FIELDER’S CHOICES: Region basketball tournaments cure Valentine’s Day blues
Alyssa from my English class shot me down for a Valentine’s Day date. She said she doesn’t go out with freshmen.
Feels bad, man.
I spent the past three hours writing depressing teen poetry. (“My love for you is like a raven’s claw …”)
But then I remembered that the region basketball tournaments start Tuesday, and my heart was filled with joy again.
Since I have free time on my hands, here is my break down of all the action:
BOYS
CLASS 4A SUNSET REGION
Championship — Bishop Gorman over Clark
Finally, some suspense on that side of town!
After years of dominance by Gorman, the Gaels aren’t even a shoo-in to make the state tournament this season. The semifinal matchup between Clark and Centennial means Bulldogs guard Troy Brown Jr. could finish his career without ever reaching state, which will be a power motivator for the McDonald’s All-American.
CLASS 4A SUNRISE REGION
Championship — Coronado over Canyon Springs
Most of the attention has been focused on the other region, and Coronado has gone about its business in relative anonymity despite rolling through the Southeast League.
The Cougars have the easier path to the title game, but once they get there, it will be a true road game at Canyon Springs. I can’t wait to see the suit Pioneers coach Freddie Banks wears for that one.
CLASS 3A SOUTHERN REGION
Championship — Desert Pines over Cheyenne
Cheyenne swept the regular-season series from the Jaguars, including a 50-49 road victory on Jan. 26. The Desert Shields are the favorite, but we all know that saying about how hard it is to beat a team three times in the same season.
CLASS 2A SOUTHERN LEAGUE
Championship — Agassi Prep over Adelson School
This could be Adelson School’s best chance for the first region title in school history. The Lions defeated Agassi Prep 56-55 in the regular-season finale, as the Stars’ Akeemis Williams was held to 12 points.
I’m guessing that was just an off-night for the high-scoring junior guard.
CLASS 1A SOUTHERN LEAGUE
Championship — Pahranagat Valley over Spring Mountain
The Panthers have won six straight since a 51-47 home loss to Spring Mountain on Jan. 24. Pahranagat Valley went 8 of 27 from the free-throw line in that game, which has to be an anomaly. Right?
GIRLS
CLASS 4A SUNSET REGION
Championship — Centennial over Desert Oasis
The only intrigue for this tournament is who the nationally ranked Bulldogs will face in the championship since they’ll get Gorman in the semifinals. The last time Gorman and Centennial didn’t meet in the title game was 2002. I wasn’t even born yet.
If Spring Valley gets past Faith Lutheran in a rematch of the past two Class 3A state title games, that semifinal against Desert Oasis should be a fun one.
CLASS 4A SUNRISE REGION
Championship — Liberty over Foothill
The Patriots were pushed to the limit by Foothill when the teams met two weeks ago before pulling out a three-point road victory.
I don’t think this one will be as close. Unless Foothill junior Rae Burrell goes for 25 points and 12 rebounds again, which certainly is possible.
CLASS 3A SOUTHERN REGION
Championship — Virgin Valley over Moapa Valley
The Bulldogs haven’t won a region championship since 2012 but already own two victories over their rival this season.
Plus, the Pirates could be worn out after a tough semifinal against upstart Cheyenne.
CLASS 2A SOUTHERN LEAGUE
Championship — Agassi Prep over Needles
The Stars split the season series with Needles, with each team winning at home. The Mustangs have experience on their side, but Agassi Prep has Sharmayne Finley.
CLASS 1A SOUTHERN LEAGUE
Championship — Pahranagat Valley over Round Mountain
The Panthers won the regular-season matchup 46-37 on Jan. 20 and should be fired up to reclaim the region title after falling short last season.
Contact Fielder at Fielder@nevadapreps.com. Follow him on Twitter: @FielderNVP
