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 Webber and James Barron share their favorite memories through Thursday and look ahead at the storylines and matchups for the semifinals and finals on Friday and Saturday.

The guys start off by discussing the Mesa Vista boys team’s heartbreaking loss to Rehoboth Christian, which rallied from a 22-point second-half deficit to advance to the 2A semifinals.

They also talk about the high level Santa Fe Indian School and St. Michael’s are playing at as they prepare for a 3A semifinal that they guys say could just as well be the championship. On the other side of the bracket, Robertson and Bosque have their own interesting storylines.

And oh look, the Pecos boys are back in another state semifinal.

On the girls’ side, Will and James talk about Santa Fe Indian School’s dominant semifinal win over Robertson and how the Lady Braves could match up with top seed Navajo Prep.

They also look at Mesa Vista’s run to its first state title game in program history.

Between the boys and girls tournament discussion, Will and James chat a bit about the University of New Mexico men’s basketball team ahead of its opening game of the Mountain West Tournament against San Jose State.