Gators favored in wide-open field

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001 | 11:15 a.m.

For the past two years, Southern Nevada's boys basketball season has opened with a clear-cut favorite to capture the 4A state title: the Bishop Gorman Gaels.

Loaded with future collegiate players and armed with unmatched size and depth, the Gaels captured the 2000 championship and nearly did it again last year, dominating the area before falling to a strong Western squad by three points in the finale.

As the 2001-02 season gets under way, no single squad appears likely to blitz its way through competition. A handful of teams look capable of holding down the top spot, with another group close behind in what many coaches are terming the most wide-open season in years.

"Gorman the last couple of years was really the team to beat, and Western had all those seniors last year," Desert Pines coach Freddie Thompson said. "This year, there isn't one team like that."

Green Valley opens the year as a popular choice to capture the state crown, claiming the top spot in the Sun's statewide Top 10 rankings. Coach Jim Allen's deep Gators squad returns the bulk of last year's lineup, including a pair of 6-foot-9 centers, giving it a distinct height advantage over most opponents.

But with quality teams in all four local divisions, Allen warns it's far too early to tab anyone the favorite.

"Cheyenne is very good. Vegas has its whole team back. Durango is going be good. Gorman has C.J. (Watson) back," Allen said. "We've reminded (our players) a couple of times not to believe all their clippings. We have to perform every night."

Along with the Gators, Las Vegas and Desert Pines look like the cream of the Sunrise Region, with Gorman, Cheyenne, Durango and Palo Verde among the top Sunset contenders.

Three schools from the Sunrise and three from the Sunset will represent Southern Nevada in this year's eight-team 4A State Tournament, slated for Feb 20-22 at Reno's Lawlor Events Center.

The following is a team-by-team look at Southern Nevada's 23 4A programs.

Sunrise Region

NORTHEAST DIVISION

CHAPARRAL COWBOYS

Coach: Jeff Barney (first year)

2000-01 Record: 14-10 (3rd Northeast, lost in Sunrise quarterfinals)

Top Players: Marcus Buchanon, F, 6-1, Jr.; Omar Bywaters, G, 5-6, Jr.; Derek Niggemeier, G, 5-9, Sr.

Outlook: Barney, a Chaparral assistant coach since 1990, takes over a squad hit hard by graduation. He will try to resist the temptation to call up some of the school's talented JV youngsters and hopes his varsity team will improve by season's end. "We'll be patient for a year, let the JV kids play together and give us something to build on," Barney said.

DESERT PINES JAGUARS

Coach: Freddie Thompson (third year)

2000-01 Record: 18-7 (1st Northeast, lost in state quarterfinals)

Top Players: Jamar Barnes, F, 6-1, Sr.; Derek Brown, G, 6-1, Sr.; Shyon Clark, G/F, 6-4, Jr.; Nick Porter, F, 6-3, Sr.

Outlook: After a 12-win turnaround a year ago, the Jaguars will try for a return trip to state in their third season of existence. Brown, a playmaking point guard, and Porter, a force in the paint, should have Desert Pines in a race with Las Vegas for the division title. "We're hoping the experience getting (to state) may carry over to this year, and maybe even take us a step farther," Thompson said.

ELDORADO SUNDEVILS

Coach: Phil Olsen (second year)

2000-01 Record: 2-18 (5th Northeast)

Top Players: Michael Edwards, G, 6-2, Sr.; Anthony Washington, C, 6-9, Sr.

Outlook: One of four area teams to miss the playoffs last year, the Sundevils will try to get back in the hunt behind the play of Washington, an improving big man who can take his game out to the 3-point line. An early loss to first-year Coronado is cause for concern, but if the team's guards mature Eldorado should better last year's win total.

LAS VEGAS

Coach: Bob Beskow (third year)

2000-01 Record: 20-12 (2nd Northeast, lost in state semifinals)

Top Players: Jeremy Atwater, F, 6-5, Sr.; Robert Berkey, F, 6-4, Sr.; Stanley Copeland, G, 5-10, So.; Zach Queen, G, 6-1, Sr.

