Prep basketball season tips off

Tim Graham

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

There's no need to wait.

The season's first full slate of high school basketball games tips off tonight at schools throughout the valley, and one game features a battle between teams figured to be giants in their respective divisions.

The Western Warriors, considered by many the class of the Sunset Division this year, host the reigning Sunrise Division champions, the Las Vegas Wildcats, at 6:30 p.m.

"On paper, it's two of the better teams playing the first game of the year," Las Vegas head coach Tom Farnsworth said.

"Both teams have been rated by the coaches as maybe the top teams in town, so I guess it's an early opportunity to see where you stand. We find out right away where we are or what we have to do."

The divisions won't be the only difference for these teams, which contrast in size and style.

Western went just .500 last season, but boasts possibly the best frontcourt around with 6-foot-8 junior Vance Lawhorn at center and 6-6 senior Martwez Daley and 6-5 junior Jimmy White at forward.

Lawhorn averaged 13.5 points and seven rebounds last year.

"I pick them to win their division this year," Farnsworth said of the Warriors.

Las Vegas lacks height. Center Greg Rogers is only 6-1. Therefore, the Wildcats rely on their speed and outside scoring -- and a good measure of experience. Seven of Las Vegas' top eight players are back from last season's 21-9 squad.

"We're pretty quick and have some kids who can shoot when they're on," Farnsworth said.

At forward are a pair of senior leaders in Lucas LeCour and Corey Kauffman, both 6-2. LeCour averaged 17 points, seven assists and four rebounds last year, while Kauffman averaged 12 points and six boards.

In the backcourt is off guard Robbie Cole, who was averaging 19 points a game when he was ruled academically ineligible for the second semester last season, and 5-7 point guard Mario Finley, who averaged seven assists.

"We need to try to maybe get out of a half-court game with them," Farnsworth said. "We're going to try to do the things quick, fast teams do. Control the ball, create some scoring opportunities off of transition.

"We just hope we can beat their height advantage by doing the things we do well and not try to get into a game where they're killing us on the boards."

It is opening night for 12 other local AAAA schools as well, including two-time defending state champion Durango, which hosts Chaparral at 6:30 p.m.

Also, Basic is at Cimarron-Memorial and Green Valley travels to Bishop Gorman at 6:30 p.m.; Valley visits Bonanza at 7 p.m.; Vo-Tech heads to Cheyenne at 7:30 p.m.

Clark and Silverado each have a non-conference loss under their belts, but host first-timers Rancho and Eldorado, respectively, at 6:30 p.m.

In girls' action tonight, defending Southern Zone champion Rancho hosts Clark; Bishop Gorman visits Green Valley; Cheyenne travels to Vo-Tech; Cimarron goes to Basic; Durango heads to Chaparral; Silverado travels to Eldorado; and Bonanza visits Valley in the only 7 p.m. start. The rest tip off at 6:30 p.m.