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Schools across New Mexico pick up the sticks at Aggie Invitational

Paola Garcia Two students provide live commentary during an e-sports stream. Mar. 29, 2025. Walking into the NMSU E-Sports lounge was something that brought excitement not only to the club, but also for students around the state. The lounge was filled with many different colored jerseys while people engaged in exciting games of pool, pong […]

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1 month ago

April 13, 2025

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Schools across New Mexico pick up the sticks at Aggie Invitational

Paola Garcia

Two students provide live commentary during an e-sports stream. Mar. 29, 2025.

Walking into the NMSU E-Sports lounge was something that brought excitement not only to the club, but also for students around the state. The lounge was filled with many different colored jerseys while people engaged in exciting games of pool, pong and air hockey, all as they awaited their turn to compete in the 2025 NMSU E-Sports invitational.

The invitational, which drew in 32 schools, gave gamers the chance to battle it out in their favorite games such as Valorant, League of Legends, 2K, or Super Smash Brothers to see who would come out on top.

People came from across the state, from University of New Mexico, and both Eastern and Western New Mexico University, but also from all four local high schools, as well as a couple middle schools.

The invitational didn’t start out this big. Much like the industry itself, the invitational has become bigger and bigger over time. The amount of people at the event has grown from 200 people at its start, to over 1,000 people this year and according to Thomas Mariscal, captain of the Eastern New Mexico University Valorant and League of Legends team, the accessibility of e–sports is a major factor behind the growing mass appeal.

Esports team strategizes before competing at the NMSU e-sports Invitational. Mar. 29, 2025. (Paola Garcia)

“E–sports is a sport that everybody can get into, whether you’re the top athlete in your class or some random band kid like I was in high school you can find a place in e–sports,” he said. “Typically, everybody’s good at one game, and so you can take part of that and play with it.”

But perhaps the biggest reason for the industry growth and the growth of the NMSU invitational is the simplest reason of them all – people are finding they can make money doing what they love. In this case, its playing video games. It’s something that has been a passion for NMSU e-sports team member Gabriel Jimenez since childhood.

“I’ve been gaming since I was little, obviously we all have since the DS’s, the N64’s, games like that,” Jimenez said. “It didn’t really get competitive for me until high school when I found out we had a teams and from there, it sparked my enjoyment for competitive video games. In started off with League of Legends, and then I transitioned to Valorant so starting off at a young age really helps.”

NMSU Freshman and former Centennial high school e–sports team member, Jakob Quezada, had a similar introduction that got him into gaming.

“I started gaming with my dad, like way back when…He [his dad] showed me everything from Xbox to PlayStation and he would always tell me like ‘hey, I’m going to go play a game called League of Legends,’” he said. “That sparked up an interest in that type of competitive gaming, and learning how to be on a team and play my role.”

Not only can people make a career out of gaming, but they can also receive scholarships to get an education and be part of an organization that allows personal growth. Picking up the controller and putting on the headset can end up changing lives and remove the stigma that may still remain of a traditional gamer. This is something Quezada expanded on.

“It’s definitely a good thing because [it’s] giving a chance to those who are not as athletic, because we’ve had a very athletic– centric system for all colleges,” Quezada said. “People always talk about ‘oh, he’s going to go far in life. He’s going to get a scholarship for basketball. He’s going to get something for football. We’re gonna see him in the NFL.’ But there was never really anything for those people who enjoy playing video games and wanted to do it competitively.”

The NMSU e-sports program is still expanding and the organization hopes to see the same turnout, if not more, at next years invitational. But one thing is still for certain– e-sports will not slow down. If there is an internet connection and people who love video games, e-sports will continue to grow.

A student competitor from Eastern New Mexico University focuses during an intense e-sports match. Mar. 29, 2025. (Paola Garcia)

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Mira Costa boys volleyball wins CIF-SS Division 1 championship over Huntington Beach

Mira Costa’s team celebrates their victory after the CIF-SS Division 1 boys volleyball championship game between Huntington Beach High and Mira Costa High at Cerritos College Friday May 16, 2025. (Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) Mira Costa’s Grayson Bradford (20) scores over the defense of Huntington Beach’s Colin Choi (10) during the CIF-SS Division […]

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May 17, 2025

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NORWALK — There were swings of momentum, both good and bad, but in the end, the Mira Costa boys volleyball team faced a sprint to 15 points in the fifth and deciding set of the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 championship match.

