The most exciting sports week in New Mexico is in the books and three local teams capped it off with a dream ending.
In the latest episode of “The Sports Den” podcast, Santa Fe New Mexican sports writers Will Webber and James Barron are joined by a few newly crowned state basketball tournament champions — Santa Fe Indian School girls coach Khadijha Jackson, Mesa Vista girls coach Jesse Boies and St. Michael’s boys coach Dakota Montoya. The coaches relive moments from their title runs and share life has been like in the days following their teams’ immense achievements.
In the first interview, Jackson discusses the Lady Braves’ journey to winning the program’s first state title since 2011 and ending Navajo Prep’s quest for a three-peat. Jackson, who played for coach Rainy Crisp at Navajo Prep, talks about what it was like playing for Crisp and the experience of coaching against her former coach in the 3A state title game.
In the second interview, Boies talks through the final moments of the Lady Trojans’ thrilling 2A championship game win over defending champ Tatum. Mesa Vista clawed back from a nine-point deficit and capped its comeback with a deep 3-pointer by freshman Aaliyah Boies, Jesse’s daughter, with two seconds left for a 49-47 win. Jesse Boies shares what it was like to see his daughter come up clutch such a monumental moment and what the program’s first state title means for its basketball-crazed community.
In the last interview, which was cut a bit short due to some recording issues, Montoya discusses St. Michael’s 3A championship game rematch with Robertson and what allowed the Horsemen to avenge last year’s difficult loss. Montoya talks about his team being blessed with size and depth, and shares what he’s been doing to decompress since the big win.

Already ‘some incredible memories’: Will and James share favorite moments from state tourney so far
46:52

Will and James talk state hoops and chat with St. Mike's grad Estevan Sandoval on his coaching journey
1:00:00

A state basketball tournament bracket breakdown, plus a chat with Highlands skipper Steve Jones
1:08:31