Basic baseball is the one to watch

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, March 15, 2001 | 10:56 a.m.

A year ago, all eyes were on the Henderson area as the 2000 prep baseball season opened. Little of that attention, however, was focused on the Basic Wolves.

With Silverado and Green Valley -- two preseason nationally ranked squads -- grabbing most of the headlines, the Wolves quietly put together one of Nevada's top campaigns.

Basic finished ahead of both the Skyhawks and Gators in the Southeast Division before falling to Silverado -- the eventual 4A state champion -- in the Sunrise Region finale.

Now, with nearly its entire starting lineup back, the Wolves won't be sneaking up on anyone in 2001. Ranked No. 38 nationally by Baseball America and No. 1 in the Sun's preseason statewide poll, Basic is the early favorite to claim its first state title since 1987.

"It's going to be another dogfight, but these kids know what they need to do to play well and be successful," Basic coach Mike Kazek said. "We're not allowing them to get the ego of thinking they're the best team in town."

In large part, the Wolves' success may depend on the health of senior pitcher Jesse Craig, who underwent minor elbow surgery in the offseason. If he returns to form, he should team up with junior Matt Elliott to form the area's top 1-2 pitching combination.

Once again, Green Valley and Silverado are expected to battle the Wolves for Southeast supremacy. The Gators return ace Jake Dittler, along with top hitter Garrett Guzman, while the Skyhawks will try to overcome the loss of six Division I signees.

The Northeast Division looks wide open, with perennial contenders Las Vegas and Eldorado looking to reload after losing most of their top players to graduation.

Durango, which lost its shot at a second straight state crown with a bizarre double-forfeit in last year's playoffs, opens the season as the team to beat in the Sunset Region. The Blazers boast two of the area's top junior prospects: pitcher Jeff Jacobsen and outfielder Coltyn Simmons.

Here is a look at Southern Nevada's 20 Class 4A programs, presented by division.

Sunrise Region

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

BASIC WOLVES

Coach: Mike Kazek (3rd year)

2000 Record: 26-6 (3-2 in Sunrise Tournament)

Top Players: Jesse Craig, RHP/1B, Sr.; Matt Elliott, RHP, Jr.; Nate Goodman, CF, Sr.; Leland Montoya, C, Jr.; Mark Rose, SS, Sr.; Micah Schnurstein, 2B/RHP, Jr.

Outlook: Kazek will use Craig sparingly during the nonconference season, in hopes he will be 100 percent by April. In the meantime, look for juniors Skyler Southwick and Brian Lake to log innings, along with Elliott -- one of Nevada's top prospects. The Wolves are as solid as anyone up the middle, with Rose and Schnurstein forming the best 2B/SS combination in town.

CHAPARRAL COWBOYS

Coach: Jeff Morgan (2nd year)

2000 Record: 19-11 (2-1 in Sunrise Tournament)

Top Players: Billy Leigh, RHP, Sr.; Teeter Moran, RHP, Sr.; Drew Stater, OF, Sr.; Jonathan West, C, Jr.

Outlook: After losing top starters Soren Nickels and Chris Hansen, the Cowboys will look to Leigh and Moran to anchor a relatively inexperienced staff. West, one of the area's top backstops, should ease that transition, while providing needed offense for a team that could find itself on the outside looking in in a crowded division.

FOOTHILL FALCONS

Coach: Tom Crine (2nd year)

2000 Record: 8-17

Top Players: Jabe Beard, 3B/RHP, Jr.; Chance Holland, CF, Jr.; Michael Lee, LF, Jr.; Spud Low, C/2B/RHP, So.; Grant Stanley, SS/RHP, Sr.; Tommy Woodring, C /1B, Sr.

Outlook: After losing all eight division games in their first season, the Falcons appear much-improved coming into 2001. Everything begins with Stanley, a Duke signee who can dominate on the mound and with his bat.

