Girls open the state basketball tournament Friday

No snow storms or other winter-like weather in the forecast so the roads should be in tip-top shape when the state high school basketball tournament bounces in Friday with the girls tipping off first.

This just serves as a warning that even indoor events could be affected by outdoor weather conditions, so opening night should be safe going when March Madness rolls in.

In 5A, Santa Fe High has a tough going when the district 5 runner-up was to hit the road as the unwanted 16th seed and meet up with top-seeded unbeaten Albuquerque Volcano Vista that has rolled to 38 straight victories.

Not giving much of a chance after playing in a rather soft district, the Demonettes have to slow down Volcano Vista, settle for outside shots, and keep matters close. Easy to say, but not a easy chore against an opponent with size, balance and experience that brings blowouts.

In 2A, Pecos is not on the usual road to what would be a third state championship, for it is the 14th seed with a 13-14 record this time and lines up against 3rd-seeded Eunice on the road. The top three teams here are Escalante, Pecos district rival Clayton, and Eunice.

In 3A, St. Michael’s is happy to get in even as a 13th-seed with a 10-18 mark and has to travel to 4th-seedeed Navajo Prep in a class with top-seeded, once-beaten Robertson, Tobatchi, and Santa Fe Indian School, and with four district 2 schools that includes the Lady Horsemen, the Cardinals, the Braves, and West Las Vegas.

St. Michael’s has been on a journey of numerous draughts, some with poor shooting and lack of balance, but has found time to apply enough defense in winning most starts. Junior point guard Lauryn Pecos has been the settling force in her third year as a starter.

Indian School ran second to Robertson in district, It lacks size, but plays very well behind a balanced two-way attack and displays an aggressive defense.

That’s it, and the way the ball bounces, upsets are in play, so pre-game favorites aren’t always the answer.