2009-2010 Team Capsules

The impending high school season is full of hype and anticipation. PremierBall breaks down its predictions for the top teams in the valley and who we believe will compete for a state crown.

Bishop Gorman High School-

The Gaels are loaded this year and probably more talented this year, than last state championship team. The Gaels will be anchored by 6′4 combo guard Anson Winder. Arguably the areas most versatile player. 6′4 Shabazz Muhammed, already rated one of the top players in the class of 2012 by many publications and 5′9 Johnathan Lloyd, who is the speedy floor general who makes the offense go. Making his varsity debut is the versatile Roscoe Allen, who has a formidable mid range game that extends out to the three point stripe. Other players that will be heavily counted on are 6′6 Xavier Grimble, 6′7 Tim Carter, and 6′2 Taylor Spencer.

Palo Verde-

The Panthers lost two key players to graduation in the crafty DJ Stennis and big man Liloa Nobriga. With that being said, don’t feel sorry for the panthers as they return 6′6 DePaul signee Moses Morgan and the very versatile 5′9 Daveon Pearson. The panthers have a host of other players that can step in and provide valuable minutes off the bench. This is a well coached team with one of the best coaches in town. The kids at Palo always play hard and will have to do so again, to reach the state championship game.

Cheyenne-

The Desert Shield were hit hard by the graduations of Elijah Johnson (Kansas) and Demetric Williams (Witchita State). With that being said, the Shield’s are once again loaded with talent and ready to make a solid push for a state title. Much of the Shield’s hope rest with 6′6 Jalen Henry who should have a breakout year in the middle. Joining Henry will be the versatile 6′2 combo guard Chris Mcall, 5′11 silky smooth Juquan Wroten and varsity newcomer 5′10 Khalid Banks. Cheyenne also has several players that will be coming off the bench competing for solid minutes. In order for the shield to have a shot at a state title, they will have to play lock down defense and not have any game changing mental lapses.

Canyon Springs-

The Pioneers are arguably one of the most talented teams in the valley this year. The Pioneers will rely heavily on 6′2 combo gaurd Mike Thompson and 6′4 swing man Chris Willis. The 6′2 Jeremy Alexander is a highflying game changer who had arguably the best dunk of the AAU season this summer. The Pioneers also return 6′6 Adrain Snow and 5′10 point guard DJ Andersen. 6′4 Jared Brandon and 5′7 Marquan Webster could be asked to provide valuable minutes off the bench this season. For the Pioneers to make a deep run in the playoffs and possibly a state title, they must play as a team and improve upon their defensive intensity.

Foothill-

The Falcon’s is this years dark horse candidate to make it to a state title game. The Falcons return the underated 6′3 Evan Roquemore and 6′1 Tyland Copeland. Roquemore who we think is the best kept secret in the Las Vegas Valley should have an explosive year this year. He will be counted on for much of the scoring on this young talented Falcons team. You can also throw in sharp shooters Chris Clementi and freshman Brandon Crescento into the mix. Cresento is highly skilled off the dribble pull and will compete for a starting spot.

The Falcons also have several bigs that can clog the middle and provide valuable minute for coach Soares and his staff. Soares always gets the most out of his kids and they will not back down to the competition.

Teams to Watch-

Durango Trail Blazers

Arbor View Aggies

Las Vegas Wildcats

Desert Pines Jaguars

Coronado Cougars

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