5A Season Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Standings</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Liberty -<em> 9-</em></strong><em>2 (19-5 Overall)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Coronado -</strong><em> 9-2 (18-12 Overall)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Arbor View -</strong><em> 9-2 (19-9 Overall)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Bishop Gorman -</strong> <em>9-2 (24-5 Overall)</em> - <strong>2024 STATE CHAMPIONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Desert Pines -</strong> <em>6-5 (8-13 Overall)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Foothill</strong> <strong>-</strong><em> 6-5 (17-10 Overall)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Mojave -</strong><em> 5-6 (13-12 Overall)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. Silverado -</strong> <em>4-7 (16-11 Overall)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9. Centennial -</strong><em> 4-7 (12-13 Overall)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10. Las Vegas High School -</strong> <em>3-8 (12-15 Overall)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>11.</strong> <strong>Spring Valley - </strong><em>2-9 (5-15 Overall)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>12. Durango -</strong> 0-11 (4-21)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024-25 Standings Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Bishop Gorman -</strong> Bishop Gorman appears ready to return to the State Championship. Their starting lineup is stacked, and includes: [player_tooltip player_id='986960' first='Nick' last='Jefferson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1511462' first='Jett' last='Washington'], [player_tooltip player_id='1965274' first='Ilan' last='Nikolov'], [player_tooltip player_id='2047786' first='Kameron' last='Cooper'], and Chris Baudreau. The Gaels have a bunch of talent on their bench as well. Last season they went 9-2 in league play, I believe they'll be at the top of the standings at the end of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Mojave -</strong> Mojave may be the most dangerous team in 5A this season. They have added a few transfers in, [player_tooltip player_id='1285970' first='Antonio' last='Burns'], [player_tooltip player_id='1465681' first='Curtis' last='Coleman'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1420496' first='Isaiah' last='Trotter']. All 3 will all be rotational players and can make big impacts on the game. Junior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1668933' first='Phil' last='Gordon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1638995' first='Aries' last='Denson'] have also raised their level of play and will play a ton of minutes. Then you have [player_tooltip player_id='1268866' first='CJ' last='Shaw'] at the helm, and Zaccarion Jackson as his backcourt mate. They are loaded with talent and seem prepared to win some big games this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3.</strong> <strong>Coronado -</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1253129' first='Mason' last='Abittan'] has joined the Cougars and will be the leader for them. The Cougars also have [player_tooltip player_id='1335934' first='Lantz' last='Stephenson'], Jalen St. Claire, [player_tooltip player_id='1463264' first='Jonny' last='Collins'] as starters. From what I have seen so far, they have looked like a very athletic team. Few teams will be able to match-up with them, and I also expect that they'll do well rebounding. At the moment, they look like a 20+ game winning team. But how they fair in the playoffs may depend on their play from their seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Liberty - </strong>Liberty will look much different this season without Tyus Thomas and Tyler Bright in the starting line up. But they have some guys that are ready to step up. [player_tooltip player_id='2128311' first='Taytum' last='Webb'], [player_tooltip player_id='1252347' first='Jaden' last='Riley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1493480' first='Dante' last='Steward'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1538588' first='Maleek' last='Simeus'] are all quite skilled and can play some good defense. If they can keep the game at the pace that they want, they should be in position to put up a good record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5.</strong> <strong>Desert Pines -</strong> I expect Desert Pines to get better as the year goes on. With [player_tooltip player_id='1465681' first='Curtis' last='Coleman'] leaving, they'll need to get some more scoring and rebounding from everyone else. While easier said than done, I like their pieces. [player_tooltip player_id='2468244' first='Jaden' last='Redding'], [player_tooltip player_id='2374347' first='Aaron' last='McMorran II'], [player_tooltip player_id='986971' first='Prince' last='Davis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1965276' first='Quentin' last='Stewart'], [player_tooltip player_id='2111894' first='Tyler' last='Merto'] and co. are a competitive bunch. They face a tough schedule, but that should only help get them ready for the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6.</strong> <strong>Arbor View - </strong>I'm a fan of Arbor View's backcourt and of their shooting. JT Darden has a nice shooting stroke and [player_tooltip player_id='1253130' first='Sebastian' last='Knox'] can really drive to the rim. Arbor View also has some youth. Their sophomores: [player_tooltip player_id='2053686' first='Cassius' last='Britt'], [player_tooltip player_id='1945840' first='Ien' last='Kirkland'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2605253' first='Wilbert' last='Townsend'] all have scoring abilities and played well in the preseason. In the paint, the Aggies have Ty'Jir Broxie and [player_tooltip player_id='1765905' first='Dominic' last='Givens']. I think they'll win some games year, but they'll have their work cut out for them against some of the stronger teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Centennial -</strong> Centennial will lean on their defense this season. When they have their press clicking on all cylinders, they can cause a lot of unforced errors. Or they get the trap in the right spot. On offense, they have get some juniors in [player_tooltip player_id='1667943' first='Zyon' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1253141' first='Jayonni' last='Durrough'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1961186' first='Bryce' last='Iwuoha'] who can create their own shot. But they will also look to swing the ball around to get open looks. For them to be a team that is higher in the standings, they will need to shoot well and get offensive production from non-starters. [player_tooltip player_id='1965273' first='Jaxon' last='Price'] is one guy who might raise his level of play this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. Las Vegas High School -</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1253136' first='Tayshaun' last='Jackson'] will be running the show for the Wildcats. He has some quickness that should help him get to the rack, or find his teammates for open shots. [player_tooltip player_id='1765906' first='Hunter' last='Iverson'] and Jakhai Jones are also going to be big time contributors for the Wildcats. Iverson can really shoot, and Jones is a highly athletic player who can create separation. Now that [player_tooltip player_id='1281364' first='Tremayne' last='Anderson'] won't be with them, they need all hands on deck when it comes to rebounding.