Nevada H.S Team Preview: Durango Trailblazers
It’s a new day at Durango H.S. Over the last couple of years, the tradition rich program has struggled for victories, managing to produce only 16 in the last two season. Enter Coach Chad Beeten. The basketball lifer has a…
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Continue ReadingIt’s a new day at Durango H.S. Over the last couple of years, the tradition rich program has struggled for victories, managing to produce only 16 in the last two season. Enter Coach Chad Beeten. The basketball lifer has a history of rebuilding local programs. He turned Clark into a state powerhouse, left, and did it again. After 3 state titles, a 1 year stint in California, and another 2 year stint at Clark, the east coast native is poised to help Durango return to its winning ways. Fortunately for him, he’s inherited a talented team that shares his vision. PH takes a look at some of the top players for the Durango Trailblazers.
Head Coach:
Chad Beeten 1st Season
Conference: 4A Sunset
Key Returners:
Anthony “Tone” Hunter 5’11 PG 2020 (PHN #7 C/O 2020) – They don’t make players like Hunter anymore. Natural leader, high energy guy that loves to compete, and plays the game with a passion. Elite perimeter defender. Hunter can cut the head off any team’s primary ball handler. In Durango’s pressure D, Hunter has a chance to lead the state in thefts. Ultra quick PG that gets consistent paint touches. Good athlete that has the ability to finish over and under length. Hunter currently holds offers from Southern Illinois, UC Riverside, and UW – Milwaukee.
Keshon Gilbert 6’2 PG 2021 (PHN #7 C/O 2021)–Gilbert is a slick PG that may have the tightest handle in the city. Willing passer capable of creating plays for himself and his teammates. Excellent size for the position. He and hunter form one of the top backcourts in the city. Gilbert’s growth this year is essential to the Trailblazer’s success. Gilbert is one of the top PG’s in the state, and he recently accepted an offer to stay home and play for the Rebels.
Kendrick Gilbert 6’5 SF 2020 (PHN #28 C/O 2020)– Gilbert is going on my all glue guy team. Versatile defender that impacts the game in several ways. He along with Hunter make up the heart and the soul of the team. Good rebounder, who can score as the screener in both P&R and Pick and Pop situations.
Key Newcomers:
Jacob Howard 6’5 PF 2021 – Howard is a newcomer to the team from Springdale Arkansas. He adds size, athleticism and depth, and also brings experience. Howard was a valuable contributor to his Har-Ber varsity team last season. Mobile forward with good feet that gets off the ground quickly. Expect him to help the Blazers rebound as well as provide additional low post scoring.
Sterling Knox 6’3 SG 2024 – Coach Beeten wasn’t kidding when he said the cupboard wasn’t bare. Not only does Durango return the bulk of its production, but they also welcome in two of the top freshmen in the state. Knox, is a knock down shooter who provides instant floor spacing for the team. Good size for the position, he has a chance to grow into the prototypical wing player. He still has plenty of room to develop physically, however Knox has the potential to be a high major. He is definitely a player to keep an eye on.
Sebastian Mack 6’1 SG 2024 – Mack is another of the freshmen that should contribute instantly. He’s a knock down shooter that gets buckets quickly. Like many talented young players that are stepping up levels, he’ll have to learn what it takes to compete on the defensive end. Luckily for him Beeten’s fundamentally sound, attention to detail system will allow him the opportunity to do just that. According to Beeten Mack “Has all the tools to be a great player”
Top Prospect: Sebastian Mack 6’1 SG 2024– Mack is the top freshmen in the state and one of the best players nationally in the class of 2024. An advanced offensive weapon. Not only is he a knock down shooter, but he also has a lighting quick first step. He really puts defenders in a bind, by making them decide how hard they want to close out on him. Mack isn’t just a good scorer, he has the opportunity to be a transcendent scorer. He is the type of player that is going to have more than one special scoring night during his high school career. Barring distraction or injury Mack will be a high major prospect.