Way Too Early Look at Next Season’s Nevada POY Race

With the season in the rearview, it's never too early to start looking ahead to next year's Nevada Player of the Year race. A number of returning standouts will be in the hunt. Obviously there's a lot that can change between now and then, but the early picture is already starting to take shape.    Will the reigning Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year repeat? It's definitely possible. He has just about all the traits you look for in a prospect, and he can take over games, as evidenced by his performances in the 5A State Semifinals and Finals. On defense, he gets in passing lanes to come up with steals or deflections, and his wingspan makes him difficult to get around. On offense, he leverages his burst to get to his spots, and he has an outside shot that he can utilize as well. If he continues to build on that momentum, he'll be right back in the mix. And don't be surprised if he delivers more big-time performances when it matters most.     [player_tooltip player_id='2374347' first='Aaron' last='McMorran II'] showcased his scoring prowess and defensive instincts night in and night out for the Desert Pines Jaguars this winter. His handle, change of direction, and long strides allow him to slip by or to the side of defenders. From there, he lets it go with a ton of confidence, and he is capable of dropping shots from beyond the volleyball line. His consistency is another great trait, and he brings a high-level approach every time he steps on the court. With that type of production and mindset, he should firmly be in the mix as a contender in next season's Nevada POY race.     [player_tooltip player_id='2111894' first='Tyler' last='Merto'] jumped up to #2 in the latest 2027 update, and his development on both ends has been great to watch. On offense, he can truly score from all three levels, making him a threat anytime he touches the ball. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill makes him very difficult to contain in the paint, and his confidence continues to grow. On defense, he'll likely be asked to cover opposing teams' stronger players, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see him blocking more shots. If you're a college coach, you may want to follow him this AAU season. And I believe he'll be a contender come next year.     [player_tooltip player_id='2086139' first='Tyler' last='Johnson'] made waves throughout his junior year, putting defenders on skates on a regular basis. He has impressive driving ability, and his bounce allows him to throw down dunks with authority. He gets the job done on defense as well, wreaking havoc with his lateral quickness, active hands, and intensity. All in all, he will be an intriguing prospect to follow next season, and he's a player teams absolutely need to account for if they're lacing them up against the Gaels.     Breaking news, [player_tooltip player_id='1965124' first='Jayvion' last='Wall'] is now over at Liberty, where he will look to chase a state title as a senior. He joins forces with stout defender [player_tooltip player_id='2128311' first='Taytum' last='Webb'], giving them a nice one-two punch in the backcourt. After the way he filled the stat sheet this past season, he appears ready to take his game to new heights. Which may mean more than a few 30-point outbursts. More importantly, his recruitment could pick up. Expect his name to be in the conversation, and I'm definitely looking forward to catching some Liberty games.     [player_tooltip player_id='2484289' first='Devaughn' last='Dorrough'] may be stepping into an expanded role next season, especially on the offensive end. He is a force when he's fed the rock in the paint, and he knows how to utilize his build and footwork to bully defenders. He also has the frame to absorb contact and will do damage from the free throw line. Dorrough's size should benefit Coronado on defense as well, as he can clog up the paint and make attackers think twice about entering the lane. As a result, he's capable of logging a good amount of double-doubles and helping the Cougars win close games.

With the season in the rearview, it's never too early to start looking ahead to next year's Nevada Player of the Year race. A number of returning standouts will be in the hunt. Obviously there's a lot that can change between now and then, but the early picture is already starting to take shape.