Well the run through the non-district schedule is pretty much complete, with some interesting results. So here is what we learned and what this writer forgot to mention in his pre-season predictions.  The only thing that was actually predictable was the fact that the district still consists of Aztec, Farmington, Kirtland, Piedra Vista, and Shiprock.  As far as basketball is concerned, the race for the district crown is as anyone’s guess.  No one in district has a winning record against any other district!  Not good!  District strength from head to head match-ups puts district 1-4A at or near the bottom, which will play a significant role come selection time for the state tournament.   Enough about the bad and on with the good, and that means the second season starts with district openers for Farmington, Piedra Vista, Shiprock, and Aztec taking stage tonight.  The pre-season district favorite (as predicted by this writer) Farmington, has taken on the 3-12 record with optimism.  So how is that possible?  Well remember at the end of the day, they are still 0-0 in district and that is the most important record of all.  A difficult schedule has the Scorpions entering the district race unnoticed, with Shiprock and Piedra Vista licking their chops.  Although no team in district has a winning record, it is the Shiprock Chieftains that has the 4 Corners talking.  Not only are they a pleasant surprise, but they own two dominating performances against district opponents.  Coach King has credited his team’s success to team unity (7 seniors) and the ability to control the boards. There is no doubt the Chieftains are a viable contender for this years District 1-4A title.   Having lost a game against a district opponent, (Shirpock at the Roswell Tourney), Piedra Vista has to be the most balanced team to date, look for them to turn it into second gear with their first district game tonight at home against the cross-town rival.  Conner Field House will be rockin’ and the Panthers look to send a message to the other district foes.  Kirtland Central is the only district team off.  Coach Brad Lenburg has gone to his youth and hopes that the pre-district schedule has toughened up his players. 

On the girls’ side some questions were answered early and often and some are still open for debate.  Kirtland’s continued dominance was displayed early, often, and they haven’t let up.  Count them, 1,2,3 loses – Grand Junction, Monument Valley, and Gallup, with the majority of their wins coming against the cream of the crop in the state of New Mexico.   Now as far as the rest of the league goes this is where it really gets interesting. Aztec, Piedra Vista, and Shiprock are log jammed in the middle with Farmington looking up.  These three teams are as even as the scores indicate, with Piedra Vista tasting victory over the Lady Chieftains 41-40 at the Farmington Invite.  What is still open for debate is whether or not the Lady Scorps will actually win a game this year?  Will anyone stay within 20 points of the might Lady Broncos?

 If the rest of the year is as open and unpredictable as the boys and as log jammed as the girls, then look for the district season to offer plenty of unforeseen drama.