4A boys basketball

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Dec. 10, 1998 | 11:07 a.m.

A look at this year's 4A boys basketball teams:

SUNRISE DIVISION

* BASIC WOLVES

Coach: Kurt Bailey (first year)

1997-98 Record: 7-19 (2-14, 8th Sunset)

Top Players: Mike Bentz, G/F, 6-1, Sr.; Noah Dickie, G, 5-8, Sr.; D'Auria Mosley, F, 6-2, Sr.; Nathan Muaina, F, 6-2, F; Jamal Norris, F, 6-0, Sr.; Terrence Radford, G, 5-9, Sr.; Anthony Willoughby, G, 5-6, Sr.

Outlook: Bailey, an assistant at Valley last season, takes over for new Rancho coach Mike Dye and brings his state championship experience of a year ago to the Wolves. His new club doesn't have the type of talent he saw last year with the Vikings, but it does have a deep roster of experienced players hungry to turn Basic into a basketball power. Willoughby, a newcomer to the squad, and Radford should combine to form one of the division's top backcourts. A season-opening win over Western already has given the Wolves tremendous confidence. A little more, and a trip to the playoffs might be within reach.

* CHAPARRAL COWBOYS

Coach: Paul Berg (second year)

1997-98 Record: 17-10 (9-7, 4th Sunrise)

Top Players: Ronnie Burkey, C, 6-2, Sr.; Matt Cox, G, 6-1, Sr.; Mario Hagan, G, 6-2, Jr.; Derek Justice, F, 6-1, Sr.; Richard Seigler, F, 6-3, Sr.

Outlook: The Cowboys earned a spot in the zone playoffs in Berg's first year, and with several experienced players back, a return to the postseason appears likely. Cox, one of the area's top outside threats, and Seigler, a force in the paint who averaged 12 rebounds, were full-time starters last season, and Hagan saw significant minutes. Like most area squads, Chaparral lacks size, so the Cowboys will look to push the ball offensively and pressure their opponents on the defensive end. Eldorado and Green Valley may be the talk of the Sunrise at season's start, but when all is said and done, Chaparral may prove to be the division's top contender.

* GREEN VALLEY GATORS

Coach: Lee Koelliker (interim)

1997-98 Record: 17-9 (13-3, T-1st Sunrise)

Top Players: Game Abling, F, 6-5, So.; Jared Bedich , G, 6-3, Jr.; Ja are Bosket, C, 6-9, Sr.; Jamal Darbigny, G, 6-2, Jr.; Alan Johnson, F, 6-5, Sr.; Ben Lev, G, 5-10, Sr.; Jeff Platt, F, 6-5, Sr.; Cornell Williams, G, 6-3, Sr.;

Outlook: A month ago, the Gators were almost everybody's favorite to repeat as Sunrise Division champions. Now, after a mid-season coaching change, Green Valley is a huge question mark with a new man, former Clark coach Koelliker, in charge. Even so, the team has as much returning talent as any other in town, including the versatile Williams, who can play nearly every position on the floor. Johnson, a spot starter for this year's squad, and the improving Bosket will provide strength in the frontcourt, but perimeter shooting remains a concern. Despite the distractions, look for Green Valley to come together late in the season as one of the area's top teams.

* LAS VEGAS WILDCATS

Coach: Tom Farnsworth (fourth year)

1997-98 Record: 27-8 (12-4, 3rd Sunrise)

Top Players: Jamill Ballard, F, 6-1, Sr.; Coy Boykin, G, 5-11, Jr.; Casey Reid-Crockett, F/C, 6-6, Sr.; Jacob Kauffman, G, 5-11, Sr.

Outlook: The Wildcats lost most of the key players off last year's 4A state runner-up squad, including the superb backcourt of Mario Finley and Ronnie Jones. Even so, Farnsworth remains upbeat about his club's chances this season, thanks largely to the return of Crockett, one of the area's top low-post players. Along with Ballard and Kauffman, subs on last year's team, Crockett will provide leadership for a group of talented newcomers who have jelled well thus far. Boykin, a junior varsity starter last season, succeeds Finley as the club's point guard, and should bring similar athleticism and energy to the position. This team should be right in the thick of things again in the Sunrise.

