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2016-17 Boys Basketball Team Capsules

ADELSON SCHOOL

Head coach: Kurt McGinnis, first season

2015-16 record: 12-10 (8-2 Division IV Southern, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): Nine (five)

Top players: F Jake Buchman (Sr.), G Jacob Elharrar (Sr.), F Brandon Pappas (Sr.), C Miles Hagan (Jr.)

Outlook: McGinnis takes over a program that saw plenty of success last season when the team advanced to the Division IV state semifinals. The Lions are likely to see a little stronger competition this year after moving to the Class 2A Southern League.

“We return a team full of experience and leadership,” McGinnis said. “We are excited about moving up in league, and I expect us to compete each and every game.”

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AGASSI PREP

Head coach: Trevor Diggs, fourth season

2015-16 record: 16-6 (13-3 Division III Southern, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (four)

Top players: G Najeeb Muhammad (So.), G Akeemis Williams (Jr.), G Daniel Plummer (So.)

Outlook: With four starters returning from a team that finished only one game behind The Meadows for the Southern League regular-season title, the Stars should be in good stead to compete again for the top spot.

Williams (17 points per game), Plummer (10 points, 4 rebounds per game) and Muhammad (9 points, 10 assists per game) lead a list of six returnees.

“I will continue to stress the importance of playing hard and competing on every play,” Diggs said.

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ARBOR VIEW

Head coach: Dustin Clayton, first season

2015-16 record: 10-15 (3-5 Northwest, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (three)

Top players: G/F Jarrod Burks (Jr.), G Comillion Smith (Jr.), G Favour Chukwukelu (So.), G Elijah Westall (Sr.)

Outlook: Clayton inherits a young squad with most of its returnees underclassmen.

Burks (10 points, 5 rebounds per game), Westall, Smith and Chukwukelu are expected to be leaders on the team.

“The Aggies will look to compete in a tough Northwest League,” Clayton said.

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BEATTY

Head coach: Steven Sullivan, third season

2015-16 record: 10-11 (4-6 Division IV Southern, seventh)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)

Outlook: Five lettermen return for the Hornets, who narrowly missed out on a postseason berth last year.

“With a good group of returners from last year’s varsity and new additions, the team is looking to be more competitive in a challenging league,” Sullivan said. “This year’s team will have more leadership from its seniors who hope to reach playoffs and end the three-year drought.”

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BEAVER DAM

Head coach: Rory Hurley, sixth season

2015-16 record: 9-9 (6-4 Division IV Southern, fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): One (zero)

Outlook: After qualifying for the Division IV Southern League playoffs last year, the Diamondbacks will have some work to do this season.

Only one letterman returns for Beaver Dam.

“This season is a complete rebuild for Beaver Dam as we return only one player from last year’s team,” Hurley said. “It will be a steep learning curve due to the youth that will be playing for the varsity team.”

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BISHOP GORMAN

Head coach: Grant Rice, 16th season

2015-16 record: 25-7 (8-0 Southwest, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Ten (three)

Top players: F/G Chuck O’Bannon (Sr.), G Christian Popoola (Sr.), G/F Jamal Bey (Jr.), F/G Ryan Kiley (Sr.), F Saxton Howard, G Jarrett Jordan, G Luke Bradford

Outlook: The Gaels have won five straight large-school state titles, but for the first time since that streak started, Gorman finds itself without a true dominant post player.

The graduation of shot-blocker Zach Collins ended a run where the Gaels had some combination of Stephen Zimmerman, Chase Jeter and Collins in the middle.

That’s not to say Gorman will be down in any way.

O’Bannon (21 points, 6 rebounds per game), Popoola (13 ppg, 4 rpg, 6 assists per game) and Bey (10 ppg) all return to lead an offense that still should be potent.

“No true big man this year, but we have a lot of athletic players,” Rice said. “It should be a fun year as we try to run a little more and pick up all over the court on defense.”

