NMAA STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL: HOBBS HEADS HOME WITH 5A TITLE

EAGLES EAT

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#1 HOBBS (66) #3 RIO RANCHO(53)
March 14, 2026 – UNM’s The Pit, Albuquerque, NM

ALBUQUERQUE — The No. 1 Hobbs Eagles used a dominant second half to defeat the No. 3 Rio Rancho Rams 66–53 in the NMAA Class 5A girls state championship, capturing the program’s fifth state title.

Hobbs started strong, scoring 14 points in the first quarter while Rio Rancho stayed within reach at 10. The Rams surged in the second period behind defensive pressure and transition scoring, outscoring the Eagles 15–9 to take a 25–23 lead into halftime. Larissa Martinez knocked down three first-half 3-pointers to lead Rio Rancho with nine points, while her sister Madi Martinez added eight. Hobbs spread the scoring with seven players finding the scoreboard before the break.

The Eagles seized control after halftime. Hobbs erupted for 21 points in the third quarter, using forced turnovers and aggressive defense to flip the momentum. The surge continued in the fourth as Hobbs poured in 22 more points while limiting Rio Rancho to 14, pulling away to secure the championship.

“We have a lot of grit and hard work… we just fight adversity as a team.” Mattysen Zepeda

Hobbs showcased its depth with four players scoring in double figures. Kareli Rivera led the Eagles with 18 points and five steals, while Kacelynn Muniez added 17 points, including four 3-pointers, along with five steals. Eighth grader Xoey Ross delivered an all-around performance with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists, and four steals, and senior Matysen Zepeda contributed 12 points and five rebounds. Hobbs forced 20 turnovers and received 22 points from its bench. Rio Rancho was led by Madi Martinez, who scored a game-high 21 points, while Larissa Martinez finished with 12.

Hobbs head coach Joe Carpenter credited the team’s mindset after the game, saying, “They have a chip on their shoulder and they have fun. When you put those two things together — fun and a chip on your shoulder — that’s what this team was.” Senior Matysen Zepeda echoed the sentiment, noting, “We have a lot of grit and hard work… we just fight adversity as a team.”

Rio Rancho head coach Lori Mabrey expressed great enthusiasm about her team and their future. “We return a really good corps of kids so I think you haven’t seen the last of us.” She also credited the Martinez sisters with teaching the team how to be furious and play with grit during the season.

With the victory, Hobbs further cements its reputation as one of New Mexico’s premier girls basketball programs.