Pair of point guards receive Sun’s top honors

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, March 14, 2002 | 1:33 a.m.

For even the most casual follower of high school basketball, C.J. Watson's selection as the Sun's 2002 Boys State Player of the Year should come as no surprise.

The Bishop Gorman point guard starred in all phases of the game this season, leading the state in scoring, dominating on defense and ultimately leading the Gaels to the 4A state championship.

The selection of this year's Sun Girls State Player of the Year, however, was no easy matter.

Though Centennial finished the season with a perfect 34-0 and snapped Southern Nevada's 21-year state title drought, the Bulldogs featured a collection of athletic, versatile players, rather than one true star.

In the end, Douglas' point guard Andrea Honer emerged from a list of quality candidates, earning the prize with her clutch play all season, particularly in the playoffs, where she led the Tigers to the 4A state championship game.

Centennial coach Karen Weitz was named Girls Coach of the Year while Basic's Kurt Bailey took Boys Coach of the Year honors after leading his team to an 11-game improvement over last season.

Joining Watson on the boys' first team were: Cheyenne guard Johnny Wheeler, Desert Pines forward Nick Porter, Las Vegas forward Jeremy Atwater and Reno center David Padgett.

Along with Honer, the girls' first team was comprised of: Mineral County guard Delicia Jernigan, Galena forward Joanna Hixon, Churchill County forward Tristin Adams and Reno center Jessica Stewart.

The Sun's all-state teams were chosen by prep reporter Spencer Patterson, with input from coaches and media throughout Nevada.