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BONANZA

Head coach: Dan Savage, first full season

2015-16 record: 12-13 (1-7 Northwest, fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Two (zero)

Top players: G Brandon Noone (Sr.), F Chase Hafen (Jr.)

Outlook: Savage took over the reins of the program midway through last season, but lost 11 players to graduation as he starts his first full season as boys coach.

“Bonanza basketball is in full rebuilding mode,” Savage said. “We’re looking to change the culture and build upon a strong preseason. The future is bright with a strong group of underclassmen ready to gain some much-needed experience.

“A playoff spot in the highly-competitive Southwest League remains the goal for the Bengals.”

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BOULDER CITY

Head coach: John Balistere, sixth season

2015-16 record: 6-20 (2-12 Sunrise, seventh)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (three)

Top players: G/F Justus Green (Sr.), G/F Carson Balistere (Jr.), G Tanner Montgomery (Jr.), F Mike Martinelli (Sr.), G Billy Ferrence (Jr.)

Outlook: With only five lettermen returning, the Eagles remain young, but are hoping for a more successful season this year.

Green (7.0 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game) Carson Balistere (7.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Montgomery (5.0 ppg, 2.0 assists per game) are expected to be among the team’s leaders.

“We have an extremely competitive group, relatively young still, but our expectations are to compete for a league title,” John Balistere said. “Our depth will be an added bonus for us this season.”

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CANYON SPRINGS

Head coach: Freddie Banks, sixth season

2015-16 record: 10-10 (4-4 Northeast, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)

Top players: G/F Joseph Haulcy, G/F Jovon Coleman, G Kevin Legardy

Outlook: The Pioneers return three starters in Legardy (12 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds per game), Haulcy (11 ppg, 5 rpg) and Coleman (10 ppg, 5 rpg), and should get some help from three new players.

“The addition of Chris Hawkins, Laron Smith and William Logan will help,” Banks said. “Hawkins can bring a better all-around game to the program, a great on-ball defender and a floor leader. Smith will bring much-needed rebounding to the team. Logan’s outside shooting will be an addition.”

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CENTENNIAL

Head coach: Noah Hartsock, first season

2015-16 record: 24-4 (8-0 Northwest, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (three)

Top players: F/G Troy Brown (Sr.), G Isaiah Banks (Sr.), F/C Darian Scott (Sr.)

Outlook: Brown, who has committed to Oregon and was a first-team all-state selection last season, averaged 19.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game last year.

Brown, Banks, and Scott are expected to be the leaders on a team that welcomes back seven lettermen.

“Centennial looks to compete at a high level this year at a fast pace offensively and defensively,” Hartsock said. “The team looks to make some noise come playoff time. Look for some younger players to step up and help contribute to the team’s success.”

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CHAPARRAL

Head coach: Steven Bentz, fourth season

2015-16 record: 18-10 (11-3 Sunrise, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)

Top players: G Sam Porras (Sr.), F Ronnie Hicks (Sr.), G Jonathan Tendale (Jr.), F Marcus Hilliard (Jr.), F Ben Kirschbaum (Sr.)

Outlook: Five lettermen and plenty of scoring return for the Cowboys.

Porras (10.5 points, 3.5 assists per game), Hicks (7 ppg, 4.5 rebounds per game), Tendale (6 ppg), Hilliard (6.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and Kirschbaum (6.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg) give the Cowboys a handful of options on offense.

“We anticipate being very competitive in our league with our returners and playoff experience we have had in the past couple seasons,” Bentz said. “Our first goal is to compete in for a league title in a tough league and advance to a possible state playoff berth.

“In order to accomplish these, we need to jell as a team and find which style fits our personnel best.”

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CHEYENNE

Head coach: Teral Fair, 11th season

2015-16 record: 16-7 (9-5 Sunset, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)

Top players: G Dewayne Alexander (Sr.), G Kavon Williams (Jr.), C Chris Rose (So.)

