By JT Keith, Sports Editor

The New Mexico Coaches High School Coaches Association announced its 2024-2025 All-State Class 4A boys’ basketball team and three members of the state champion Artesia Bulldogs are among the honorees.

Artesia guard Charlie Campbell was named a first-team All-State selection and center Clay Kincaid was selected for the second team while guard Braylon Vega earned honorable mention.

The three juniors helped Artesia defeat Highland, 55-48, to capture the 4A championship March 15 at The Pit in Albuquerque.

The title was the school’s first since 1997 and its third overall. Artesia’s first state title came in 1995.

In the 2025 championship game against the Hornets, Campbell scored a team-high 15 points and had nine rebounds.

“This accomplishment comes as no surprise,” Artesia head coach Michael Mondragon said. “It is from Charlie putting in countless hours of hard work and dedication. Charlie’s defensive presence and how he controlled the game on offense was a huge reason we are state champions.”

Artesia (21-9) made its run for the state title after losing its last district game to Goddard, 45-40, on Feb. 21 and its district playoff game at home against Portales, 58-57, four days later.

The losses galvanized the team, which promptly went on a four-game winning streak.

After the losses, the Bulldogs started looking for Kincaid inside on each offensive possession. In the last four games, Kincaid had at least two blocked shots and a dunk.

“Clay is oversized, and his power inside was truly a difference maker for us this year,” Mondragon said. “He controlled the paint, and his ability to finish around the rim and change opponents’ shots was outstanding. His honor is well deserved.”

“Braylon (Vega) hit big shots for us down the stretch,” Mondragon said. “His basketball knowledge and sense helped bring the blue trophy home.”

Artesia returns its entire team intact next season and the Bulldogs are expected to be ranked No. 1 in preseason polls.

Campbell is the first Artesia player to earn first-team All-State honors since Nick Sanchez was chosen in 2023.

Class 4A All-State selections:

First Team

Charlie Campbell, Artesia

Josiah Fresquez, Española

Mason Montoya, St. Pius X

Eli Dominguez, Academy

Jesus Licon, Highland

Second Team

Clay Kincaid, Artesia

Malakhai Ely, Taos

Kayle Covington, Lovington

Angelito Villa, Valley

Jereck Duda Española Valley

Honorable Mention: Braylon Vega, Artesia; Francois Satchivi, Del Norte; Boudy Melonas, Grants; Angel Maciel, Silver; Mario Baros, Pojoaque.