Team Preview: Silverado Skyhawks

Anyone wanting to learn a thing or two about culture should stop by an Andy Johnson practice. The coach leaves nothing to chance, even walking his team through the appropriate way to huddle during a timeout. His Culture will be defense, with The 1st half-hour of his practice dedicated to, drilling his team on the proper way to close out and rotate. Johnson returns to Sin City, after a stint in Texas where he led the Village Vikings to 3 straight playoff appearances. Before Texas, he was the head coach at local powerhouse Findlay Prep where he went 57-5 in two seasons. His return to Vegas was a "No Brainer" according to Johnson, who jumped on the opportunity to be close to family. In addition to his family, the players on the Skyhawks will also benefit from his arrival. In his 7 total years at Findlay (5 as an assistant), Johnson developed 10 McDonald’s All Americans, 56 Division I signees, and 20 NBA players. He mentions former Gonzaga standout and NBA draft pick. Nigel Williams Goss as his biggest development success story. His first-year goals at Silverado are straightforward. "To create a culture" Based on his track record, all signs point to the Skyhawks achieving those goals. Returners: <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Damion-Byrd.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1286591 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Damion-Byrd-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="859641" first="Damion" last="Byrd"] 6’0 PG 2022 - Byrd is the only returner from the squad. He was the starting PG two seasons ago. A high IQ PG, expect him to form a nice 1-2 punch in the backcourt with transfer [player_tooltip player_id="1286525" first="Kenyon" last="Giles"]. He’s a defensive dynamo that defends opposing PGs well. He’s also an unselfish passer, with the ability to set up teammates.       Newcomers: <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Julius-Robinson.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1286592 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Julius-Robinson-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1281194" first="Julius" last="Robinson"] 6’0 SG 2025 - Robinson may be a candidate for my all bully team. The physically imposing guard does a terrific job of initiating contact and finishing on his drives The lefty loves to get to his strong hand, and when he does, he is excellent at finishing in traffic.         <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Mike-Anderson.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1286594 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Mike-Anderson-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>Michael Anderson 6’2 PF 2025 - Anderson has a chance to lead the team in rebounding. He is one of the best-undersized rebounders in the city, with a knack for snagging boards in traffic. He will provide frontcourt depth for the squad, along with interior scoring and defense.         <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/G..jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1286595 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/G.-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1281193" first="Giancarlo" last="Martina"] 5’8 PG 2025 - Martina is already one of the top on-ball defenders in the state. Despite his size, don’t look for him to back down to anyone. Martina battles ballhandlers and is willing to make it equally difficult for opponents attempting to post him up. His defense and ballhandling will come in handy for the squad.       [player_tooltip player_id="1286634" first="Chris" last="Babbs"] 5’9 PG Silverado 2022 - Babbs will bring leadership and defense to the team. I got to see quite a bit of the PG this summer while playing for All Vegas on the PrepHoops Circuit. His ability to provide additional ballhandling will add to the overall depth of the team’s backcourt. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Jeron-Haynes.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1286596 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Jeron-Haynes-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1286637" first="Jeron" last="Haynes"] 6’1 SG 2022 - Haynes may end up being one of the top shooters on the team. The transfer from Atlanta has a nice looking stroke and gets his shot off quickly against closing defenders. He’s also a high academic performer carrying a 3.8 GPA.         Sleeper: <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Kollin-Ngo.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1286598 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Kollin-Ngo-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1105245" first="Kollin" last="Ngo"] 6’1 SG 2023 - Ngo is a candidate for a breakout season. The junior is a good shooter, that loves to park in the corner and splash 3’s. He’s also an aggressive scorer, who has shown the ability to slash to the rim and get buckets. His ability to space the floor for the Skyhawks, should open up driving lanes for their slashers.       Top Prospect: <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Kenyon-Giles.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1286600 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Kenyon-Giles-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1286525" first="Kenyon" last="Giles"] 5’10 PG 2022 - Giles instantly elevates the Skyhawks into contention. The PG is a dynamic scorer with the ability to knock down shots in catch and shoot or create off the bounce. Although a new player he already considers himself a leader. "I try to pass out advice to the young players and teach them," says Giles. He will also lead by example, as Giles should be one of the top players in 4A this season. <a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a>