* RANCHO RAMS

Coach: Mike Dye (first year)

1997-98 Record: 11-15 (8-8, 6th Sunset)

Top Players: Shaun Atkinson, G, 6-0, Sr.; Kevin Crockrom, G, 6-1, Sr.; Reggie Johnson, G, 6-0, Sr.; Rod Lukes, F, 6-2, Jr.; Pat Stinnett, F, 6-0, So.

Outlook: Dye, former head coach at Basic, takes over for legendary coach Joe Stein, who couldn't get the Rams back on track in his one-year return to Rancho. Dye's approach couldn't be more different from his predecessor, with the new Rancho coach stressing defense, a dramatic change from Stein's run-and-gun style. In Atkinson and Crockrom, the Rams have two of the Sunrise's top returning players, and a lack of size probably won't prevent Rancho from claiming a playoff spot in the slightly down Sunrise.

* SILVERADO SKYHAWKS

Coach: Pat Condron (second year)

1997-98 Record: 6-16 (5-11, 7th Sunrise)

Top Players: Lateef Durosinmi, F, 6-3, Jr.; Ryan Hunt, G, 5-11, Sr.; Patrick Schaller, F, 6-3, Sr.; Kevin Short, G, 5-8, Jr.

Outlook: A win over eventual Sunrise champion Green Valley was about the only highlight of Condron's first year at Silverado, and the coach knows his team probably is too young to make a serious run this season. With only three players on the roster who saw minutes on the varsity squad last year, the Skyhawks will look to slow things down and work the ball in to Durosinmi and Schaller in the post whenever possible. An improvement appears likely, although a postseason berth probably is a couple of years away.

* VALLEY VIKINGS

Coach: Paul Aznarez (12th year)

1997-98 Record: 28-5 (13-3, T-1st Sunset)

Top Players: Joel Carbonel, G, 5-11, Jr.; Aharon Eggleston, G, 5-10, Sr.; James Feltus, F, 6-0, Sr.; Chris Green, G/F, 6-3, Jr.; Kassim McClinton, G, 5-9, Sr.; Chris Sloan, F, 6-6, Jr.; Devon Stewart, F, 6-2, Jr.; Matt Stoval, F, 6-6, Jr.

Outlook: Last season was a magical one for Valley, with the Vikings earning the 4A state title with dramatic wins over Galena and Las Vegas. Now, with his top 12 players (including all-state selections Dion Jackson and Alex Hernandez) graduated, Aznarez isn't expecting an easy return to the winner's circle. Still, anyone counting the Vikings out entirely may have another thing coming. Despite the new faces, this year's squad has depth, enthusiasm and even some size in the middle. If Eggleston, who missed most of last year with injuries, can stay healthy, a return to the playoffs might be in the cards for Valley.

* VO-TECH ROAD RUNNERS

Coach: Jack Whitefoot (second year)

1997-98 Record: 2-20 (1-15, 9th Sunrise)

Top Players: Colin Darfour, F, 6-0, Jr.; Adam McAllister, G/F, 6-2, So.; Maurice Washington, G, 5-9, Sr.

Outlook: The Road Runners still are a long way from being a contender, but Whitefoot says he's noticed a "new attitude" among his players this season. Vo-Tech is young and has virtually no returners, but that may be a good thing given the club's record last year. The team's strength will likely be its defense, with quick players like McAllister and Washington leading the way.

SUNSET DIVISION

* BISHOP GORMAN GAELS

Coach: Jeff Wagonseller (eighth year)

1997-98 Record: 17-11 (7-5, T-2nd Sunset)

Top Players: Paul Bania, F, 6-4, So.; Jason Carter, F/C, 6-8, So.; Julio Jauregui, G, 6-0, Sr.; Dinard Taylor, G, 5-10, So.; Ethan Williams-Lewis, F, 6-1, Sr.

