Looking ahead to the week in high school sports
Here is a look at some of the week’s top high school sports events.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Monday — Rancho at Canyon Springs, 6:30 p.m.
The Rams and Pioneers will battle it out for first place in the Northeast League. Rancho has been steadily improving behind the one-two punch of Justin Holiday and Chrys Jackson. But Canyon Springs has been consistent all season, and topped the Rams 77-65 on Jan. 12.
Tuesday — Foothill at Coronado, 6:30 p.m.
This matchup lost a bit of luster when Foothill fell to Liberty, as first place no longer will be on the line. But it’s still a matchup of the Southeast League’s top teams, and the Falcons will try to avenge an 84-61 loss on Jan. 11.
Wednesday — Sierra Vista at Durango, 6:30 p.m.
The teams are separated by a half game in the standings, so third place in the Southwest League could be determined here. That’s important, as the No. 4 seed has to travel to Centennial in the first round of the Sunset Region playoffs.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Monday — Desert Oasis at Bishop Gorman, 5 p.m.
First place in the Southwest League is on the line, but the winner doesn’t automatically clinch the top seed for the Class 4A Sunset Region playoffs. The Gaels defeated Desert Oasis 57-47 on Jan. 10.
Monday — Valley at Eldorado, 5 p.m.
The visiting Vikings can lock up the No. 4 seed from the Northeast League with a victory.
Tuesday — Legacy at Arbor View, 5 p.m.
The Longhorns and Aggies have both clinched a postseason berth, and this game will go a long way toward deciding the No. 2 seed from the Northwest League.
Tuesday — Western at Desert Pines, 5 p.m.
Both teams have secured their spot in the Class 3A Southern Region tournament, but the visiting Warriors could jump up to the No. 2 seed with a victory. The Jaguars won the first matchup 46-37 on Jan. 11.
Wednesday — Spring Valley at Desert Oasis, 5 p.m.
The Grizzlies are rooting for a victory by Desert Oasis on Monday. Why? If Desert Oasis wins Monday, and Spring Valley wins this game, it would create a likely three-way tie atop the Southwest League standings between the Grizzlies, Diamondbacks and Gorman. Desert Oasis knocked off the Grizzlies 57-52 in the first meeting on Jan. 12.
Wednesday — Canyon Springs at Las Vegas, 5 p.m.
As things currently stand in the Northeast League, the winner would clinch the No. 1 seed for the Class 4A Sunrise Region tournament.
FLAG FOOTBALL
Monday — Rancho at Canyon Springs, 4:30 p.m.
The winner here should be locked into the Northeast League’s second seed in the Sunrise Region playoffs. Las Vegas has separated itself from the pack, but one of these teams still could host a playoff game.
Monday — Tech at Virgin Valley, 4:30 p.m.
The Bulldogs have shown they can play with anyone in Southern Nevada, regardless of classification. But every game has become increasingly important for Katy Orellana and the Roadrunners, who are battling two other teams for the league’s second spot.
Tuesday — Foothill at Coronado, 4:30 p.m.
The Falcons know the drill: win out and they secure a Southeast League title. Coronado fell to Green Valley on a two-point conversion last week, but the Cougars are capable of some fireworks late in the season.
Tuesday — Palo Verde at Cimarron-Memorial, 4:30 p.m.
The Northwest League crown is at stake here. The Spartans’ only loss this year was at Palo Verde (46-27 on Jan. 11). I doubt Tiarra Del Rosario and Co. have forgotten about that.
Wednesday — Sierra Vista at Desert Oasis, 4:30 p.m.
The Mountain Lions will be looking for the season sweep against Desert Oasis. The Diamondbacks probably have other plans, though, especially at home and with a Southwest League title on the line.
WRESTLING
Friday-Saturday — State tournament at Spanish Springs, Sparks
All classes will seek the state title beginning Friday in Sparks. Green Valley won the Division I (now Class 4A) title last seaosn, Churchill County won at Division I-A (now Class 3A) and Battle Mountain was Division III/IV (now Class 2A/1A).
BOWLING
Monday-Friday — Region and state tournaments at Orleans Bowling Center
The road to the boys and girls state team titles begins on Monday. The Class 3A state finals will be held on Thursday, with the 4A finals on Friday. Action begins at 2:30 p.m. each day.
