Team Preview: Cimarron Spartans

You better be physically and mentally tough if you plan on playing for coach Daryl Branham. The last coach not named Grant Rice to win a large school title in Nevada is as no-nonsense as they come. His program is about effort, discipline, and attention to detail. You could also add in competitiveness, much of which comes from their Championship coach. "We can be competitive with anybody" Our goal is to play for a State Championship". The Spartans will be counting on a slew of new players, some with Championship experience of their own, however, for both new and returning players alike, reaching those goals depends on a philosophy Branham preaches from day 1. "We will reach our goals if we play team basketball." HC Daryl Branham 7th Season Division 4A 2019 - 2020 Record 4-22 Key Returners <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Kiante-Atchison.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1277272 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Kiante-Atchison-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="859661" first="Kiante" last="Atchison"] 5’11 SF 2022 (#48PHN 2022) - It feels like Atchison has been around forever. The senior is the heart and soul of the team, leading both vocally and by example. He’s the embodiment of the Spartan spirit, when asked what his role on the team was Atchison responded "Play defense." A positionless player, Atchison will be called on to do a little bit of everything for the squad.       Key Newcomers: <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Donte-Turner-3.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1277273 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Donte-Turner-3-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1020764" first="Donte" last="Turner"] 6’3 SF 2022 (#16PHN 2022) - Turner is one of the top newcomers in 4A. A Swiss Army Knife type player, expect him to help the team in multiple ways. Although listed as a small forward, He’ll see extensive time at the PG position and has a chance to be one of the team’s top defenders.       <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Amir-McDaniel.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1277284 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Amir-McDaniel-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>Amir McDaniels 6’3 SF 2023 - The best way to describe McDaniel is a raw lean wing, just scratching the surface of his talent. He has some slashing ability, choosing to attack the rim with his strong hand. He’s also a good rebounder, using an extremely quick 1st jump to get off the ground. McDaniels could be a huge x-factor for the team, providing frontcourt depth, and interior scoring.       <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Casey-Brahnam.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1277278 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Casey-Brahnam-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1277108" first="Casey" last="Branham"] 6’0 2023 - Brahnam reminds me of an old west gunslinger, taking on all challengers. The sniper showed off his strap and confidence during the scrimmage, burying 3’s from all over the court. He showed decent quickness off the bounce and a ton of moxie on the court. When asked about his expectations for the team, the sharpshooter responded. "We’re a top 3 team".       <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Chris-Cordona.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1277275 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Chris-Cordona-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>Christian Cordova 5’7 PG 2025 - It’s players like Cordova that make my job fun. The freshmen PG has some serious wiggle and plays with veteran confidence. He’s a knock-down shooter in catch-and-shoot action but showed in the scrimmage that he’s more than capable of creating for himself off the dribble. He and Brahnam together in the backcourt give off a baby splash brothers vibe.       [player_tooltip player_id="1140628" first="Andrew" last="Overland"] 6’5 PF 2023 - Overland is a three-sport athlete, currently starring on the gridiron. A high motor player, expect him to provide rebounding and interior defense. Sleeper: <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Tayn-Thompson.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1277276 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Tayn-Thompson-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1277287" first="Taryn" last="Thompson"] 6’4 PF 2022 - Thompson is going to be one of the top transfer players in the 4A divison. The Senior forward is two years removed from a state title with Desert Vista of Arizona and averaged nearly 10ppg as a junior. Thompson is an efficient, scorer and matchup nightmare, with the ability to slash, score with his back to the basket, and finish in transition.       Top Prospect: [player_tooltip player_id="859654" first="Miles" last="Mitchell"] 6’1 SG 2022 (#28PHN 2022) (featured image) - It’s great to see Mitchell healthy. Known as primarily a shooter, Mitchell has improved his playmaking ability. He showed good quickness and vision in the scrimmage and attributed it to "being lighter on his feet" Mitchell is one of the top high academic players in the state with a 4.5 GPA. <a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a>