Nevada Season Preview: Cheyenne Desert Shields

<p>In sports, it's common to use terms like family and brotherhood. Often time, they're just hollow phrases. For the Cheyenne boys basketball team, however, they're not just words, but a code to live by. SInce coach Teral Fair arrived in 1996 the Desert Shields have epitomized family values. He and assoc head coach Bruce Gaitor have been tied at the hip for 14 years, and several of his former players take an active role in the program. They have turned out several high-level college players including former Rebel Demetrius Hunter, SDSU standout Lorenzo Wade, and current Wyoming star AJ Banks. The Desert Shields lost 4 starters from last seasons squad, but return all world junior Glenn Taylor. This season he is joined by several underclassmen that received valuable minutes, and experience. In this article, PH takes a look at the Cheyenne Desert Shields.</p> <p>Key Returners:</p> <p><strong>Glenn Taylor 6'5 SF 2021 (#4 2021)</strong> - Taylor is the unquestioned leader of the team. His teammates feed off his unselfishness and humility. He's a multi-tooled player that can do several things on the court. However, Taylor's best attribute may simply be his competitive spirit and willingness to win. He's always willing to make the right play to help the team.</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p><strong>Davy Burdette 6'1 PG 2020</strong> - Burdette is an explosive PG that attacks the rim with reckless abandon. High IQ player, Burdette serves as one of the teams main vocal leaders. His ability to keep this young talented group focused will be key to the team's success. A high academic performer Burdette, rocks a 4.0 GPA. </p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p><strong>Andrick Santillan 6'4 SG 2022 (#5 2022)</strong> - Santillan is one of the rising C/O 2022 players in the state. A versatile player, he has terrific size for his position and can be equally effective at the 1 or 2. He fits the makeup of the squad, as his unselfish play frees up others for easy baskets. With his size, he can easily see over the top of smaller players when playing the 1, and he has the quickness to beat taller wings off the bounce. He could be in line for a breakout year as a key member of Taylor's supporting cast.</p> <p><strong>De'kquante Hayes 6'2 SG 2021 (#39 2021)</strong> - Hayes is one of the key glue guys for the team. Last season he averaged just under 5 per game while seeing action in 19 games. He has a terrific mid-range game and is a high IQ player.</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p><strong>Donovan Webster 6'2 SF 2022 (#24 2022) -</strong> Webster is an excellent run and jump athlete that scores in a variety of ways. He can get to the rim off the bounce, or space the floor by knocking down 3's. A young prospect that just keeps developing, Webster also provides defensive versatility and rebounding for the squad.</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p><strong>Victavion Conway -Fox 6'6 PF 2021 -</strong> I was fortunate to see quite a bit of Vic this summer, as he is part of the Prep Hoops Circuit. A rim protector and strong rebounder, Conway - Fox also has an array of post moves that he uses on the block, and he is capable of playing pick and pop basketball out to about the free-throw line. I expect him to score quite a bit off offensive rebounds and in transition.</p> <p>Top Prospect: <strong>Glenn Taylor</strong> - Taylor is one of the most sought after Juniors in the state. He is a terrific playmaker that won't wow you with any one particular skill but is efficient at several. He can knock down shots if left open and has the ability to finish at the rim. What he is best at is simply making the correct play for his team. Playing alongside Taylor provides several open looks for his teammates and he has the skill and unselfish ability to deliver. A loyal kid that represents the very best of the program, Taylor has had several opportunities to bolt for high profile prep schools, but as he tells me. "My goal is to stay here and win a state title". Currently, he holds offers from Nevada, UNLV, UTSA, and So Utah.</p>