Looking ahead at the week in high school sports
The Clark County School District’s final exams are this week, so the high school sports schedule is sparse until Friday. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some outstanding matchups. Here’s a look at some of this week’s top events.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Saturday — Big City Showdown at South Point Arena
The event is highlighted by the annual Bishop Gorman vs. Findlay Prep game at 6 p.m. That game will feature some of the area’s top talent, including three players nominated for the McDonald’s All American game.
But that’s not the only strong game, as several of the area’s other top teams also take the court. Centennial, ranked No. 3 in the area, plays fifth-ranked Coronado at 4 p.m. Second-ranked Clark faces No. 10 Desert Pines at 2:30 p.m. in a rematch of last year’s Division I-A state title game. And the day’s boys action kicks off with Liberty playing Durango at 1 p.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Monday — Centennial vs. Clovis West (California) at Stockton, California, 1 p.m.
Centennial gets another shot at the Golden Eagles, who are ranked No. 2 in the nation by USA Today. The Bulldogs lost to Clovis West, which features five Division I signees, 57-42 when the teams met at the Nike Tournament of Champions last month.
Friday — Foothill at Spring Valley, 5 p.m.
A lot has to happen in the next month, but these teams could meet in the Class 4A state play-in game. Spring Valley sits in third place in the Southwest League, while the Falcons have emerged as the No. 2 team in the Southeast League.
Moapa Valley at Virgin Valley, 6 p.m. — The rivals meet with first place in the Class 3A Sunrise League at stake. This could be the first of several meetings between the Pirates and Bulldogs, who are each expected to contend for region and state titles.
Saturday — Bishop Gorman vs. Liberty at South Point Arena, 11:30 a.m.
The Gaels and Patriots battle for the No. 2 ranking in the area as part of the Big City Showdown, and it’s also a potential state semifinal preview. Gorman, ranked one spot behind the Patriots at No. 3 in the Southern Nevada Coaches Poll, won last year’s matchup, 50-46.
WRESTLING
Saturday — Chaparral Invitational at Chaparral, 9 a.m.
The Cowboys welcome teams from across the Valley, including last year’s Sunset Region champion Arbor View and Virgin Valley, which came in fourth at state last season.