Sun All-State basketball teams: Wade, Fuller make impact for champs

Adam Candee

Tuesday, March 18, 2003 | 9:15 a.m.

Two years ago, two talented sophomore basketball players at opposite ends of the Las Vegas Valley flashed star potential and longed for the chance to become high school state champions.

Little did Lorrenzo Wade and Chris Fuller know during their times at Green Valley and Palo Verde that they would team up at Cheyenne two years later to lead the Desert Shields to a 31-1 season and the school's first 4A boys' basketball title.

The combination of Wade's physical talent and offensive skill mixed with Fuller's tenacious work ethic and defensive prowess to make Cheyenne a power all season. The Desert Shields were undefeated against Nevada opponents, losing only to national power Oak Hill Academy (Va.).

"When you're No. 1, you know people put a bull's-eye on your back," Cheyenne coach Larry Johnson said.

The season-long contributions of Fuller and the playoff brilliance of Wade proved equally valuable to Cheyenne. That is why these two standout seniors were named Sun boys' co-players of the year.

"I think it's a great honor for both of them," Johnson said of his first- team All-Sunset Region picks.

A 6-foot-5 swingman blessed with Gumby-length arms and catapult leaping ability, Wade teased with his potential during the regular season before taking over in the regional and state playoffs. The Desert Shields moved Wade into the low post to take advantage of defensive mismatches, and Wade obliged by averaging 21.5 points per game in six postseason games.

"Lorrenzo brought the offensive game and the court generalship out there," Johnson said.

Wade directed the Cheyenne offense many times, keeping in constant dialogue with the sideline to set the plays. For Wade, though, the most rewarding part of the season came off the court.

"Not only getting the championship, but getting to know these guys," Wade said. "I think it's the best thing that could have happened."

Fuller, a 6-foot-4 forward, found a home at Cheyenne after arriving from Centennial before the season. His steady demeanor and consistent effort set a fine example for Cheyenne, and Fuller accepted the defense-first role asked of him by Johnson.

"I just led by example," Fuller said. "That's all I wanted to do."

A second team All-State player last season, Fuller averaged 13.3 points per game in 2002-03 and he played the role of defensive stopper to perfection throughout the season, including a masterful performance against fellow All-Stater DeMario Butler in the state semifinal against Rancho.

"Of course, Chris brought the defense and the work ethic," Johnson said.

Both enjoy the All-State honors, but the trophy they won in Reno holds a special place, according to Fuller.

"It's great to go out a champion."