Looking ahead at the week in high school sports
Here is a look at some of the week’s top high school sporting events.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Monday — Green Valley at Liberty, 6:30 p.m.
The Gators and Patriots are fighting with Silverado for the Southeast League’s final two playoff berths. Liberty may be the more talented team with Dyllan Robinson, Julian Strawther and Cameron Burist, but the Patriots have been wildly inconsistent.
Tuesday — Clark at Bishop Gorman, 6:30 p.m.
The area’s top two boys teams face off again with first place in the Southwest League, and possibly the league’s No. 1 playoff seed, on the line. Gorman won the first meeting 70-63 on Jan. 3, but the Chargers showed they were more than capable of hanging with the Gaels. Clark coach Colin Darfour had to sit out after being ejected in the team’s previous game, and leading scorer James Bridges had only two points.
Thursday — Las Vegas at Rancho, 6:30 p.m.
The Rams hold a one-game lead over the Wildcats for second place in the Northeast League. Locking down that spot will be important, as it secures an all-important home game in the first round of the playoffs. Rancho won the first meeting 69-61, and the Wildcats will play the rest of the season without standout forward Marquise Raybon, who is out with a broken wrist.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Tuesday — Boulder City at Tech, 5 p.m.
The Eagles and host Roadrunners are tied for third place in the Class 3A Sunrise League, and the winner likely earns the No. 3 seed for the postseason.
Wednesday — Centennial at Legacy, 5 p.m.
The top-ranked Bulldogs can officially clinch the Northwest League title with a victory over the host Longhorns. Centennial won the first meeting 65-21, so it seems a mere formality.
Wednesday — Liberty at Foothill, 5 p.m.
First place in the Southeast League is on the line when the Patriots visit the Falcons. Liberty won 74-47 when the teams met Jan. 9.
Wednesday — Coronado at Green Valley, 5 p.m.
The Cougars venture down the hill in Henderson to meet the Gators with the No. 3 seed in the Southeast League at stake. Green Valley won 64-56 on Jan. 9 and has won three straight against their crosstown rivals.
Friday — Virgin Valley at Moapa Valley, 5 p.m.
There hasn’t been much to this rivalry recently, but it’s heated up this season. The Bulldogs won the first matchup 47-44 on Jan. 20 and could clinch the Class 3A Sunrise League title with a win over the host Pirates (and Chaparral on Tuesday).
FLAG FOOTBALL
Monday — Cimarron-Memorial at Shadow Ridge, 4:30 p.m.
The top-ranked Spartans will head to No. 8 Shadow Ridge for a tough, Northwest League battle. Both teams should be headed for the playoffs, but this one will be for positioning in the league. Cimarron sits in first place, while the Mustangs are in fourth.
Wednesday — Coronado at Green Valley, 4:30 p.m.
How will Green Valley respond after losing its first Southeast League game — an 18-12 thriller at Foothill — last week? Coronado could be a wildcard in the Sunrise Region playoffs, so the Gators must bring their ‘A’ game.
Thursday — Las Vegas at Rancho, 4:30 p.m.
The battle for first place in the Northeast League. Las Vegas won the team’s previous matchup at home, 32-7. Can the Rams find some defense to stop the high-powered Wildcats and hand them their first league loss?
Friday — Sierra Vista at Cimarron-Memorial, 4:30 p.m.
Here’s the best nonconference matchup of the week. The Mountain Lions, who just cracked the Coach’s Poll at No. 10, will get a shot at the sport’s top-ranked team. Can Kalei Watkins and Courtney O’Neal lead Sierra Vista to the upset?
WRESTLING
Friday-Saturday — Sunrise Region Meet at Las Vegas
Wrestling begins at 3:15 p.m. on Friday as Green Valley looks to defend its title in the Sunrise Region tournament. The Gators have won the last six region championships but could be up-ended by the host Wildcats, who finished second last season.
Friday-Saturday — Sunset Region Meet at Cimarron-Memorial
Arbor View will look to repeat as region champions as the Sunset Region meet begins at 3:15 p.m. on Friday. The region features a deep class, including Centennial, Bishop Gorman and the host Spartans, all of whom could walk away with the crown.
Friday-Saturday — Class 3A Southern Region Meet at Western
Like the 4A meets, the 3A tournament kicks off at 3:15 p.m. on Friday. Mojave is the defending champion.
BOWLING
Wednesday-Friday — Individual State Tournaments at Gold Coast
The boys and girls individual state bowling tournaments start with boys qualifying on Wednesday. Girls qualifying is Thursday, and the finals for both are set for Friday. Action starts at 2:30 p.m. each day.