The Volcano Vista (Albuquerque, NM) varsity basketball team will be playing a home tournament game against Sandia (Albuquerque, NM) today at 6 PM.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Sandia vs Volcano Vista
• Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Sandia vs Volcano Vista: A Battle of New Mexico’s Top Basketball Teams

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season unfolds, the spotlight has been on two powerhouse teams from Albuquerque, New Mexico: Sandia and Volcano Vista. Both teams have proven themselves dominant in the state, boasting impressive records and standout performances. But with a head-to-head matchup recently in the books and another exciting contest on the horizon, it’s time to dive deeper into the details of these teams’ journeys this season.

Sandia: Dominance at Home

Sandia’s basketball program has had a stellar season, with a record of 12-1 overall and a remarkable 7-0 at home. The team has been outstanding on both sides of the ball, with an average of 77.2 points per game. The scoring is spread out well across the lineup, and their ability to close games in the final quarter, averaging 27.2 points, speaks volumes about their resilience. Leading the charge for the Matadors is Isaiah Brown, who is averaging 16.5 points per game, and Mason Howell, who contributes significantly with 6.6 rebounds per game.

In their recent outing, Sandia faced Volcano Vista at home in an away non-conference game, only to come up short with a 68-59 loss. Despite the setback, the team’s offensive firepower remains a formidable force. With an average of 35.5 rebounds per game, Sandia excels in controlling the boards, while also securing 15.2 steals per game. With the game’s tempo often dictated by their fast-paced offensive plays, Sandia has shown their ability to overpower opponents, particularly at home.

Volcano Vista: Consistency and Strong Defense

Volcano Vista has also been performing at a high level this season, posting an impressive 10-2 record. They are currently ranked #1 in New Mexico and #65 nationally, showing their consistency in both home and away games. What stands out for the Hawks is their balanced team play and strong defense, allowing only 615 points across their 12 games, an average of just 51.25 points per game. This speaks to their defensive prowess, keeping opponents at bay and controlling the pace of the game.

In their recent encounter with Sandia, Volcano Vista walked away with a 68-59 victory, showcasing their ability to shut down high-scoring offenses. Volcano Vista also excels in several areas, including their shooting efficiency and team assists. The Hawks have shown to be very comfortable in away games, with an undefeated 3-0 record on the road. Their points per game average stands at 71.9, with a notable spread across the board. They may not have the scoring firepower of Sandia in terms of volume, but their ability to grind out wins and control key moments in the game speaks to their mental toughness.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

The rivalry between these two teams is growing, as Volcano Vista has claimed victory in the latest meeting between the squads, a 68-59 win on December 13th. Their success in the game, driven by balanced scoring and defensive pressure, allowed them to pull away in the final quarter. The teams will meet again for another highly anticipated contest on January 12th, and this time, it’s an away tournament game at Volcano Vista, where the stakes will be even higher.

When it comes to common opponents, both teams have shown remarkable success, with Sandia holding a 4-0 record against these teams, while Volcano Vista is 3-0. Both programs faced off against tough opponents like Atrisco Heritage Academy, Los Lunas, and Cleveland, with both teams securing dominant victories. This sets up a fascinating dynamic, as their common opponent records reflect a sense of dominance across their schedules.

Looking Ahead

As the season continues, both teams will undoubtedly remain key players in the New Mexico high school basketball scene. Sandia, with their high-scoring offense and deep roster, remains a contender for the state title, while Volcano Vista’s disciplined and efficient team play continues to earn them top rankings in the state.

For fans of New Mexico high school basketball, the matchup between Sandia and Volcano Vista is more than just a game—it’s a true test of two elite teams with contrasting styles. With Sandia’s offensive juggernaut and Volcano Vista’s balanced, defense-first mentality, the outcome of their next encounter could be pivotal for both squads as they eye the state championship.

This rivalry is just heating up, and with both teams boasting talented players and remarkable statistics, there is no telling where this season will lead. One thing is for sure: basketball fans in New Mexico have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.