Showdown with Gorman could loom for Centennial

Spencer Patterson

Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2000 | 10:31 a.m.

Each time Centennial's girls basketball team took the court as this season progressed, the Bulldogs put one of Southern Nevada's most memorable recent streaks at risk.

Yet 27 times in 27 tries, the first-year school wound up victorious, finishing its inaugural regular season with a perfect 27-0 mark.

Starting Wednesday night, the Bulldogs will put a lot more than a winning streak on the line when they open Sunset Region Tournament play. From here on, they'll be playing to extend their remarkable season.

"Everybody is back at ground zero again," Centennial coach Karen Weitz said. "Our record obviously means a lot, but it won't get us into state."

To make the eight-team field for next week's 4A state tournament, Weitz's club will need a win Wednesday against visiting Western, followed by a victory over Wednesday's Durango-Cheyenne winner on Friday.

"Everyone is fatigued, but now they have a new motivating factor," Weitz said. "To watch them go 27-0 showed that they definitely have mental toughness."

Should the Bulldogs earn victories Wednesday and Sunday, they could provide local basketball fans with the matchup many have been waiting for: Centennial vs. Bishop Gorman.

The Gaels, a longtime area power and defending state runner-up, open tournament play Wednesday night at home against Palo Verde, with the winner of Bonanza vs. Cimarron-Memorial lying in wait. Gorman comes into the event with 12 consecutive wins, a streak dating to winter break.

"We're focused on winning the first one right now," Weitz said. "If they win their side and we win ours, then I guess we'll play each other. I think we'll just have to wait and see."

The Sunrise Tournament also begins Wednesday night, with Silverado and Las Vegas the clear-cut favorites to advance to the state tournament for the second straight season.

The Skyhawks, whose only post-winter break defeat came to Bishop Gorman, will host Rancho in round one. In the teams' lone meeting this season, Silverado posted an easy 62-42 win over the Rams.

"We played them early, but both teams are much better now," Skyhawks coach Diane Hernandez said. "I think we are playing our best basketball right now."

The Wildcats will get started with a home game against Vo-Tech, with the winner advancing to play either Green Valley or Silverado on Friday.

Las Vegas rolled through its conference season before dropping a stunning 71-65 decision to Eldorado on Jan. 28. According to Wildcat coach Annette Smith, that loss may have helped her club re-focus on its upcoming playoff run.

"We're more prepared for not underestimating any team," Smith said. "I think we're back on track now."

After Wednesday's first round, Sunset games will be played at Palo Verde with Sunrise contests at Valley (5 p.m.).