Hobbs High School girls basketball claims 5A state title

Eagles overcome Rio Rancho 66-53 in championship game

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:06am

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The top-seeded Hobbs High School girls basketball team won the Class 5A state championship on Saturday, defeating No. 3 Rio Rancho 66-53 at The Pit. Hobbs, which lost seven seniors from last year's team, overcame early adversity to capture its third title this decade.

Why it matters

Hobbs' victory showcases the program's continued excellence, despite losing key contributors from last season. The win highlights the team's resilience and ability to overcome doubts about their potential this year.

The details

Hobbs led by as many as eight points in the first half, but Rio Rancho fought back to take a 25-23 lead at halftime. The Eagles then opened the third quarter on a 13-2 run, sparked by strong play off the bench from sophomore Kareli Rivera. Hobbs maintained its lead throughout the second half, fending off late challenges from Rio Rancho to secure the championship.

  • Hobbs won the Class 5A girls basketball state championship on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • The Eagles lost to Farmington in a home game in December, but that was an isolated setback in an otherwise dominant season.

The players

Joe Carpenter

The head coach of the Hobbs High School girls basketball team, who was frustrated that his team's success did not receive more attention.

Matysen Zepeda

A senior guard for Hobbs High School, who had 12 points and 5 rebounds in the championship game.

Aliana Armitage

The smallest starter for Hobbs High School at 5'2", but the team's leading rebounder with 7 in the final.

Kareli Rivera

A sophomore who came off the bench for Hobbs and scored 18 points on 7-for-14 shooting, sparking a key 13-2 run in the third quarter.

Lori Mabrey

The head coach of the Rio Rancho High School girls basketball team, which was making its first-ever appearance in the championship game.

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What they’re saying

“I think we have a lot of grit and work hard, and we just keep putting in the work and we fight adversity as a team. And we have each other's backs every day.”

— Matysen Zepeda, Senior guard, Hobbs High School

“We knew that we were young, and we knew that me and Maty would have to lead the younger ones.”

— Aliana Armitage, Senior, Hobbs High School

“Hobbs is relentless. (But) Hobbs knew they were in a game with us.”

— Lori Mabrey, Head coach, Rio Rancho High School

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.