Season Preview: 4A Lake League

New Look Lake League - All New Teams (Besides Rancho)   Chaparral - 12-14 Overall Last Season - Previously In 4A Sky League   Del Sol - 4-17 Overall Last Season - Previously In 4A Sky League   Eldorado - 3-15 Overall Last Season - Previously In 3A   Las Vegas - 10-15 Overall Last Season - Previously In 5A   Mater East Academy - 22-6 Overall Last Season - Previously In 3A   Rancho - 22-7 Overall Last Season - Only Team That Was In 4A Lake League Last Year   Sunrise Mountain - 5-20 Overall Last Season - Previously In 4A Mountain League   Valley - 14-14 Overall Last Season - Previously In 4A Mountain League     Predictions   1. Las Vegas - The Las Vegas Wildcats should be in for a strong season thanks to their athleticism, energy, and depth. Even though they lost last year's starting point guard, Tayshaun Jackson, they now have [player_tooltip player_id='2471021' first='Jacory' last='Boyce'] running the offense. He's shown a lot of promise in the preseason. He's very shifty and capable of breaking down defenses in similar fashion to Jackson. [player_tooltip player_id='2468405' first='Amari' last='Hinds'] will be another key piece for them. As his combination of strength and speed makes him a tough matchup. The Wildcats also added Traejon Jernigan, an explosive transfer who gives them yet another athletic guard for opponents to worry about.   Up front, Las Vegas features Malachi Dorsey and [player_tooltip player_id='1765906' first='Hunter' last='Iverson']. Dorsey may be undersized, but he plays well above his height. Constantly battling in the paint for rebounds and scoring through contact. Iverson brings a different look as a smooth shooter who can knock down inside looks and stretch the floor with threes. His size will also be important defensively, especially when tasked with guarding bigger forwards.   Rounding out the roster are Trinnen Young, Jonathan Negasi, Ladarian Bell, Tre Smith, Max Lindaman, and Isaiah Simms. Giving the Wildcats plenty of depth and lineup flexibility.   Overall, Las Vegas has the pieces to compete with anyone in the conference, and I believe they'll finish at or near the top of the 4A Lake League standings by season's end.   2. Mater East Academy - The reigning 3A State Champions will now be competing in the 4A Lake League. But they'll look much different after graduating eight seniors (including their top six scorers). Replacing that level of production won't be easy. Yet Mater East brings in one of the best freshman classes in Nevada. Their newcomers include [player_tooltip player_id='2918862' first='Benjamin' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='2624906' first='Damari' last='Sawall'], and [player_tooltip player_id='3028423' first='Diego' last='Ramirez'].   Brown was originally expected to play at DPAC before returning to Mater East (where he attended middle school prior to the start of the year). Despite being just a freshman, he has the confidence and skill to become one of the league's top offensive threats thanks to his elite shooting ability. Joining him in the backcourt will be fellow freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2624906' first='Damari' last='Sawall'], currently ranked as my No. 3 prospect in the 2029 class. Sawall has the handles, IQ, and touch to make tough shots and should contribute early. While Ramirez gives the Knights even more shooting and size.   They'll also feature two talented 2028 guards in [player_tooltip player_id='2819169' first='Keyone' last='Wilkerson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2637192' first='Markus' last='Burton']. Wilkerson will likely serve as their floor general, setting the pace and keeping the offense organized. Burton is expected to play more off the ball, providing a mix of slashing and perimeter shooting.   The Knights will lean on a couple of upperclassmen as well, [player_tooltip player_id='2221829' first='Kwes' last='Young'] (Senior) and Zermiond Rojas (Junior). Young's defensive versatility and vertical make him invaluable. And I wouldn't be surprised if he's tasked with guarding opposing primary ball handlers to force turnovers. Rojas brings toughness and shooting, especially from 3-Point Land when defenses lose track of him.   Some may be surprised to see Mater East this high in the preseason predictions. But the combination of young talent, athleticism, and coaching gives them a legitimate chance to earn a playoff berth in their first 4A season.   3. Valley - Valley High School will be an intriguing team to follow this season. While I haven't seen much of them during the preseason, it's clear they have several prospects capable of helping them win games right away.   At point guard, Larontae Johnson will handle ball-handling duties and be the primary facilitator. The Vikings will likely run with [player_tooltip player_id='2374209' first='Van' last='Graves'] at shooting guard. Though he isn't the tallest player on the floor, he has a knack for scoring in the paint, finishing through contact, or earning trips to the free-throw line.   