FIELDER’S CHOICES: Gorman’s got the goods in boys, girls tournaments

Funny place, that Reno.

 

They have high school skiing up there, and they can’t decide whether it’s a big or little city.

 

This weekend, however, won’t be a laughing matter. I’ve got my game face on for the state basketball playoffs.

 

I’m hitching a ride up Highway 95 with Eric. We might stop off in Tonopah and ask what a Mucker is. (It’s our favorite mascot.)

 

The following are some stately predictions. Instead of picking all 24 games, I’m giving you who’s in the finals and who I expect to win.

 

Disagree? Let me know about it, but remember to keep it clean, and at least try to be positive.
 

They have guys on the bench who would lead many area teams in scoring. They might be able to beat the New Jersey Nets. And they have cool-looking orange shoes.

 

That’s right, I’m talking about Bishop Gorman. Love them, hate them, but you’ve got to admit, the Gaels are fun to watch.

 

State championship: Gorman vs. Canyon Springs. Gorman by 11.
 

This field is much closer than the boys, but it’s clear the two best teams — Reno and Gorman — will meet in the semifinals. That winner should be the favorite to win state.

 

An all-South final would be fun to watch — especially if you’re from Gorman.

 

State championship: Gorman vs. Liberty. Gorman by 22.
 

It might hurt Virgin Valley if Jason Wittwer can’t play or isn’t 100 percent, but depth was one of the Bulldogs’ strengths all season.

 

Virgin Valley will win its first state title since 1997. They’ll be partying in the streets of Mesquite.

 

State championship: Sparks vs. Virgin Valley. Virgin Valley by 4.
 

The North has won the past four state titles, and there’s no sign the streak will stop. Virgin Valley has some good pieces, but they could be a year away.

 

State championship: Spring Creek vs. Lowry. Spring Creek by 6.
 

I’ve been dreaming of an Incline-Lincoln County title game. Don’t know if anyone else in the state can say that, but hey, I’m a small-school lover.

 

Dantley Walker will carry the Lynx to the title.

 

State championship: Incline vs. Lincoln County. Lincoln County by 3.
 

Doesn’t this look familiar? Needles coming off a surprising loss in the league tournament to Lincoln County.

 

I also see a repeat of what happened at state last year. The Mustangs return to California with a three-peat.

 

State championship: Needles vs. Lincoln County. Needles by 5.
 

This is almost as easy to pick as the 4A boys.

 

Pahranagat Valley gave Lake Mead a tough game in last year’s state final, but Lake Mead is even better this season. Another small-school three-peat.

 

State championship: Pahranagat Valley vs. Lake Mead. Lake Mead by 12.
 

Give defending champion Pahranagat Valley credit, but Virginia City’s Gigi Glogovac might be too much to handle.

 

This could be a dream matchup, though an all-North title game is a possibility.

 

State championship: Virginia City vs. Pahranagat Valley. Virginia City by 10.