Expectations pinned on Durango

Spencer Patterson

Tuesday, March 12, 2002 | 10:21 a.m.

The way most coaches around town are talking, Nevada might as well hand its 4A state baseball trophy to the Durango Trailblazers right now.

Ranked No. 31 in the nation by Baseball America, the Blazers are deep, experienced and star-studded, not to mention coming off a summer season that saw them capture the state's American Legion title.

But Durango coach Mike Gomez cautions that his team is far from a sure thing as the 2002 season gets under way.

"We have pretty high expectations," Gomez said. "But the bottom line is you've got to come out and play well every day."

While Durango is favored in the Sunset Region, the Blazers should receive plenty of competition from a pack of quality teams that includes Cimarron-Memorial, Bishop Gorman, Bonanza, Centennial, Palo Verde and Cheyenne.

Cimarron, in particular, could contend for a state title due to the presence of four Division I early signees in its pitching rotation.

Basic opens the season as the favorite in the Sunrise Region, though the Wolves could be pushed by division mates Silverado, Foothill and Green Valley, as well as Las Vegas High.

"This is a big year for us -- the culminating year from when these freshmen started and I came to Basic," Basic coach Mike Kazek said. "We have a lot of time together here."

Both regions will send three teams to state, where they will be joined by two northern representatives.

Following is a look at Southern Nevada's 22 4A programs:

BASIC WOLVES

Coach: Mike Kazek (4th year)

2001 Record: 27-13 (2nd Southeast, lost in state tournament)

Top Players: Matt Elliott, RHP, Sr.; Brian Lake, RHP/SS, Sr.; Leland Montoya, C, Sr.; Micah Schnurstein, 3B/RHP, Sr.; Skyler Southwick, RHP, Sr.

Outlook: The Wolves were the popular pick to win state a year ago, but Green Valley's success and an injury to No. 2 pitcher Jesse Craig kept Basic from achieving that goal. Now, Kazek's team should remain in the hunt behind the arm of Elliott (a UNLV signee) and the bat of Schnurstein (CCSN) -- a pair of Sun all-staters in 2001. Lake and Southwick should fill out the rotation and Montoya is among the area's most experienced backstops. Expect Basic to return to state and challenge for its first title since 1987.

Coach: Sam Knapp (1st year)

2001 Record: No team

Top Players: Ali Amin, OF, So.; Chase Billington, RHP/OF, Jr.; Joey Garcia, SS, So.; Nate Sexton, LHP/OF, Jr.

Outlook: Knapp, a former Las Vegas High assistant, will guide a first-year team with enough talent to surprise some of Southern Nevada's established programs. In the Southeast, though, a playoff berth is probably out of the question.

Coach: Tom Crine (3rd year)

2001 Record: 20-16 (4th Southeast, lost in state tournament)

Top Players: Jabe Beard, RHP/3B; Ricky Cerrone, 2B/RHP, Sr.; Chance Holland, SS, Sr.; Spud Low, C/RHP, Jr.; Erik Swendseid, RHP/OF, Sr.

Outlook: The Falcons knocked off Silverado to reach the state tournament last season, and appear ready to pick up where they left off. Beard is a solid No. 1 pitcher, and will have a stingy defense behind him, with Holland moving from center to shortstop to add infield stability. Don't be surprised if Crine's crew climbs its way near the top of an always-tough Southeast Division.

Coach: Nick Garritano (4th year)

2001 Record: 28-7 (1st Southeast, 4A state champions)

Top Players: Eric Durante, SS, Sr.; Jordan Parraz, OF, Jr.; Kyle Price, 2B, Jr.; Ryan Tabor, LHP, Jr.; Paul Vignola, RHP, Sr.

Outlook: The Gators were decimated by graduation, losing 12 seniors, including Sun Player of the Year Garrett Guzman, ace Jake Dittler and all-state shortstop Zeke Parraz. The off-season also was unkind to the defending champs, with Jordan Parraz suffering an elbow fracture that will keep him out until after spring break. Nevertheless, Garritano has proven you can't count his squads out.