Valley also brings in some transfers and freshman that should be able to contribute.   Sebastian Medeiros, a Spring Valley transfer, adds perimeter shooting and the ability to get downhill. [player_tooltip player_id='2389573' first='Joe' last='McKinney'] is another expected day-one contributor. Standing around 6'3/6'4, he uses his size well to get to his spots, and he can swing momentum with shot blocks or big dunks. If he reaches his potential, he could be one of the toughest matchups in the 4A Lake League.   Other players to keep an eye on include [player_tooltip player_id='2374232' first='Amare' last='Jordan'] (Liberty transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='1965161' first='Khai' last='Ewell'], and Jaylen Speaks. Jordan makes his presence felt with his shooting and physicality. Ewell brings nonstop effort and doesn't shy away from doing the “dirty work.” Speaks is the Vikings' high-flyer, capable of making plays above the rim.   From an athleticism standpoint, Valley is a well-rounded team. The key to their success will be finding consistency in their offensive flow and building strong defensive chemistry to pull out close games.   For now, I have the Vikings finishing 3rd in the 4A Lake League.   4. Sunrise Mountain - Sunrise Mountain should be able to put together a much better season than in years past. Largely due to a loaded freshman class that appears ready to contribute right away. The Miners brought in [player_tooltip player_id='2918902' first='Alyo' last='Hawkins Jr.'], [player_tooltip player_id='2919441' first='Amari' last='Carroll'], and Jacob Jackson. Three talented 2029's who can all put points on the board.   Hawkins Jr. is a certified bucket-getter who thrives attacking the rim and is equally capable from beyond the arc. Carroll may not be the tallest guard on the floor, but he compensates with his feel for the game and his reliable shooting stroke. And then there's Jackson, who recently buried six triples in a single game during the Halloween Hoops Tournament. All three are more offensive weapons, but they play with enough toughness and grit to hold their own defensively.   Outside of the freshman wave, Sunrise Mountain will turn to veteran guard [player_tooltip player_id='1974962' first='Brice' last='Wilson'] to lead the way. He's been in the program for several years, competes hard, and should give the Miners a steadying presence.   With such a young group, there will undoubtedly be stretches where things look raw or inconsistent. But by the time February rolls around, this team should look noticeably more polished than it will in December.   If the Miners can maintain energy, stay connected, and continue to shoot the lights out. Look for them to surpass last year's five-win total and take a step forward as a program.   5. Rancho - The Rancho Rams were one of the most exciting teams to watch last season. They had a very senior-heavy roster (10 seniors). Many of whom are now playing college ball. This year, Coach Childress will be working with a much younger group, and fans should expect an entirely new starting lineup.   A few players who should make an impact are Chris Monday, Nya'[player_tooltip player_id='2684493' first='Vari' last='Floyd Johnson'], Zehliik Wyatt-Gowans, Qeyon Richard and Jeremiah Anderson.   Monday, a 2029 guard, has stood out multiple times over the last couple of months. He has a tight handle and can push the tempo when he gets downhill.   [player_tooltip player_id='2684493' first='Vari' last='Floyd Johnson'] is another 2029 combo guard who can burn his defender when he gets the right angle. He's shifty, confident, and has the tools to break down defenses.   Zehliik Wyatt-Gowans, a 2028 guard standing around 6'1, brings size and activity to the perimeter. His length should help him make plays on the ball defensively and disrupt passing lanes.   Qeyon Richard will also be an important piece in the backcourt. He has slashing ability and uses his soft touch to finish difficult shots around the rim.   Jeremiah Anderson is poised to log solid minutes at the forward spot, providing rim protection and physicality inside.   Although it may take time for this young roster to fully develop, the Rams have a hungry mindset. With continued growth, they should evolve into a more polished squad as the season progresses.   6. Del Sol - Del Sol will be led by a pair of dynamic guards who were key contributors last season: [player_tooltip player_id='2461766' first='Jaeden' last='Alexander'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2763646' first='Prince' last='Jackson'].   Alexander did it all for the Dragons, posting an impressive stat line of 19.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 0.8 BPG. Jackson, meanwhile, provided perimeter scoring (averaging about one three-pointer per game) and added valuable transition buckets.   Beyond their backcourt duo, the Dragons will lean on their senior group of Chakor Ramsey-Smith (4.7 PPG), William Phillips (4.2 PPG), Ameer Williams (3.2 PPG), and Raymond Orozco-Guevara (2.5 PPG) to contribute on both ends of the floor.   