Nevada Season Preview: Bishop Manogue

<p>Bill Ballinger is back for another stint at Bishop Manogue. The coach who won 80 games over a four year span, returns to guide the defending Northern Sierra conference champs. Last year the Miners went 26-4 but were eliminated by a talented Clark team in the State Semifinals. They lost their top 3 scorers from last season, however, the cupboard is not bare. BM returns several key players, including big man Curtis Luckadoo and the coaches' son Cort.  Recently I had the opportunity to collect Coach Ballinger's thoughts on Northern Nevada Basketball, and what his team learned from last season's semifinal run.</p> <div dir="auto">Q: What is it that you want people to know about Northern Nevada Basketball? </div> <div dir="auto">WB: There are some very good players and veteran coaches in the Northern Region once again this year. Galena and Damonte Ranch return a number of starters and will be vying for the title on their side. Karen Friel enters her second year at Galena and she is a solid coach</div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto">Q: Who are some of the other players in the area that people should know about? </div> <div dir="auto">WB: Mason Whittaker and Cordell Stinson, Trey Stevens, Kareem Rowe, Cort Ballinger, Parsa Hadjighasemi, Trey Wilmont</div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto">Q: What are some of the things your team will have to do to compete for a conference title again this year?</div> <div dir="auto">WB: It will be important that we get battle-tested in our preseason tournament schedule. Our guys have worked extremely hard in the weight room and on the track over the past 6 months. That strength and endurance will be a major factor in our success. We are definitely a blue-collar team. We plan to rely on our defense and outwork our opponents. We plan to implement an eight, nine or even ten-man rotation. We will need to control the boards.</div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto">Q: What did you guys learn for your loss against Clark in the State tournament last year?</div> <div dir="auto">WB: Clark was a very talented basketball team. We will have to remember that you must outwork the teams that are more talented than us. You can take no plays off. Attention to detail is a must when facing the talent-laden teams in the south. You have to control the boards and the tempo. You can’t get caught up in the hype. There can be zero fear, you have to have one hundred percent confidence that you’re capable of winning.</div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;">Key Returners</div> <div dir="auto"><span lang="EN"><strong>Curtis Luckadoo 6'6 C 2020</strong> -  Luckadoo is a Two-sport athlete. Big, strong, physical, physical presence in the post with a great touch. Good defender that rebounds well. <br /> </span></div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto"><strong>Dalton Plummer 6'2 SG 2020</strong> - Plummer is an athletic slasher with the ability to play up above the rim. He is the best outside shooter on the team. </div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto"><span lang="EN"><strong>Cort Ballinger 5'11" PG 2021 (#47 2021)</strong> - Ballinger is another two-sport athlete for the school. A wide receiver on the Football team, he is a powerful athlete that also holds the school record in the bench press. He has been starting since his freshmen season and is a savvy high IQ playmaker with a smooth handle. Ballinger is a willing lockdown defender, that also led the team in assist and steals.</span></div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto"><span lang="EN"><strong>Logan Howren 6'4 SF 2023</strong> - Howren is a tough, gritty competitor that will contribute out of the gate. He's a strong rebounder with big hops. Extremely athletic freshman. Versatile skill set with the capability to run point. <br /> </span></div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto"><strong>Eathan Goodn6'6 SF 2023</strong> - The Miners have a bright future with the combination of Howren and Goon. Goon is a high ceiling prospect. A talented scorer with a nice touch and solid handles. <span lang="EN">He has the ability to get to the rim using an array of offensive moves. On the defensive end, he is a good shot blocker and rim protector. </span></div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto"><strong>Mateo Revigilio 5'11 PG 2020</strong> - When he's not a two way star on the football field, Revigilio is one of the best lockdown defenders in the state. A quick strong driver, that easily gets to the rim.</div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto"><strong>Dominic Benna 6'0 SF 2020</strong> - Benna is also a senior that brings incredible toughness. A throwback player that does whatever is asked of him. </div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto"> </div>