JT Keith
The Artesia Bulldogs came up one game short of repeating as Class 4A state champions, but their season still stands as one to remember.
Artesia did not get the back-to-back title it wanted, yet the Bulldogs closed the year with a long list of individual honors, team milestones, and record-book performances that speak to the strength of the program.
That run came a year after the Bulldogs captured the 2025 state championship with a win over Bloomfield, the program’s first title since 2000.
With eight seniors on the roster, Artesia leaned on experience all season, and several players finished their careers with New Mexico Activities Association marks and Artesia High School records.
Team honors
Brant Usherwood received the Leadership Award, while Jack Byers earned both the Cy Young Award and Most Valuable Player honors. Byers also won the on-base percentage award at .604. Daelon Pacheco took home the Next Pitch Award, Derrick Warren led the team with 27 stolen bases, and the Golden Glove Awards went to Jett Fuentes and Usherwood.
At the plate, Byers, Pacheco and Diego Morales tied for the team lead in home runs with two apiece. Byers and Pacheco also shared the RBI lead with 27. Morales won the Bulldog Award, Byers added the Silver Slugger Award after batting .514, and JR Bustamante was named Alumni Game MVP.
State records
Artesia stole 102 bases this season, ranking seventh all-time in NMAA history. The Bulldogs also scored 14 runs in one inning against Lovington, the ninth-most all time, and finished the year with 253 runs, the ninth-most in the NMAA record book.
On the mound, Bulldogs pitchers struck out 265 batters, good for sixth all-time in NMAA history. Byers threw four shutouts this season and finished with 10 in his career. He also recorded a perfect game. Elijah Carrasco and Lucas Atkins teamed up for a no-hitter.
School records
Byers also set the Artesia High School career strikeout record with 314. That mark adds another layer to a season that already ranks among the program’s most productive and memorable.
All-star selections
Artesia was also well represented on the all-star team. Byers was selected at third base, and pitcher, Pacheco at first base, and pitcher, Fuentes at shortstop, and Jackson Bickel served as Red Team head coach. It was another reminder of what this senior group meant to Artesia baseball and why this season will be remembered for a long time.