NOTES: Jaguars’ Hough commits to UNLV

Tim Hough didn’t get as many touches as the other top wide receivers in the area. But the senior at Desert Pines still caught the eye of UNLV’s coaching staff.

Hough was one of the valley’s top playmakers this season, and the 6-foot, 185-pounder made an oral commitment this week to play for the Rebels. Hough’s commitment is nonbinding, and the first day he can sign a national letter of intent is Feb. 5. UNLV’s coaches cannot comment until that time.

Hough is the second local player to commit to UNLV, joining Green Valley place-kicker Conor Perkins.

“I just wanted to get it off my shoulders and play ball at the next level. There was no use waiting,” Hough said Tuesday. “Playing ball here, I know I’ll have fans that support me coming from Desert Pines.”

Hough said he chose the Rebels over interest from Boise State and Colorado. UNLV was his lone scholarship offer.

Hough finished his senior season with 35 receptions for 760 yards (21.7 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns as Desert Pines went 9-2. Nearly half of his catches came in two of the Jaguars’ biggest games.

Hough finished with 10 receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with three seconds left, in a 35-32 victory Oct. 11 at Virgin Valley. He had six catches for 187 yards and three scores in the Jaguars’ 48-41 loss at Faith Lutheran in the Division I-A state quarterfinals.

“There’s only one football, and we had a lot of playmakers. But when we really needed it, he was our guy,” Desert Pines coach Tico Rodriguez said. “He’s definitely a kid that wants to work and get better and improve. He just loves football. He’s a special talent. I think UNLV is a good fit for him.”

Hough made an unofficial visit to UNLV last month and was in the Rebels’ locker room after their 39-37 victory over Hawaii on Oct. 12. He said he was excited by the progress the Rebels (6-5) have made under fourth-year coach Bobby Hauck.

“I liked the atmosphere,” Hough said. “I’m a team player, and I can bring speed and being able to make big plays when we need it.”

■ THOMPSON NAMED MVP — Sophomore setter Cali Thompson, who helped Coronado to its first girls volleyball state title, was named Most Valuable Player of the Division I All-Southern Nevada team as chosen by the Southern Nevada Volleyball Coaches Association. Coronado’s Matt Johnson earned Coach of the Year honors.

Faith Lutheran junior Cayla Nikodemus, the MVP of the Division I-A All-Southern Nevada team and the Sunset League, was one of three Crusaders named first-team Division I-A all-state, joining seniors Courtney Hansen and Megan Panikkar. Boulder City’s Whitney Barlow, the Sunrise League MVP, was also a first-team all-state selection.

Faith Lutheran’s Amy Fisher took home the Division I-A state Coach of the Year award.

In Division III, Calvary Chapel’s Brooke Davis and Deja Harris were named first-team all-state.

■ RECENT COMMITMENTS — Bishop Gorman junior pitcher Alex Perron made an oral commitment to play baseball at San Diego. Gorman swimmer Kelsey Marks committed to Saint Francis (Pa.). Desert Oasis girls volleyball player Janae Ballard committed to Massachusetts-Boston.