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9. Foothill</strong> <strong>-</strong> Foothill is another team that will different this year after [player_tooltip player_id='986970' first='Zak' last='Abdalla'] made the move to Red Rock Academy. Sophomore guard, [player_tooltip player_id='2352170' first='Cordet' last='Espinoza'] is one guy that will have more on his plate this year. I'm looking forward to watching him develop. [player_tooltip player_id='2145745' first='Dejon' last='Townsend'] is another guy who will be a reliable contributor for them. In addition to their upperclassmen, Foothill also has a freshman on their roster, Cru Brown. He is 6'6 and may get some minutes this year to help with defense and rebounding. The Falcons could be another team that improves as the year goes on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10. Silverado</strong> <strong>-</strong> Silverado had a few guys that I liked in the Fall Varsity League. [player_tooltip player_id='1970812' first='Travaughn' last='Brigance'], [player_tooltip player_id='2642329' first='Denali' last='Connelly'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1494682' first='Kayden' last='Goss'] looked like their main guys, and each of them brings some scoring to the table. Sophomores, [player_tooltip player_id='1965090' first='Bronson' last='Gilmore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2640646' first='Cameron' last='Martin'] are also on the team. Bronson has some great handles and can really fill it up. Cam will look to stretch the floor with his shooting when he's in. I'm not sure they can hang with the more athletic teams due to their youth, but they should do alright against teams that they can match up with defensively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>11. Spring Valley -</strong> Spring Valley has some difficult tests this year, and have to replace a lot of scoring now that Alijah Adem is at Bowling Green. [player_tooltip player_id='1965181' first='Angelo' last='Imperial'] looks to be one of their guards that will get heavy minutes this year. If he can navigate around teams defensive pressure, Spring Valley may be able to win some league games here and there. [player_tooltip player_id='1494636' first='Nas' last='Green'] is also an X-factor for them. When he plays high level defense, it really raises the team's level of play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>12.</strong> <strong>Durango -</strong> Durango went 0-11 in conference play last year and won just 4 games all season. In order to turn things around, guys like Drake Afe-Passion and [player_tooltip player_id='2199605' first='Fabian' last='Gomez'] need to play extremely well. Afe-Passion can shoot pretty well and can hit some difficult shots around the rim. Gomez is very athletic, and may surprise some people with his offensive play. We'll see what they look like soon once the season opens up,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1268866' first='CJ' last='Shaw']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='986960' first='Nick' last='Jefferson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1511462' first='Jett' last='Washington'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1253136' first='Tayshaun' last='Jackson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1665140' first='Zacarrion' last='Jackson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='986971' first='Prince' last='Davis']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1335934' first='Lantz' last='Stephenson'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1463264' first='Jonny' last='Collins']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2111894' first='Tyler' last='Merto']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1252347' first='Jaden' last='Riley']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1970812' first='Travaughn' last='Brigance'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1486090' first='Tremmell' last='Darden Jr'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1668933' first='Phil' last='Gordon']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1492605' first='Rylan' last='Hearns']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1961186' first='Bryce' last='Iwuoha'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1493480' first='Dante' last='Steward']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1965274' first='Ilan' last='Nikolov']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2047786' first='Kameron' last='Cooper'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1667943' first='Zyon' last='Harris'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1253141' first='Jayonni' last='Durrough'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1253130' first='Sebastian' last='Knox']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1765905' first='Dominic' last='Givens'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Transfers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1253129' first='Mason' last='Abittan'] - Coronado</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1285970' first='Antonio' last='Burns'] - Mojave</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1465681' first='Curtis' last='Coleman'] - Mojave</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1420496' first='Isaiah' last='Trotter'] - Mojave</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1315766' first='Christopher' last='Baudreau'] - Bishop Gorman </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1965276' first='Quentin' last='Stewart'] - Desert Pines</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Departures</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tyus Thomas - now in Arizona</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tyler Bright - now in Florida </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1486135' first='Tee' last='Bartlett'] - now playing in OTE</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='986970' first='Zak' last='Abdalla'] - now at Red Rock Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1253140' first='Brian' last='Townsend'] - graduating early for football</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Freshman On Varsity</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2468244' first='Jaden' last='Redding']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2370259' first='Terry' last='McKinney III']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2374347' first='Aaron' last='McMorran II']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2634178' first='Kru' last='Brown'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Taylor </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2588076' first='Maleki' last='Sims']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gianni McGhee </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2450360' first='Noah' last='Grossman']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darius McGee</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semi-Final Team Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop Gorman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mojave</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coronado</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liberty </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION</strong> <strong>-</strong> Bishop Gorman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->