Looking ahead at the week in high school sports
The spring sports seasons get underway Thursday. Here’s a look at some of the top events this week.
BASEBALL
Thursday-Saturday — Bengal Kickoff Tournament
This non-bracketed event features seven local teams along with Highland (California). Teams play single games on Thursday and Friday with doubleheaders on Saturday. Bonanza, Durango, Silverado, Foothill, Faith Lutheran, Spring Valley and Boulder City are the local teams involved.
Thursday-Saturday — Diamondback Kickoff Tournament
Last year’s state runner-up, Centennial, highlights the field. The Bulldogs are joined by Palo Verde, Green Valley, Legacy and Desert Oasis.
Thursday-Saturday — Sundevil Invitational
Chaparral, Clark, Del Sol, Desert Pines, Lincoln County, Mojave and Tech join host Eldorado in this event.
BOYS GOLF
Thursday-Friday — Pahrump Valley Invitational
The season-opening tournament at Mountain Falls Golf Club annually attracts a quality field. Palo Verde’s Jack Trent, a UNLV recruit, took medalist honors last year with a two-round total of 6-under 138.
SOFTBALL
Thursday-Saturday — Tournament of Champions
A handful of the area’s top teams (Centennial, Coronado, Foothill, Palo Verde and Shadow Ridge) head to Bullhead City, Arizona, for the 21st annual event that also includes several notables from Arizona, California, New Mexico and Utah.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Thursday — Foothill at Las Vegas, 6 p.m.
Foothill, which finished as the state runner-up last season, will open its season against the defending Northeast League champions. This non-conference battle could be a preview of a Sunrise Region playoff match.
Thursday — Sierra Vista at Arbor View, 6 p.m.
The defending Sunset Region champions will open their season with high expectations. But how will the Aggies perform against the Mountain Lions, who were the state runner-ups in Division I-A last season?
Friday-Saturday — Las Vegas Invitational
Arbor View, Bishop Gorman, Centennial and Coronado are just a handful of teams that will be participating in one of Southern Nevada’s most well-known tournaments.
Beckman (California) defeated Arbor View 25-13, 25-12 in the championship match last season.
TRACK AND FIELD
Saturday — Heitkotter Invitational at Faith Lutheran, 8:30 a.m.
The first invitational of the season has 18 teams entered so far led by defending champion Centennial, which won the boys and girls titles last season.