Findlay finds support for scheduling local programs

By Rob Miech

Thursday, March 5, 2009 | 5:56 p.m.

Local basketball fans can expect to continue watching one of the top prep teams in the land play against Las Vegas-area programs.

Findlay’s future scheduling was on the agenda for discussion at a Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association board meeting Wednesday and Thursday at Coronado High.

There was consensus support of the Pilots, according to Findlay coach Mike Peck and Henderson International School athletic director Mike Ostrowski.

Findlay (30-0), ranked No. 2 most of this season in USA Today’s national Super 25 poll, will play in the National High School Invitational in North Bethesda, Md., in early April.

The Pilots have been off this week, and they will reconvene Monday at Henderson International, with which Findlay is affiliated, to begin preparations for Maryland.

Findlay played games in Michigan, Rhode Island, Ohio, Florida and Texas, and three times in Kentucky, this season, so playing locals helps its travel budget.

It played nine area programs, with an average victory margin of 40 points, this season. Peck and Ostrowski said that likely will be the guideline for next season.

NIAA executive director Eddie Bonine recently told the Sun that he bristled in his Reno office when he saw those final scores, but those involved with the games apparently have no issues with Findlay.

Foothill High basketball coach Kevin Soares was grateful for playing Findlay this season. The Pilots pounded Foothill, 92-58, but the final score wasn’t the point.

“It’s an eye-opener for kids who think they’re talented enough to play at the next level,” Soares said. “They get to play against a team of players who actually will play at the next level. That’s a great thing.”

Al LaRoque, the longtime Durango coach who retired in May, played Findlay three seasons ago. La Roque regularly scheduled Southern California powers Dominguez, Mater Dei and Westchester.

LaRoque said a coach confident in his team and abilities, and in the spirit of competition, wants to play the best.

“If your team is not going to be real good, you might not want to subject them to that,” he said. “But for the most part, coaches want to play the best … if you want to add wins, you play Needles.”

Findlay regularly appearing at the top of the USA Today rankings benefits all of Southern Nevada, LaRoque said.

“That’s a lot of goodwill, a lot of national exposure for Nevada basketball,” LaRoque said. “They’re 1, 2 or 3 in the different national polls. That’s Henderson. That’s Southern Nevada.

“We loved to play them right out of the gate. We’d do it again if I was in the saddle.”

If Peck calls Soares asking for a game next season, Soares will quickly accept.

“You don’t have to play them,” Soares said. “That’s everybody’s choice. Every now and then, you need a good ol’ fashioned butt kicking, especially if your kids are playing well and are overconfident.

“You play a team that puts you in your place.”