Prep Hoops New Mexico Team Preview: Del Norte
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Last Season: The Del Norte Knights were the defending 2021 4A State Champions going into last season. They started the year 5-9, finished the second half of the season 10-6 and 15-15 overall. The Knights secured the 11th seed in…
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Continue ReadingLast Season: The Del Norte Knights were the defending 2021 4A State Champions going into last season. They started the year 5-9, finished the second half of the season 10-6 and 15-15 overall. The Knights secured the 11th seed in the 4A Boys State Tournament. They defeated #6 Silver on the road in the First Round and defeated #3 Espanola Valley on the road in the Quarterfinals. Then at “The Pit”, Del Norte defeated Belen in overtime to reach the 4A State Championship for the second straight season. Del Norte lost to Highland in the 4A Boys State Championship to conclude the 2021-22 season.
4A Class
District 6: Albuquerque Academy, Bernalillo, Del Norte, Hope Christian and Valley.
Key Losses: Judah Casaus Judah Casaus 6'0" | SG Del Norte | 2023 State NM , Josh Tellez, Harrison Frank Harrison Frank 6'1" | SF Del Norte | 2023 State NM , Angelo Noce, Elijuah Tarin and Jonas Cabaluna.
Key Additions: JJ Minnifield, Fransois Santivi, Julian Castillo and Caiden Naranjo.
Returning Varsity Players: Estevan Devargas Estevan Devargas 5'9" | CG Del Norte | 2023 State NM , Shane Douma-Sanchez Shane Douma-Sanchez 6'0" | PG Del Norte | 2023 State NM , Diego Gallegos, Cody Astor, Aiden Hileman, Roman Hileman Roman Hileman 6'2" | PF Del Norte | 2023 State NM , Gizmo Mora-Aguilar and Deion Jim.
Analysis: Jeron Mclntosh is going into his seventh season as the Head Coach for the Del Norte Knights. In his first six seasons leading this program, he has produced consistent success. They’ve made the playoffs in each of the last six seasons, appeared in the State Semifinals four times, two State Championship game appearances and one State Title in 2021. The Knights lost six players from last season’s playoff run and will be new-look team this year. This team will be led by Shane Douma-Sanchez Shane Douma-Sanchez 6'0" | PG Del Norte | 2023 State NM ; a four-year varsity player and arguably the best player in the state. He can do it all for the Knights and has one more championship run in him as a senior. Guard Estevan Devargas Estevan Devargas 5'9" | CG Del Norte | 2023 State NM is a player that has impressed me over the summer and through this preseason period. He has emerged as a leader for this team, improved as a defender and will be one of the best marksmen from long-range this year. Head Coach Jeron Mclntosh raved about Estevan Devargas Estevan Devargas 5'9" | CG Del Norte | 2023 State NM work during the off-season. I believe Estevan will be the Knights second leading scorer this year. With so many key pieces from last year gone, this is an opportunity for other players to play bigger role this season. Diego Gallegos, Cody Astor, Aidan Hileman Aidan Hileman 5'9" | CG Del Norte | 2023 State NM , Roman Hileman, Gizmo Mora-Aguilar and Deion Jim will all be asked to give increased production if the Knights want to make their third straight 4A State Championship game. This team also added young pieces to compete this year and building blocks for the future. Three freshman, JJ Minnifield, Fransois Santivi and Julian Castillo. They also added sophomore Caiden Naranjo. After a recent conversation with Head Coach Jeron Mclntosh, he said “The expectations are still high like the last few years, and we expect to compete for the State Championship”. It would be foolish to write off the Del Norte Knights as they are still in the conversation as one of the best teams in 4A.
Roster: Estevan Devargas Estevan Devargas 5'9" | CG Del Norte | 2023 State NM , Shane Douma-Sanchez Shane Douma-Sanchez 6'0" | PG Del Norte | 2023 State NM , Diego Gallegos, Cody Astor, Aiden Hileman, Roman Hileman Roman Hileman 6'2" | PF Del Norte | 2023 State NM , Gizmo Mora-Aguilar, Deion Jim. JJ Minnifield, Fransois Santivi, Julian Castillo and Caiden Naranjo.
Head Coach: Jeron Mclntosh.