Coach: Brian Whitaker (8th year)

2001 Record: 24-10 (3rd Southeast, lost in regional tournament)

Top Players: Ryan Castellanos, 3B, Jr.; Tyler Coon, 1B/LHP, Sr.; Jered Ferninand, C, Jr.; Wes Johnson, RHP/OF. Jr.; Anthony Vita, RHP/OF, Sr.

Outlook: The 2000 state champs stayed in the thick of things last year, and should be back among the area's elite again in 2002. Coon (a BYU and CCSN signee) is among the state's top hitters, and will be joined by Johnson and Vita in a veteran rotation. "I like this team a lot, but we've still got some rough edges," Whitaker said. "We could be really good if we can put together every part of the game."

CHAPARRAL COWBOYS

Coach: Jeff Morgan (3rd year)

2001 Record: 16-14 (5th Southeast)

Top Players: Matt Backes, RHP/1B, Sr.; Dan Howard, RHP/OF, Jr.; Robert Templeton, RHP, Sr.; Jonathan West, C, Sr.

Outlook: No one should be happier entering the 2002 season than the Cowboys, who leave Basic, Green Valley, Silverado and Foothill in their rearview mirror and join the wide open Northeast. West, one of the state's top catchers, will anchor a young Chaparral squad that could challenge Las Vegas and Eldorado for division superiority.

Coach: Jose Gomez (3rd year)

2001 Record: 6-21 (5th Northeast)

Top Players: Chris Bannister, RHP/1B, Jr.; Steve Chmiel, RHP/3B/1B, Sr.; Robert Mitchell, CF, Jr.; Javier Moreno, C, Sr.

Outlook: The Jaguars took their lumps in varsity season No. 1 and could do so again this year, with a young lineup featuring few veteran players. Chmiel and Bannister will look to keep their team in games from the mound as the team's offense develops.

Coach: Jesse Medellin (5th year)

2001 Record: 10-20 (3rd Northeast, lost in regional tournament)

Top Players: Joe Cormier, SS/RHP, Sr.; James Green, 1B, Jr.; Justin Hansen, C, Jr.; Jack Holler, RHP, Sr.; Nolan Lambertson, RHP, Sr.;

Outlook: The Sundevils had an uncharacteristic down season a year ago, but return most of their top players, including top pitchers Lambertson and Holler. Green, a .400 hitter in 2001, will lead a capable lineup onto the field, as Eldorado looks to get back into the Northeast Division race.

Coach: Sam Thomas (4th year)

2001 Record: 17-19 (1st Northeast, lost in regional tournament)

Top Players: Trace Grant, OF/RHP, So.; David Hamilton, 2B, Sr.; Kenny Hargrow, 1B, Sr.; Justin Hicks, 3B, Sr.; Sean Kazmar, SS, Sr.; Troy Remer, OF/ RHP, Sr.

Outlook: The Wildcats won their division but suffered a losing record last year, giving them plenty of incentive to improve in 2002. That shouldn't be difficult, with six returning starters back. Las Vegas has pitching depth along with two four-year varsity contributors -- Kazmar (a CCSN signee) and Hamilton -- who will try to finish their careers with a state appearance.

Coach: Michael Hubel (3rd year)

2001 Record: 6-26 (4th Northeast, lost in regional tournament)

Top Players: Kal Dunsmoor, 1B, Sr.; Danny Parrish, OF, Sr.; Greg Passalacqua, RHP/SS, Sr.; Jackson Ranes, C, Sr.; Sal Soto, RHP, So.; T.J. Wholever, LHP, Fr.

Outlook: With his field undergoing a facelift, Hubel fears his Rams may lag behind the competition to open the season due to lack of preseason practices. Ranes will call games for his third year behind the dish and should have enough help to keep Rancho in the hunt for another playoff berth.

