Experience, size to favor Gorman

Spencer Patterson

Monday, Dec. 4, 2000 | 12:05 p.m.

For the past two years, the west side of Las Vegas has been the place where potential boys basketball state champions go to die.

In 1999, a loaded Bishop Gorman squad finished fifth in the old eight-team Sunset Division, missing out on a chance to go to the 4A state tournament while division rivals Cimarron-Memorial, Cheyenne, Durango and Clark battled it out in Reno.

Last year, a talented Western team won the Southwest Division, winning 17 games in the regular season, only to see its hopes dashed in the new-look Sunset Region Tournament. The Warriors missed out on a trip up north while division mates Bishop Gorman and Durango played for the title.

This season, things appear no different. With only two state berths going to Sunset teams (compared to three for the Sunrise side), the area's top three ranked schools -- Bishop Gorman, Western and Durango -- once again should fight it out for the right to play deep into February.

"Everybody on our side has to understand we only get two teams in," Western coach Tony Hopkins said. "And in our particular division, we see a quality team night in, night out."

The Gaels look like the class of Southern Nevada, with nearly every key player returning from last year's title team. The Warriors and Trailblazers may be a notch behind, but both should be capable of giving Gorman a run for its money.

Green Valley opens the season as the Sunrise favorite, with Valley, Desert Pines and Chaparral part of a large group hoping to earn state berths on the wide open east side.

Here is a look at the area's 21 4A boys basketball teams:

SUNRISE REGION

NORTHEAST DIVISION

DESERT PINES JAGUARS

Coach: Freddie Thompson (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 6-11 (5th Northeast)

Top Players: Derek Brown, G, 6-0, Jr.; Shyon Clark, G/F, 6-3, So.; Kevin Gipson, F, 6-2, Sr.; Nick Porter, G/F, 6-2, Jr.; Maurice Thomas, G, 6-0, Sr.; Antonio Williams, G, 6-0, Sr.

Outlook: The Jags managed just six wins and missed the playoffs in their inaugural season, but appearances can be deceiving. Desert Pines improved steadily as the year progressed, and appears poised to challenge for superiority in a wide-open division. Thomas, a transfer from Eldorado, and Porter, a promising newcomer from San Diego, will lead an athletic attack for this deep, but somewhat undersized squad.

ELDORADO SUNDEVILS

Coach: Ken Trujillo (first year)

1999-2000 Record: 5-18 (4th Northeast, lost in regional quarterfinals)

Top Players: Houston Crutchfield, F, 6-6, Sr.; Glenn Thomas, G, 6-1, So.; Anthony Washington, C, 6-8, Jr.

Outlook: The Sundevils were underachievers a year ago, barely slipping into the playoffs on a tiebreaker. Now, with Trujillo still recovering from the recent football season, assistant Phil Olson will look to instill a new work ethic into a group that will look to pound the ball in to its two big men.

LAS VEGAS WILDCATS

Coach: Bob Beskow (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 23-8 (1st Northeast, lost in state quarterfinals)

Top Players: Jeremy Atwater, F, 6-4, Jr.; Ryan Coiner, C, 6-5, Sr.; Josh Hollings, G, 5-11, Sr.; Martell Shelton, G/F, 5-11, Sr.

Outlook: Losing not only Sun all-state forward Tremmell Darden but also nearly everybody else with varsity experience, the Wildcats will turn to a group of newcomers in what could be something of a rebuilding year. Atwater, the top JV player last year, can fill it up, and with a group of solid shooters, Las Vegas will make opponents who zone defensively pay the price.

RANCHO RAMS

Coach: Mike Dye (third year)

1999-2000 Record: 10-10 (3rd Northeast, lost in regional quarterfinals)

Top Players: Willie Green, F, 6-1, Jr.; Rashia Hines, G, 5-8, Sr.; Melvin James, G/F, 6-1, So.; Leon Moore, C, 6-5, Sr.; Dominic Salazar, F, 6-1, Sr.

Outlook: Graduated swingman Rod Lukes won't be easy to replace, but with an athletic, 12-man rotation, Dye's squad should be back in the hunt for a playoff spot. Moore, the team's lone experienced big man, will likely be the key in determining how far Rancho goes.

