Bulldogs look fierce in South

Leah Robinson and Spencer Patterson

Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2001 | 10:34 a.m.

The annual quest to bring the large-school girls basketball state title back to Southern Nevada for the first time since 1980 is under way once again, and Las Vegas-area teams will have a distinct advantage this year.

Six of eight berths in February's 4A state tournament in Reno will go to southern teams, leaving just two spots for the traditionally strong girls basketball programs from the north.

Nevertheless, defending state champion Reno opens the year as a clear-cut favorite, followed closely by a pack of northern teams that includes Churchill County, Galena and Douglas.

Locally, Centennial has staked an early claim as Southern Nevada's top squad, having bested fellow Sunset powers Bishop Gorman and Bonanza, along with Sunrise contender Green Valley, in the past week. The Bulldogs, Gaels and Bengals should battle it out for Sunset superiority, as they did a year ago.

In the Sunrise, things appear wide open, with perennial top finisher Silverado something of a question mark after losing its top two players. The Skyhawks will be tested by the likes of Green Valley and Las Vegas as they look to remain on top on the east side.

Following is a look at Southern Nevada's 23 4A programs:

Sunrise Region

NORTHEAST DIVISION

CHAPARRAL COWBOYS

Coach: Jerry Swanson (second year)

2000-2001 Record: 9-18 (4th Southeast, lost in Sunrise quarterfinals)

Top Players: Brandi Moore, C, 6-2, Sr.; Kiki Atkins, G, 5-11, Sr.; Oshalyee Thomas, G, 5-7, Jr.; Kim Fox, F/G, 5-10, Jr.; Chanel Knox, G, 5-7, Sr.

Outlook: The Cowboy bench is so deep, Swanson insists his second stringers could start on anybody else's team in town. "We've got so much talent, my biggest problem will be juggling playing time," he said. With speed, height and more defensive weapons to choose from, this team could finish strong in its division.

DESERT PINES JAGUARS

Coach: Jim Richmond (first year)

2000-2001 Record: 6-17 (3rd Northeast, lost in Sunrise quarterfinals)

Top Players: Brandi Covert, G, 5-4, Jr; Iesha Wilkins, F, 5-6, Sr.; Lindsey Axberg, F, 5-6, So.

Outlook: Richmond will emphasize a "back to basics" strategy, rebuilding a team that lost six seniors to graduation. The young players are eager to impress, Richmond said, and he's hopeful they can produce a winning season.

ELDORADO SUNDEVILS

Coach: Roland Chatman (fourth year)

2000-2001 Record: 14-8 (2nd Northeast, lost in Sunrise semifinals)

Top Players: Sheena Harvey, F/G, 5-9, Sr.; Sara Black G, 5-2, Sr.; Jessica Sierra, G, 5-7, Sr.

Outlook: With only three of six potential starters returning to this year's team, Chatman's bench won't be as deep as he had hoped. Hard work, Chatman hopes, might overcome his players' lack of varsity experience. "We'll just have to make the best of our rebuilding situation,' he said.

LAS VEGAS WILDCATS

Coach: Bill Giguere (first year)

2000-2001 Record: 18-8 (1st Northeast, lost in state quarterfinals)

Top Players: Melissa Cejas, C, 6-0, Jr; Charmithia Gates, G, 5-4, Jr.; Jessica Belin, G, 5-6, Sr.

Outlook: Returning division MVP Cejas will head a young team with a deep bench. Although the Wildcats will lack experience out of the gate, the team's size and speed should make them as competitive as ever.

RANCHO RAMS

Coach: Hiawatha Givens (second year)

2000-2001 Record: 9-11 (4th Northeast, lost in Sunrise quarterfinals)

Top Players: Carole Jackson, G, 5-7, Sr.; Nadja Bell, G, 5-7, Sr.

Outlook: Defense will take center stage for this young team in a rebuilding year. What the team lacks in height, it makes up for in speed, said Givens, who is optimistic about the prospect for a good year.

VALLEY VIKINGS

Coach: Barney Holmes (fourth year)

2000-2001 Record: 3-20 (5th Northeast)

Top Players: Natasha Hight, G, 5-3, Sr.; Felicia Bell, F/C, 6-0, Sr.

Outlook: Holmes will be looking for leadership from his two returning seniors. His young team, which includes four freshmen, should gain experience and improve as the season progresses.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

BASIC WOLVES

Coach: Mike Bair (first year)

2000-2001 Record: 9-20 (3rd Southeast, lost in Sunrise quarterfinals)

Top Players: Andrea Rameriz, G, 5-6, Sr.; Vanna Berry, G, 5-10, Jr.