GREEN VALLEY GATORS

Coach: Nick Garritano (3rd year)

2000 Record: 24-7 (3-2 in Sunrise Tournament)

Top Players: Jake Dittler, RHP, Sr.; Garrett Guzman, CF, Sr.; Chris McGovern, RF, Sr.; Zeke Parraz, SS, Sr.

Outlook: Graduation hit the Gators hard, with David Krynzel, John Grose, Billy Schmitt and Ben Scheinbaum among the players who exited the scene. Still, the cupboard is far from bare in Henderson, with Guzman and Dittler both ranked among the nation's top 100 seniors by Baseball America. Those two can only take Green Valley so far, however, and the team will need to find a consistent No. 2 starter from a group of hopefuls that includes Adam Morris, Evan Felker, Ryan Tabor and Paul Vignola.

SILVERADO SKYHAWKS

Coach: Brian Whitaker (7th year)

2000 Record: 25-7 (Sunrise Region champs, 4A State champs)

Top Players: Kenny Clayton, RHP, Sr.; Tyler Coon, LHP/1B, Jr.; Dan Esquer, LF, Sr.; Bobby Morvay, CF, Sr.; Dan Murray, RHP, Sr.; Mike Welter, UT, Sr.

Outlook: The Skyhawks were built for their title run in 2000, and now must replace a class that included all-state performers Robbie Van, Ryan Ruiz, Jeremy West and Tommy Rojas. Clayton will try to step into Van's role as the staff ace, while Coon -- a talented junior -- will be counted on to log innings on the mound and swing a big bat in a relatively power-strapped lineup.

NORTHEAST DIVISION

DESERT PINES JAGUARS

Coach: Jose Gomez (2nd year)

2000 Record: No varsity team

Top Players: Steve Chmiel, RHP/3B, Jr.; Miguel Guerrero, OF/RHP, Jr.; Aaron Lowe, C, Sr.; Javier Moreno, SS/RHP, Jr.

Outlook: After going without a varsity team last year, the scrappy Jaguars got off on the right foot last week, defeating Mojave and Chaparral to open the season 2-0. Still, with only 12 players on the varsity roster, this team is probably a year or two away from contending.

ELDORADO SUNDEVILS

Coach: Jesse Medellin (4th year)

2000 Record: 15-14 (2-2 in Sunrise Tournament)

Top Players: Joe Cormier, SS/RHP, Jr.; Bryan Frank, CF, Sr.; James Green, 1B/ RHP, So.; Jack Holler, RHP, Jr.; Nolan Lambertson, RHP/1B/OF, Jr.

Outlook: The Sundevils lost 10 seniors to graduation, and will look to a junior-dominated lineup to stay in the hunt in 2001. Cormier -- one of just two returning starters -- will anchor a pitching staff that could be among the division's strongest.

LAS VEGAS WILDCATS

Coach: Sam Thomas (3rd year)

2000 Record: 21-12 (1-2 in Sunrise Tournament)

Top Players: Zack Bradley, RHP/UT, So.; David Hamilton, 2B, Jr.; Kenny Hargrow, 1B/RHP, Jr.; Jared Jones, RHP/OF, Sr.; Sean Kazmar, SS/RHP, Jr.

Outlook: The Wildcats took a major hit with the graduation of pitching stalwarts Anthony Pluta and John Dischiavo, then lost four key players -- including this year's top two starting pitchers -- to ineligibility and injuries. While he waits for that quartet to return, Thomas will try to keep his squad afloat with just two returning varsity players in the lineup.

RANCHO RAMS

Coach: Michael Hubel (2nd year)

2000 Record: 5-22 (0-2 in Sunrise Tournament)

Top Players: Jimmy Bumcrot, SS/RHP, Sr.; Kal Dunsmoor, C/1B, Jr.; Roy Gutierrez, RHP/OF, Sr.; Danny Parrish, LF, Jr.; Jackson Ranes, C/1B, Jr.; K.J. Thompson, CF, Sr.

