Gorman, Centennial head wide-open field

Travis Massey

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2000 | 10:36 a.m.

It has been 12 years since a team from Southern Nevada won the large school state title. But with no clear powerhouse up north, local coaches are hoping this may finally be their year.

Sunset Region squads Bishop Gorman and Centennial look like the cream of the crop in town, with both returning several of the state's premier players.

The Gaels, who missed out on the state tournament last year after going to the championship game in 1999, add Basic transfer Jen Kline to a nucleus that includes Liz Cansdale, a member of the 2000 Sun All-State first team, and Breona Gray, last year's freshman sensation.

The Bulldogs will look to build on a stellar opening year that saw them reel off 30 straight wins before falling to McQueen in the first round of the state tournament. Centennial returns virtually its entire roster, including second-team all-state point guard Tenecia Jackson.

Silverado will look to maintain its stranglehold on the Sunrise Region, with veterans Jayme Connors and Nikki Hitchens returning to lead the Skyhawks' charge.

Also, look for Bonanza to rejoin the fray, thanks largely to the return of Ronda Williams, the conference player of the year in 1999.

But things look wide open in Southern Nevada, with berths to the area's two eight-team regional tournaments available to nearly all 20 4A schools.

This year, the Sunrise will send three teams to the state tournament, leaving only two berths for the Sunset side. That could set up an interesting battle between Gorman, Centennial and Bonanza, though several other teams could wind up in the mix.

Sunrise Region

NORTHEAST DIVISION

DESERT PINES JAGUARS

Coach: Cynthia Ziegler (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 4-12 (5th Northeast)

Top Players: Brandy Calbert, G, 5-7, So.; Shameika Holmes, G, 5-5, Sr.; Ayesha Wilkens, F, 5-8, Jr.; Toya Ireland, F/C, 6-0, Jr.; Candice Smith, F/C, 6-0, Sr.

Outlook: The Jaguars go into the 2000 season with 10 of 12 players returning, seven of which are seniors. The team shows promising height and some good depth.

ELDORADO SUNDEVILS

Coach: Roland Chatman (third year)

1999-2000 Record: 9-12 (2nd Northeast, lost in regional semifinals)

Top Players: Brandy Tillmon, F, 5-10, Sr.; Markee Daniel, F, 5-8, Sr.; Sheena Harvey, G, 5-8, Jr.; Cariell Smith, G, 5-3, Jr.; Shannon Cunningham, F, 5-7, Jr.

Outlook: The Sundevils return four varsity starters, but lack size up front. Chatman is expecting big things from Harvey, a threat to light up scoreboards from long range.

LAS VEGAS WILDCATS

Coach: Annette Smith (fourth year)

1999-2000 Record: 23-5 (1st Northeast, lost in state quarterfinals)

Top Players: Melissa Cejas, C, 6-0, So.; Erin Swenson, G, 5-7, Sr.; Ninfa Vega, F, 5-8, Sr.

Outlook: The Wildcats will miss graduated guard Jasmere Kirby, but the cupboard isn't bare. Cejas, a low-post presence, will be the focal point this season as Vegas looks to continue its recent run of success.

RANCHO RAMS

Coach: Hiawatha Givens (first year)

1999-2000 Record: 11-14 (4th Northeast)

Top Players: Amy Rucker, F, 5-9, Sr.; Victoria Huntsman, G, 5-5, Sr.; Richelle Barnes, G, 5-2, Sr.; Michelle Wiggins, F, 5-8, Sr.; Danielle Carper, G, 5-3, Sr.

Outlook: Bringing athletic ability and a full four years of experience behind the starting lineup, the Rams hope to improve their record and contend in the division. Givens will stress defensive pressure and fast-break action.

VALLEY VIKINGS

Coach: Barney Holmes (third year)

1999-2000 Record: 17-12 (3rd Northeast, lost in regional quarterfinals)

Top Players: Christi Acacio, G, 5-1, Sr.; Jennifer Garret, F/G, 5-9, So.; Rena Tipoti, F/G, 5-10, Jr.

Outlook: The Vikings will boast a good-sized front line and, Holmes hopes, improved endurance. Look for Valley to pound the ball inside, with the outside game something of a question mark.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

BASIC WOLVES

Coach: Jan Van Tuyl (10th year)

1999-2000 Record: 8-22 (3rd Southeast, lost in regional quarterfinals)

Top Players: Taryn Day, C, 5-8, Sr.; Jennifer Weitz, G, 5-8, Sr.; Jennifer Bowman, G, 5-9, Sr.; Marissa Marconi, G, 5-9, Sr.; Chrystal Stubblefield, G, 5-6, Sr.