Given their guard play and depth, I predict Del Sol to finish 6th in the 4A Lake League this season.   7. EL Dorado - The El Dorado Firehawks won just three games in the 3A Southern Region last season. And now that they've moved up to 4A, they'll need to elevate their level of play to stay competitive.   They return their top two scorers from last year, both 2028 guards. Jaxson Roberts, who averaged 7.8 PPG, will once again be leaned on as their primary offensive option, and he'll likely need to increase that output. KJ Washington, their second-leading scorer at 6.3 PPG, will also look to knock down more shots.   With a full season of experience under their belt, the sophomore backcourt duo should see more success this year.   The Firehawks will also rely on TJ Lozano, who averaged 3.7 PPG last season. His 6'6 frame gives El Dorado a presence in the paint on both ends of the floor.   Additional names to watch on the roster include [player_tooltip player_id='2612087' first='David' last='Wilson'], Luis Ortiz, [player_tooltip player_id='2278403' first='David' last='Reyna'], Keyshawn Frame, Jaylen Rivera, Jaylen Mallory, Aiden Turner, Damoni Hayes, and Decicm Mathati.   All in all, they appear to have a bit more to work with than last year. But they have a tough conference schedule, so I predict them to finish around 7th.   8. Chaparral - Similar to many of the teams listed above, the Chaparral Cowboys had to completely re-haul their roster after graduating 11 seniors. Leaving them with zero returning players.   That level of turnover is bound to present challenges early on. The Cowboys will need time to establish roles, build chemistry, and get comfortable competing against a tough slate of opponents.   Their current roster includes: Noe Quinones, Dezahn Otis, Christian Smith, RJ Butts, Tavion Surles, Isaiah Lively, Micah Jones, Hayden Rogers, Fodie Gory, Jayvion Hester, Kayden Colby, Destin Cleveland, and Jason Eagles.   Compared to other teams in the conference, they don't have a ton of established “star power,” and that makes them one of the more interesting wildcards heading into the season. How quickly this group gels will determine how competitive they can be.     Top Returning Scorers   [player_tooltip player_id='2461766' first='Jaeden' last='Alexander'] - 19.7 PPG - Del Sol   [player_tooltip player_id='1765906' first='Hunter' last='Iverson'] - 8.8 PPG - Las Vegas   [player_tooltip player_id='1974962' first='Brice' last='Wilson'] - 8.6 PPG - Sunrise Mountain   Jaxson Roberts - 7.8 PPG - Eldorado   [player_tooltip player_id='2763646' first='Prince' last='Jackson'] - 6.7 PPG - Del Sol   [player_tooltip player_id='2468405' first='Amari' last='Hinds'] - 6.7 PPG - Las Vegas   [player_tooltip player_id='2221829' first='Kwes' last='Young'] - 6.5 PPG - Mater East Academy   Kylen Washington - 6.3 PPG - Eldorado   [player_tooltip player_id='2327731' first='Jakhai' last='Jones'] - 6.2 PPG - Las Vegas   Chakori Ramsey-Smith - 4.8 PPG - Del Sol   [player_tooltip player_id='2471021' first='Jacory' last='Boyce'] - 4.3 PPG - Las Vegas   William Phillips - 4.2 PPG - Del Sol   [player_tooltip player_id='2637192' first='Markus' last='Burton'] - 4.2 PPG - Mater East Academy     All-Conference Team Projections   First Team   [player_tooltip player_id='1765906' first='Hunter' last='Iverson'] - Las Vegas   [player_tooltip player_id='2221829' first='Kwes' last='Young'] - Mater East Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='2471021' first='Jacory' last='Boyce'] - Las Vegas   [player_tooltip player_id='2918862' first='Benjamin' last='Brown'] - Mater East Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='2468405' first='Amari' last='Hinds'] - Las Vegas   Second Team   [player_tooltip player_id='2624906' first='Damari' last='Sawall'] - Mater East Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='2327731' first='Jakhai' last='Jones'] - Las Vegas   [player_tooltip player_id='2461766' first='Jaeden' last='Alexander'] - Del Sol   [player_tooltip player_id='2918902' first='Alyo' last='Hawkins Jr.'] - Sunrise Mountain   [player_tooltip player_id='2374209' first='Van' last='Graves'] - Valley   Superlatives  (While some prospects fit the bill for multiple superlatives, I am only putting them down for one)   Best Freshman - [player_tooltip player_id='2624906' first='Damari' last='Sawall'] - Mater East Academy   Best Sophomore - [player_tooltip player_id='2819169' first='Keyone' last='Wilkerson'] - Mater East Academy   Best Rebounder - [player_tooltip player_id='2327731' first='Jakhai' last='Jones'] - Las Vegas   Best 3-Point Shooter - [player_tooltip player_id='1765906' first='Hunter' last='Iverson'] - Las Vegas   Best College Prospect - [player_tooltip player_id='2918862' first='Benjamin' last='Brown'] - Mater East Academy   Best Scorer - [player_tooltip player_id='2471021' first='Jacory' last='Boyce'] - Las Vegas   Best Defender - [player_tooltip player_id='2221829' first='Kwes' last='Young'] - Mater East Academy   Most Improved - [player_tooltip player_id='2468405' first='Amari' last='Hinds'] - Las Vegas

New Look Lake League - All New Teams (Besides Rancho)