VALLEY VIKINGS

Coach: Daryl Branham (first year)

1999-2000 Record: 19-8 (2nd Northeast, lost in state quarterfinals)

Top Players: Josh Brown, F, 6-2, Sr.; Jimmy Crooks, G, 5-10, Jr.; Nick Green, F, 6-4, So.; Sam Jackson, G/F, 6-3, Sr.

Outlook: Branham, an assistant under Gene Carpenter first at Green Valley and last year at Valley, will try to take the Vikes back to state. An opening loss to Centennial may be cause for concern, but any team featuring Jackson -- one of the state's top talents -- won't be out of many games. If other players can step up and produce, Valley could be the cream of the division's crop.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

BASIC WOLVES

Coach: Kurt Bailey (third year)

1999-2000 Record: 10-16 (4th Southeast, lost in regional quarterfinals)

Top Players: James DiNicola, G, 5-8, Jr.; Robert Hardy, F, 6-3, Jr.; Brandon Hawkins, G/F, 6-2, So.; Elliott Hinman, F, 6-1, Jr.; Scott Kesterson, G, 5-9, Sr.; Shaun Muaina, G/F, 6-1, Jr.

Outlook: The Wolves lost a significant chunk of their scoring and rebounding when Ian Atkins graduated, though the core of this year's squad has been together for several years and should benefit from that experience. Look for Hawkins, a talented athlete, to emerge as one of Henderson's top young players.

CHAPARRAL COWBOYS

Coach: Paul Berg (fourth year)

1999-2000 Record: 10-13 (3rd Southeast, lost in regional quarterfinals)

Top Players: Eric Anderson, C, 6-5, Jr.; Dallas Dobbs, F, 6-2, Sr.; Brian Payne, F, 6-2, Sr.; Terry Robinson, G, 5-11, Sr.; J.C. Rose, G, 6-1, Sr.; Terrence Ruffen, F, 6-3, Sr.

Outlook: With 10 varsity players returning, Berg is expecting big things from his Cowboys. Relying on an extremely deep bench and quickness at virtually every position, Chaparral should be in the thick of the Southeast race and by season's end, could give Green Valley a battle.

FOOTHILL FALCONS

Coach: Kevin Soares (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 1-25 (6th Southeast)

Top Players: Derek Freeman, G, 6-0, Sr.; David Lainhart, G, 5-10, Sr.; Harvey Perry, G, 6-2, Fr.; Chris Sisson, F, 6-3, Sr.

Outlook: Nearly winless last season, the Falcons should gain respectability this year, thanks to the addition of several promising move-ins, including Lainhart, a sharpshooter from Wyoming. Perry, considered the top eighth grader a year ago, will be counted on to help build one of the area's budding programs.

GREEN VALLEY GATORS

Coach: Jim Allen (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 16-12 (1st Southeast, lost in regional semifinals)

Top Players: Ron Dunlap, F, 6-5, So.; Chris Holm, C, 6-8, Jr.; Justin Jones, G, 6-1, Jr.; Jamar Jordan, G, 5-7, Sr.; Logan Mason, F, 6-4, Sr.; Nick Miller, G, 6-5, Jr.; Jonathan Osborne, G, 6-1, Jr.; Mitch Platt, C, 6-9, So.; Cameron Taylor, G, 6-2, Jr.; Ramond White, F, 6-4, So.

Outlook: With depth and size perhaps paralleled only by Gorman, the Gators are everyone's choice as the Sunrise favorite. Platt headlines a front line that could go 6-9, 6-9, 6-5, with the 6-5 Miller manning the two-guard position. But the key to this team will likely be the 5-7 Jordan, an exciting point guard who will be counted on for leadership on a fairly young squad.

SILVERADO SKYHAWKS

Coach: Mike Joseph (first year)

1999-2000 Record: 17-10 (2nd Southeast, lost in regional semifinals)

Top Players: Brandon Cowan, G, 6-2, Sr.; Jason Gifford, F, 6-3, Sr.; Jurreau Jett, F, 6-4, Sr.; Corey Tyler, C, 6-6, Jr.