Outlook: The Desert Shields may not have a ton of experience with only four returning lettermen, but they do have talent.

Williams (13.4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists per game), Alexander (12 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg, 3 steals per game) and Rose (9 ppg, 4 rpg) all return and should contribute.

“The team is small, quick and athletic,” Fair said. “Very inexperienced overall, but we should qualify for the playoffs.”

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CIMARRON-MEMORIAL

Head coach: Daryl Branham, second season

2015-16 record: 9-14 (2-6 Northwest, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (two)

Top players: G Demarco Alexander, G Keiron Hatchett, G Elijah Coleman

Outlook: Alexander, who averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game, is one of six returning lettermen for the Spartans, who should be more competitive this season.

Hatchett (8 ppg, 3 apg) and Coleman (8 ppg) also represent quality scoring options for Cimarron.

“With six returners from last year’s team, we are looking to improve with the experience coming back,” said Branham. “Transfer Kamakana Winquist, a 6-foot-4-inch forward, from Centennial should help with rebounding and scoring.”

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CLARK

Head coach: Colin Darfour, first season

2015-16 record: 22-9 (12-2 Sunset, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Ten (three)

Top players: G James Bridges (Jr.), G Trey Woodbury (Jr.), F Ian Alexander (So.), F Antwon Jackson (So.), G Sedrick Hammond (So.), F Jalen Hill (So.)

Outlook: Darfour, who coached at Mojave the past five seasons, takes over the team that won the last three Division I-A state titles.

But Clark has moved to Class 4A this year.

“We have a very young team,” Darfour said. “We will focus on defense, playing extremely hard, playing smart and playing together.”

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CORAL ACADEMY

Head coach: Dallas Spears, first season

2015-16 record: 11-7 (independent)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (three)

Top players: G Isaiah Spears (Sr.), F/C Ryan Djino (Sr.)

Outlook: Isaiah Spears (20.5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals per game) and Djino (14 ppg, 9 rpg) lead a list of five returnees for Coral Academy, which will again compete as an independent in the NIAA.

“Last year Isaiah Spears established himself as one of the best pure shooters in the state,” Dallas Spears said. “Ryan Djino established himself as one of the the best big men in Nevada. Coral expects huge contributions from senior forward Adam Abdalla, junior guard Ty Bride and sophomore forward Zach Hammer, who all played valuable minutes last season.

“With the addition of highly-talented freshman guard Isaac Spears, the Falcons look to compete with every team they play this year. Depth will be the question for this team.”

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CORONADO

Head coach: Jeff Kaufman, seventh season

2015-16 record: 22-5 (10-0 Southeast, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (four)

Top players: F Kennedy Koehler (Sr.), G Trey Hurlburt (Sr.), G Nick Davis (Sr.), G Bryce Savoy (Sr.), F William Weems (Sr.), C Bryan Penn-Johnson (Jr.)

Outlook: The Cougars may have only one problem this season — having more talented players than available spots on the floor.

Four starters return from a team that advanced to the Division I state title game, and Coronado picked up two talented transfers in the 6-foot-9-inch Weems and the 7-0 Penn-Johnson.

Koehler (16 points, 14 rebounds per game), who has committed to California-San Diego, should be one of the top players in Southern Nevada, and Hurlburt (9.4 ppg, 4 assists per game) gives Coronado an outside option to go with a strong inside game.

“The Cougars look to put an experienced group on the floor,” Kaufman said. “Having a nice mix of size and shooting guards, the team will be able to throw a balanced attack at its opponents. The Cougars will continue to play a pressure defense and push the ball on offense.

“The goal for the Coronado team is to play hard every possession.”

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DEL SOL

Head coach: Tyler Ehrke, eighth season

2015-16 record: 15-12 (8-6 Sunrise, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (two)

Top players: F Jonathan Spearman (Sr.), G Mekhi Duncan (Sr.), F Bryon Rowson (Sr.), G Keith Seldon (Jr.)

