Tarrian’s Take: Hidden Gems in Northern Nevada
Nevada is a state that isn’t short on talented young ball players. Often times we spend so much time talking about how great the talent level is in Southern Nevada that Northern Nevada can get lost in the shuffle. Not…
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Continue ReadingNevada is a state that isn’t short on talented young ball players. Often times we spend so much time talking about how great the talent level is in Southern Nevada that Northern Nevada can get lost in the shuffle. Not to fear! If we take the long trip up north there will be a rich discovery of hidden gems here are a few worth keeping an eye out for.
Credit to Anthony Mori Elkodaily for photoMichael Klekas 6’2 PF Elko 2022- As far as Northern Nevada talent is concerned Klekas might be the cream of the crop. He took the 3A Northern Division by storm last year as a freshman. He tied for the league high with eight double-doubles. Klekas ranked third in the league in both scoring and rebounding posting 15.5 points and 8.7 boards per game. He eclipsed the 20 point mark on seven different occasions, scoring in double digits a dominant 22 times in 27 games. Klekas has a strong inside-outside game, he could score with ease inside the block. And if things get muddy inside he can step beyond the arc and drain threes. Klekas finished ninth in the 3A North with 30 triples and 10th in efficiency at 34 percent (30-for-87). The fun part about this job for me is learning about the player and Klekas has one of the most interesting stories you will ever hear. His family you could say are local celebrates in Elko his father Chris has been the Head Coach at the high school for 26 years and is approaching 450 wins for his career. Klekas is one of nine sons that starred for his father in Elko. Michael and his brother Alex both made first team all state selections. With his brother Alex graduating the younger Kleka’s will certainty be at the forefront for player of the year consideration. The scary part for Northern Nevada is Michael is only a sophomore. They say you are only as good as your last performance. In his last performance he dropped a game high 29 points in double overtime. He didn’t even play in both overtimes because he fouled out in regulation YIKES! It was a game where he went 12-for-16 from the floor with three 3s.
TT Valosek 6’3 SG Incline 2022- One theme I think you’ll notice in my Northern Nevada gems are young men who were freshman that led their team to historic seasons. Valosek is no different as a Freshman he helped lead his team with a 25-6 record and the 2A Nevada state championship. As a freshman he averaged 15.5 points 2.3 assists 5.3 rebounds 1.5 steals per game last year. Valosek frustrated opposing coaches one coach last year was quoted in saying “Incline has a spectacular freshman point guard [6-3 T.T. Valosek] who is going to score pretty much at will.” If you hop on Youtube you’ll pretty much see for yourself how accurate that is. Valosek is one of the thicker point guards you’ll see around. With a bigger body that means he is able to finish around the rim more forcefully than most. The 5.3 rebounds indicates that he is a solid rebounder and he could box out the sun if he had to. That is my favorite aspect about his game is his ability to get his team into quick transition with long quick rebounds. When the ball is in his hands he will not make a mistake with it as he is able to score from any spot on the floor. He has a smooth stroke from long range a smooth stroke from mid range. Scoring comes easy. Often times with basketball it is more than X’s and O’s and the skills you posses. Their are often some intangibles that go beyond the box score and that is leadership. To be a catalyst of a championship team your freshman year is spectacular and that will certaintly be a feather in this young man’s cap for many years to come.
Cort Ballinger 5″10 PG Bishop Manogue 2022- Every team in America needs a player like Cort Ballinger. This kid is a pitbull at the defensive end. He led the state with 3.5 steals per game. He became a folk hero last year in the state playoffs as he was tasked in guarding some of the most prolific scorers in the state and he didn’t bat an eye. His most impressive work was his defense on Canyon Springs Kevin Legardy in the playoffs. Legardy who came in the season averaging 25.4 points per game. Ballinger held him to 9 points on 4-20 shooting and was in his jersey the whole game. Ballinger would have followed him in the bathroom if he had too. His defense was so good it prompted Canyon Springs coach too say this. “As far as Kevin Legardy, at the next level if you’re not on, you’re not going to get off that bench,” Canyon Springs coach Freddie Banks said. “You let a freshman take you out of your game. A freshman. He’s only a freshman. You let him take you out of your game. So he’s got to mature.” We get it coach he was a freshman. Defense is a huge part of the game and having your point guard set the tone for you at that end of the floor is a huge deal and apart of why Bishop Manogue won a championship last season.