3rd place team recipients: Noah Romero, Javan Rael, Lincoln Hoffer, Mikey Velasquez-Saiz and Angus Smith. Photo by Jason Romero

Team huddle before start of day two. Photo by Jason Romero

By JASON ROMERO
Assistant Coach

The LAHS Hilltopper boys golf team found their way to the podium Tuesday at the 2026 Nusenda 4A -Boys State Golf Championships. A 2-day event held at New Mexico Tech Golf Course in Socorro. The Hilltoppers finished 3rd (637) behind Artesia who shot a very consistent 623 and just 3 strokes from second place Albuquerque Academy (634). The final scores themselves do not describe the amount of effort, teamwork and endurance the Hilltoppers demonstrated.

After a rough first day the Hilltoppers found themselves 17 strokes behind last years’ State Champions Albuquerque Academy. They were held down by Javan Raels (SO) score of 77, followed by Lincoln Hoffer (SO) and Mikey Velasquez-Saiz (JR) both recording a pair of 81’s. Angus Smith (JR) finished the first day with a 91 followed by (JR)Noah Romero, playing in his first State Championship at 94. Rael has been a staple this year to the teams consistency.

The Hilltoppers turned their sights to day 2 and were back to their typical Hilltopper focus. The young dynamic duo (and real-life best friends) Javan Rael and Lincoln Hoffer locked in and gave their team every ounce of effort they could muster. Javen Rael found his groove with the leaders recorded a +1 (73) and Lincoln Hoffer carded an incredible round of -3 (69) making up 7 strokes in the last 18 holes finding he and Rael both now in a 4-way tie for first going into the last couple holes. The Toppers at one time were as close as 8 strokes away from a state title.

Juniors, Angus Smith (86), Noah Romero (85) and Mikey Velasques-Saiz (80) all drastically improved from their first day struggles to support their team in the final day push. Lincoln Hoffer accompanied by his dad (and coach) Phil Hoffer knew that if he was going to have a shot at the title he had to card a 2 on the final hole. The Young Hoffer hit a perfect wedge into the green, rolling over the cup and narrowly missing his second shot eagle attempt on the short par 4.

Javan Rael and Lincoln Hoffer finished tied at 3rd place individually, as is their nature they shared the medal between them.

The 2025-26 Season has not been an easy one for the Hilltoppers, being a young team with a local Golf Course that has mostly been unavailable due to ongoing renovations. They, supported by coaches and family traveled off site to practice and compete in the offseason.

The players’ work ethic, friendship, sportsmanship and attitude towards each other, and younger teammates, has proved to be a winning recipe for this season and will be for seasons to come. Thank you to everyone who support their efforts. Great job boys!

3rd Place Individual recipients Javan Rael and Lincoln Hoffer. Photo by Jason Romero

Coach Hoffer and Lincoln Hoffer assessing final hole strategy. Photo by Jason Romero