FIELDER’S CHOICES: Don’t hit the reset button on these picks
It’s that time of year again.
No, not playoff time. Time for forfeits and lawsuits. The time of year when as many games are decided in a court as on one.
This isn’t an Xbox game, where you can hit the reset button before a loss actually counts.
Almost all of the controversy swirls around teams in the playoff picture. That’s because teams are digging for whatever dirt they can find on the next guy to try to get the upper hand in playoff seeding or even make the postseason.
The saddest part of the potential lawsuit regarding Western’s boys basketball team and the Mojave girls’ forfeits is that none of it came as a surprise.
And it’s only basketball season. Imagine the circus we’ll see when the girls soccer postseason arrives.
In the meantime, here are my picks for regions where I actually know the matchups. Check back in a day — or a week — and we may know more.
And remember, this is all subject to change based on who has an attorney.
BOYS
SUNRISE REGION
Silverado at Canyon Springs: Silverado is better than people think, and will be a force in years to come. But Canyon Springs has come too far to make a first-round exit. Pioneers by 11.
Liberty at Valley: the Vikings have had a great season, but this is where the Southeast League will show it’s better than the Northeast. Liberty by 8.
Chaparral at Coronado: as long as Brandon Glanz is in the game, the Cougars are a force. Coronado by 7.
Desert Pines at Foothill: two words — Evan Roquemore. Foothill by 13.
3A Southern League
Boulder City vs. Moapa Valley: have you filled out your 3A playoff bracket yet? It’s a little less complicated as the NCAA Tournament.
I can’t wait for Moapa Valley and Virgin Valley to rumble for a third time — this one with a trip to state on the line. Pirates by 5.
2A Southern League
The Meadows vs. Lincoln County: expect the Lynx to be angry after the way their regular season ended. Lincoln County by 14.
Needles vs. Agassi Prep: what a way to start the 2A playoffs — with a rematch of a great state title game last year. Agassi Prep by 3.
1A Southern League
Indian Springs at Lake Mead: looking for Eagles starters Landon Littlefield and De’Quan Thompson? Then make sure to show up before the second half. Lake Mead by 32.
Round Mountain at Trinity: the trinity of Gage Neuwohner, Budweiser Hawkins and Tyler Watts is thunderous. Trinity by 7.
Spring Mountain at Pahranagat Valley: the Panthers shouldn’t have much trouble. Pahranagat by 11.
Henderson International at Beatty: the Hornets have had a joyride to the No. 2 seed. Don’t expect it to end too soon. Beatty by 14.
GIRLS
SUNSET REGION
Durango at Centennial: um, do we really need to play this game? Centennial by 41.
Bonanza at Legacy: flip a coin. Legacy by 4.
Palo Verde at Sierra Vista: the Mountain Lions are solid at just about every position. Sierra Vista by 8.
Mojave at Bishop Gorman: Congratulations, Rattlers; you made the playoffs only to get forced into this buzz saw. Gorman by 27.
SUNRISE REGION
Silverado at Desert Pines: hopefully the Jaguars can take the only chance the Northeast has for a win. Desert Pines by 2.
Foothill at Las Vegas: the Falcons could have been the No. 1 seed in the Northeast; instead they get this first-round matchup. Foothill by 15.
Canyon Springs at Green Valley: the Gators will have a chip on their shoulder. Green Valley by 20.
Valley at Liberty: the Patriots are on a mission. Liberty by 27.
3A Southern League
Boulder City vs. Moapa Valley: how’d you like to be 7-13 and two wins away from state? Moapa Valley by 6.
2A Southern League
West Wendover vs. Needles: the final high school game for Wolverines legend Danika Sharp. Should they retire her jersey at halftime? Needles by 25.
White Pine vs. Lincoln County: the Lynx get the slight nod for experience in this matchup. Lincoln County by 5.
1A Southern League
Trinity at Pahranagat Valley: Not much to get excited about here. Pahranagat Valley by 28.
Beatty at Henderson International: A defensive struggle worth watching. Wolverines by 4.
Round Mountain at Lund: The Mustangs will get out to a big lead early. Lund by 12.
Tonopah at Lake Mead: The Eagles’ Cinderella season continues. Lake Mead by 20.
