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March 28, 2024

high school basketball:

Live blog: Gorman makes quick work of Reno, sets up showdown with Canyon Springs in title game

Bishop Gorman beats Reno

GARRETT VALENZUELA / SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Stephen Zimmerman stops to sign a few autographs before heading to the lockerroom Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 after Bishop Gorman defeated Reno 68-27 in the semifinals of the Nevada State Championships at Lawlor Events Center in Reno.

Updated Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 | 9:15 p.m.

Bishop Gorman Defeats Reno

Noah Robotham pulls up for a fading jumper in the eyes of two defenders Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 as Bishop Gorman defeats Reno 68-27 in the semifinals of the Nevada State Championships at Lawlor Events Center in Reno. Launch slideshow »

Canyon Springs Defeats Spanish Springs

Gerad Davis knifes through the lane on his way to the hoop Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 as Canyon Springs defeats Spanish Springs 66-51 in the semifinals of the Nevada State Championships at Lawlor Events Center in Reno. Launch slideshow »
Prep Sports Now

Which teams leave Reno with gold?

Las Vegas Sun sports reporters Ray Brewer and Case Keefer touch on each of the Southern Nevada teams heading to Reno for the state tournament — Bishop Gorman, Canyon Springs, Clark and Desert Pines. Gorman and Clark are the rightful favorites in their respective divisions, but could an upset be in store?

The Bishop Gorman High basketball team will play for its fifth state championship in six years.

The Gaels today had no problems with Reno High in the state semifinals at the Lawlor Events Center, outscoring the Huskies 25-4 in the second quarter in advancing to Friday’s state championship game against Canyon Springs with a 68-27 victory.

Gorman was in such command that most of the second half was played under the mercy rule of a running clock.

Gorman starters played half the game. Chase Jeter led the way with 14 points, while Nick Blair, Noah Robotham and Stephen Zimmerman each scored 12. Obim Okeke added 10, including a pair of 3-pointers.

We’ll see if Sunrise Region champion Canyon Springs, a squad some suspect can keep it close against the Southern Nevada powerhouse, can put up a better fight.

Canyon Springs overwhelms Spanish Springs in the second half, advances to championship game

After scoring just 17 first-half points, the Canyon Springs High basketball team finally hit its stride today in the state semifinals at the Lawlor Events Center.

And when the Pioneers started running, they were no match for Spanish Springs, overwhelming the Northern Nevada school for a 66-51 victory and a spot in Friday’s championship game.

What a difference a half makes.

Canyon Springs erupted for a 26-point third quarter, turning a 10-point halftime deficit into an advantage. Then, in the fourth quarter, its full court defense was too much for Spanish Springs to handle in icing the win. By the time Spanish Springs scored its initial basketball of the fourth, Canyon Springs led by 14 points and just 3:41 remained in the game.

Gerad Davis had 23 points to lead Canyon Springs, which advances to face the winner of today’s night cap against Bishop Gorman and Reno.

Pregame: Canyon Springs, Bishop Gorman expected to win in state semifinals

It’s a high school basketball game most Las Vegas area fans have been waiting four years to see.

Bishop Gorman has won four of the last five state championships, establishing itself as a Nevada power and making frequent appearances in national rankings.

However, some feel Canyon Springs of North Las Vegas, the 2011 state champions, could be a threat to the Gorman dynasty. That theory could be confirmed at this week’s state tournament — but only if both local teams beat Reno area schools today in the state semifinals at the Lawlor Events Center.

Canyon Springs is up first at 4:40 p.m., playing Spanish Springs High. Canyon Springs is led by nine seniors, most of which have been on the varsity team since their sophomore season, and are averaging 80 points per game. They are expected to win by double-digits.

In the nightcap at 8 p.m., Gorman takes on Northern Region champion Reno High, looking to avoid being knocked off in the semifinal round by an inferior opponent — again. That’s what happened in 2011, when Gorman couldn’t get past Reno’s Bishop Manogue in the state semifinals, falling one game short of a showdown with Canyon Springs in the championship game.

Just like this season, the talk in 2011 was of a potential clash of elite teams in Canyon Springs-Gorman. Instead, Canyon Springs had no problems with Manogue in winning the title.

 

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21

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