Outlook: The Wolves tear into another season bringing back a starting lineup of seniors plus a promising 5-10 center, Stephanie Waynar. Don't look for Basic to come out of the gate in a pressing frenzy, though. Said Van Tuyl: "We are about as quick as an iceberg."

CHAPARRAL COWBOYS

Coach: Jerry Swanson (first year)

1999-2000 Record: 7-15 (5th Southeast)

Top Players: Niki Delgado, G, 5-7, Sr.; Kim Fox, F, 5-9, So.; Liz Marshall, G /F, 5-10, Sr.; Brandi Moore, C, 6-1, Jr.; Oshalyee Thomas, G, 5-7, So.

Outlook: Swanson, a former Gorman assistant, takes over a team that missed the playoffs last year. The Cowboys are undersized, but have plenty of speed and outside shooting, and should feature a pressure-oriented, athletic style.

FOOTHILL FALCONS

Coach: Rick Handley (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 0-22 (6th Southeast)

Top Players: Lacy Mann, F, 5-8, So.; Roxanne Richy, G, 5-7, So.; Rebeccah Richy, G, 5-7, So.; Heather Haddock, G, 5-7, Jr.; Amanda Watson, F/G, 5-8, So.

Outlook: After a winless first season, the Falcons are out to earn some respect and have nowhere to go but up. Handley will count on a group of sophomores as he continues to build his program.

GREEN VALLEY GATORS

Coach: Alma Randolph (10th year)

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

Top Players: Ashley Chu, G, 5-4, Jr.; Taylor Cohen, F/C, 5-9, Sr.; Erika Twesme, G, 5-9, Sr.

Outlook: As always, the Gators should be in the thick of the Sunrise battle, with returning guards Chu and Twesme providing leadership and defense. Lack of size may prove a problem against the likes of Silverado, however.

SILVERADO SKYHAWKS

Coach: Diane Hernandez (seventh year)

1999-2000 Record: 28-7 (1st Southeast, lost in state quarterfinals)

Top Players: Nikki Hitchens, F, 5-9, Sr.; Jaimie Connors, C, 6-1, Sr.; Janell Gibson, G, 5-9, Jr.; Deanna Appuglise, F, 5-10, Sr.

Outlook: Stepping on the court with Hitchens and Connors (a Long Beach State signee) from last year's strong lineup, the Skyhawks could be among the area's top teams again this season. Look for inside domination and a fast paced up-and-down game.

VO-TECH ROAD RUNNERS

Coach: Wydell Johnson (third year)

1999-2000 Record: 6-15 (4th Southeast, lost in regional quarterfinals)

Top Players: Keisha Stevenson, F, 5-7, Sr.; Afton Pratt, C, 6-0, Jr.; Autrice Williams, G, 5-6, Sr.; Anisha Edwards, F, 5-8, Jr.; Chassattie Davila, F, 5-7, Jr.

Outlook: Looking to improve their record from last year, the Road Runners have a solid returning lineup, including all-region selection Stevenson. Look for her to lead a balanced effort, with Johnson hoping experienced pays dividends.

NORTHWEST DIVISION

CENTENNIAL BULLDOGS

Coach: Karen Weitz (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 30-1 (lost in state quarterfinals)

Top Players: Tenecia Jackson, G, 5-5, Sr.; Darci Sandoval, G/F, 6-0, Jr.; Heather Thorson, C, 6-2, Sr.; Rachael Schein, G/F, 5-10, So.; Jenna Palmer, F, 5-10, Jr.

Outlook: The Bulldogs look to continue their momentum from last year, with Jackson and Sandoval headlining a group of talented veterans. Unlike last season, Weitz should have a bench at her disposal, with several new players ready to step in and help the starters maintain an effective up-tempo game.

CHEYENNE DESERT SHIELDS

Coach: Diane Byrd (second year)

1999-2000 Record: 7-12 (3rd Northwest, lost in regional quarterfinals)

Top Players: Lekia Campbell, G, 5-0, Jr.; Christina Melcher, C, 6-1, Sr.; Kimone Mitchell, G, 5-7, Fr.; Renita Mitchell, G, 5-8, So.; Dana Smith, F, 6-0, Fr.

Outlook: After keeping the ship afloat in her first year, Byrd will try to take the Shields to the next level this season. The Mitchells (no relation) looked good in the team's season-opening win over Las Vegas, and are among several promising newcomers.