“After the fourth set, we said this is a fresh set to 15, as simple as that,” senior Thatcher Fahlbusch said. “We didn’t have to complicate that. We were all clear-minded and this is the result.”

The top-seeded Mustangs (34-3) won that sprint to cap a five-set thriller Friday at Cerritos College against second-seed Huntington Beach to win 25-19, 22-25, 25-19, 29-31, 15-11 and claim their first CIF-SS title since 2021.

“We had such a tough week with the passing of our friend (Loyola’s Braun Levi) and everyone came together and worked so hard,” senior setter Andrew Chapin said. “We did it. We won. We were supposed to win by more, but we did in the end and I’m just happy we were able to win.”

While the team celebrated, coach Greg Snyder took a seat on the bench to relax. It was that sort of match.

Mira Costa, who defeated Huntington Beach in two sets to win the Redondo Tournament back in February, didn’t have much trouble winning the first set. Huntington Beach responded scoring the first seven points of the second set and never relinquishing the lead.

In the third set, it was Mira Costa jumping out early with four consecutive points and never looking back, moving one set away from the championship glory.

Huntington Beach staved off elimination winning a wild fourth set (31-29), that saw Mira Cosa serve four times for championship point.

“I thought we were going the win because of the way we had been playing,” Snyder said. “I knew Huntington was good, but man they definitely showed up to play and gave us everything we could handle and more so. That’s a great team, they played great defense. I think we played pretty well, we could have served better, but other than that we played pretty strong.

“I don’t know what it is about this gym, we don’t like to serve here, but they played exceptional, they deserved to be here.”

Mira Costa probably could have had easier night, but the Mustang missed 21 serves in the match.

“That is disgusting,” Snyder said.

To the Mustangs’ credit, they found what they need in the fifth set. After a side-out battle early, the Mustangs took a 7-5 lead on a kill by Chapin and an attack error by the Oilers. The lead would get to five on a kill by Grayson Bradford to make it 12-7.

Later, Bradford would put the finishing touches on the night with a right-side attack for his 25th kill, clinching the championship.

Mateo Fuerbringer added 17 kills, Fahlbusch and Alex Heins had nine apiece and Wyatt Davis finished with six.

Mira Costa was making its second consecutive appearance. Last year, the Mustangs were swept by Loyola.

“I think for the most part, they handled the pressure,” Snyder said. “I think it did burn the guys from last year. I said it before this match, that I think somehow, the team that loses the final, comes back the next season with a hunger that really can’t be replicated or created in another way. What that means for next year? Maybe that happens for Huntington. Hopefully we’ll be good enough to battle back and get here again and that advantage will be ours again. That’s next season. I’m still worried about regionals and what’s left in front of us.”

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AVP Huntington Beach Open delivers exciting clashes and memorable victories

HUNTINGTON BEACH – The 2025 AVP Huntington Beach Open wrapped up last Sunday, treating beach volleyball fans to a weekend of high-stakes action under the California sun. The tournament, held at the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, has been a staple on the AVP calendar since 2000, and this year’s event carried the added significance of […]

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30 minutes ago

May 17, 2025

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The men’s championship match featured a commanding performance by top-seeded duo Andy Benesh and Miles Partain. The pair defeated the second-seeded team of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans in straight sets, 21-14, 21-14. Known for their dynamic chemistry, Benesh and Partain controlled the court, demonstrating why they previously clinched the 2023 Huntington Beach title.

For Budinger, a former NBA player, and his partner Miles Evans, the loss highlighted their grit and determination throughout the tournament. They had advanced to the final after a grueling three-set semifinal victory over Billy Allen and Taylor Crabb, 24-26, 21-19, 15-13. This marked another strong showing for Allen and Crabb, with local hero Allen hailing from Fallbrook.

On the women’s side, fans were treated to a thrilling three-set showdown between first-seeded Taryn Brasher and Kristen Nuss, and third-seeded Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft. Brasher and Nuss, who finished third in 2023 and second in 2024, finally secured their first Huntington Beach Open title with a hard-fought 21-17, 21-23, 15-9 victory. The pair’s toughness on the sands solidified their status as one of the top teams to watch heading into the AVP League season.