Outlook: The Dragons return six lettermen from last year’s squad that qualified for the Southern Region playoffs.

Spearman averaged 12.7 points and 11 rebounds and could be one of the Sunrise League’s top players this year.

“We will lean on our upperclassmen to be competitive each night,” Ehrke said. “We return a group of players that played extensive minutes last year and are excited for those players to take on a larger role with the team.

“We hope to be competitive within our division and make the playoffs for a third consecutive year.”

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DESERT OASIS

Head coach: Joseph Bedowitz, first season

2015-16 record: 19-10 (6-2 Northwest, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)

Top players: G Taiga Miyano (Sr.), G Jacob Heese (Jr.)

Outlook: Bedowitz inherits a team that has only two returning starters.

Heese (10 points, 6 rebounds per game) and Miyano (7 ppg, 4 assists per game) will be among the leaders on a team that hopes to remain competitive.

“With the mass exodus of seniors, Desert Oasis still has enough key pieces to make some noise in a highly-competitive Southwest League,” Bedowitz said. “With young talent filling out the roster, we feel that we will surprise a lot of people and grab a playoff spot.”

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DESERT PINES

Head coach: Mike Uzan, sixth season

2015-16 record: 22-9 (14-0 Sunrise, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Nine (four)

Top players: G Capri Uzan (Sr.), F Trevon Abdullah (Sr.), G Jordan Simon (Sr.), G Derek Coleman (Sr.), F JeRell Springer (Sr.)

Outlook: The Jaguars return nine lettermen, including four starters, from a team that advanced to the Division I-A state final.

Capri Uzan (17 points, 5 assists, 3.5 rebounds per game), Abdullah (10 ppg, 6 rpg), Simon (7 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg) and Coleman (5 ppg, 3 rpg) all return for Desert Pines, which could also benefit from the transfer of Springer from Shadow Ridge.

“We should be pretty good,” Mike Uzan said.

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DURANGO

Head coach: DeShawn Henry, 10th season

2015-16 record: 17-7 (5-3 Southwest, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)

Top players: G Demetrius Valdez (Sr.), G Zyare Ruffin (Sr.), F Jeremie Portuondo (Sr.), G Nick Blake (So.)

Outlook: The Trailblazers welcome back six lettermen from last year’s squad.

Valdez (12 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists per game), Ruffin (10 ppg, 6 rpg) and Portuondo (5 ppg, 5 rpg) give Durango offensive options.

Blake, a transfer from Shadow Ridge, gives the Trailblazers length and shooting on the wing. The team hopes to be competitive again in the Southwest League.

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FAITH LUTHERAN

Head coach: Bret Walter, 20th season

2015-16 record: 19-8 (11-3 Sunset, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): Three (two)

Top players: G Jaylen Fox (Jr.) F Nic Maccioni (Sr.), F Elijah Kothe (Jr.), G Josh Hong (Jr.)

Outlook: The Crusaders return only two starters as they make the jump back to Class 4A after spending the last four seasons in Division I-A.

Kothe (9.5 points, 7.4 rebounds per game) and Fox (7.4 ppg, 4.0 assists per game) should be among the leaders on a team that hopes to contend for a playoff berth in the Northwest League.

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FOOTHILL

Head coach: Kevin Soares, 18th season

2015-16 record: 12-16 (5-5 Southeast, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Eleven (four)

Top players: G Marvin Coleman (Jr.), G Jace Roquemore (So.), F Mauricio Smith (Sr.)

Outlook: The Falcons have experience on their side as 11 lettermen return.

Chief among the returnees are Smith (12.0 points, 7.0 rebounds per game), Coleman (10 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 assists per game) and Roquemore (8 ppg, 4 apg, 3 rpg).

Foothill teams always seem to improve as the season progresses, and the team should contend for its 12th consecutive postseason berth.

