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Abby Pavia Heads to Monterrey Before Season Opener

By Sports Desk · 2026-09-10 · 2 min read
A basketball resting on a polished hardwood court floor
Illustration: Tradingbird

The hardwood in Albuquerque is still quiet, but the court in Mexico is already calling. Abby Pavia skips the local waiting period to join a national select team, bringing her varsity energy to an international stage before her high school season even begins.

The gymnasium at Albuquerque High sits dormant, its air still and its benches empty, yet one sophomore is already lacing up. Abby Pavia will not wait for the official season opener to test her limits. Later this month, she crosses the border, carrying the weight of a select jersey into the heat of Monterrey.

Her journey begins not with a local rivalry but with a national stage. Pavia has been drafted onto the 16U ADEMEBA-USA Women’s National Select Team, a roster built to showcase Mexican-American talent against competitors from across the country. This is a trial by fire, a chance to measure her speed and skill against a different pace of play, well before the varsity schedule kicks off in a few months.

A Season That Starts Early

Pavia’s resume already hums with momentum. Standing five-foot-six, she enters her third year on varsity with a freshman campaign that left a permanent mark. She averaged 20.6 points and 7.9 rebounds, a statistical footprint that earned her a spot on the Class 5A All-State first team. Her performance was not just good; it was undeniable, attracting multiple Division I offers that now sit in her inbox, waiting for a decision.

Representing the Community

The ADEMEBA-USA organization curates these teams to highlight the depth of talent within the Mexican-American community. By selecting Pavia for the National Championship, they are placing her in a spotlight that shines beyond state lines. She will face opponents from throughout Mexico, a diverse field of athletes who share her cultural background but bring their own distinct styles. This tournament is a bridge, connecting local high school courts to the broader international basketball world.

A Broader Landscape of Talent

Pavia is not the only local player making waves in the college recruiting landscape. At Albuquerque Academy, guard Zac Borrego has already cemented his future. The six-foot-one athlete announced his commitment to Northern Arizona, a choice that solidifies his path to the next level. He also held offers from the University of Illinois-Chicago and Southern Utah, a testament to his growing reputation. While Pavia heads south for international competition, Borrego heads west for college, both players carving out their distinct trajectories in the prep sports ecosystem.

As reported by Yahoo Sports, these moves highlight a vibrant talent pipeline in the region. The story is not just about one game or one season; it is about the continuous flow of players moving from local gyms to national stages. Pavia’s trip to Monterrey is a single thread in a larger tapestry of athletic excellence, one that continues to unravel and reveal new possibilities for players in Albuquerque.

Based on reporting by Yahoo Sports, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

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