Sun All-State basketball teams: Cheyenne duo earns state’s top accolades

Adam Candee

Tuesday, March 18, 2003 | 9:32 a.m.

If the playoffs bring out the best in the state's best players, logic follows that postseason performance should be a factor in choosing Nevada's top prep basketball athletes.

With five of the 10 boys' and girls' players selected to the Sun all-state teams coming from 2002-03 state championship squads, that theory is well served.

Leading the way on the boys' side are Cheyenne's Lorrenzo Wade and Chris Fuller, co-winners of the boys' player of the year award. The offensive force of Wade and the defensive presence of Fuller spearheaded Cheyenne's first 4A state championship.

Fuller solidified Cheyenne with his steady presence and consistent effort, and Wade emerged in the region and state playoffs as an unstoppable offensive force in the low post.

Joining them on the boys' first team are Reno center David Padgett -- a McDonald's All-American and two-time All-State selection -- along with Green Valley center Mitch Platt and Rancho forward DeMario Butler.

The remarkable accomplishments of Sidney Orndorff at tiny Mineral County High School earned her girls' player of the year honors over her backcourt counterpart and fellow All-State choice Delicia Jernigan. Both are four-year varsity starters and four-time state champions for a Serpents team that lost just nine games in their careers.

In addition, Mineral County more than held its own against large-school competition, picking up eight wins against 4A schools in 2002-03. Orndorff keeps alive a great family tradition, earning the Sun award just three years after her sister Ashley received the same honor.

The All-State girls' first team also includes Las Vegas center Melisa Cejas and Galena forward Joanna Hixon, along with forward Rachael Schein of the two-time defending 4A state champion Centennial Bulldogs.

The All-State team is selected by members of the Sun's sports staff, with input from Nevada coaches and media, including Nevadaprep.com editor Chuck Hildebrand.