South Valley Sports - Las Vegas Sun

Justin M. Bowen

Las Vegas High wide receiver Riyaadh Mevins, right, attempts to pull down a pass April 25 during a skills challenge hosted by the Southern Nevada Football Coaches Association at Valley. Cimmaron-Memorial's Zach Barbara defends.

Desert Pines' signal caller elevates his game: PREP FOOTBALL: Skills challenge highlights top local football talent; Wed, Apr 29, 2009 (5:24 p.m.); By Ray Brewer; Nobody would have questioned his dedication if Desert Pines quarterback Dalton Leilua had decided to skip Saturday's Southern Nevada Coaches Association skills competition. After all, he had just competed in another recruiting event earlier in the day and had spent four hours driving back to Las Vegas from Moorpark, Calif. But neither the long trip nor the back-to-back workouts slowed him down. Not much has in his career with the Jaguars.

Embattled Gorman football player enters plea deal: PREP FOOTBALL: Oklahoma recruit pleads no contest to two misdemeanors, hopes to reduce all felony charges; Wednesday, April 29, 2009; By Steve Silver; Former Bishop Gorman football standout Justin Chaisson is one step closer to pursuing his gridiron dreams at the University of Oklahoma thanks to a plea deal reached Wednesday. Chaisson pleaded no contest to one count of misdemeanor coercion and one count of misdemeanor domestic battery stemming from an alleged attack on his ex-girlfriend where Chaisson supposedly threatened to kill the young woman with a screwdriver after violently forcing her into his car.

Chaparral coach Todd Faranda motivates his team between innings during the Cowboys' game against Las Vegas High Thursday at Chaparral High School.

Love and life on the diamond: Prep Baseball: Young skipper using passion for the game to return Chaparral to glory; Monday, April 27, 2009; By Steve Silver; When diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Burkitt's Lymphoma as an 8-year-old growing up in Green Valley, Todd Faranda never pondered how long he would live. His main concern was when he'd get his next turn at the plate.

New York Giants lineman Grey Ruegamer (left) shows off his Super Bowl ring with Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

Bowling for books: NFL lineman helps promote literacy with elementary schools; Friday, April 24, 2009; By Brett Okamoto; Griffith Elementary School in Northwest Las Vegas has a unique lineup for its daily morning announcements. They remind the kids of the school's mission statement, to always try their best. Then they give a "word of the day" to increase vocabulary, followed by any important daily announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, at least in the Fall, they announce the New York Giants score.

Anthony Carvalho, a member of the UNLV Red Storm frisbee team, catches a pass during team practice at the UNLV practice fields.

UNLV's Red Army marches on: UNLV CLUB SPORTS:; Wednesday, April 22, 2009; Ricky Campbell; Some people don't know what Ultimate Frisbee is. Other people, however, wouldn't spend their time doing anything but playing the game. UNLV's club Frisbee team hasn't been around too long, but is looking for their chance to shine.

Proceeds from golf tourney helping UNLV athletes: Saving Par:; Wednesday, April 22, 2009; Jeff Jensen; The Findlay Toyota Rebel Athletic Fund Golf Tournament will be held May 11 at Bear's Best Golf Club. All proceeds benefit UNLV athletes.

Baseball still a great tradition: From the Press Box:; Wednesday, April 22, 2009; By Ray Brewer; Talk about taking a walk down memory lane. Strolling through the concourse at Cashman Field on April 17 during the Las Vegas 51s home opener, I could not help reminiscing about watching baseball games at the stadium during my childhood.

Bishop Gorman defensive end Justin Chaisson (97) barrels over a Sierra Vista player at the Gaels' homecoming game on Oct. 10.

Restraining order case against Gorman football star dismissed: Prep Football:; Thursday, April 16, 2009; By Steve Silver; Former Bishop Gorman football star Justin Chaisson did not appear in front of Judge Eric Goodman Thursday morning in Clark County District Court for a protective order hearing. But the presence of Chaisson's lawyer, Michael Cristalli, was all the University of Oklahoma football recruit needed to avoid a misdemeanor charge of violating a restraining order against his ex-girlfriend.

Drag racing a tasty treat for this novice: From the Press Box:; Monday, April 6, 2009; By Ray Brewer; Tasty foot-long corn dogs, juicy roasted turkey legs and pink lemonade were on my lunch menu last weekend. Who wouldn't love that combination on a Sunday afternoon?

Coronado freshman A.J. McInerney tees off on the 16th hole Tuesday during a match against Centennial at Anthem Country Club.

Deep Coronado squad closes in on program's first state championship: PREP GOLF: Talented freshman leads undefeated Cougars; Friday, April 3, 2009; By Steve Silver; A.J. McInerney watched helplessly from the sidelines as the Coronado boys' golf team allowed a one stroke lead to slip away in the final nine holes of the 4A state championship last year at TPC Las Vegas to cross-valley rival Palo Verde. McInerney, then in eighth grade, decided that day to set a goal of winning a state title before graduating in 2012. But the second best freshman in the nation according to the Golfweek/Titleleist Performance Index might only have to wait a few weeks before that dream becomes reality.

Liberty High School's Shawn Murray leads the way in a pan-action photograph during track practice at Liberty.

Nomadic sprinter finds sweet home on Liberty's track: PREP SPORTS:; Monday, March 30, 2009; By Brett Okamoto; After bouncing between four high schools in four years, Liberty senior Shaun Murray is sick of nobody knowing his name. This track season he is hoping to change that by putting his name in a spot where it hopefully won't move for a long time — the record books.

Sunrise Mountain High School football coach Jason Basso poses in front of the soon-to-be new football stadium.

Sunrise Mountain finds first football coach: PREP FOOTBALL:; Wednesday, March 25, 2009; By Brett Okamoto; Right about the time Jason Basso had given up looking for a football head coaching job in Las Vegas for next season, a job found him.

Southeast Technical and Career Center senior Chris Sambol takes a break during batting practice.

Tech slugger strikes fear in opposing pitchers: Prep Baseball:; Thursday, March 19, 2009; By Garrett Downing; Chris Sambol has become accustomed to hitting pitches he does not like. During his baseball career at Southeast Career and Technical Academy, opponents have tried to limit his power at the plate by walking him or offering up a steady diet of breaking balls.

Coronado senior Michaelanne Laurent rounds the bend of the final leg of an 800-meter run during practice.

Hard work pays off for Coronado runner: Thursday, March 19, 2009; By Ray Brewer; There is a reason why Coronado senior long distance runner Michaelanne Laurent has had a record setting career for the Cougars.

No surprise in Silverado's upset of Bishop Gorman: From the Press Box:; Monday, March 16, 2009; By Ray Brewer; Sure, it was only one victory. But for the Silverado High baseball team, its 4-2 triumph against Bishop Gorman on Friday in the season opener for both schools was more than another tally in the win column.