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GREEN VALLEY

Head coach: Lorenzo Jarvis, seventh season

2015-16 record: 14-13 (6-4 Southeast, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (two)

Top players: F Canyon Lewis (Sr.), G Matt Tuttle (Sr.), G Eric Johnson (Sr.), C Cooper Burgess (Sr.)

Outlook: The Gators return eight lettermen, but only two starters from last year’s squad.

Lewis (15.5 points, 9 rebounds per game) and Tuttle (9 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 assists per game) highlight the list of returnees who hope to keep the team competitive in the Southeast League.

“Our goal is always to compete for a championship, and I think we will surprise a lot of people before the season ends,” Jarvis said.

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GV CHRISTIAN

Head coach: Eric Rolwing, fourth season

Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)

Top players: F Greg Fields (So.), G/F Daemein Hargrove (Fr.), G Moses Valencia (Fr.)

Outlook: The Eagles joined the NIAA as an independent this season and bring back only two starters.

Fields (3.6 points, 6.6 rebounds per game) is expected to be among the leaders on a team that hopes to build as the season goes along.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing where we stand when it comes to teams within Class 1A,” Rolwing said. “We are a very young team, with every one of our starters being an underclassman. This will allow us plenty of time to grow and develop into something pretty special over the next few years.”

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LAKE MEAD

Head coach: Jeff Newton, 23rd season

2015-16 record: 6-18 (3-13 Division III Southern, seventh)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)

Top players: G Shay Rutledge (Jr.), G Madela Kaiaokumulani (Jr.), F Noah Tassi (Sr.)

Outlook: The Eagles return six lettermen and hope to be more competitive this season.

“The Southern (Class) 2A is a very competitive league, and night in and night out teams will be challenged,” Newton said. “There will be more than four teams who are capable of making the playoffs. We will see what team peaks toward the end of the season.”

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LAS VEGAS

Head coach: Jason Wilson, ninth season

2015-16 record: 10-17 (4-4 Northeast, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Nine (three)

Top players: F Marquise Raybon (Sr.), G Deondre Northey (Sr.), G Donovan Joyner (Jr.)

Outlook: Despite having a young team, the Wildcats still qualified for the postseason last year and return nine lettermen, including three double-figure scorers in Raybon (14.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks per game), Northey (12.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg) and Joyner (12.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.0 assists per game).

“We’re looking to build off last year’s experiences,” Wilson said. “We return most of last year’s lineup and hope that the sophomores from last year can learn from their experiences and compete at a high level as juniors. Additionally, we’re looking for leadership from the guys that are now seniors.

“The team should have better chemistry this year as the guys are more comfortable with each other and will better know their roles. As always, our goal is to improve throughout the year, make the playoffs and be playing as well as we can at the end.”

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LEGACY

Head coach: Jack Tarango, seventh season

2015-16 record: 12-15 (4-4 Southwest, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Three (zero)

Top players: G Chris White (Jr.), G/F D’Eric Marlowe (Jr.), G Tyrell Nolen (Jr.), G Jayvon Lewis (Jr.)

Outlook: The Longhorns return only three lettermen. Six of the team’s top seven scorers from last season graduated, including all-region perfomer Timothy Jeffries, who averaged 17.1 points per game.

White (4.1 ppg) is the leading returning scorer, though the team also should benefit from the addition of Marlowe, who sat out last season after transferring.

“Having to replace Timothy Jeffries is a tall order,” Tarango said. “The pantry is not bare for the Longhorns, though. There is talent at the guard slot. We have a very energetic group of players that will work hard on every possession, offensively and defensively.

“I’m very excited about this team. This is a group that has put in great effort through the offseason and is ready to play. It it one of the hardest working and dedicated groups I have had in a while.”

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LIBERTY

Head coach: Stefan Berg, third season

2015-16 record: 13-14 (6-2 Northeast, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)

Top players: G Khylon Brooks (Sr.), G Braden Cain (Sr.), F Logan Koch (Sr.), G Tyrone Marigney (Sr.), F Dyllan Robinson (Sr.), G Cameron Burist (Jr.), G Julian Strawther (Fr.)