Outlook: Joseph, formerly head coach at Pennsylvania's Hazelton High, takes the reins for a program that lost its entire starting lineup to graduation. Initially, look for the new coach to rotate nine or 10 players until he finds the right combination by the conference season. The Skyhawks should compete for a playoff spot again.

VO-TECH ROAD RUNNERS

Coach: Jack Whitefoot (fourth year)

1999-2000 Record: 4-16 (5th Southeast)

Top Players: Cory Eatman, G, 6-0, Sr.; Sir John Hawkins, G, 6-2, Sr.; Adam McAllister, G/F, 6-4, Sr.;

Outlook: With wins in their first two games, the Road Runners are halfway to matching last year's win total. Eatman, the club's leading scorer a year ago, will be the focal point on offense and will try to help Vo-Tech chase down the division's fourth playoff berth.

SUNSET REGION

NORTHWEST DIVISION

CENTENNIAL BULLDOGS

Coach: Greg Bohls (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 6-16 (5th Northwest)

Top Players: Zack Alvidrez, C, 6-4, Sr.; Marcus Blair, G, 6-0, Sr.; John Mosier, F, 6-2, Sr.; Justin Oglesby, F, 6-1, Sr; Erick Wright, C, 6-6, Sr.

Outlook: Coming off a rocky first season, the Bulldogs served warning that they cannot be taken lightly in 2000, upsetting Valley last Tuesday. Mosier, a transfer from Arkansas, should provide scoring touch, and Wright and Alvidrez are an experienced duo on the inside. Look for Centennial to challenge for a playoff spot.

CHEYENNE DESERT SHIELDS

Coach: Larry Johnson (fifth year)

1999-2000 Record: 11-13 (3rd Northwest, lost in regional quarterfinals)

Top Players: Willie Hall, G, 5-10, Sr.; Shamario Ormond, G/F, 6-2, Sr.; Keith Richardson, G, 5-10, Jr.; Kevin Richardson, F, 6-4, Jr.; Johnny Wheeler, F, 6-4, Jr.

Outlook: One year removed from an appearance in the state championship, the Shields appear ready to burst back onto the scene behind an athletic lineup led by the versatile Ormond. With lack of size a concern, expect Hall to push the team upcourt in traditional Cheyenne fashion. This team has what it takes to win the division.

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL SPARTANS

Coach: Mike Brascia (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 9-13 (4th Northwest, lost in regional semifinals)

Top Players: Rashad Alexander, G, 6-0, Sr.; Anthony Bass, F/C, 6-3, Sr.; Jason Petrimoulx, G/F, 6-3, So.; Robert Young, G, 5-11, Jr.

Outlook: After capturing the state title in 1999, the Spartans muddled through an up-and-down season last year and could continue to slide this winter. Featuring a small lineup, matchups against the region's bigger squads will present a serious challenge. Cimarron will push tempo whenever possible, while counting heavily on a group of newcomers.

MOJAVE RATTLERS

Coach: Pat Welby (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 11-15 (2nd Northwest, lost in regional semifinals)

Top Players: Leon Clersaint, G, 5-11, Sr.; Anthony Egnor, G, 5-10, Jr.; Eric Howard, F, 6-2, Sr.; Andre Lawson, G, 6-1, Jr.; Bryan Thompson, C, 6-6, Sr.

Outlook: For the first time in school history, the Rattlers felt the sting of graduation, losing stars Elijah Smith and Reggie Willoughby. Still, with several players -- including scoring threat Lawson -- coming up from a junior varsity squad that posted 33 wins the past two years, Mojave should remain in the mix.

PALO VERDE PANTHERS

Coach: Phil Clarke (third year)

1999-2000: 19-9 (1st Northwest, lost in regional semifinals)

Top Players: Mario Collins, C, 6-5, Jr.; Andy Gums, F, 6-3, Jr.; Ian Henry, F, 6-4, Sr.; Todd La Masters, G/F, 6-3, So.; Thomas Steffen, G, 5-11, So.

