Already ‘some incredible memories’: Will and James share favorite moments from state tourney so far

State basketball week is a grinder for The New Mexican’s sports guys as they pump out several stories each day, but the excitement generated from the atmosphere and the memorable games keep them going. This season has been no exception. On the latest episode of “The Sports Den” podcast, Will Webbe…

Will and James talk state hoops and chat with St. Mike's grad Estevan Sandoval on his coaching journey

Fans from across the state will pack The Pit and the Rio Rancho Events Center this week to watch their favorite teams vie for a blue trophy at the boys and girls state basketball tournaments. In the latest episode of “The Sports Den,” Will Webber and a dapper James Barron zero in on the quarterfin…

A state basketball tournament bracket breakdown, plus a chat with Highlands skipper Steve Jones

The seedings are set and the most anticipated high school sporting event of the year is about to tip off. In the latest episode of “The Sports Den” podcast, Santa Fe New Mexican sports writers Will Webber and James Barron take a look at all the brackets in the state basketball tournament before sw…

'We’re respected now:' Coach Nate Morris talks Santa Fe High girls hoops as team eyes postseason run

We’re entering the most wonderful time of the year for New Mexico hoops fans with the beginning of postseason play as prep teams position themselves to make a run at a blue trophy. With its first winning season since 2021-22, the Santa Fe High girls basketball team has put itself in the mix to com…

Coach Daven Võ on embracing small-town culture to build a D-II contender at Eastern New Mexico

After each home game at the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena, the men’s basketball players at Eastern New Mexico University make the rounds to shake hands and visit with the Greyhound faithful. Head coach Daven Võ says the fans’ relationship with the team is a big reason why ENMU leads the Lone St…

Curling in the desert? Local expert highlights sport's social aspect and chances to play in Santa Fe

It’s that time again. Every four years, curling has its moment in the spotlight as sports fans fixate on the mesmerizing Winter Olympic event. Associated with cold climates, the game has also found a foothold in the high desert. In the latest episode of “The Sports Den” podcast, Santa Fe New Mexi…

Blessed with bigs, Dakota Montoya and St. Michael’s look to take care of ‘unfinished business’

Dakota Montoya was a surprise pick to some when he was named head boys basketball coach at St. Michael’s in 2024. The Clayton graduate who played football at Eastern New Mexico University said he recognized there were some critics and question marks early on, but he was excited to step up to the ch…

‘We’ve come a long way’: Interim AD Ryan Berryman discusses UNM athletics' growth and ambitions

From a men’s basketball team student manager to interim athletic director, Ryan Berryman has made a meteoric rise up the ranks of the University of New Mexico’s athletics department. The 31-year-old has seen Lobo athletics go through some turbulent times, and in 2025 achieve one of the most success…

James calls the St. Mike’s boys the team to beat in Class 3A; Will wants to call Fuego games

It’s the dog days of winter, prep basketball teams are entering district play, and at least one of The New Mexican’s sports writers is distracting himself with random bits of news until the blissful arrival of postseason hoops. In the latest episode of “The Sports Den” podcast, Will Webber and Jam…

Will and James offer a Northern New Mexico prep hoops breakdown at the midway point of the season

A big week of regular season tournaments is in the books and we’re getting a clearer picture of the contenders as teams head into the second half of the season. In the latest episode of “The Sports Den” podcast, Santa Fe New Mexican sports writers Will Webber and James Barron offer their observati…