State Title Race in Nevada
The Playoffs start pretty quickly in Las Vegas, NV. We get basketball done fast in our State. That being said lets look at some teams and Potential match-ups.
Bishop Gorman HS: The defending champs get massive attention in Las Vegas due to their private school classification and constant reloading of players. Most years the state title is their trophy. This year, not so much a given. They are led by 3 players; Jamal Bey (6-6″, Senior), Isaiah Cottrell (6-9″, Soph) and Noah Taitz (6-3″ Soph). While this is their youngest group of leaders they are not a weak team by any stretch. Jamal is committed to Washington and Isaiah and Noah are both D1 players to be. They are currently 16-4 but they beat hyped leaders Clark in the Tarkanian Classic. Keys to winning State: Gorman must stay mentally strong and not fall into traps.
Clark HS: Clark was a minute and a half away from winning state last year but fell short when Gorman pressed them to get the lead back under a minute to go. Coach Chad Beeten will be looking for redemption for his crew. Coach Beeten left for a one year to coach at Crossroads in California. Prior to that he had an impeccable record for winning State titles. Clark is full of experience and a deep roster. This season they return everyone from that State runner up team including; Trey Woodbury, James Bridges, Jalen Hill, Ian Alexander & Antwon Jackson and added Greg Foster (6-6″ PG commit to Gonzaga). They have experience and they are full of D1 players for the next level. Keys to winning: Let the kids run and get easy points. Utilize the talent available.
Coronado HS: Coronado is the dominating power in Henderson/Green Valley area. They always seem to have tall shooters on their squad. This year they are led by Jaden Hardy (6-4″ PG Freshman). This kid is a gamer. As a Freshman he is playing beyond his years and will lead the team if his teammates allow him to take charge. They also have the Comeaux twins(Tahj and Tajeem) who stand about 6-6″ tall. Both are seniors but have been solid wing/forward skill players for the Cougars for years. Keys to winning: the team must buy in and find an identity
NOTE: On Saturday, Clark barely beat Coronado 66-62 where Hardy scored 25 points to lead all scorers and shot 50% from the arc. Clark was led by Jalen Hill with 21 points on that day and had 3 players in double figures.
Canyon Springs HS: Canyon Springs is a team that regularly makes runs in the playoffs led by Coach Freddie Banks. Banks played on Final Four UNLV team of 1987. This team plays fast and up tempo hoops that make games very entertaining. Their key player is guard Kevin Legardy (6-1″ Senior). Kevin scored 41 points the other night versus Rancho. He is fast and plays great defense and he is a nightmare to guard. Legardy isn’t a prototypical D1 kid but neither was Nate Robinson. Keys to winning: Coach Banks much come up with some defensive tactics for the opposing teams length and height inside.
Foothill HS: Foothill is run by coaching legend Kevin Soares. Kevin is known for making average talented teams go far and talented teams hard to beat. This team was built up last season so they have experience now. Marvin Coleman (6-3″ senior guard) & Jace Roquemore (6-5″ junior guard) carry this team in scoring. The division is strong with Foothill, Liberty, Coronado and Silverado battling for conference wins.
Other teams of Note:
Liberty HS: Liberty has a solid core built around a 5 star Sophomore Julian Strawther(6-6″ guard) who can do everything. In a recent matchup against Coronado, Julian put up 45 points for the night to carry his team. Liberty currently sits in second place and could dethrone the Cougars from Coronado.
Faith Lutheran: Faith may not have a marquee name on their roster but they do have 3 solid players who can carry this team. They are also very well coached year in and year out by Brett Walters. This year’s squad has Jaylen Fox(6-2″ senior guard), Elijah Kothe (6-4″ senior forward) and Josh Hong (6-1″ senior guard). Faith is well disciplined and plays hard. Expect them to be in it around playoff time.