Boys State Hoops: 9-La Cueva at 8-Clovis

In the 9 vs. 8 game, La Cueva visits Clovis. The Wildcats won 63-62 in Albuquerque on Dec. 7, although the Bears were without senior shooting guard Derek Aeilts early in the season.

“They’re a talented team, and it is really a tough matchup for both of us,” Clovis coach Jaden Isler said. “We’re pretty equally matched.”

There is good size on the perimeter on both rosters. For Clovis, that will be particularly important as the Wildcats look to defend lengthy shooters like 6-foot-5 Aeilts and 6-6 Tristan Moore.

Clovis might benefit if La Cueva post Ja’Shon Lowery doesn’t play, and as of Wednesday he was doubtful, La Cueva coach Frank Castillo said. The Wildcats have some excellent size in 6-6 Bryce Cabeldue (a football commit to Kansas) and 6-3 Darion Morgan. But the Bears last week superbly defended Eldorado’s two bigs, Jayvon Jefferson and Deraje Agbaosi.

“Those two guys are a handful,” Castillo said of Morgan and Cabeldue. “The first thing is, we have to make sure we box out and rebound. Those two kids are so active around the basket.”

The winner of this game could be in line to meet No. 1 Las Cruces in the quarterfinals.

“It’ll be one of the more fun games to watch in the first round,” Isler said, “just because of how similar our two teams are.”