Nevada H.S Preview: Cimarron Spartans
You have to be physically and mentally tough to play against Cimarron. You have to be even tougher to play for them. Daryl Branham may be one of the most under the radar coaches in the city. He’s the only…
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Continue ReadingYou have to be physically and mentally tough to play against Cimarron. You have to be even tougher to play for them. Daryl Branham may be one of the most under the radar coaches in the city. He’s the only man not named Grant Rice, to win a Nevada 4A state title this decade. The man who grew up on a ranch, has a simple philosophy, be disciplined and be prepared to work. After winning that title in 2011, Branham took time off. He returned to coaching at Cimarron in the 15/16 season, were he won 45 games in 3 season. Last season however, they were only able to muster 8 wins. This season they’re losing their leading scorer. However, because of that simple philosophy, you should never count these guys out. In this article PH takes a look at the key contributors for the Cimarron Spartans.
Head Coach:
Daryl Branham 5th Season
Conference: 4A Mountain Northwest
Key Returners:
Jacob Bowman 5’8 PG 2020 – Bowman returns to bring toughness and leadership. A knock down shooter, that’s adept at creating plays for teammates. Bowman gets it done both on the floor and in the classroom, he’s a high academic standout with a 3.6 GPA.
Mehki Walker 6’4 C 2020 – Walker caught my eye during the fall. Good athlete that plays the 5 at 6’4. He runs the floor well, has good hands and finishes at the rim. His quick second jump allows him to compete for rebounds against taller players. Walker posses several perimeter skills including the ability to drive, and step out and hit open jumpers. Unselfish team first player willing to sacrifice for the greater good.
Issiah Profit 5’10 PG 2020 – Profit is a versatile combo guard with the ability to defend both backcourt spots. Quick handed defender, that creates offense from D. He can score in a variety of ways and is capable of having an explosive scoring night or two for the Spartans.
Tyreke Williams 6’3 PF 2021 – The physical lefty will be a key post contributor. Still quite raw, he should be a nice addition playing alongside Walker. Williams’ ability to hold down the post, should free up Walker to play a more natural position, allowing for some nice mismatches. He has the ability to provide second chance opportunities, interior defense and low post scoring.
Key Newcomers:
Donte Howard 5’10 PG 2020 – Howard will be part of the squad’s PG by committee. The slick playmaker has a solid handle and good court vision. He’s good at driving and finding the open man. His ability to defend in the backcourt should have an immediate impact on the team’s defense.
Miles Mitchell 5’11 SG 2022 – The Spartans have a rising prospect on their hands. Mitchell is a knock down shooter from 3. Deadly from the corners, the young sniper should provide much needed floor spacing for the team. Recently he’s added the ability to finish in transition. If he can play with the consistent effort and energy required at Cimarron then he has a chance to have a big impact.
Austin Slay 6’1 SF 2021 – Slay is a live body that adds to the overall depth of the team. He’s a good athlete with the ability to finish around the rim. If he and Williams can combine to give the Spartans what Walker will produce, then they are looking at a solid frontcourt.
Kiante Atchinson 5’11 SF 2022 – Athinson is another young player ready to make an impact. Unique frame, and skill – set. Atchinson is a heady, high IQ guy with the knack for making plays. A willing passer, whose shown the ability to put it on the ground and create for others.
Top Prospect: Miles Mitchell – My gut says Mitchell is going to make an impact this season. What makes him such an intriguing prospect is that he posses two singular skills that are in demand in today’s game. He can finish in transition, and he can shoot the 3. There are other areas of his game, that will need improvement, however if he continues to add strength and range, he’ll have a chance to be a Scholarship Athlete.