Thursday, April 30, 1998 | 6:42 a.m.
It didn't take Rancho senior Justin Anderson long to make his presence felt on the track.
After being academically ineligible for most of the season, the defending 4A state 100- and 200-meter champion returned in style at the recent Silverado Skyhawk Invitational.
Anderson finished first in the 100-meter dash, crossing the finish line in 10.4 seconds -- the area's fastest time this season. He also placed second in the 200 with a time of 22.3 seconds, despite practicing for only two days prior to the meet.
"I was surprised due to the fact that he needed more practice, but I wasn't surprised because I know what kind of athlete he is," Rancho coach Matt Meier said.
Anderson followed that performance with another first-place 100-meter finish at Saturday's Meadows Invitational.
Despite his limited remaining practice schedule, Anderson's coach thinks the senior has a strong chance to repeat come state tournament time.
"Justin feels he can run even faster than 10.4, and I think he can too," Meier said. "It should be interesting to see if he can show what he can really do."
Gator poll updates
As expected, Green Valley's recent loss to Silverado cost the Gators several spots in the weekly USA Today national baseball poll.
The five-time defending state champs fell from No. 4 to No. 10 in this week's Top 25, and from No. 1 to No. 2 in the Western regional top 10.
For the first time this spring, the Gators also entered Baseball America's bi-weekly Top 25 poll. Green Valley joined the rankings in the No. 15 slot.
The Gators are the only local squad to appear in either poll this year.
* TIDBITS: Green Valley pitcher Mike Nannini has racked up some unbelievable statistics this season. The senior, who improved his record to 7-1 with a five-inning no-hitter against Basic Tuesday, has struck out 75 batters and walked only four in 53 innings. His ERA is a miniscule 0.79. ... It's been a while since Silverado dropped a game on either the baseball or softball diamond. The Skyhawk baseball team entered play today in the midst of an 11-game winning streak, while the softball team has reeled off 12 consecutive victories. ... The Green Valley golf team is the only area squad in any sport with an undefeated overall record. Heading into today's match with Rancho, the Gators were a perfect 14-0 (11-0 Sunrise Division). ... After starting the season 10-0 overall, Chaparral's boys volleyball team has fallen on hard times, dropping three straight league matches before stopping the bleeding with a victory over winless Vo-Tech. The losses to Green Valley, Silverado and Basic were costly, though, dropping the Cowboys from first place in the Sunrise into fourth place. ... First-year coach Heather Siegel has turned Bishop Gorman's softball program around in a hurry. The Gaels, who won just nine games last year, clinched a playoff spot earlier this week.
* CLINIC MOVED: Silverado's annual Ladyskyhawk softball clinic has been re-scheduled for Saturday due to inclement weather on the original date. Players ages 6-15 can register at 8:30 a.m., and the event will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The cost is $12 for individuals and $9 per player for teams of nine or more. For more information, call Chuck Pope at 799-5790.
* TIME TO JAM: Kids ages 7-17 are invited to participate in the upcoming annual Bank of America Jammin' Hoops Camp, a free event scheduled June 15-17 at Rancho High School. Participants will receive three days of instruction from NBA stars and local coaches, along with a T-shirt and team photo. Applications for the event are available at Bank of America branches throughout the Las Vegas area. For more information, call (503) 284-4581.
* SUBMISSIONS Submissions and suggestions for the weekly prep notebook can be faxed to 383-7264, e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to the SUN, 800 S. Valley View, Las Vegas, NV 89107.
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