Durango rewarded with tough draw in boys state tournament

Spencer Patterson

Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000 | 10:52 a.m.

RENO -- Last weekend, Durango's boys basketball team blitzed its way through one of the toughest playoff tournaments in area history, besting top-five squads Western and Bishop Gorman on back-to-back nights to win the Sunset Region.

The Trailblazers' reward? A first-round date with Reno -- generally considered the top squad in Northern Nevada -- in the first round of the 4A State Tournament Wednesday at Nevada-Reno's Lawlor Events Center.

The Huskies (24-6) were the north's most dominant team throughout the regular season, capturing the Division II title with an 11-1 league mark. Point guard Alex Gamboa was named the north's MVP, and both Gamboa and forward David Woods averaged more than 17 points.

But Reno stumbled in last weekend's Northern Region Tournament, falling to Galena in the semifinal round to drop to a third seed.

"It's just one of those things," said Al LaRocque, coach of 22-7 Durango. "At this point, it really doesn't matter who you play. There's no hiding from anyone."

Still, LaRocque is aware of the dangers of playing northern schools. In 1997, coming off two straight state titles, the Blazers fell to Sparks in the opening round.

LaRocque also knows that Reno has something his club does not -- interior height. Freshman David Padgett -- son of Huskies coach Pete Padgett -- is nearly 6-10, and has been a defensive force all season.

Standing opposite Padgett will be Durango sophomore Martrel Johnson, the unofficial MVP of last weekend's Sunset Region Tournament. Though only 6-3, Johnson is one of the strongest players in Southern Nevada.

Durango and Las Vegas' other representatives -- Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas and Valley -- also will have recent history on their side. In the past six years, teams from Northern Nevada are just 4-20 against their southern foes in the first round, with just one (Galena in 1997) reaching the finals.

Though Durango may have its hands full with Reno, the consensus among area coaches is that Valley has the toughest first-round matchup in perennial northern power South Tahoe, the champion of last weekend's Northern Region Tournament.

South Tahoe (26-4) is the only northern school to win the large-school title since 1975 (the Vikings won in 1987 and '92). And longtime coach Tom Orlich's trademark slow-down offense will present a different challenge for Valley (18-8).

"We probably have the toughest matchup," Valley coach Gene Carpenter said. "I've known Tom and what he does for years. He hasn't changed much. We plan on pushing it and trying to make it an up-tempo game early."

Sunrise Region champion Las Vegas (24-6), coming off eight consecutive victories, will open tournament play with a first-round matchup against McQueen (17-9).

The Lancers feature the north's top backcourt in 5-9 point guard Chris Carr and 6-5 shooting guard Karl Aaker, but managed just 73 points in a pair of tournament losses over the weekend.

Should the Wildcats advance, they'll take on the winner of Wednesday's Bishop Gorman vs. Galena contest -- a game that should feature a battle of contrasting styles.

The Grizzlies (20-11) will likely try to stall whenever possible, as they did in Friday's ugly 35-34 upset of Reno. According to Gaels coach Jeff Wagonseller, the key to avoiding that situation is obvious: stay ahead, thus preventing Galena from holding the ball.

"We're going to try to pick up the tempo, obviously," Wagonseller said.

The Gaels (24-5) spent much of the season as the favorite to win this year's state title, especially after finishing second at the prestigious Reebok Holiday Prep Classic in December.