Outlook: The Lady Wolves will deliver pressure basketball, heavy on defense and rebounding, Bair said. Another young team -- eight seniors graduated last year -- Basic will play up-tempo as it gains varsity experience.

CORONADO COUGARS

Coach: Joe Moyes (first year)

2000-2001 Record: no team

Top Players: Erica Santigate, G/F, 5-6, Jr.; Tiara Bowman, G, 5-5, So.; Marija Djokovic, G, 5-5, Jr.

Outlook: With several talented players coming over from a strong Silverado program, the Cougars should be competitive in their first season. "I expect to do fairly well for a new school," Moyes said.

FOOTHILL FALCONS

Coach: Rich Handley (third year)

2000-2001 Record: 5-17 (6th Southeast)

Top Players: Heather Haddock, G, 5-7, Sr.; Roxanne Ritchie, G, 5-7, Jr.; Rebecca Ritchie, G, 5-7 Jr.

Outlook: The Falcons shoot to make zone every year, but have come up short thus far. This season Handley will push his team to go for broke, "As small as we are, we might as well be more aggressive from start to finish," he said.

GREEN VALLEY GATORS

Coach: Alma Randolph (11th year)

2000-2001 Record: 17-11 (2nd Southeast, lost in state quarterfinals)

Top Players: Jennifer Todd, C, 6-2, Jr.; Jennifer Ridout, F, 5-9, Sr.; Laura David, F, 5-5, Sr.; Ashley Chu, G, 5-5, Sr.

Outlook: Despite the loss of three seniors to graduation, Randolph's team should remain in the hunt this season, as evidenced by its 5-0 start. Todd's height and Chu's experience should provide leadership as the Gators look to return to state.

SILVERADO SKYHAWKS

Coach: Diane Hernandez (eighth year)

2000-2001 Record: 25-7 (1st Southeast, lost in state semifinals)

Top Players: Deanna Appuglise, F, 5-9, Sr.; Janell Gibson, G/F, 5-9, Sr; Brittney Turner, C, 6-1, Jr.; Marissa DeAngelis, G, 5-4, Jr.

Outlook: The Skyhawks lost all-conference stalwarts Nikki Hitchens and Jayme Connors to graduation, but have enough size, speed and experience to contend on the east side again this year. Hernandez will look to veteran Appuglise to lead the on-court charge.

VO-TECH ROADRUNNERS

Coach: Wydell Johnson (second year)

2000-2001 Record: 6-15 (5th Southeast)

Top Players: Afton Pratt, C, 6-0, Sr.; Anisha Edwards, F, 5-9, Sr; Chrinisha Finks, G, 5-9, Jr.; Chassati DaVila, F, 5-8, Sr.; Denise Edwards, F, 5-10, Sr.; Michelle Hodges, G, 5-5, Sr; Kapetrez Easley, G, 5-7, Sr.; Kenyatta Barnes, F, 5-8, Jr.

Outlook: Last year's disappointing season has bolstered the resolve of returning Roadrunner players, prompting Johnson to declare, "We can only go up from here." Returning veteran Edwards will try to lead the comeback after nursing an injury half of last year's season.

Sunset Region

NORTHWEST DIVISION

CENTENNIAL BULLDOGS

Coach: Karen Weitz (third year)

2000-2001 Record: 28-4 (1st Northwest, lost in state quarterfinals)

Top Players: Darci Sandoval, G, 6-0, Sr.; Rachael Schein, F, 5-11, Jr.; Jenene James, F, 5-11, Sr.

Outlook: The Bulldogs lost floor general Tenecia Jackson to graduation, but return Montana early signee Sandoval and third-year varsity starter Schein and should stay in the thick of things. Wednesday's win over Gorman served notice that Centennial could be the team to beat come playoff time.

CHEYENNE DESERT SHIELDS

Coach: Diane Byrd (third year)

2000-2001 Record: 6-16 (5th Northwest)

Top Players: Lekia Cambell, G, 5-1, Sr.; Marjori Lindsay, G, 5-6, Fr.; Dana Smith, C, 5-9, So.; Falasha Wilkinson, F, 5-8, Fr.

Outlook: The Shields have had trouble scoring in their first two games, and will need to display more patience in shot selection, according to Byrd. The team will look to push the ball and pressure opponents, and could compete for a playoff spot.

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL SPARTANS

Coach: Gina Davis (fourth year)

2000-2001 Record: 11-11 (3rd Northwest, lost in Sunset quarterfinals)

Top Players: Crystal Williams, G, 5-6, Sr.; Jaszmen Steele, G, 5-5, So.

