The Sandia varsity basketball team (Albuquerque, NM) will play a home non-conference game against Albuquerque Academy (Albuquerque, NM) today at 7 p.m.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Albuquerque Academy vs Sandia
• Date & Time: Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here

Albuquerque Academy vs. Sandia: A Comparison of Two New Mexico High School Basketball Powerhouses

The 2024-2025 basketball season has showcased two top teams from New Mexico high school basketball: Albuquerque Academy and Sandia. Both teams have proven to be formidable in their respective divisions, dominating games and showcasing impressive skills on both ends of the court. In this article, we take a closer look at their performances, strengths, and records this season.

Albuquerque Academy: Strong Performance with Room for Growth

As of January 2025, Albuquerque Academy has posted an 11-5 record, with a strong performance both at home and on the road. With a win percentage of .688, the team has managed to maintain a competitive edge in the competitive New Mexico basketball scene.

• Record Breakdown:
  • Overall: 11-5
  • Home: 5-2
  • Away: 4-1
  • Neutral: 2-2

They have scored 940 points and allowed 762, averaging 58.8 points per game across all quarters. Their offense has been fairly consistent, with an emphasis on strong plays in the first and third quarters. However, their scoring tends to drop in the fourth quarter, where they average 14.6 points.

Key players for the team include:

• Isaiah Brown, leading the team in points per game with 15.2 and steals per game with 2.7.
• Mason Howell, who dominates on the boards with 6.1 rebounds per game and also contributes significantly on defense, averaging 3.3 blocks per game.
• Gad Harris, a standout in assists with 5.8 per game.

In terms of common opponents, Albuquerque Academy holds a 2-1 record, having faced teams like Organ Mountain, Capital, and Manzano.

Sandia: Dominant and Efficient

Sandia has been an even more dominant force this season with a 13-2 overall record, boasting an impressive win percentage of .867. The team has been nearly flawless at home with a perfect 5-0 record, and they’ve also shown resilience on the road with a 4-1 mark.

• Record Breakdown:
  • Overall: 13-2
  • Home: 5-0
  • Away: 4-1
  • Neutral: 4-1

With 1,127 points scored and 899 points allowed, Sandia averages an astounding 75.1 points per game. Their offense is particularly potent in the fourth quarter, where they explode with 27.2 points per game, often outscoring their opponents in the final stretch. This makes them a dangerous team in close games, as they finish strong.

Key players for Sandia include:

• Isaiah Brown, who leads the team in scoring and steals, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game.
• Mason Howell, similar to his counterpart at Albuquerque Academy, stands out as a leader in rebounding and shot-blocking.
• Gad Harris, another significant contributor with 5.8 assists per game, leading the team in playmaking.

Sandia also holds a strong 2-0 record against common opponents, with notable victories over Organ Mountain and Capital. Their efficiency in all phases of the game has been key to their success.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a variety of common opponents this season, including Organ Mountain, Capital, and Manzano. Here’s a breakdown of how they fared:

• Albuquerque Academy:
  • Lost to Organ Mountain (69-38)
  • Beat Capital (56-53)
  • Beat Manzano (73-35)
• Sandia:
  • Beat Organ Mountain (69-66)
  • Beat Capital (result pending)
  • Beat Manzano (result pending)

The teams have faced similar challenges, and it will be interesting to see how they match up head-to-head in future games. With their contrasting styles—Albuquerque Academy’s solid all-around play versus Sandia’s high-powered offense—this rivalry is one to watch closely.

Team Strengths and Statistical Comparison

In terms of individual and team statistics, both teams shine in different areas:

• Albuquerque Academy:
  • Points per game: 58.8
  • Rebounds per game: 34.1
  • Assists per game: 20.5
  • Steals per game: 14.8
  • Blocks per game: 5.2
• Sandia:
  • Points per game: 75.1
  • Rebounds per game: 34.1
  • Assists per game: 20.5
  • Steals per game: 14.8
  • Blocks per game: 5.2

While both teams excel in steals and assists, Sandia’s superior points-per-game average and explosive scoring in the fourth quarter give them a notable edge. Their ability to close games and maintain a high level of play throughout the entire game makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the state.

Looking Ahead

Both Albuquerque Academy and Sandia have shown incredible promise this season. With a few more head-to-head matchups and common opponents ahead, the battle for the top spot in New Mexico high school basketball promises to be a thrilling one. Whether it’s Albuquerque Academy’s consistency or Sandia’s offensive firepower, these two teams will undoubtedly continue to be at the forefront of the state’s basketball scene for the rest of the season.