FIELDER’S CHOICES: This one’s for all my Coronado friends

The Sunrise Region baseball and softball playoffs were painted red by the Cougars, who are headed to Reno along with Eric and me. (Scary thought, right? Don’t worry; Eric’s driving.)

But the state tournaments aren’t only about Coronado. It’s about a possible Bishop Gorman seven-peat (is that even a word?) along with Centennial and Boulder City looking for redemption in softball and so many other great stories.

Besides, Coronado’s baseball and softball teams are already behind on their own campus. They can thank the golf team for that.

I’ve got a few predictions left before the end of the season.

I can tell you it won’t snow like it did two years ago. That makes me 1-for-1. And here’s what else will happen:

BASEBALL

CLASS 4A
Finals: Gorman over Coronado

Gorman saw its toughest challenge yet from Arbor View, which might be the second-best team in the state even though Cimarron-Memorial won the Northwest League’s No. 1 seed (I know, my head hurts, too).

Gorman has more pitching than anyone else, maybe everyone else … combined. Still, Coronado could give the Gaels a scare with a combination of Kenny Oakley, Chandler Blanchard and Dylan Myers on the mound.

Can it be more than a scare? Please, let me know.

I’ll take the six-time defending state champs for now, though. Who knows? Maybe it’ll be their last NIAA title.

CLASS 3A
Finals: Elko over Truckee

The Indians have two No. 1 starters in Cody Kerns and Dalton Ridgway, so I like their odds.

It will be interesting to see if Moapa Valley, which played a pretty tough schedule compared to many of the Northern Region teams in the regular season, can stay hot.

CLASS 2A
Finals: The Meadows over Yerington

You’re thinking 2A Southern League baseball isn’t that great, and you’re right. But the top two teams are, and I’ll go with the (slightly) better of those two.

If you want an interesting side wager, try picking the field over the Mustangs. That’s a 3-to-1 disadvantage for the field.

CLASS 1A
Finals: Pahranagat Valley over Virginia City

The Panthers have an outstanding mix of youth and experience, which … is just like all their sports.

SOFTBALL

CLASS 4A
Finals: Centennial over Reed

I like a motivated Bulldogs team to win it all, but they won’t be able to do it with scores like 17-12 again.

Keep the bees out of the outfield, and they’ll be fine.

I certainly wouldn’t want to face a lineup that includes Heather Bowen, Savannah Horvath and Lauren Stroman.

Centennial is still young, too, so you may see this pick again next year.

CLASS 3A
Finals: Boulder City over Churchill County

The Eagles have a potent lineup, and a pitcher named Koopman. The question is can they be potent against the good pitching they’ll see.

I like their odds for redemption. And the last time Boulder City went to Reno for state, the Eagles brought home hardware.

CLASS 2A
Finals: Lincoln County over Needles

This one should play out similar to the league tournament.

CLASS 1A
Finals: Indian Springs over Carlin

NevadaPreps.com put a jinx on the Thunderbirds’ undefeated season. Hopefully this doesn’t ruin their shot at a title.