FIELDER’S CHOICES: I’m back in school, so let’s make some picks
It’s been more than three weeks since you’ve heard from me, but I haven’t been skateboarding or chugging eggnog during the holiday break.
OK, maybe just a little bit.
But I’ve also been lurking in the stands at about 1.7 million local basketball tournaments, taking mental notes on teams all over town. As you know by now, a lot about me is mental.
League play returns Tuesday, and I’m here with picks you can take to the bank, err, your allowance jar. Boys picks this week, girls next time (I have more scouting to do).
Northwest League
The pick: Palo Verde
In the best top-to-bottom league in town, the Panthers get the nod — barely. Remember, these guys almost beat Notre Gorman for the state title last year, and the pieces are there for another postseason run.
In the best top-to-bottom league in town, the Panthers get the nod — barely. Remember, these guys almost beat Notre Gorman for the state title last year, and the pieces are there for another postseason run.
Runner-up: Cheyenne
I know, the Desert Shields are only 8-4 and they’ve already lost to Cimarron-Memorial. But odds are talent will eventually rise to the top, and this team has plenty of it.
I know, the Desert Shields are only 8-4 and they’ve already lost to Cimarron-Memorial. But odds are talent will eventually rise to the top, and this team has plenty of it.
Don’t sleep on: Centennial
How can an 11-1 team be a darkhorse? Well, this is the Big East of Las Vegas high school hoops. The Bulldogs should fare better than last season’s 7-7 finish.
How can an 11-1 team be a darkhorse? Well, this is the Big East of Las Vegas high school hoops. The Bulldogs should fare better than last season’s 7-7 finish.
Southwest League
The pick: Gorman
It’s not really a question of whether the Gaels will win the league; just if they’ll even lose a game.
It’s not really a question of whether the Gaels will win the league; just if they’ll even lose a game.
Runner-up: Durango
The Trailblazers won’t go 14-2 again, but they look like the best of the bunch in a league where, after Gorman, there will be plenty of parity.
The Trailblazers won’t go 14-2 again, but they look like the best of the bunch in a league where, after Gorman, there will be plenty of parity.
Don’t sleep on: Western
The Warriors looked sharp at the Las Vegas Prep Championship.
The Warriors looked sharp at the Las Vegas Prep Championship.
Northeast League
The pick: Canyon Springs
It won’t be as easy for the Pioneers as people think, but this is still a pretty clear choice. Everyone knows about Adrian Snow, but there aren’t many backcourts in town better than Michael Thompson and Jeremy Alexander.
It won’t be as easy for the Pioneers as people think, but this is still a pretty clear choice. Everyone knows about Adrian Snow, but there aren’t many backcourts in town better than Michael Thompson and Jeremy Alexander.
Runner-up: Las Vegas
The Wildcats have a real chance to make a deep postseason run. Tyree Anderson is one of the best scorers in town.
The Wildcats have a real chance to make a deep postseason run. Tyree Anderson is one of the best scorers in town.
Don’t sleep on: Valley
Hard to argue with the Vikings’ run to the Amare Stoudemire bracket title game of the Amare Stoudemire Each 1 Teach 1 National Invitational (yes, that is just one tournament).
Hard to argue with the Vikings’ run to the Amare Stoudemire bracket title game of the Amare Stoudemire Each 1 Teach 1 National Invitational (yes, that is just one tournament).
Southeast League
The pick: Foothill
Evan Roquemore was no slouch offensively last season, but he’s added a lot to his bag of tricks. Having the best player and perhaps the best coach in the Southeast makes the Falcons the favorite.
Runner-up: Coronado
The Cougars have the best inside-outside duo in the league in Brandon Glanz and Austin Nelson.
The Cougars have the best inside-outside duo in the league in Brandon Glanz and Austin Nelson.
Don’t sleep on: Liberty
Any team with a guy named Rambo gets my vote.
Any team with a guy named Rambo gets my vote.
Class 3A Southern League
The pick: Virgin Valley
The Bulldogs have distinguished themselves with quality wins over Lincoln County and Lake Mead.
The Bulldogs have distinguished themselves with quality wins over Lincoln County and Lake Mead.
Runner-up: Moapa Valley
With the addition of cross country standout Josh Thompson, the Pirates could make a run at another state title game.
With the addition of cross country standout Josh Thompson, the Pirates could make a run at another state title game.
Don’t sleep on: Boulder City
It’s a three-team league, so who else could I pick?
It’s a three-team league, so who else could I pick?
Class 2A Southern League
The pick: Lincoln County
Dantley Walker and Eric Rippetoe will combine to score 50 points most nights.
Runner-up: Needles
The Mustangs lost their best two players from last season’s state champion team, but Michael Hills will see to it they’re right back in the mix.
Don’t sleep on: Agassi Prep
Quincy Brown and Dimitri Amos will dominate in the paint, but the Stars will need to improve their guard play if they want to match last season’s magic.
Class 1A Southern League
The pick: Lake Mead
I’ll miss watching Landon Littlefield and De’Quan Thompson play next season, but I’m pretty sure the rest of the league will be glad to see them graduate.
Runner-up: Pahranagat Valley
Cody Hosier can fill it up from outside, and Tommy Williams leads a strong supporting cast.
Don’t sleep on: Beatty
Anthony Regalado will lead a tough, defensive-minded Hornets team.
