Mike Smith
El Rito Media
msmith@currentargus.com

Artesia High School boys basketball coach Michael Mondragon offered students, parents and the community at large a chance to celebrate the Bulldogs’ state 4A championship with a net-cutting ceremony Monday night at the Bulldog Pit.

Artesia earned its third state basketball title and its first in 28 years March 15 with a 55-48 victory over Albuquerque Highland at The Pit on the University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque.

Those in attendance in New Mexico’s largest city joined the team in celebrations that night as the Bulldogs raised the renowned “blue trophy.”

Mondragon said Monday’s ceremony allowed those who could not made the trek north to honor the team for its hard work and dedication.

“Winning a state title had not been done in 28 years and we just wanted to come out here tonight and give these guys an opportunity to get in front of their community and just show how much we love them and how much we appreciate them and what they accomplished,” Mondragon said.

Players, coaches and managers took turns cutting down the net on the eastern basket at The Bulldog Pit.

Among those wielding the scissors was 6-foot-2 junior guard Braylon Vega, who played an influential role in Artesia’s success on the court during the past season and earned All-State honorable mention from the New Mexico High School Coaches Association. Joining Vega in the All-State limelight were teammates Charlie Campbell, who earned first-team honors, and second-team honoree Clay Kincaid.

Campbell wore the net around his neck after the ceremony as friends and family took pictures.

“We have everybody back to make it back-to-back state championships,” Campbell said. “That’s never been (done) in Artesia, so hopefully we have a new goal.”

Artesia’s previous state basketball titles came in 1995 and 1997.

Mondragon said earning a championship and having three players earn All-State recognition shows that hard work and dedication pay off.

“They know it’s not just them – it’s a whole team. Individually, they had great years and a great run at state and all their play helped us become successful. We don’t get nearly as far without these two or the guys we have sitting behind us,” he said.

Vega appreciated the honorable mention, he said, but being a state champion is more important and something no one can take away from him for the rest of his life.

“I’d rather have a state championship than an All-State honorable mention,” he said.

Mike Smith can be reached at msmith@currentargus.com or 575-308-8734.