Coaches expect close, exciting games in Class 3A semis

Mike Sims

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005 | 10:07 a.m.

The hype for this weekend's regional tournaments is centered around the 4A teams, but there will be some exciting basketball played at today's 3A semifinals at Del Sol High School.

On the boys' side, Faith Lutheran (22-3 overall, 7-1 league) is the favorite to win the 3A South in its first year at the 3A level.

"We were lucky to win our conference," coach Bret Walter said.

The Crusaders lost their last game of the season to Moapa Valley in overtime, preventing them from a achieving perfect season in conference.

"We split with Moapa this season. In the game we lost we didn't play very well," Walter said. "We should be fine this weekend."

Moapa Valley will play Virgin Valley at 4:40 p.m. today. The Pirates finished ahead of the Bulldogs by a game in the division and this one is likely to be one of the exciting semifinal games, with the rivals already having played two close games this season.

"It's always a highly contested matchup," Moapa Valley coach Jeff Keel said, adding that he expects the game to be close but thinks his team will prevail.

"We have a little more talent than they do, but that doesn't always win games," Keel said. "Our team is peaking at the right time and we have to go out and give it our best.

Walter said his team needs to be ready to play right away and his players would like a shot at Moapa Valley in the final.

"They are anxious to see them again," Walter said.

In the girls' bracket, the favorite looks to be last year's state champion, Pahrump Valley. The Trojans will face Virgin Valley in the semifinals.

Pahrump Valley coach Bob Hopkins thinks his team is in for a challenge in the semifinals.

"They have played us twice this year very well," Hopkins said. "They'll be ready to play. We are not looking past them."

Pahrump has struggled to shoot the ball well lately, but Hopkins thinks his team should have a shot at getting to the final.

"Hopefully we'll be in the championship if we play like we have with a tight man-to-man defense and run the ball," Hopkins said.

Boulder City will take on Faith Lutheran in the other game. The Crusaders have lost twice this season to the Eagles, but are hoping the third time is a charm.

"We have played Boulder City twice this season and lost by three and five points," Faith Lutheran coach Jason Boyd said.

Boyd said his team wouldn't make any changes against Boulder City because the past two games were tight; they just didn't get the bounces.

"It's really evenly matched," Boyd said. "They are a well-balanced team. You can't just focus on one player."