Real gems on the diamond shine when it matters most

Adam Candee

Thursday, July 3, 2003 | 10:03 a.m.

The Sun All-State teams place high value on playoff performance, and the two Player of the Year award winners put on playoff performances to be valued.

Bringing the heat when the heat is on proved to be the most important criterion in the selection of Green Valley baseball's Jordan Parraz and Wooster softball's Brianne McGowan as Sun All-State Players of the Year. Both Parraz and McGowan led their teams to state championships. Gators coach Nick Garritano and Colts coach Dick Allen are the coaches of the year as well.

Parraz, joined on the All-State first team by Gators teammate Kyle Price, stepped onto the mound at midseason and helped turn Green Valley's season from good to great. His dominant pitching, especially in the region and state playoffs, combined with strong hitting all season made Parraz the choice as Nevada's best as he led Green Valley to its second state title in three years.

McGowan, the three-time All-State Player of the Year, once again dominated in leading the Colts to their fourth consecutive state crown. Most notable was her second consecutive shutout of Centennial in the state championship game. An Oregon State signee, McGowan is one of three Colts selected to the first team, along with infielders Katie Stevens and Andrea Lazzari.

The All-State baseball first team represents a cross-section of Nevada's top players from its top teams. State runner-up Reno, and state participants Silverado and Galena each placed two players on the first team.

On the softball diamond, standouts from state runner-up Centennial, and state qualifiers McQueen and Silverado marked the first team, with two from each squad earning selections.

The Sun All-State teams are selected with extensive input from coaches across the state, as well as opinions from various media outlets.