Prep boys basketball players to watch for 2018-19

Las Vegas Review-Journal

6 years ago

Liberty’s Julian Strawther (0) dunks while playing against Las Vegas at Liberty High S ... — Liberty’s Julian Strawther (0) dunks while playing against Las Vegas at Liberty High School in Henderson on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018. Liberty won 82-70. Patrick Connolly Las Vegas Review-Journal @PConnPie

Bishop Gorman’s Noah Taitz shoots over a Bishop Manogue defender in the 4A NIAA state basketball championship game in Reno, Nev., on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018. Gorman won 62-41. Cathleen Allison/Las Vegas Review-Journal

DC Premier’s Sherif Kenny (1) prepares to pass The Truth’s Jaden Shackleford (5) and Carl Lewis (32) at the Fab 48 tournament at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Sunday, July 29, 2018. Rachel Aston Las Vegas Review-Journal @rookie__rae

Coronado’s Jaden Hardy (1) goes up for a shot while other players watch during game against Liberty at Liberty High School on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. Liberty won 98-87. Patrick Connolly Las Vegas Review-Journal @PConnPie

Clark’s Jalen Hill (21) drives against Bishop Gorman’s Chance Michels (25) during a basketball game at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018. Chase Stevens Las Vegas Review-Journal @csstevensphoto

Coronado’s Jaden Hardy (1) shoots against Foothill’s Jace Roquemore (22) during the Sunrise Region semifinals at Canyon Springs High School in North Las Vegas on Thursday, Feb. 15 2018. Andrea Cornejo Las Vegas Review-Journal @DreaCornejo

Clark senior Jalen Hill, left, shows off his Sooner colors during an event to announce his commitment to play basketball at the University of Oklahoma on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, at Clark High School, in Las Vegas. Benjamin Hager Las Vegas Review-Journal @benjaminhphoto

A look at the Las Vegas Valley’s top boys basketball players for the upcoming season. The season officially tips off on Friday.

Starting Five

Jaden Hardy, Coronado (6-4, G)

The sophomore averaged 25.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists last season in earning first-team all-state honors. He is the No. 4 prospect in the Class of 2021 according to ESPN.

Jalen Hill, Clark (6-7, F)

The senior has signed with Oklahoma. He averaged 16.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists and was a first-team all-state selection. He is 99th ranked recruit in the senior class according to ESPN.

Carl Lewis, Coronado (6-9, C)

The senior transferred from Lynwood, California, where he had multiple 50-point games. He is ranked No. 61 in the senior class by ESPN.

Julian Strawther, Liberty (6-7, F)

The junior averaged 23.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists and made the all-state first team. He is the No. 37 recruit in the junior class according to ESPN.

Noah Taitz, Bishop Gorman (6-3, G)

The junior was a second-team all-state pick after averaging 17.5 points and helping the Gaels to their seventh consecutive state title.

Off the Bench

Zaon Collins, Bishop Gorman (6-1, G, So.)

Isaiah Cottrell, Bishop Gorman (6-9, C, Jr.)

Anthony Hunter, Durango (6-0, G, Jr.)

Najeeb Muhammad, Democracy Prep (6-0, G, Sr.)

Martell Williams, Silverado (6-4, F, Jr.)