Outlook: With the core of last year's 20-win squad back, along with Eldorado transfer Glenn Thomas, the Wildcats should contend for a third consecutive trip to Reno this season. Atwater is among the area's most athletic scorers and rebounders, Queen can light it up from long range and, when Copeland -- the squad's floor general -- returns to the fold after playing football, this should be a team to watch.

RANCHO

Coach: Mike Dye (fourth year)

2000-01 Record: 2-19 (4th Northeast, lost in Sunrise quarterfinals)

Top Players: Gregory Burelle, G, 5-8, Jr.; DeMario Butler, G/F, 6-3, Jr.; Rikky Huntsmen, G, 5-11, Sr.; Melvin James, F, 6-2, Jr.; DeAndre Williams, G, 5-9, Sr.

Outlook: A traditionally solid Rams program fell on hard times last year, slipping into the postseason on a tiebreaker with Eldorado. This year's Rancho model is small, but loaded with good athletes who will look to push the ball on offense and press on defense whenever possible.

VALLEY

Coach: Daryl Branham (second year)

2000-01 Record: 17-10 (3rd Northeast, lost in Sunrise quarterfinals)

Top Players: Jimmy Crooks, G, 5-10, Sr.; Nick Green, G/F, 6-4, Jr.; Jason Johnson, G, 6-2, Jr.; Chris Tisdell, F, 6-2, Sr.

Outlook: After ending their season with a hearbreaking loss to Foothill in the playoffs, the Vikings lost top player Sam Jackson to graduation. Even so, the cupboard is far from bare at Valley. Branham's club plays tough defense and will look to pound the ball inside as it tries to keep the 'Cats and Jags in its sights in the division.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

BASIC WOLVES

Coach: Kurt Bailey (fourth year)

2000-01 Record: 5-22 (6th Southeast)

Top Players: Robert Hardy, F, 6-2, Sr.; James DiNicola, G, 5-10, Sr.; Allan Smith, F, 6-3, Sr.

Outlook: After a rough season a year ago, the Wolves are off to a quick start, winning three of their first five games. Basic isn't particularly big or fast, but the squad's eight seniors boast experience and strong perimeter shooting as they search for a playoff spot.

CORONADO COUGARS

Coach: Paul Berg (first year)

2000-01 Record: no team

Top Players: Brandon Degregorio, F, 6-3, So.; Wes Hager, G, 6-0, Jr.; Mike Kale, C, 6-7, So.; Nate Sexton, G, 6-0, Jr.

Outlook: Former Chaparral coach Berg takes over for a Coronado squad that should be better than the average first-year program, as evidenced by last week's win over Eldorado. A playoff berth is not out of the question.

FOOTHILL FALCONS

Coach: Kevin Soares (third year)

2000-01 Record: 19-12 (2nd Southeast, lost in Sunrise third-place game)

Top Players: Chris Cochran, F, 6-5, Jr.; Kevin Marshall, G, 5-10, Sr.; Marques Ramos, F, 6-4, Jr.

Outlook: The Falcons lost three starters to graduation, then took another hit when talented sophomore Harvey Perry Jr. transferred to Green Valley. Still, led by the versatile Marshall, Soares' club should have no trouble scoring and contending for a return trip to the playoffs.

GREEN VALLEY GATORS

Coach: Jim Allen (third year)

2000-01 Record: 22-11 (1st Southeast, lost in state quarterfinals)

Top Players: Ron Dunlap, F, 6-5, Jr.; Chris Holm, C, 6-9, Sr.; Nick Miller, G /F, 6-5, Sr.; Jon Osborne, G/F, 6-2, Sr.; Harvey Perry Jr., G, 6-2, So.; Mitch Platt, C, 6-9, Jr.; Ramond White, F, 6-4, Jr.

Outlook: On paper, the Gators feature more size, most notably twin towers Platt and Holm, and depth, with Allen regularly rotating in 10 or 11 players, than any team in Southern Nevada. Dunlap, Osborne, White and Perry are all capable of creating shots off the dribble, and most of the team's key players have spent a year in Allen's varsity system, with another season ahead of them next year.

