2A Boys: Daniel Plumer sparks Democracy Prep in region final rout of Needles

He’s making sure his presence is felt this season as Democracy Prep tries to repeat as the 2A state boys basketball champion.

The junior guard had 30 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, four steals and an assist as the Blue Knights routed Needles, 78-32 in the Class 2A Southern Region championship game at Del Sol on Saturday.

“It feels good because last season I wasn’t able to play because I had a broken foot,” Plumer said. “It feels good to be able to come back this season and help my team get to Reno, so that we can hopefully win state.

“I felt like it was for me to make a statement. I was just trying to help my team win. I wasn’t really focusing on stats. I was just trying to do whatever I needed to help my team. I was able to get to the rack, so I just kept doing it.”

Democracy Prep head coach Trevor Diggs said the 5-foot, 10-inch junior would be considered one of the best players in Las Vegas if he were three inches taller.

“Daniel is a tough kid, he attacks the boards harder than anybody around here,” Diggs said. “He’s also a smart kid, 4.0 student. The kid’s all heart. I love the kid. He gives it everything. He does what he wants on court. That’s how he works. He had a great game today.”

While Plumer had quite the game for Democracy Prep (27-3), three other Blue Knights scored in double digits.

Najeeb Muhammad scored 20 points with six assists, three rebounds and three steals. Akeemis Williams scored 11 points with three assists and a steal, and Chancellor Johnson came off the bench to score 10 points and had three rebounds. Michael Denham also came off the bench to post a game-high 10 rebounds for the Blue Knights.

“Muhammad and Akeemis are top players as well,” Diggs said. “To be honest, we have a well-balanced team. We don’t have just one guy. We’ll definitely be a tough team to beat.”

The talented Blue Knights also were missing starter Jared Holmes, who had an ankle injury. Holmes is averaging 10.6 points a game and 7.5 rebounds per game on the season and is expected to be ready for the state tournament next weekend in Reno.

In order to be successful next weekend, both Diggs and Plumer said they have to play the same way they did against Needles – play solid defense, shoot and attack the boards.

“First off, we have to play defense,” Plumer said. “After we play defense, we have to rebound the ball, push the ball and score.”

Trey Tsosie had 10 points and four rebounds to lead the Mustangs (20-9), who will head to the state tournament as the No. 2 seed from the South.