Playoff Recap: Way To Early Season Preview
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With the crowning of 5 state champions, the season has ended. It was a remarkable season as each champion overcame unique challenges. Durango won, despite losing their coach toward the end of the season. Somerset Losse had to win a…
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Continue ReadingWith the crowning of 5 state champions, the season has ended. It was a remarkable season as each champion overcame unique challenges. Durango won, despite losing their coach toward the end of the season. Somerset Losse had to win a defacto road game in Reno against Elko. Democracy Prep won, despite losing an assistant coach to Cancer, and both Mojave and GV Christian claimed back-to-back crowns. With the season over, we thought it would be fun to look ahead and see what players we’ll be writing about next year at this time.
The sophomore showed himself well during the Warriors playoff run. He had several good runs throughout the season, including ending the year with 6 consecutive double digit games. The exprience that he gained reaching the state semis should help as he tries to get West Wendover to reclaim 2A glory.
Taylor is a physically imposing young player, that played spot minutes for Democracy Prep. He moves well, is athletic and possesss the aforementioned frame. Once he learns the game, and coach Duke’s system, I can easily see him becoming more important to the Democracy Prep rotating in the upcoming season.
Borders is a young player with good size. Like Taylor he will have to earn a larger role in the Blue Knights rotation, however he has some skill, and has already gotten some valuable big stage experience. As he continues to physically mature, and his skills begin to catch up with his frame, I can see him becoming a productive member of a Dpac team looking to make another title run.
Highlights
I was impressed with Williams’ wiggle when I saw him play. He’s more than a straight line driver, or catch and shooter. He showed that he can play the 1, as well as score the basketball when attacking as an off the ball player. I expect Incline to be right back in the mix next season, and a large part of that should be the defelopment of the sophomore guard.
Nwuli was ineligible to play for the defending Champion Trailblazers after transfering from Gorman. The 6’6 hard hat power forward will be an instant addition to the newly crowned 5A champs. His ability to rebound, defend the perimeter as well as provide interior size, will be a huge addition to the Trailblazers.
Losee took home the 3A crown, knocking off defending champion Elko in Reno. A lot of that can be attributed to Jones and his pit bull mentality. The sophomore guard was brilliant coming up with 20 points in the Championship game. Don’t be suprised if he’s spearheading a young Lions squad a year from now when the 3A championship game is played in Las Vegas.
Tomlin has the physical tools to be one of the most dominant players in 3A this season. There is a real possiblity that if he improves on his 18 and 6 numbers from a year ago, that we may be talking about him being 3A player of the Post season as well.
Durango will have to find a way to replace Tylen Riley Tylen Riley 6’2″ | CG Durango | 2023 State NV next year, Caesar will be one of the leading canidates. He has the skill, showing during a few JV games that he’s able to shoot, and handle the basketball, and he also plays with what is now the trademark grit of a Durango player.
Highlights
Quick, as he is affectionately called, earned a new nickname… Champion. The sharp shooting, floor spacing PG will return as an offensive weapon for a Lions team that looks to be loaded again. The dynamic PG was the leading scorer for the team, coming up with a career high of 27, as well as a 12 point effort in the state title game against Elko.
Las Vegas has made two straight Final fours with two completely different teams. Next year’s edition will undoubtedly feature Jackson, as he put together a first team All Conference performance, ending his season with a 20 point effort against Silverado.