SILVERADO SKYHAWKS

Coach: Mike Joseph (second year)

2000-01 Record: 9-19 (4th Southeast, lost in Sunrise quarterfinals)

Top Players: Pat Fain, G, 5-10, Sr.; George Hernandez, G, 6-2, Sr.; Chris McCoy, G, 5-11, Jr.; Corey Tyler, C, 6-8, Sr.

Outlook: Led by Tyler, one of the area's true big men, and a deep guard rotation, the Skyhawks will look to compete in a Southeast Division that appears wide open after the Gators.

VO-TECH ROADRUNNERS

Coach: Jeremy Shelton (first year)

2000-01 Record: 9-12 (5th Southeast)

Top Players: Akeem Brantley, G, 5-9, Sr.; Solomon Coleman, F, 6-1, Jr.; Reggie Rideout, G, 6-0, Fr.

Outlook: Shelton, a former Foothill assistant, takes over for a team that narrowly missed out on a playoff berth a season ago. Brantley and Coleman return as starters and will try to help the Roadrunners reach the postseason for the first time in recent history.

Sunset Region

NORTHWEST DIVISION

CENTENNIAL BULLDOGS

Coach: Greg Bohls (third year)

2000-01 Record: 8-18 (5th Northwest)

Top Players: Chris Fuller, F, 6-2, Jr.; Asonta Johnson, G, 6-0, Sr.; Lincoln Rogers, F, 6-1, Jr.; Jahmon Smith, G, 5-8, Jr.; Matt Sterrett, G, 6-0, Sr.

Outlook: Expected to be somewhat improved, the Bulldogs sent out a signal they could be better than that when they toppled Durango on Monday.

CHEYENNE DESERT SHIELDS

Coach: Larry Johnson (sixth year)

2000-01 Record: 22-8 (1st Northwest, lost in Sunset semifinals)

Top Players: Chad Ferguson, F, 6-7, Jr.; Keith Richardson, G, 6-0, Sr.; Kevin Richardson, F, 6-4, Sr.; Lorenzo Wade, F, 6-5, Jr.; Johnny Wheeler, G, 6-5, Sr.

Outlook: With three returning starters joined by several talented transfers, the Desert Shields look like one of the Sunset's powers as the season gets underway. That group could get even better if Gorman transfer Kenny Crockett, a 6-9 center, can successfully appeal the NIAA to play this season.

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL SPARTANS

Coach: Mike Brascia (third year)

2000-01 Record: 9-17 (4th Northwest, lost in Sunset quarterfinals)

Top Players: Aaron Barnett, 6-5, C, Fr.; Chris Fearon, C, 6-5, Sr.; Kentrell Johnson, G, 6-0, So.; Jason Petrimoulx, G/F, 6-4, Jr.; Robert Young, G /F, 6-4, Sr.

Outlook: The Spartans return leading scorer Petrimoulx (20 ppg), along with point guard Young, but their success could depend heavily on the development of a group of talented youngers. According to Brascia, two freshmen and a sophomore could be in the starting lineup by year's end, which means the team will need to gain experience quickly if it hopes to make a run come February.

MOJAVE RATTLERS

Coach: Pat Welby (third year)

2000-01 Record: 9-16 (2nd Northwest, lost in Sunset quarterfinals)

Top Players: Lynnard Barnes, F, 6-2, Sr.; Anthony Egnor, G, 5-10, Sr.; Andre Lawson, G, 6-1, Sr.; Mike McWilliams, G, 6-0, Jr.; Anthony Wilson, F, 6-2, Sr.

Outlook: With three starters, including third-year varsity player Egnor, back, Welby knows this will be a critical season for his program. So far, so good, as the Rattlers got out of the gates with five straight wins.

PALO VERDE PANTHERS

Coach: Phil Clarke (fourth year)

2000-01 Record: 7-20 (3rd Northwest, lost in Sunset quarterfinals)

Top Players: Lendor Coney, F, 6-3, Jr.; Andy Gums, C, 6-4, Sr.; Todd LaMasters, G, 6-4, Jr.; Jamar Rankin, G, 5-8, So.