Outlook: The Patriots welcome back six lettermen who helped the team win the Northeast League last year.

“We are in a new league this year, and every game will be tough,” Berg said. “We have six returners from last year, but we also have five freshmen and sophomores that can play big roles for us.

“The team is excited for this year.”

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LIBERTY BAPTIST

Head coach: Clayton Sullivan, ninth season

2015-16 record: 16-3 (NIAA independent)

Returning lettermen (starters): One (one)

Top players: G Seth Sullivan (So.), C Christian Ramirez (Jr.)

Outlook: The Eagles are young and return just one letterman, though five other returnees saw varsity playing time.

Seth Sullivan (5.8 points, 3.9 assists, 2.4 steals per game) and Ramirez (1.7 ppg) should be among the team’s leaders.

“This is the biggest freshman class in school history to come out for basketball,” coach Sullivan said. “We are very encouraged because they displayed a great team spirit. Expectations for this year are that we get better with every practice and game.

“We want to concentrate on the fundamentals and work at being competitive in each game. Our coaching staff is excited with everyone’s competitive spirit during practices.”

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THE MEADOWS

Head coach: Brian Lang, first season

2015-16 record: 27-3 (14-2 Division III Southern, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)

Top players: G Jake Epstein (Sr.), G Asheesh Chopra (Sr.), G Connor Buckman (Sr.), G Joe Epstein (So.)

Outlook: Lang inherits a team that returns six lettermen after winning the Division III state title last year.

Jake Epstein (18.1 points, 5 assists per game), Chopra (12 ppg), Joe Epstein (3 ppg, 5 rebounds per game), Buckman (2 ppg, 4 rpg) should be among the leaders.

“Coming off a year where the boys won the state championship, The Meadows is looking forward to a fun and exciting year,” Lang said.

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MOJAVE

Head coach: Adam Schwartz, first season

2015-16 record: 14-10 (7-7 Sunset, fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Four (one)

Top players: G Tyrique Watson (Sr.), G/F Jonathan Rodriguez (Sr.), G Tyrice Pender (Jr.)

Outlook: Schwartz inherits a team that returns just one starter from last year.

“We are a very young and inexperienced team,” Schwartz said. “We have two returning seniors and 10 underclassmen on the roster. We will have to replace a lot of scoring, but we have a lot of inexperienced, but capable pieces.

“We expect to go through some growing pains, but with consistent improvement, we hope to be very competitive as the season moves forward.”

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MOUNTAIN VIEW

Head coach: Raymond LeBoeuf, 22nd season

2015-16 record: 20-9 (13-3 Division III Southern, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): Two (two)

Top players: G Terrence Brooks (Jr.), G Tyrell Brooks (Jr.)

Outlook: After advancing to the Division III state tournament last year, the Saints return just two starters in Terrence Brooks (11.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists per game) and Tyrell Brooks (11.3 pg, 6.4 rpg).

“The success of our season hinges upon the development of the young, inexperienced players on our club,” LeBoeuf said. “They have been working hard, and we have high hopes that they will provide solid support for the continued growth of Terrence and Tyrell.”

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PAHRANAGAT VALLEY

Head coach: Mike Strong, 16th season

2015-16 record: 18-10 (8-2 Division IV Southern, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (four)

Top players: C Culen Highbe (Jr.), G Tabor Maxwell (Sr.), G Cody Williams (Sr.), G Christian Higbee (Sr.), F Tyson Jorgensen (Sr.), G Ike Taylor (Sr.)

Outlook: The Panthers finished in three-way tie for second in the Southern League last year, but lost out on a tiebreaker and were seeded fourth for the playoffs, where they fell to league champion Word of Life in the league semifinals.

Four starters return from that squad and could have Pahranagat Valley in the league title hunt.

