3A HONORS: Boulder City’s Hafen earns league MVP

Boulder City’s boys basketball team rode its depth to a berth in the Class 3A state semifinals.

But Eagles coach John Balistere didn’t hesitate when asked about the importance of senior post player Nate Hafen.

“He’s obviously the heart and soul of our team,” Balistere said. “He’s just one of those kids you wish you had 12 of. They don’t come around that often.”

Coaches recently voted Hafen the 3A Southern League Most Valuable Player, and Balistere won Coach of the Year.

Hafen and junior guard Kaleb Bailey also were named first-team 3A all-state.

The 6-foot-2-inch Hafen averaged 11.3 points and 9.5 rebounds to lead the Eagles (19-10) to the 3A Southern League tournament title.

“(Hafen) is the guy who always set the tone,” Balistere said. “He led our team in charges taken with 20-plus. He likes to do all the dirty work. He’s only 6-2, but he has a real knack for rebounding. He uses his body better than most high school kids.”

Boulder City lost 60-45 to Lowry in the 3A state semifinals, but Balistere was rewarded with the league coaching honor after taking the Eagles from 5-12 last year to 19-10 in his first season.

“It’s truly a credit to our kids. I’m really proud of our season,” Balistere said.

In girls basketball, Virgin Valley sophomore guard Abbie Barnard was named 3A Southern League MVP and Chimane Creer took Coach of the Year.

Barnard also received first-team 3A all-state honors. She averaged 16 points as the Bulldogs (16-10) reached the 3A state semifinals.

ALLGOOD SIGNS — Legacy thrower Avione Allgood signed with Oklahoma.

Allgood is an Olympic hopeful in the javelin, which is not a high school event in Nevada. She won last year’s Class 4A state titles in the shot put (47 feet, 11¾ inches) and discus (146-8).

UNLV, Florida, North Carolina, Oregon, Stanford and Texas A&M also recruited Allgood.

GEORGE RISING — Arbor View offensive tackle Elijah George recently received a scholarship offer from Duke, Aggies coach Dan Barnson said.

George, who will be a senior next season, already has an offer from UNLV. The 6-6, 240-pound George was a second-team all-state pick in 2011.

RECENT DECISIONS — Silverado girls soccer goalkeeper Katelyn Comeno-Lewis signed with Troy.

In boys soccer, Durango forward Ryan Benavente and Sierra Vista defender Jorge Echavarria both signed with Dixie State (Utah).

Durango senior wing Joe Tuss plans to begin his college basketball career with Air Force’s prep program.