Outlook: With an 85.3 point-per-game average over their first three games, it looks as if the Panthers will be able to fill up the basket with the best of them this season. Clarke's squad is also among the deepest in town, with 10-12 players contributing nightly. A healthy return from 6-6 center Mario Collins (broken foot) later in the year could put this team among the area's elite.

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

BISHOP GORMAN GAELS

Coach: Grant Rice (first year)

2000-01 Record: 29-3 (1st Southwest, lost in state finals)

Top Players: Joe Anderson, G, 5-10, Sr.; Mark Hill, 6-5, Brandon Knott, F, 6-4, Sr.; C.J. Watson, G, 6-2, Sr.

Outlook: First the bad news: the Gaels lost senior starters Jason Carter, Justin Burns, Paul Bania and Dinard Taylor, watched as Kenny Crockett and Jason Johnson transferred and underwent their third coaching change in less than two years in the offseason. Now the good news: Rice's squad returns the state's top player in Tennessee signee Watson, who will receive plenty of help from holdovers Knott, Hill and Anderson, all of whom have played in a slew of state tournament games. Look for Gorman to stay in the hunt for another title this year.

BONANZA BENGALS

Coach: Doug Couch (first year)

2000-01 Record: 10-11 (4th Southwest, lost in Sunset quarterfinals)

Top Players: Matt Kaylor, C, 6-6, Sr.; Nigel Moore, F, 6-2, So.; D.J. Richo, G/F, 6-4, Jr.

Outlook: Couch, the Bengals' junior varsity coach last season, will work with many of his former charges again this year, as his team returns just one varsity player. Bonanza will look to Kaylor to provide scoring, rebounding and leadership, and expects big things from Moore, a talented youngster in his first season with the team.

CLARK CHARGERS

Coach: Brad Query (fourth year)

2000-01 Record: 12-9 (3rd Southwest, lost in Sunset semifinals)

Top Players: Kinson Jean-Francois, G, 6-1, Sr.; Mike Philogene, G, 6-0, Jr.; Kevin Woodruff, G, 5-9, Jr.

Outlook: The Chargers are off to a slow start, but Query's club always seems to find its way into the thick of things by season's end. With no player taller than 6-2, Clark will be tested on the boards, but should be among the most aggressive defensive teams once again.

DURANGO TRAILBLAZERS

Coach: Al LaRocque (ninth year)

2000-01 Record: 18-11 (5th Southwest)

Top Players: Frank Brown, G, 6-1, Sr.; Martrel Johnson, C, 6-4, Sr.; Josh Wood, G, 5-10, Jr.

Outlook: The Blazers' promising season went up in smoke when an academically ineligible player cost them a spot in the playoffs in 2001. Now, Johnson and Brown -- two fourth-year varsity performers headed to Montana St. -- return determined to erase those painful memories. With few varsity players in the fold, Durango has dropped early games to Centennial and Mojave, but the expected return of Tywain McTyer and promising freshman Lamar Falley should provide help soon.

SIERRA VISTA MOUNTAIN LIONS

Coach: Tim Thomas (first year)

2000-01 Record: no team

Top Players: Jonathan Johnson, G, 6-0, So.; Garrett Schofield, G, 6-0, Jr.

Outlook: Thomas, a former Vo-Tech assistant, will look to build the program at the Southwest's newest school. The Lions have just eight varsity players.

WESTERN WARRIORS

Coach: Tony Hopkins (third year)

2000-01 Record: 27-5 (2nd Southwest, Class 4A state champions)

Top Players: Teddy Day, F, 6-3, Sr.; Leonta Matthews, G, 6-5, Sr.; Patrick Marigold, C, 6-6, Jr.; Reomon Turner, G, 5-10, So.

Outlook: The Warriors were decimated by graduation, losing all five starters, including Sun 2001 State Player of the Year Tim Day, and several top reserves from their state title club. But don't shed any tears for Western. Hopkins' squad will be athletic as always, with Matthews and Turner potentially one of the area's top guard combos.

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