whole roster in the three-win stretch. Names such as Zeke Chavez, Chris Lucero and David Santistevan all delivered in the run to the trophy, including stepping up in Richardson’s absence in the Tuesday semifinal.

Sitting at 8-0, a once-long hiatus for the Rams team has now shifted into an avalanche of momentum, looking to take the energy into the APS Metro Tourney next week. Rio Rancho will face off against West Mesa on Jan. 6 for round one.

Rio Rancho girls basketball

Head Coach Lori Mabrey and her Rams got the pleasure of enjoying a brief break in the schedule while flaunting a perfect 10-0 record.

Media outlets and rankings around the state and sport have taken note of the Rams' hot start, but they will continue to be put to the test in 2026. Rio has dates set for matchups against La Cueva and Roswell before beginning district play in the competitive 1-5A.

But first, they will focus on the APS Metro as well, with their first round matchup against Rio Grande set for Jan. 6

Cleveland boys basketball

Sitting at 7-2, the Storm boys await another big test on the horizon.

Cleveland will face off against 11-0 Las Cruces on Friday, Jan. 2, after dropping a competitive 57-56 loss to the Bulldawgs a few weeks back in tournament play.

The beginning of January marks a big stretch for Zack Cole’s team. After their second round with the 'Dawgs, Cleveland will head into the APS Metro tourney. On the other side of that? Another meeting with the talented La Cueva Bears, who took down the Storm in mid-December.

For Friday’s results, check out rrobserver.com for updates.

Cleveland girls basketball

After ending 2025 on a high note, the Storm girls are staying busy to start 2026.

Cleveland ended the year with a home victory over Organ Mountain on Dec. 19. Now? They have a big weekend, facing off against Capital High and Las Cruces on back-to-back days.

Similar to the boys team, Stacy Pokorski’s crew will get a chance at revenge against the Bulldawgs after falling to them in tournament play in mid-December as well.

After the packed weekend, Cleveland will gear up for their Metro run with a first-round matchup against Del Norte set for Jan. 6

Bernalillo boys basketball

Out with the old, in with the new for the Spartans' new year plans.

After a tough home loss to Capital on Dec. 30, Bernalillo started its year on the right foot with a win over Monte Del Sol Charter in their home tournament.

Giving up 73 points to the Jaguars two days before, the Spartans came out with vengeance and held the Dragons to an impressive 12 points.

Top guard play from names like Elias Valencia and Kenneth Saiz led Bernalillo on the offensive end, with all three wins on the season coming when the team scores 50 points or more.

Looking to use this momentum to get their season back on track, Bernalillo will now gear up for a matchup against Atrisco Heritage Academy.

Bernalillo girls basketball

Going for a dozen.

Now sitting at a perfect 11-0, the Lady Spartans will look to defend their home as well after winning their first-round matchup in the Bernalillo Tourney.

Ashley Duran’s team put together potentially its most dominant victory of the season on New Year’s Day, taking out Atrisco Heritage Academy 62-10.

Out of their 11 wins, only two of them were decided by single digits with pure dominance from names like Trinity Calabaza, Samaria Brown and Kailani Trancosa, just to name a few.

To get to the title game, Bernalillo will have to get through Bloomfield High in what should be an exciting second-round faceoff.