Outlook: After losing nine seniors, including all five starters, to graduation, many are ready to write off the Panthers this season. Not so fast. With a big lineup that features the 6-3 La Masters running the point and more depth than most local squads, Palo Verde could stay atop the division this year.

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

BISHOP GORMAN GAELS

Coach: Bob Hubbard (first year)

1999-2000 Record: 27-5 (2nd Southwest, 4A state champions)

Top Players: Paul Bania, 6-6, F, Sr.; Justin Burns, F, 6-7, Sr.; Jason Carter, C, 6-9,, Sr.; Joe Donat, C, 6-9, Sr.; Mark Hill, F, 6-4, So.; Brandon Knott, F, 6-3, Jr.; Dyante Perkins, F, 6-0, Sr.; Jason Rogers, G, 6-0, Sr.; Dinard Taylor, G, 5-9, Sr.; C.J. Watson, G, 6-1, Jr.

Outlook: With no fewer than three 6-9 players, including Sun all-state center Carter, the Gaels have more size than anyone in town. They also have more depth, better outside shooters and a new coach who emphasizes defense. If Taylor can make a smooth transition to his new point guard role, there's no reason to think this squad won't be the team to beat by February.

BONANZA BENGALS

Coach: George Jaekle (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 8-12 (5th Southwest)

Top Players: Barrie Brown, F/C, 6-5, Jr.; Tim Bowman, G/F, 6-1, Sr.; Donyea Foster, F/C, 6-4, Sr.; Matt Kaylor, F/C, 6-5, Jr.; Demetrius Orme, F, 6-6, Sr.; Tanner Peterson, G, 6-0, Sr.

Outlook: The Bengals missed the postseason party a year ago, but return an experienced, big lineup headlined by Orme, one of the area's top seniors. Nevertheless, residing in the Southwest Division means contending with Gorman, Western and Durango, to say nothing of a feisty Clark squad that always seems to give opponents fits.

CLARK CHARGERS

Coach: Brad Query (third year)

1999-2000 Record: 13-11 (4th Southwest, lost in regional semifinals)

Top Players: Michael Cooper, C, 6-4, Sr.; Quintin Jones, G, 5-11, Sr.; Lester Lewis, F, 6-2, Sr.; Savonta Manor, G, 5-11, Sr.; Jeremy Murden, F, 6-1, Sr.

Outlook: The Chargers lost do-everything forward Charles Henderson to graduation, but should remain in contention for a playoff spot in the loaded Southwest, thanks mainly to the array of trapping defenses Query employs. Likely without a go-to scorer, Clark will look to take advantage of a beefy front line with physical play in the low post.

DURANGO TRAILBLAZERS

Coach: Al LaRocque (eighth year)

1999-2000 Record: 25-8 (3rd Southwest, lost in state finals)

Top Players: Frank Brown, G, 6-1, Jr.; Martrel Johnson, F/C, 6-3, Jr.; Tywain McTyer, G, 5-10, Fr.; Kenny Penn, C, 6-5, Jr.; Jay Sherrod, G, 6-2, Sr.; Brian Young, F, 6-4, Jr.

Outlook: After losing the state title in overtime last year, the Trailblazers suffered en even bigger loss when leading scorer Jamal Brimmer -- the Sun Player of the Year -- graduated. This year's squad will lean heavily on Johnson and the steadily-improving Brown. Transfers Penn (California) and Young (Indiana) will provide support, as will McTyer, a promising freshman.

WESTERN WARRIORS

Coach: Tony Hopkins (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 18-8 (1st Southwest, lost in regional semifinals)

Top Players: Tim Day, F/C, 6-4, Sr.; Matt Robinson, C, 6-5, Sr.; Patrick Stinnett, G, 6-1, Sr.; Brandon Weaver, G, 6-4, Sr.; Wendell West, G, 6-3, Sr.

Outlook: The odd team out in the Sunset Region last year, the Warriors might have had a shot at the state title if they had only been there. Now, Hopkins and company will attempt to leave nothing to chance. Led by Day on the inside and the slashing Weaver outside, expect Western to present problems with their typical brand of athleticism and quickness.

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