Taryn Brasher (L) and Kristen Nuss won their first ever AVP Huntington Beach Open title. Valley News/Bryan Malloch photo

Cannon and Kraft, though falling short of the crown, impressed throughout the tournament, particularly in their semifinal victory against the second-seeded team of Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson in another intense three-set match, 21-15, 19-21, 15-12.

For Fallbrook native Billy Allen, the Huntington Beach Open was a homecoming of sorts. Partnered with Taylor Crabb, Allen advanced to the semifinals, where they narrowly lost in three sets to eventual finalists Budinger and Evans. Allen, a veteran of the AVP circuit since 2004, has built a storied career that includes tournament wins in Seattle and a successful run as co-host of the podcast “Coach Your Brains Out.”

Allen’s connection to his California roots remains strong, even after relocating to Idaho with his family. The father of one continues to balance his roles as an athlete, coach, and writer, sharing his experiences in books like The Inner Knight.

With the Huntington Beach Open officially in the books, players now shift their focus to the AVP League, set to begin its second season on May 23 in Palm Beach, Florida. Two additional California stops are planned for this summer’s league schedule, including events in San Diego and Los Angeles.

The stakes remain high for athletes vying not only for league glory but also to further establish themselves on the international stage, as many of the weekend’s standout performers are also preparing for the 2024 Olympics.

The 2025 AVP Huntington Beach Open was a weekend packed with talent, thrilling matchups, and electric energy that only beach volleyball can bring. From the dominant performances of champions Benesh and Partain to the dramatic battles on the women’s side, this year’s tournament left an lasting mark on the sands of Huntington Beach.

Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

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Randall’s Havi Valdez, Layla Romero sign with respective colleges to play volleyball

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Randall volleyball seniors, Havi Valdez and Layla Romero, both signed with their respective colleges on Friday to further both their athletic and academic careers. Valdez signed with Taft College volleyball, while Romero signed with Hesston College volleyball. The girls were on varsity and were both a part of the 2022 state […]

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May 17, 2025

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AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Randall volleyball seniors, Havi Valdez and Layla Romero, both signed with their respective colleges on Friday to further both their athletic and academic careers.

Valdez signed with Taft College volleyball, while Romero signed with Hesston College volleyball.

The girls were on varsity and were both a part of the 2022 state championship winning volleyball team.

They were also both a part of three consecutive state championship appearances with the Lady Raiders.

Valdez says that she will take lessons learned at Randall to college.

“I think I learned how to be a really good leader…like we faced a lot of [adversity,]” she said. “I just became more of a leader and just was able to grow in different ways.”

Romero says her playing style has drastically improved and she will be able to utilize that at the next level.

“Definitely my serving….I was so terrible at serving until this year,” she said. “It took me a lot to learn how to do certain things and my footwork and all that stuff. The coaches really helped me.”

Taft College ended their season at 27-5 overall, while Hesston College finished with a 7-16 overall.

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Basing Heroic Again, Stanford Advances to Final Four – Stanford Cardinal

WACO, Texas – Max Basing saved six match points and rallied for a tiebreaker win, clinching a 4-3 victory for No. 5 Stanford men’s tennis over No.12 Mississippi State in the NCAA quarterfinals at Hurd Tennis Center. Stanford improves to 26-5 on the season and advances to its first Final Four since 2003. The fourth-seeded […]

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55 minutes ago

May 17, 2025

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WACO, Texas – Max Basing saved six match points and rallied for a tiebreaker win, clinching a 4-3 victory for No. 5 Stanford men’s tennis over No.12 Mississippi State in the NCAA quarterfinals at Hurd Tennis Center. Stanford improves to 26-5 on the season and advances to its first Final Four since 2003.

The fourth-seeded Cardinal, appearing in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012, led early after doubles with the decisive point coming on court two. After a tight battle went to the Bulldogs on court one, against the top pair nationally, Samir Banerjee and Alex Razeghi earned a 6-4 win on court three. After defending a pair of Mississippi State match points at 5-4, Henry von der Schulenburg and Kyle Kang won via tiebreaker on court two, 7-6 (3).

Godsick made it 2-0, opening singles action with a 6-3, 6-4 victory on court five. The win was his 16th of the year, and he improved to 13-2 in dual action on the season. Winning his 22nd match of the season, von der Schulenburg made it 3-0 Stanford with a straight-set win of his own, 6-4, 7-5. The win was the 15th in a row for von der Schulenburg and his 18th in dual action.

