5A Conference Rankings: Pre-season Top 10 Teams

<p>With the H.S Season less than a week away, here is a look at our Pre-Season top 10 5A Team. </p> <ol> <li><strong>Bishop Gorman</strong> - The nine-time defending state champs will come at opponents in waves with their deepest roster in recent memory. They are legitimately 10 deep with a ton of weapons. Expect [player_tooltip player_id="986956" first="Jase" last="Richardson"] to handle the ballhandling duties, [player_tooltip player_id="1264213" first="Eli" last="Bradley"], [player_tooltip player_id="859642" first="Ryan" last="Abelman"], and [player_tooltip player_id="1110114" first="John" last="Mobley Jr"], to provide the shooting, [player_tooltip player_id="986959" first="Ryder" last="Elisaldez"], and [player_tooltip player_id="1236157" first="James" last="Freeman"] to serve as high flyers, and [player_tooltip player_id="1041560" first="Darrion" last="Williams"] to provide experience and playmaking. Keep an eye out for the development of stud Freshmen [player_tooltip player_id="1253127" first="Chris" last="Nwuli"] throughout the season. </li> <li><strong>Liberty</strong> - The Patriots have the talent to be the biggest threat to Gorman. They have good frontcourt depth with Saint Mary’s signee [player_tooltip player_id="787643" first="Joshua" last="Jefferson"] and high flyer [player_tooltip player_id="859649" first="Aaron" last="Price"] to pair with the dynamic backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id="989243" first="Angelo" last="Kambala"] and super Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="986955" first="DJ" last="Thomas"]. The key is their bench. If they can get consistent play from their subs, look for this team to be a problem. </li> <li><strong>Durango</strong> - In coach Chad Beeten’s third season, the Trailblazers have all the pieces to make a deep run. Their roster includes one of the best offensive players in the state [player_tooltip player_id="856637" first="Sebastian" last="Mack"], one of the most versatile players in [player_tooltip player_id="1227127" first="Sterling" last="Knox"], and one of the top defenders in [player_tooltip player_id="1272222" first="Elijah" last="Johnson"]. The play of sensational Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="986954" first="Taj" last="DeGourville"] will go a long way in determining how far this team goes. </li> <li><strong>Coronado</strong> - Look for the Cougars to make some noise behind one of the top 1-2 punches in the state in PG Richard Isaacs Jr. and big man [player_tooltip player_id="989242" first="Osiris" last="Grady"]. </li> <li><strong>Canyon Springs</strong> - Coach Banks may have one of his top teams in recent memory. The Pioneers feature an imposing front line with forwards [player_tooltip player_id="859656" first="Lorenzo" last="Moore"], and [player_tooltip player_id="859665" first="Jaylen" last="Pollard"], playing alongside sharpshooting senior [player_tooltip player_id="928906" first="Jalen" last="Foy"]. Watch out for [player_tooltip player_id="1265401" first="Bryant" last="Largarady"], one of the top sleepers in the state. The 6’9 Forward has tremendous playmaking skills and could prove to be a real difference-maker for the team. </li> <li><strong>Bishop Manogue</strong> - Manogue should be the top team up north. The Miners return [player_tooltip player_id="940473" first="Logan" last="Howren"], one of the top two-sport stars in the entire state. Big man [player_tooltip player_id="940476" first="Ethan" last="Goon"] should give them a strong inside presence and, keep an eye out for Silverado transfer [player_tooltip player_id="930657" first="Jordan" last="Morency"], who has a chance to put up big numbers this year. </li> <li><strong>Foothill</strong> - Despite having Tyler Shipp transfer out, the Falcons still have a strong core, with big man [player_tooltip player_id="928924" first="John" last="Derrick"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1088238" first="Cole" last="Stearman"] providing size. PG [player_tooltip player_id="985643" first="Jahmon" last="Haylock"] should handle the ballhandling responsibilities and rising freshman [player_tooltip player_id="986970" first="Zak" last="Abdalla"], will have an impact with his shooting and scoring ability. </li> <li><strong>Spanish Springs</strong> - Kyle Penny, one of the most underrated coaches in the state, will have his squad ready. His key players will include his sons Jake, and Nate as well as [player_tooltip player_id="1326872" first="CJ" last="Stinson"], the brother of former SS standout Curtis. Watch out for freshman [player_tooltip player_id="1243527" first="Conner" last="Sheets"] who Penny says is one of the most skilled players to come into the program. </li> <li><strong>Centennial</strong> - The Bulldogs will use a team approach this season, with several players expected to contribute. The unquestioned leader will be [player_tooltip player_id="1285055" first="Elijah" last="Hart"], while [player_tooltip player_id="1270146" first="Emeka" last="Ceaser"] and [player_tooltip player_id="940475" first="Elijah" last="Burney"] will contribute from the backcourt. The play of Big man [player_tooltip player_id="1053246" first="Chase" last="Jackson"] should go a long way to helping them succeed as the 6’8 center is one of the top post players in the state. </li> <li><strong>Desert Pines</strong> - First-year coach Dai’Mar Harris looks to continue the winning tradition at DP behind a slew of talented Juniors. The lineup will feature sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id="989247" first="Isiaac" last="Boykin"], big man [player_tooltip player_id="985622" first="Osvaldo" last="Biebrich"] and glue guy [player_tooltip player_id="1006242" first="Evan" last="Tatum"]. While those three are key, their success will be determined largely by the play of senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="859648" first="Jamir" last="Stephens"] one of the top sleepers in the state. </li> </ol> <p><em>Follow</em></p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1"><em>On Twitter</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bruceprephoops/"><em>On IG</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrepHoopsNV"><em>Like Us On FB</em></a></p>