Outlook: After winning the state title in 1997, the Gaels missed out on a return to Reno last year, losing a heartbreaker to Las Vegas in the zone tournament. With the addition of Carter, one of the area's few legitimate big men who transferred to Gorman after winning a state championship in Minnesota, Gorman could be right back in the mix this spring. With an abundance of athleticism and depth, the Gaels will look to push the ball offensively and press on defense. Still, with only Taylor and Jauregui back from last year's starting five, Wagonseller acknowledges his club has some "growing up" to do before it can consider taking on the likes of Cheyenne and Cimarron at the top of the division.

* BONANZA BENGALS

Coach: Sean Seiler (third year)

1997-98 Record: 12-12 (5-7, 5th Sunset)

Top Players: Tommy Guerrero, G, 6-1, Jr.; David Halvorsen, F, 6-3, Sr.; Matt Lambert, G, 6-1, Sr.; Justin Saca, G, 6-1, Jr.

Outlook: The Bengals finished last spring with a flurry, winning five of their final six games to come within a whisker of the Sunset's final playoff spot. But with four starters from last year's squad graduated, the team will be without 80 percent of its scoring, along with most of its rebounding. Seiler will stress fundamentals and will rely on Lambert -- the only returning starter -- to anchor the club from his point guard position. In the always-tough Sunset, a playoff spot will likely be out of reach, although Bonanza could have a lot to say about who does make the postseason.

* CHEYENNE DESERT SHIELDS

Coach: Larry Johnson (third year)

1997-98 Record: 18-11 (9-3, 1st Sunset)

Top Players: LaDerek Cyrus, F, 6-4, Sr.; Larry Graves, G, 6-0, Sr.; Demetrius Hunter, G, 6-2, Sr.; Jason Johnson, F/C, 6-5, Sr.; Eddie Shelby, G, 6-3, Sr.

Outlook: After capturing the Sunset and earning a trip to the state tournament last year, the Desert Shields look like the class of Southern Nevada this season. The Georgetown-bound Hunter will lead the way for Cheyenne, but backcourt mates Graves and Shelby are none too shabby in their own right. With a ferocious, full-court pressing defense, the Shields will make life difficult for opposing guards and should wear most teams down. The addition of Johnson, a transfer from Cimarron, gives the team much-needed size, as will all-conference football player Lynn McGruder, a 6-2, 300-pounder. Bigger teams may cause problems for Cheyenne, but only if they can get the ball across halfcourt and into their offensive set. If they can keep their key players healthy, look for the Shields to compete for division, zone and even state superiority.

* CIMARRON-MEMORIAL SPARTANS

Coach: Hank Girardi (seventh year)

1997-98 Record: 13-13 (6-6, 4th Sunset)

Top Players: Marcus Banks, G, 6-0, Sr.; Ross Dalton, F, 6-3, Sr.; Jeff Englehart, G, 6-3, Sr.; Josh Englehart, C, 6-5, Jr.; DeShaun Houston, G/F, 6-3, Jr.; Brian Lang, G/F, 6-3, Sr.

Outlook: The Spartans, who snuck into the zone playoffs last season despite losing their last two league contests, should be a shoe-in to get back into the postseason this year. Although Lang, the team's only returning starter, remains the club's go-to offensive player, a lot will depend on Banks. The point guard, who is among the most talented in the state, has struggled to stay eligible throughout his high school career, so this will be his first year running the club on a full-time basis. Targets like Lang, the Englehart brothers and Houston -- the team's sixth man -- will help ease Banks' adjustment period and should have Cimarron among the Sunset's best by season's end.

* CLARK CHARGERS

Coach: Brad Query (first year)

1997-98 Record: 14-15 (4-8, T-6th Sunset)

Top Players: Kevin Gaines, G/F, 6-3, Sr.; Charles Henderson, F, 6-1, F.; Jamie Manor, G, 6-0, Sr.; Eli Taylor, C, 6-4, Sr.; J.R. Wong, G, 5-9, Sr.