Mississippi State pulled back wins on courts two, six and one, respectively, to tie the match at 3-3, leaving Basing as the lone Cardinal remaining to clinch the match. Basing trailed 5-4 in the third set, and 40-0 in the potentially decisive game, before fighting off four consecutive match points. Basing trailed 40-30 at 6-5, again saving a pair of match points from the Bulldogs to push the match into a third set tiebreaker. Basing took a 5-3 lead midway through and didn’t look back, earning his 19th victory of the season, and 16th in dual play.

The semifinals appearance is the 21st in program history for the Cardinal, which is looking for its 18th NCAA title in program history. The Cardinal improved to 5-0 all-time against the Bulldogs with the win.

Stanford will take on No. 1 Wake Forest in the NCAA semifinals on Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m. PT (4 p.m. CT). The action will be broadcast on ESPN+.

[4] No. 5 Stanford 4, [12] No. 12 Mississippi State 3

DOUBLES
1. No. 1 Jovanovic/Sanchez Martinez (MSU) d. No. 70 Godsick/Hudson Rivera (STAN), 6-3
2. No. 47 Kang/von der Schulenburg (STAN) d. No. 60 Baroni/Martinez Serrano (MSU), 7-6 (3)
3. No. 48 Banerjee/Razeghi (STAN) d. Milanovic/Novansky (MSU), 6-4
Order of Finish: 1, 3, 2

SINGLES
1. No. 28 Benito Sanchez Martinez (MSU) d. No. 7 Samir Banerjee (STAN), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
2. No. 67 Petar Jovanovic (MSU) d. Kyle Kang (STAN), 2-6, 6-2, 6-3
3. No. 101 Max Basing (STAN) d. No. 111 Niccolo Baroni (MSU), 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (5)
4. No. 73 Henry von der Schulenburg (STAN) d. Dusan Milanovic (MSU), 6-4, 7-5
5. Nico Godsick (STAN) d. Bryan Hernandez Cortes (MSU), 6-3, 6-4
6. Mario Martinez Serrano (MSU) d. Alex Razeghi (STAN), 6-4, 2-6, 6-4
Order of Finish: 5, 4, 2, 6, 1, 3

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James F Davenport Obituary – Pasadena (1940-2025)

James F. Davenport, Jr. OBITUARY James Franklin Davenport Jr., born on August 2, 1940, Pasadena, California, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved son of James Franklin Davenport Sr. and Margaret Ives Davenport and brother of Eleanor “Nonie” Travers (deceased). Jeff, as he was affectionately known, derived […]

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May 17, 2025

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James F. Davenport, Jr.

OBITUARY

James Franklin Davenport Jr., born on August 2, 1940, Pasadena, California, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved son of James Franklin Davenport Sr. and Margaret Ives Davenport and brother of Eleanor “Nonie” Travers (deceased).

Jeff, as he was affectionately known, derived from the initials of his first and middle names, JF, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He spent most all of his 84 years in Pasadena, attending Polytechnic School, Menlo School, and later the University of Southern California, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and was also a world class swimmer and water polo player.

Jeff went on to enjoy a successful career in finance spanning more than 50 years, working with EF Hutton, Alex. Brown & Sons, Deutsche Bank, Lehman Brothers, Jefferies, and later RBC. He was renowned for his natural charm, his inquisitiveness with everyone he encountered, his profound work ethic, and his unwavering dedication to exceeding his client’s expectations.

Outside of his professional life, Jeff found immense joy in owning thoroughbred horses for decades, with a special fondness for Santa Anita and Del Mar. He was also an avid golfer, runner, and hiker. The Davenport family has been proud members of the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena for over 65 years. Jeff was the last living Count in the Visart de De Bury et de Bocarme noble line.

Jeff’s passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many others whose lives he touched. His infectious smile, positivity, generous spirit, and sharp sense of humor brought out the best in those lucky enough to know him. His unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness was truly unmatched.

Though his physical presence is no longer with us, Jeff’s spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those who loved him. He is survived by his four children and their spouses: Jamie (Susie), Jonathan, Caroline (Bianca), Beau (Briana) and grandsons, Luke, James, Mark, and Hugo.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, private services will be held.

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West Forsyth goes after boys volleyball state championship

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May 17, 2025

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