Highbe, a 6-foot-10-inch post, averaged 9.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last year. He joins Maxwell (8.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.4 assists per game) and Williams (6.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.7 apg) among the returnees.

“We hope to continue to improve as a team and program this season,” Strong said.

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PAHRUMP VALLEY

Head coach: John Toomer, third season

2015-16 record: 3-20 (1-13 Sunset, eighth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Four (one)

Outlook: The Trojans struggled last year, but hope an influx of new players will lead to better results this season.

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PALO VERDE

Head coach: Paul Sanchez, fifth season

2015-16 record: 10-16 (1-7 Southwest, fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)

Top players: G Cole Hendershot (Sr.), G James Camp (Sr.), F Logan McGhee (Sr.), G Josh Darling (Sr.), C Brian Sullivan (Jr.), C Daniel Bellinger (Jr.), G Tieman Allen (Jr.)

Outlook: The Panthers have a lot of scoring to make up for with the loss of Taylor Miller (27 points per game) and Ryan Vogelei (9.2 ppg) to graduation.

Hendershot (8.7 ppg, 7.0 rebounds per game), Camp (5.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg), McGhee (4.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Darling (3.0 ppg) should be among the team’s contributors.

“We have a young group of juniors to complement our returning players,” Sanchez said. “We look to improve each day and compete in the Northwest League.”

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RANCHO

Head coach: Ronald Childress, fourth season

2015-16 record: 13-13 (2-8 Southeast, fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Four (three)

Top players: G Chrys Jackson (Sr.)

Outlook: The Rams welcome back three starters, including Jackson, a second-team All-Southeast League selection who averaged 16 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds per game last year.

“The Rams are looking to return to the playoffs after missing out on a berth last year,” Childress said. “The success of the Rams will largely fall on the shoulders of four-year starting point guard Chrys Jackson. He will have to raise his performance to new levels if he is to lead the young and inexperienced Rams into the postseason.”

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SHADOW RIDGE

Head coach: Pat Welby, first season

2015-16 record: 12-17 (2-6 Southwest, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (two)

Top players: G James Fuller (Sr.), G Kevin Branch (Sr.), G Isaiah Williams (Sr.), F Obi Okafor (Sr.)

Outlook: Welby, a veteran basketball coach, takes over a program that returns six lettermen, but just two starters, from a team that qualified for the playoffs last year.

Fuller (15 points, 5.1 rebounds per game) is the leading returning scorer, and is joined by Branch (8.0 ppg, 3.1 assists per game), Williams (5.0 ppg, 3.1 apg) and Okafor (2.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg).

“We’re making the transition to a new style and system of play with a new coaching staff in place,” Welby said. “We’re looking for James Fuller, Kevin Branch and Isaiah Williams to provide senior leadership and qualify for the playoffs and advance to the state tournament.”

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SIERRA VISTA

Head coach: Keith Ulrich, sixth season

2015-16 record: 11-16 (8-6 Sunset, fourth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (four)

Top players: G Maka Ellis (Jr.), F Chris McCoy (Sr.), F Maui SeraJosef (Sr.), Calvin Richards (So.)

Outlook: The Mountain Lions’ record last season is a bit deceptive as the Sunset League was loaded with talented teams.

Bringing back four starters from a team that qualified for the postseason is a plus.

Ellis (21 points per game) should again be one of Southern Nevada’s top offensive weapons. He’s joined by SeraJosef (10 ppg, 5 rebounds per game), McCoy (9 ppg, 8 rpg) and Richards (7 ppg, 2 steals per game).

“We expect to compete for a playoff spot in a very difficult league,” Ulrich said.

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SILVERADO

Head coach: Shelby Jones, second season

2015-16 record: 19-9 (6-2 Northeast, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Two (zero)

Top players: F/C Devin Ross (Sr.), G/F Trevor Bubonovich (Sr.)

Outlook: The Skyhawks were a senior-laden squad and had plenty of success last year.

