Farmington Tops Class 5A Coaches Poll; Hobbs, Rio Rancho Top Five

Farmington was ranked No. 1 in the Class 5A coaches poll released Jan. 13, with Rio Rancho listed third and Hobbs among the top five, according to the statewide coaches voting. The poll includes point totals and first-place votes that reflect coaches’ assessments of teams’ performance so far this season. For Sandoval County, Rio Rancho’s placement is a notable indicator of strength as district and state competition approaches.

Coaches polls serve as an early barometer of relative team strength and momentum. Point totals and first-place votes in this poll show where peer coaches place confidence; that consensus often shapes local expectations, media coverage, and fan engagement even though playoff seeding follows district and state procedures. Rio Rancho’s third-place listing, tied to a strong season record, gives players and supporters a tangible measure of progress and raises interest in upcoming matchups.

The rankings matter off the court as well as on it. Strong showings draw larger turnouts at home games, which benefits local vendors, restaurants, and school booster programs in Sandoval County. Ticket revenue and boosted concessions on game nights help fund equipment, travel and youth development programs. At the same time, higher visibility can attract attention from college scouts and create fundraising momentum for athletics budgets that face competing priorities.

For coaches and players, poll position can affect psychology and strategy. Teams ranked near the top often face targeted scouting and tougher nonconference scheduling as opponents aim to knock off highly regarded programs. For Rio Rancho, sustaining the form that produced a top-three listing will be key to converting preseason recognition into postseason results. Hobbs’ presence in the top five signals that established programs remain competitive statewide and that the race for district crowns will be contested.

Local supporters should watch how the next slate of district games reshapes the rankings and clarifies postseason outlooks. The coaches poll offers a snapshot, but the season’s trajectory will be decided in head-to-head play and district tournaments. For Sandoval County fans, the current placement is reason to fill the stands, support school boosters, and follow district schedules closely as teams press for favorable seedings and a run toward state play.