Outlook: In a reversal of fortunes, the Rams enter the season with more varsity experience than any other team in the division and could have a lot to say about who wins the Northeast. Gutierrez and Bumcrot should keep them in most games, and a few wins early could go a long way in the confidence department.

VALLEY VIKINGS

Coach: Chad Mattson (1st year)

2000 Record: 6-24 (0-2 in Sunrise Tournament)

Top Players: Kaaveh Akbari, C/RHP, Sr.; Aaron Dowell, 1B/RHP, Sr.; Erick Wiser, RHP/SS/OF, Sr.

Outlook: Mattson, a former Valley assistant, takes the helm for the Vikings as this season's only rookie head coach. With five seniors on the roster who have started for three years, this looms as a critical campaign for a team designed to win in 2001. "I told the kids this is probably the best opportunity we've had at Valley to win a division championship," Mattson said.

Sunset Region

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

BISHOP GORMAN GAELS

Coach: Ken White (2nd year)

2000 Record: 20-16 (3-2 in Sunset Tournament)

Top Players: Cooper Fouts, C, Sr.; Dan Mangiapani, LHP, Jr.; Greg Marshall, CF, Sr.; Matt Peters, 1B/RHP, Sr.; Derek Rodriguez, RHP/OF, Sr.; J.C. Sibley, SS, Sr.

Outlook: The Gaels came within a whisker of earning a state berth in White's first year before falling to rival Durango in the Sunset finale. Now, with Fouts back after a semester at Green Valley, Gorman will look to return to state after a two-year absence. Mangiapani and Rodriguez will spearhead one of the area's deepest rotations, and Sibley, Marshall and Fouts should make the Gaels tough up the middle. With Hadland Park's field under construction, Gorman will play its home games at Burkholder and Peccole this season.

BONANZA BENGALS

Coach: Rick Barry (3rd year)

2000 Record: 18-12 (1-2 in Sunset Tournament)

Top Players: Kameron Francom, RHP, Jr.; Greg Garrison, C, Sr.; Austin Hales, CF, Sr.; Chris Huseman, RHP, Sr.; Andrew Smith, SS, Jr.

Outlook: Long overshadowed by division mates Durango and Gorman, the Bengals are many coaches' breakout pick for 2001. Huseman, a CCSN signee, gives Bonanza a legitimate ace, and Bonanza will look to Francom to be a key second starter in conference play. Hales headlines a solid lineup, and Garrison will provide stability behind the plate for a squad with high hopes this year.

CLARK CHARGERS

Coach: Paul Visone (3rd year)

2000 Record: 8-19

Top Players: Jordan Block, 1B, Sr.; Jason Diekmann, SS, Jr.; Blaine Krasky, RHP, Jr.; Nick Miller, LHP, Sr.; Fernando Moreno, OF, Sr.; Zack Silver, 2B, Sr.

Outlook: The Chargers will likely battle with Western for the division's final playoff spot. Miller, who threw a no-hitter against Bonanza in last year's conference opener, and Krasky will hold down the rotation's top two spots on a team looking to build confidence. "Last year, they didn't show up thinking they could win," Visone said. "Now they just need to learn to finish games."

DURANGO TRAILBLAZERS

Coach: Mike Gomez (8th year)

2000 Record: 29-10 (Sunset Region champs, 1-2 in 4A State Tournament)

Top Players: Jeff Jacobsen, RHP/OF, Jr.; Danny Kahr, C, Sr.; Danny Kelly, SS, Jr.; Adam Kunkel, 1B, Sr.; Adam Quinlan, RHP/OF, Sr.; Coltyn Simmons, CF, Jr.

