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3A BOYS: Boulder City goes for take two with new cast

Boulder City’s run to a Class 3A state boys basketball title last season might have been made for Hollywood.

After finishing with a regular-season 13-16 record, the Eagles won three of four postseason games to capture their first state crown since 1999.

“It felt like one of those movies you see on TV,” forward Preston Swasey said. “It was incredible, indescribable.”

But this season’s script will see a different cast for the Eagles.

Coach Bobby Reese resigned after 10 seasons and was replaced with former Basic coach Kurt Bailey.

Boulder City also must replace all five starters, including star guard Joey Western and forward Jeremy Smith.

“That’s the question: How we’re going to come together,” Bailey said. “How well we’re able to do that will determine whether we reach the goals we’ve set.”

Swasey, a 6-foot-3-inch senior forward, is expected to lead the way along with senior guard Kyle Dimpel. Senior swingmen Ryan Washburn and Ryan Bowen also return from last season.

Bailey said his team will emphasize defense and rebounding.

“With me being a new coach, they’re going to have to adjust to my style and some new plays,” he said. “I like to play up-tempo. We could slow it down, too.”

The Eagles graduated their top five scorers from last season, including Western (13.8 ppg) and Smith (11.1 ppg).

“We’ve just got to work on our chemistry,” said Swasey, who averaged 4.1 points and 3.6 rebounds as a junior. “At practice, we’re not used to each other yet. It’s got to develop; that’s the main thing.”

Which is why Swasey said he and Dimpel are helping to show younger players the ropes.

“We all had a big part (in winning state),” he said. “It’s mostly our leadership; we have to teach the others what it’s like.”

The Eagles open the season at home Tuesday against Mountain View.
 

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