2025/26 New Mexico High School Basketball: Class 1A Preseason Rankings
The story of Class 1A New Mexico high school basketball over the past seven years has been defined by three programs: Fort Sumner, Melrose, and Magdalena. All three built dynasties, combining for seven straight championships from 2018–2024. But in March 2025, a new team rose to the top, the Logan Longhorns, breaking through for their first championship since 2012 and ending the era of three-team dominance.
With powerhouse programs reloading once again, and a new champion entering the season with major momentum and size, the 1A landscape looks as competitive as ever. Here’s an early look at the top three contenders:
No. 1 Logan Longhorns
2024/25 Record: 26-3 overall, 4-0 District 6-1A
2025 State: 1A State Champions
Skinny: Logan enters the 2025/26 season as the clear No. 1 after storming through last year’s postseason and closing on a 9-game winning streak, capped by a 56-44 win over Melrose in the state championship. The Longhorns dominated on both ends, posting 2,123 points for and 1,445 against, and they return nearly every key piece from their title run.
The size this team brings to 1A hoops is unmatched. Hayden Bruhn (2026), at 6-foot-7, is one of the most dominant players in the entire classification, averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds as a junior. Alongside him is 6-foot-5 Mason Wallin (2026), who added 18 points and 8 rebounds per game, creating a frontcourt that feels more like 4A or 5A, than 1A. The backcourt is anchored by Aydin Kotara (2026), a 6-foot guard who filled the stat sheet at 9 points and 4 assists per game.
Depth will not be an issue either. Seniors Ryan Montoya and Mitchell Wall slide into larger roles, giving head coach Kyle Griffiths a complete squad, size, guard play, rebounding, toughness, and experience. Logan has everything needed to repeat as state champions.
No. 2 Fort Sumner Foxes
2024/25 Record: 22-8 overall, 2-2 District 6-1A
2025 State: 1A Final Four
Skinny: After winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, Fort Sumner’s championship streak ended last March with a Final Four loss to Melrose. But the Foxes return nearly their entire lineup, and with one of the most promising young cores in the classification, the dynasty may not be over just yet.
Fort Sumner scored 2,148 points while giving up 1,433, proving that even in a “down year,” they were still among 1A’s elite. The youth movement continues with D’gin Thomson (2029), who started in the Final Four as an 8th grader. Now a freshman, he will be a central piece of Fort Sumner’s attack. Inside, Aaron Torres (2027) returns after being a key contributor as a sophomore; now stronger and more polished, he gives the Foxes a reliable interior anchor.
The guard play is also strong with juniors Jordan Holland (2027) and Tra’von Bonds (2027), both key starters last season (and football stars in tonights, November 21, state championship) who bring athleticism and scoring. Add in veteran guard Cade Lee (2026), and Fort Sumner’s rotation has experience, balance, and major upside. With only one senior departing from last year’s roster, the Foxes have every reason to believe they can return to the championship game.
No. 3 Melrose Buffaloes
2024/25 Record: 25-6 overall, 10-0 District 4-1A
2025 State: 1A State Runner-Up
Skinny: Melrose was seconds away from continuing its long-standing hold on Class 1A but fell to Logan in the 2025 state title game, finishing 25–6 after an impressive defensive season (allowing just 1,382 points). The Buffaloes graduate most of their starting lineup-including their primary backcourt and interior presence0but if history tells us anything, Melrose always finds a way back into contention.
The new leader of the program is Jaxon Odom (2026), who was a key spark off the bench last postseason. His 19-point performance in the state quarterfinals was a preview of his ability to take over games. Max Sena (2026) will also be critical as Melrose transitions into its new identity.
Yes, this is a rebuild year for the Buffaloes, but with one of the most consistent coaching staffs and program cultures in the classification, Melrose should still be firmly in the mix. Their defense, discipline, and emerging juniors give them a realistic path back to the Final Four.
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More rankings, including the rest of Class 1A and other classifications, will be released throughout the week as NMPreps continues its countdown to the 2025/26 basketball season.
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