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL SPARTANS

Coach: Gina Davis (third year)

1999-2000 Record: 16-8 (2nd Northwest, lost in state quarterfinals)

Top Players: Riki McCarter, G, 5-5, Sr.; Chaqula Pointer, F/C, 5-11, Sr.; Crystal Williams, G, 5-5, Jr.

Outlook: The Spartans face a rebuilding year after losing seven girls from last season. Lacking size, Cimarron will try to push the tempo whenever possible.

MOJAVE RATTLERS

Coach: Iris Marshall (third year)

1999-2000 Record: 2-13 (5th Northwest)

Top Players: Monique Lewis, G, 5-5, Sr.; Toshina Terry, F/C, 6-0, Sr.; Denise Jones, G, 5-6, Sr.; Jaime Cottle, F/C, 6-1, Jr.; Danielle Diaz, G, 5-6, Sr.

Outlook: The Rattlers are trying to leave last season behind, improving shooting and adding to their bench. Lewis, a member of the school's state championship track team, should contribute speed and athleticism.

PALO VERDE PANTHERS

Coach: Gina Piccolo (third year)

1999-2000 Record: 11-16 (4th Northwest, lost in regional quarterfinals)

Top Players: Don-netta Coleman, G, 5-5, Jr.; Dusti Roberts, G, 5-5, Sr.; Tennille Rogers, F, 5-8, Sr.; Jenae Sonne, F, 5-10, Sr.

Outlook: With four returning starters, along with several promising newcomers, the Panthers have the makings of a solid west-side power. Challenging Centennial in the division is a tall order, however, particularly without significant size up front.

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

BISHOP GORMAN GAELS

Coach: Sheryl Krmpotich (third year)

1999-2000 Record: 20-8 (1st Southwest, lost in regional semifinals)

Top Players: Liz Cansdale, G, 5-8, Sr.; Breona Gray, G, 5-7, So.; Charity Renfro, C, 6-1, So.; Jen Kline, G, 6-2, Sr.

Outlook: Already loaded, the Gaels will get a huge lift in January when Kline becomes eligible after her transfer. A first-team Sun all-state pick as a sophomore, the South Florida signee will head up a deep, talented lineup that includes Gray, who scored 29 points in the Gaels' opener last week.

BONANZA BENGALS

Coach: Cathy Szumarek (seventh year)

1999-2000 Record: 17-12 (3rd Southwest, lost in regional quarterfinals)

Top Players: Ronda Williams, C/F, 5-8, Sr.; Lyndsey Gensler, G, 6-0, So.; Denise Davis, G, 5-7, Jr.; Serriton Coleman, G, 5-8, Jr.; Jennifer Davey, G, 5-5, Fr.

Outlook: Look for the Bengals to earn a few more stripes this season with a promising lineup boasting speed, solid defense and a deep rotation. Williams returns after sitting out last season, and will try to regain the form that helped her capture the area scoring title as a sophomore.

CLARK CHARGERS

Coach: Lonelle Henderson (second year)

1999-2000 3-15 (5th Southwest)

Top Player: Ashley Ablahani, F, 5-8, Sr.; Amber Lewis, F, 5-5, Sr.; Stephanie Maldonado, G, 5-1, Sr.; Jeanette Cabanting, G, 5-1, Sr.; Khristy Gaines, C, 5-11, Sr.

Outlook: The Chargers look to improve their record with a senior-laden starting lineup. Henderson will turn to a pair of sophomores to strengthen the front line.

DURANGO TRAILBLAZERS

Coach: Charles Sullivan (second year)

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

Top Players: Candace House, G, 5-7, Sr.; Tess Morgan, G, 5-7, Sr.; Ittalia Godfrey, F, 5-7, Sr.; Diane Catlett, C, 5-11, Sr.; Jennifer Bakotich, F, 5-8, So.

Outlook: Looking uncertain, the Trailblazers take the court after losing key players to graduation, transfers and other sports. Durango will look to pick up the pace when possible, with lack of size a concern.

WESTERN WARRIORS

Coach: Mel Washington (first year)

1999-2000 3-12 (4th Southwest, lost in regional quarterfinals)

Top Players: Aster Parker, G, 5-4, Sr.; LaMesha Walker, F, 5-6, So.; Rena Austin, F, 5-5, So.; Jessica Senter, C, 5-11, Sr.

Outlook: After clawing into the playoffs last year, the Warriors will look to improve further in 2000 behind several promising young players.