Clovis sophomore 5A all-state

Clovis sophomore Aime Hilburn was second on the team in scoring and assists and third in rebounding. CNJ photo by Eric Kluth.

The Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE — Brio Rode’s footprints are all over the Rio Rancho girls basketball program.

The senior who seemingly has played a decades-worth of games for the Rams has had a mighty hand in the 98 wins that coach Bobby McIntyre’s team has posted over the last five years.

“She’s the career (school) leader in almost every category except steals and assists and she’s second in both of those,” said McIntyre. “She’s obviously been a pivotal player.”

Rode, who will take her game next fall to the University of California, Tuesday was named to The Associated Press All-State team for the third year in a row.

Joining the 5-foot-11 Rio Rancho senior on the Class 5A first team were junior Krystal Torres and freshman Carissa McGee from state champion Mayfield; Sandia’s Amy Royster, Clovis sophomore Aimee Hilburn and Los Lunas senior Paige Powers.

Hilburn’s versatility helped Clovis reach the state title game. The 5-11 forward averaged 12.5 points, 5.1 assists and 4.5 rebounds a game as Clovis (27-4) set a school record for wins.

“Aimee’s got the unique ability to make players around her better,” Clovis coach Miles Watters said. “She just makes great basketball plays; whether it’s a great pass or knowing when to post up.

“We ran a lot of our offense through Aimee because she is such a great passer.”

Clovis sophomore post Brittany Blackmon earned second-team honors and senior post Monique Walker was honorable mention.

Blackmon was the Lady Cats’ leading scorer (14.6) and rebounder (7.8) while Walker has been a three-year starter.

“I think all three of our sophomores (point guard Tori Quintana is the third) are good enough to make the first team,” Watters said. “It probably had a lot to do how they played at the state tournament.”

Torres and McGee were part of the talent-loaded Mayfield team that won the school’s first girls basketball state title with a record of 26-1. Torres scored 12 points and McGee had eight points and 10 rebounds in the Trojans’ 57-49 win over Clovis in the state title game.

Class 3A champion Portales placed seniors Kassandra Richards and Roni Gomez on the first team. They were joined by Pojoaque senior Kacy Aiken, Socorro sophomore Audra Major and Bloomfield’s Calla Cox. Richards and Aiken also were on the first team as juniors.

The Class 1A first team had Jodi Kibbe and Annie Kennedy from three-time state champion Des Moines, Jennifer Blackburn and Brittany Bailey from Grady and Fort Sumner junior Sandy Fortner.

The All-State teams were selected in voting by coaches in the five classifications.