Area Basketball Players Head to State Championships
Reno, NV (February 24, 2011) - March madness is starting early for three Washoe County School District high schools this week as the state basketball finals get underway in Las Vegas. The Reed High School Lady Raiders are heading to the 4A state semi-finals tonight playing Centennial of Las Vegas at 6:20 p.m. at the Orleans Events Center. If Reed wins, they will play for the state title this Friday at 6 p.m. against the winner of the Bishop Gorman vs. Liberty game.
Reed finished the season 26-0 and is currently ranked number one in the state of Nevada, according to maxpreps.com. This is the sixth regional title for the Lady Raiders in girls basketball and their first since 2007.
Reed's head coach, Sara Schopper, says she is proud of the team's undefeated record. "Having a 26-0 record is pretty impressive. We are excited to represent Northern Nevada for the state championships. This is one of the best teams I have ever coached."
On Friday, the Sparks Railroaders boys basketball team will be hitting the court at 12:40 p.m. for the 3A state semi-finals, playing the Lowry Buckaroo's from Winnemucca at the Orleans Events Center. If Sparks win, they will play for the state title on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. against the winner of the Moapa Valley vs. South Lake Tahoe game.
The Railroaders are heading back to the state playoffs for a second year in a row. The team won the title last year for the first time in 70 years. Assistant Principal Charlie Walsh says the team is fired up to be back at the state tournament. "We are just excited for our students to have the opportunity to defend our state championship. The kids have worked extremely hard this year and are looking forward to their trip to Las Vegas."
Incline boys will hit the hardwood on Friday night during the 2A state semi-finals at Durango High School in Las Vegas. The Highlanders will play Needles High School from the south at 8 p.m. Friday night. If Incline wins on Friday, they will face the winner of the Yerington vs. Agassi Prep game at the Orleans Event Center for the 2A state championship on Saturday at 4:15 p.m.
Head Coach Brian Broaddus says he is extremely proud of his athletes and their 21-5 season. "It has been a great season so far. With the graduation of eight seniors from last year's team and only two returning seniors, everyone expected this to be our rebuilding year. The boys have worked hard this season and have really come together as a group learning a new system and getting used to a new coach. I am proud to be the coach of this year's team at Incline."
Ken Cass, Coordinator of Athletics and Activities for the District, says he is thrilled to have representation at the 2A, 3A and 4A levels. "I'm really pleased with the way our coaches and teams have represented our schools throughout the District and Northern Nevada. It's a big deal to compete at the state championships and the experience will give these student athletes memories they will never forget. I'm proud of the hard work and commitment to excellence throughout the season as they head into the state championships as one of only four teams left standing at each level."
