Nevada H.S Preview: Boulder City Eagles
One of the perks of this job, is that I get opportunities to sit down with individuals who’ve had tangible impact on the game. John Balistere is a basketball lifer. A state Champion player at Boulder City, he was an…
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Continue ReadingOne of the perks of this job, is that I get opportunities to sit down with individuals who’ve had tangible impact on the game. John Balistere is a basketball lifer. A state Champion player at Boulder City, he was an integral part of bringing postseason basketball tournaments to Las Vegas. He’s worked as an assistant coach at Coach K’s basketball camps, and was on NBA Head Coach Lionel Hollin’s staff in the International Basketball League. As Balistere says while pointing to a basketball inside the BC gym. “This (basketball) has been very good to me” Speaking of good, last year his Boulder City squad went 24-4 and lost a heart breaker to Mojave in the playoffs. In that game the Eagles lead for over 31 minutes, only to lose by one on a pair of last second free throws. This year they return two of the best 3A players in the state along with several contributors from last year’s squad. In this article PH takes a look at the Boulder City Eagles.
Head Coach:
John Balistere 8th Season
Conference: 3A Southern Sunrise
Key Returners:
Ethan Speaker 6’6 SF 2021 (#21PHN 2021) – A lot of college coaches are looking for players like Speaker. Prototypical size to play the wing and a versatile skill set. He can shoot the 3, makes plays off the dribble, and is an above average athlete. Last year he was the 3rd leading scorer on a senior led team. This year, it’s his show.
Matthew Morton (featured image) 6’5 SF 2021 – Morton is one of the many multi – sport athletes on the team. A tight end in football, he plays a point forward position for the Eagles. A natural driver, that gets to the rim with ease. He’s a fluid athlete that moves his feet well, and can defend all 5 positions for BC. He and Speaker form one of the best 1-2 punches in all of the State.
Gavin Balistere 6’0 PG 2020 – Balistere goes on my all street fight team. A tough competitor that’s willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. Great perimeter defender with a high IQ, that allows him to anticipate plays. Balistere genuinely loves defending the other team’s best player. He’s also one of the best guard rebounders in the area, evidence by his averaging 3 boards a game last season.
Matthew Felsenfeld 5’10 PG 2021 – It’s going to be a long game for ballhandlers playing against BC. Felsenfeld is a 3 sport athlete that refuses to back down from anyone. Scrappy PG respected across the board. He’s almost unselfish to a fault. The PG has a good handle and great court vision. The other thing he has is chemistry with both Morton and Speaker, whom he’s played with since the 6th grade.
Jacob Sanford 6’4 SG 2020 – Sanford may be the X factor for the team. He brings energy and athleticism. He runs the floor well, and has a terrific second jump. Sanford has the agility and foot speed to defend guards, and the athletic ability to guard post. On nights he plays well, it’s going to be difficult to beat Boulder.
Key Newcomers:
Gavin Douglas 6’5 PF 2022 – Always exciting to see a young prospect. Douglas is just that. The long rangy athlete transferred in from Spanish Springs in Reno. A willing defender that is easily able to hedge and switch ball screens. He has an evolving offensive game that includes dribble drives, pull up jumpers and catch and shoot 3’s.
Kyle Slvanie 6’2 SG 2021 – Teams are going to learn the hard way about Slvanie. Leave him open and he’s going to make you pay. Knock down shooter. Slvanie has great shot prep, good mechanics, and a quick trigger. He’s moving up from the JV, this season. If he’s willing to buy in on the defensive end, the Eagles will have another weapon.
Top Prospect: Ethan Speaker – I have been following Speaker all summer. He plays for one of the premier grassroots programs in the state, and has shown the ability to stand toe to toe against some of the top prospects in the country. An undervalued athlete that easily finishes above the rim. Expect Speaker to have several highlight dunks this season. He has a high IQ, moves well without the ball and can shoot it with range effortlessly out to the college 3. Speaker is a D1 player and clearly one of the top Juniors in the state.