Outlook: Query, who served as Clark's junior varsity coach for three years, inherits a squad that finished last in the Sunset Division. He also inherits Gaines, the state's top player who many recruiting experts have ranked among the nation's top 25. In addition to Gaines, an early signee with Michigan, the Chargers return three other starters, so experience should be a major asset as the team tries for one of the division's four playoff berths. Winning the spring league was a confidence builder for Clark, but the team lacks the size and depth to challenge the area's best consistently, as evidenced by an 18-point opening-night loss to Las Vegas. Still, it's hard to pick against a club with a player of Gaines' caliber on its roster.

* DURANGO TRAILBLAZERS

Coach: Al LaRocque (sixth year)

1997-98 Record: 16-13 (4-8, T-6th Sunset)

Top Players: Justin Barkhuff, G, 6-0, Sr.; Frank Brown, G, 5-9, Fr.; Jason Burns, G/F, 6-5, Sr.; Rudy Charles, G, 5-10, Sr.; Chey Christie, G, 6-4, So.; Martrel Johnson, F, 6-3, Fr.

Outlook: After missing out on the playoffs last year, there's no question the Trailblazers have one of the area's most talented lineups this season. Whether LaRocque can mold his charges, which include two of Las Vegas' top freshman in Johnson and Brown, into a cohesive unit remains to be seen. A lot will depend on the senior leadership of Burns, one of the state's top college prospects, and how well point guards Charles and Barhuff can keep their teammates happy. Christie, a newcomer from Connecticut, will provide a perimeter presence, although size remains a concern for Durango. If the Trailblazers play well enough in December and January to stay in the hunt, a trip to the state tournament might not be out of reach in February.

* MOJAVE RATTLERS

Coach: Brian McAllister (first year)

1997-98 Record: 6-18 (junior varsity)

Top Players: Calvin Redden, F, 6-0, Jr.; Omar Rhoden, F, 6-1, Jr.; Derek Rogers, G, 5-9, Jr.; Elijah Smith, C, 6-5, Jr.

Outlook: With a roster full of juniors who have never played varsity basketball, the Rattlers would appear to have their work cut out for them this season. Then again, appearances can be deceiving, as evidenced by Mojave's stunning victory over Eldorado, McAllister's former team, last week. The Rattlers are gearing themselves toward next year, but with a group of good athletes, the team could play the spoiler role more than once this year.

* PALO VERDE PANTHERS

Coach: Phil Clarke (first year)

1997-98 Record: 22-3 (junior varsity)

Top Players: Josh Clark, F/C, 6-4, Jr.; Yolando Ferguson, C, 6-1, Jr.; Gary Gray, G/F, 6-2, Jr.; Marcus Hill, G, 5-8, Jr.

Outlook: Formerly the head coach at Cheyenne, Clarke has been gearing his team up for its first varsity season for some time. The Panthers won the Sunset Division as a junior varsity squad last year, had a strong showing in the spring league and competed as a team in several summer tournaments, including the Big Time here in Las Vegas. With a solid 10-player rotation, Clarke will have a lot of options, although Palo Verde will likely find itself overmatched down low much of the time. In another year, a playoff spot might be a realistic goal for this team. In the loaded Sunset this season, though, they'll likely be on the outside looking in.

* WESTERN WARRIORS

Coach: Greg Bohls (fifth year)

1997-98 Record: 16-12 (7-5, T-2nd Sunset)

Top Players: Doug Croffett, F, 6-3, Sr.; Tim Day, F/C, 6-4, So.; Moedesto Fowler, F/C, 6-5, Jr.

Outlook: The Warriors were hit hard by graduation, losing the top eight players from a squad that qualified in the 1998 zone tournament. Chief among those losses were guard Jimmy White and center Vance Lawhorn, two of the area's top prospects last year. Now, Bohls has a deep and athletic, but largely inexperienced group that he acknowledges will need time to learn the varsity game. Western has decent size and good quickness, but likely not enough of either to challenge for a playoff spot in the ultra-competitive Sunset this season.

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