Outlook: With memories of last year's double-forfeit with Reno in the back of their minds, the Blazers open the 2001 season as the favorites in the Sunset. Gone are stars Chris Kelly, Brent Johnson, Brandon Perry, Nate Bumstead and E.J. Shanks, but the 6-7 Jacobsen and the sweet-swinging Simmons return to headline a young, but talented roster. Expect several of the team's new faces to step up, as Johnson did last year, keeping the Durango in the thick of things.

WESTERN WARRIORS

Coach: Dan Myers (3rd year)

2000 Record: 8-20 (0-2 in Sunset Tournament)

Top Players: Jordaan Boesch, 1B, Sr.; Tommy LaFronz, LHP/LF, Sr.; Mark Radcliffe, RF, So.; Steve Real, 3B/1B, Jr.; Paul Reardon, CF/RHP, Sr.; Shaun Taylor, RHP/SS, Sr.

Outlook: With a senior-laden lineup, the Warriors have a positive outlook heading into the season. LaFronz, the team's ace, showed his value in last year's regional tournament, taking Cimarron-Memorial to extra innings. He'll get help on the mound from Taylor and Reardon, the latter of whom missed last season entirely.

NORTHWEST DIVISION

CENTENNIAL BULLDOGS

Coach: Charlie Cerrone (2nd year)

2000 Record: 8-23 (0-2 in Sunset Tournament)

Top Players: Chris Bonnell, 2B, Jr.; Derek Brundage, 3B, Sr.; Zach Miller, RHP/ 1B, Sr.; Josh Wheeler, SS, So.; Tim Wheeler, CF, Jr.

Outlook: The Bulldogs outperformed their fellow first-year teams last season, wasting no time in qualifying for the postseason. Now, with contact hitters Wheeler, Bonnell and Brundage leading the way, Centennial will try to move up in a wide-open division.

CHEYENNE DESERT SHIELDS

Coach: Dave Snyder (4th year)

2000 Record: 17-14 (3-2 in Sunset Tournament)

Top Players: Eric Browder, 3B/C, Sr.; Dustin Deans, C, Jr.; Jimmy Klein, 1B, Jr.; Robert Kovacs, SS/RHP, Sr.; Ryan Prince, RHP/SS/CF, Jr.

Outlook: Although young, the Desert Shields have the potential to beat anybody in 2001, thanks to the return of Prince, one of Southern Nevada's up-and-coming pitchers. The rest of the rotation remains a question mark, however.

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL SPARTANS

Coach: Calvin Valvo (10th year)

2000 Record: 20-6 (2-2 in Sunset Tournament)

Top Players: Vito Casolari, CF, Sr.; Robert Grana, C, Sr.; Jared Johnson, RHP, Jr.; Jason Ruiz, SS, Sr.; Matt Wagner, RHP/UT, Jr.

Outlook: Coming off their American Legion state championship run last summer, the Spartans will look to replace several graduated stars with youngsters this year. At 6-3, Wagner and Johnson can be imposing on the mound, and should anchor a strong pitching staff.

MOJAVE RATTLERS

Coach: Steve Barnson (3rd year)

2000 Record: 6-21

Top Players: Shawn Bennick, LHP/OF, Sr.; Mat Ellis, SS, So.; Tyler Hood, UT, Sr.; Brandon Moore, RHP/OF, Jr.; Tom Smith, OF, Sr.

Outlook: Looking to add excitement in 2001, the Rattlers have created a three-game "sweep series" with nearby Cheyenne, with a broom going to the victors.

PALO VERDE PANTHERS

Coach: Mike Besser (2nd year)

2000 Record: 13-15 (1-2 in Sunset Tournament)

Top Players: Larry Ellenbrook, RHP, Sr.; Dean Fore, 2B, Sr.; Eric Newman, SS, Sr.; Justin Newman, CF, Sr.

Outlook: The Panthers open the season as the consensus favorites in the Northwest, particularly after a strong showing during the Legion season last summer. Ellenbrook has the potential to be among the top pitchers in town, and Palo Verde may get a boost if Eric Newman returns to the mound after off-season arm problems.

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