Coach: Cory Ash (1st year)

2001 Record: 9-26 (2nd Northeast, lost in regional tournament)

Top Players: Gary Barber, RHP/3B, So.; John Dicku, RHP/2B/C, Jr.; Jimmy Fraser, RHP/OF, Jr.; Manuel Reyna, OF, Sr.

Outlook: Ash, a former Eldorado assistant, takes the helm of a young team with just 11 varsity players. Fraser, who has looked good in preseason workouts, will be expected to anchor a young rotation. "We want to get Valley back where it used to be," Ash said.

BISHOP GORMAN GAELS

Coach: Ken White (3rd year)

2001 Record: 29-10 (1st Southwest, lost in state tournament)

Top Players: Chris Brown, C/RHP, Jr.; Anthony Garcia, OF, Jr.; Daniel Mangiapani, LHP/1B, Sr.; Chris Ortiz, 2B, Sr.; Paul Schmitt, LHP, Jr.; Chris Siewert, SS, Jr.; Russ Warthen, RHP/1B/OF, Jr.

Outlook: The Gaels returned to the state tournament after a two-year absence in 2001, and will look to go even farther this spring. Mangiapani and Warthen rank among the area's top 1-2 pitching combos, and will be joined by Schmitt, another veteran hurler. Gorman won't overpower many teams with its offense, but a quick glance at the list of recent state champions confirms pitching is king in Nevada.

Coach: Rick Barry (4th year)

2001 Record: 18-14 (3rd Southwest, lost in regional tournament)

Top Players: Kameron Francom, RHP, Sr.; Bobby McMurray, 2B, Jr.; Dustin Molisee, 3B/RHP, Sr.; Billy Osgood, OF, Sr.; Andrew Smith, SS, Sr.

Outlook: The Bengals have played third fiddle to the Blazers and Gaels in the Southwest for two years, but hope to change that in 2002. Smith, one of the area's top all-around players, will spark the offense and infield defense, and Francom, an all-conference pitcher a year ago, gives the team a legitimate ace. Whether their teammates can provide the firepower to challenge Durango and Gorman remains to be seen.

Coach: Fred Spierer (1st year)

2001 Record: 10-24 (4th Southwest, lost in regional tournament)

Top Players: Giles Bartle, OF/RHP, Jr. Donnie Bridges, C, Jr.; Jason Diekmann, SS/RHP, Sr.; Ed Dorville, 2B/SS, Sr.; Blaine Krasky, RHP, Sr.

Outlook: Spierer, a Chargers assistant who took over midseason in 2001, has 13 returning starters and newfound optimism for his program's immediate future. "Most of these coaches around town won't recognize us as Clark High School," he said. "These guys are hungry."

Coach: Mike Gomez (9th year)

2001 Record: 27-12 (2nd Southwest, lost in state tournament)

Top Players: Steven Cope, OF, Sr.; Frank Damewood, RHP/OF, Sr.; Jeff Jacobsen, RHP/OF, Sr.; Danny Kelly, SS, Sr.; Rob Martinez, RHP, Sr.; Casey McDonald, 2B, Sr.; Coltyn Simmons, OF, Sr.; Don Sutton, 1B/RHP, Sr.; Isaiah Whigham, OF/LHP, Jr.

Outlook: Picked as the overwhelming favorite by virtually every coach in town, the Trailblazers enter the 2002 season with the unenviable task of trying to live up to expectations. With a roster loaded with experienced veterans, however, they may do just that. Jacobsen (a CCSN signee) may be the ace, but he'll have plenty of help on the mound from Damewood and Martinez. Likewise, Simmons (UNLV) is the best known of Durango's hitters, but will be surrounded by capable bats up and down the order. Barring a key injury, a state berth is theirs to lose.

Coach: Nathan Selby (1st year)

2001 Record: No team

Top Players: Justin Garcia, 3B/P, Fr.; Dicente Rivera, OF, Jr.; Ty Selby, SS, Jr.; Austin Stout, OF/P, Jr.

