Big Time basketball tourney coming back to LV

Bob Cloud

Friday, June 14, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Some of the country's best high school basketball talent will again be on display when The Big Time returns to Las Vegas next month.

The tournament featuring top AAU prep basketball teams will be held July 18-23 at Durango and Cimarron-Memorial high schools. For the second consecutive year, Adidas will serve as the tournament title sponsor.

Teams from New York, New Orleans, Memphis, Michigan and Las Vegas are scheduled to compete. Tournament executive director Sonny Vaccaro said the event has gained national recognition after enjoying an excellent first run in 1995.

"Last year's tournament was no doubt big time," Vaccaro said. "Any player who wanted to be seen (was) in front of over 600 college coaches. If a player is serious about playing hoops, they better make it Big Time."

The tournament consists of 80 teams divided into four-team pools. Play in each pool will take place July 18-20, with games scheduled from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Following pool play, the teams will be seeded, based on record, in two divisions with a single elimination playoff format. The Big Time will conclude with championship games at 2:30 and 4 p.m. on July 23.

"The Big Time is about helping the recruiting process," said Vaccaro. "With this tournament, we've accomplished two things. First, we've given more kids the opportunity to showcase their talents; and second, we're allowing recruiters the chance to see a large number of kids. This is the perfect scenario for everyone involved."

Prep pickings

* SKYHAWKS MAKE THE GRADE: Silverado High School's girls swimming and diving team has been honored by the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association and Jostens, Inc., for earning the highest grade point average (3.47) of any AAA girls state swim team. The NIAA and Jostens annually present academic awards to the high school team in each league and sport earning the highest total grade point average. The Skyhawks were the only Southern AAA squad in any sport to be so honored during the past school year.

* BASEBALL CLINIC: The third annual Southern Nevada Baseball Clinic is being conducted at Basic High School and will run through June 21. The clinic format features two sessions, with ages 8-12 in the morning and ages 13-15 in the afternoon. Further information is available by calling Gary Chaires at 565-1675 or 799-8000, ext. 282.

* MYERS SIGNS WITH ROYALS: Former Green Valley High School pitcher Taylor Myers has signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals. Myers was Kansas City's second round choice in the baseball amateur draft on June 4, the 49th overall selection. Myers, who had signed a letter-of-intent with Arizona State, will forego college at this time, but his contract calls for the Royals to pay for his education at a later date if he chooses.