Texico expects pressure from Mesa Vista

Texico coach Rich Luscombe said handling Mesa Vista’s quickness and pressure defense is a must.

“You have to have a high degree of concentration, that you have to get to the right spot, you keep composure,” said Luscombe of today’s Class 2A quarterfinal matchup at West Mesa High. “With a team like that, you’re going to turn the ball over.

“We’re going to have to break their pressure,” Luscombe said. “Then we’re going to have to finish shots.”

Luscombe hopes to keep the pressure on point guard Kris Martinez, who’s averaging 16 points a game for the Trojans (21-8).

“He’s awfully quick. He does a great job of running the team,” Luscombe said. “When he has the ball we have to make sure he’s going to distribute the ball to the other players.”

Texico (26-2) owns a decided edge inside behind seniors Braden Vaughan and Logan Brown.

Luscombe picked Sandia Prep as the favorite for Class 2A. Sandia beat Texico 64-44 Saturday in the Region D championship game.

“They got a great team,” Luscombe said. “It’s by far the most balanced team we’ve seen.”

In Class 1A, Melrose coach Casey Pack hopes the experience his team gained at last year’s state tournament works in their favor.

The District 3-1A champion Buffaloes (20-8) face Hagerman (24-7) today in a quarterfinal matchup at Bernalillo High.

“I think that has a lot do with it; just being there, being used to the atmosphere,” he said.

The Bobcats feature 6-foot-7 freshman post Bill Squire and 6-4 Rufe Dunnahoo.

Melrose will try to limit the touches by Dunnahoo, who Pack said can score from anywhere.

Melrose must limit turnovers, rebound and make free throws if its going to advance, Pack said.