Outlook: The Lions will try to get their varsity feet wet with a young, inexperienced lineup competing in one of the state's toughest divisions.

Coach: Clemente Vargas (1st year)

2001 Record: 9-18 (5th Southwest)

Top Players: Mark Radcliffe, OF, Jr.; Julio Spano, C, Jr.

Outlook: Vargas, a former Durango assistant, takes over for a team with just one returning full-time starter. With all but three players back next season, look for the Warriors to build for the future.

CENTENNIAL BULLDOGS

Coach: Charlie Cerrone (3rd year)

2001 Record: 21-12 (2nd Northwest, lost in regional tournament)

Top Players: Chris Bonnell, 3B, Sr.; J.C. Leach, C, So.; Bryce Massanari, C/DH, So.; Dave Rider, RHP/OF, Sr.; Jordan Smiley, RHP, So.; Justin Wetzler, LHP, Sr.; John Wheeler, OF, Jr.; Tim Wheeler, RHP/OF, Sr.

Outlook: Twenty-game winners in their second varsity season, the Bulldogs will look to take the next step and join the area's upper-echelon this season. With no true ace on their staff and with Massanari nursing a shoulder fracture, that may be tough. Still, Bonnell is no slouch at the plate, and will spearhead an ever-improving lineup capable of playing with anyone.

Coach: Dave Snyder (5th year)

2001 Record: 13-19 (4th Northwest, lost in regional tournament)

Top Players: Dustin Deans, C, Sr.; Jimmy Klein, 1B, Sr.; Nick Klein, C/ UT, So.; Brandon Moore, RHP/OF/SS, Sr.; Ryan Prince, RHP/OF, Sr.; Steve Thurston, SS/RHP, Sr.

Outlook: After resurrecting Cheyenne's football season last fall, Snyder returns to the diamond, where his squad appears to be on the rise. Ace Ryan Prince (CCSN) will be complemented by Mojave transfer Brandon Moore, giving the Shields a solid 1-2 pitching punch, and sophomore Nick Klein could be in line for a breakout season at the plate. Add it all up, and Cheyenne should be an interesting team to watch this year.

Coach: Calvin Valvo (11th year)

2001 Record: 18-12 (3rd Northwest, lost in regional tournament)

Top Players: Chris Davila, UT, Sr.; Jose Esquivel, C, So.; Jared Johnson, RHP/SS, Sr.; Steve Russell, RHP/OF; Matt Wagner, RHP/OF, Sr.; Allen Woodward, RHP/3B, Sr.

Outlook: It's not often that a high school team has three Division I pitchers in its rotation. This year's Cimarron-Memorial Spartans boast a whopping four: Russell (Nevada-Reno), Johnson (UNLV), Wagner (UNLV) and Missouri transfer Allen Woodward (Kansas State). Don't be surprised if Cimarron challenges Durango come May.

Coach: Steve Barnson (4th year)

2001 Record: 8-19 (5th Northwest)

Top Players: Jon Culver, 1B, Sr.; Mat Ellis, C, Jr.; Billy Hern, 3B, Sr.; Octavio Luna, OF, Sr.

Outlook: The Rattlers have increased their win total in each of their three seasons (from three to six to nine) and could do so again in 2002. Barnson's squad lacks experience, particularly on the mound, but is starting to develop chemistry, according to Barnson.

Coach: Mike Besser (3rd year)

2001 Record: 20-11 (1st Southwest, lost in regional tournament)

Top Players: John Evans, 2B, So.; Matt Johnson, LHP, Jr.; Brandon Kintzler, RHP/SS, Sr.; Nick Pickard, OF, Sr.; Matt Switzer, 3B/OF, Sr.; Matt Wilson, RHP, Sr.

Outlook: The Panthers captured their first division title last year, but lost many of the players who had built the program up from the ground, including brothers Justin and Eric Newman and ace Larry Ellenbrook. Even so, the cupboard is far from bare in Summerlin, with Wilson and Kintzler returning to hold down pitching duties with help from Johnson.

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