Outlook: Reeling from the loss of six players to graduation, Davis still feels confident her young team can perform. She'll look to young guns such as Steele, last year's leading scorer. Speed is on their side, but lack of height could be a factor.

MOJAVE RATTLERS

Coach: Diane Washington (first year)

2000-2001 Record: 10-13 (4th Northwest, lost in Sunset quarterfinals)

Top Players: Danielle Belgrave, F, 5-11, Sr.; Sequoia, G, 5-11, So.; Tashina Terry, C, 6-0, Jr.

Outlook: The Rattlers are athletic and feature several capable scorers and rebounders, but will need to cut down on turnovers to compete in the division and go past round one of the playoffs. "If we keep focused and continue to train and listen, we'll be fine," Washington said.

PALO VERDE PANTHERS

Coach: Gina Piccolo (fourth year)

2000-2001 Record:20-9 (2nd Northwest, lost in Sunset semifinals)

Top Players: Don-netta Coleman, G, 5-3, Sr.; Vivian Ewalefo, F, 5-11, Jr.; Stacey Pena, G, 5-3, So.

Outlook: The Panthers come into the season with both veterans and young talent. Five players return from last year, including veterans Coleman (out until later this month after knee surgery) and Ewalefo, who will combine with several freshman hopefuls. "The goal is to bring all those elements together," Piccolo said.

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

BISHOP GORMAN GAELS

Coach: Sheryl Krmpotich (fourth year)

2000-2001 Record: 26-4 (1st Southwest, lost in state semifinals)

Top Players: Breona Gray, G, 5-8, Jr.; Cassie Burks, G/F, 5-6, Sr.; Charity Renfro, C, 6-2, Jr; Moneka Knight, G, 5-8, So.; Shanae Green, G, 5-2, So.

Outlook: All-staters Liz Cansdale and Jen Kline are gone, but the Gaels return plenty of talent, including Gray, one of Nevada's top individual players. Knight and Green will add athleticism, and Renfro gives Gorman a post presence as it tries for a return trip to Reno and another try at that elusive state title. "My main concern is February," Krmpotich said.

BONANZA BENGALS

Coach: Cathy Szymarek (eighth year)

2000-2001 Record: 25-4 (2nd Southwest, lost in Sunset semifinals)

Top Players: Lyndsay Gensler, G, 6-1, Jr.; Serrita Coleman, G, 5-8, Sr.

Outlook: The Bengals start this season losing four key players to graduation, including top scorer and rebounder Ronda Williams. Gensler, one of the area's top guards, will lead the charge this season for a team lacking in size. Szymarek will rely on speed and strategy to compete with the likes of Centennial and Gorman in the Sunset.

CLARK CHARGERS

Coach: Lonelle Henderson (third year)

2000-2001 Record: 3-20 (5th in Southwest)

Top Players: Shalonie Hutchinson, G/F, 5-8, Jr.; Porecha Samuel, F, 5-7, Jr.; Christina Trotter, G, 5-6, Sr.; Candice Peregus, F, 5-8, So.

Outlook: The key to remaining competitive for Clark will be defensive strategy, according to Henderson. "We're short, but we're quick. If we're in tip-top condition, we'll be competitive." Only two seniors return for this season. Several promising freshmen will provide bench strength.

DURANGO TRAILBLAZERS

Coach: Scott Herman (first year)

2000-2001 Record: 11-21 (4th Southwest, lost in Sunset quarterfinals)

Top Players: Anna Bercaw, G, 5-9, Jr.; Jen Bakotich, G, 5-9, Jr.; Felicia Thompson, G, 5-7, So.

Outlook: The Blazers' freshman coach last year, Herman inherits a squad without a player taller than 5-10. Rebounding will be a challenge, but Durango has done a solid job pushing the ball offensively through its first three games.

SIERRA VISTA LIONS

Coach: Tiffany Seibel (first year)

2000-2001 Record: no team

Top Players: Martha Lindner, G, 5-5, So.; Sandra Rodriguez, G, 5-7, Jr.; Oprah Alexander, F, 5-10, Fr.

Outlook: Free of comparisons to last year's record, the Lions will make history as the inaugural women's basketball team. Seibel is optimistic, saying her players know the game and have a very competitive spirit. "We want to build a foundation to grow on," she said.

WESTERN WARRIORS

Coach: Mel Washington (second year)

2000-2001 Record: 11-9 (3rd Southwest, lost in Sunset quarterfinals)

Top Players: LaMesha Walker, F, 5-9, Jr.; Donyetta Conway, F, 5-9, Sr.

Outlook: The Warriors will have to work hard to stay competitive in this tough division, especially after losing three players to graduation and promising returner Kira White to California. Washington describes his team as having "in-between height, but with a lot of speed."

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