Few teams, though, were hit nearly as hard by graduation as the Skyhawks, who return just two lettermen — Ross (7 points, 6 rebounds per game) and Bubonovich (6 ppg).

“It’s all new team from last year,” Jones said. “Only two returning players have varsity experience. The team will be very young and inexperienced.”

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SOMERSET-SKY POINTE

Head coach: Dasheem Jenkins, third season

2015-16 record: First-year varsity program

Returning lettermen (starters): Zero

Outlook: The Eagles make their varsity debut this year.

“We look to gain stride as we prepare to join Class 3A next season,” said Jenkins, who has coached at Cimarron-Memorial and said he is looking to set a winning standard for the program.

“We will compete in the Charter School league and have games against CCSD opponents Western and Sunrise Mountain.”

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SPRING VALLEY

Head coach: Paul Blair, first year

2015-16 record: 10-12 (5-9 Sunset, sixth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (five)

Top players: G Paul Banks (Sr.), F Justin Bonner (Sr.), F Ryan Frazier (Sr.), G Keelan Wickersham (Jr.)

Outlook: The Grizzlies return seven lettermen, including five starters, from last year’s squad.

“Our team is very hungry to win along with being a very humble, grinding, athletic, fast team,” Blair said. “One of our goals is to get a playoff berth this year. Our expectations this year are to earn respect from our peers and to have an above .500 record in the best league in Las Vegas.

“We want to compete and have fun while doing it. We will definitely be a sleeper, and we are looking forward and respectively accepting all challenges.”

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SUNRISE MOUNTAIN

Head coach: John Teran, fourth season

2015-16 record: 11-14 (7-7 Sunrise, fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Four (two)

Top players: G Trevor White (Sr.), G Steven Adeyemi (Jr.)

Outlook: Only two starters return for the Miners, who lost five seniors to graduation.

Adeyemi (8 points, 5.6 rebounds per game) and White (6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.4 assists per game) should be among the team’s leaders.

“The Miners have continued to improve over the last few years, but are still hungry for their first postseason play,” Teran said. “Our athletes have bought into our system. However, size and experience might become a factor throughout the season. Hopefully this is the year that we get over the hump; we have missed out on the playoffs by one game the last three years.”

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VALLEY

Head coach: Adam Zakos, second season

2015-16 record: 3-19 (0-8 Northeast, fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): Six (three)

Top players: John King (Sr.), Oscar Burns (Jr.), Shakore Parish (Jr.), Josiah Newbern (Jr.), Bryce Jones (So.), Tommy Anderson (Fr.)

Outlook: The Vikings return six lettermen as they hope to show a big improvement over last season.

King (8 points, 2 assists per game), Burns (6 ppg, 3 apg) and Parish (3 ppg, 2 apg) should be among the team’s leaders.

“We expect to be much improved this season,” Zakos said. “We have a much more dedicated group that wants to be successful and will be willing to put in the hard work to achieve that.”

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VIRGIN VALLEY

Head coach: Sean FitzSimons, fifth season

2015-16 record: 13-11 (9-5 Sunrise, third)

Returning lettermen (starters): Five (two)

Top players: G Jarrett Tietjen (Sr.), F Andrew Memmott (Sr.), G Hogan Fowles (Sr.), C Reid Jensen (Sr.)

Outlook: Five lettermen return for the Bulldogs, who lost a good chunk of scoring to graduation.

Memmott (9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds per game) is the leading returning scorer. Tietjen (6.1 ppg, 5.6 assists per game), Fowles (6.0 ppg) and Jensen (5.0 ppg) all are expected to contribute.

“Virgin Valley will be rebuilding a bit after graduating its top two scoring leaders,” FitzSimons said. “We are hoping that this year’s seniors are ready to step up into leadership roles in order to establish a decent core to rely on night in and night out.

“Our goal is to be competitive in every game, with the hopes of competing for a playoff spot come February.”

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