Nevada H.S Team Preview: Shadow Ridge Mustangs
They’re building something at shadow ridge and I don’t just mean the new locker room. It starts with an in the gym attitude, permeates through the classroom and culminates with team chemistry. A true student athletic program, the Mustangs boast…
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Continue ReadingThey’re building something at shadow ridge and I don’t just mean the new locker room. It starts with an in the gym attitude, permeates through the classroom and culminates with team chemistry. A true student athletic program, the Mustangs boast several players with GPA’s of 3.5 or higher. They are also a close knit group with many of the players knowing each other since middle school. Perhaps it’s because of that chemistry, that their favorite hang out spot is the gym. Whether it’s suffering through conditioning drills, or showing up 2 hours before practice to get up shots. The players on this team are glued at the hip. In this article PH takes a look at some of those players expected to be key contributors.
Head Coach:
Robert Nelson 7th Season
Conference: 4A Sunset Northwest
Key Returners:
Josiah Cruz 6’2 SG 2020 – Cruz is the leading returning scorer. Last season he averaged over 8 per game, on a senior lead squad. The sharpshooting guard has one of the quickest releases in the city. He loves to come off down screen action to free himself, and once he gets his feet set, it’s automatic. I wouldn’t label him a streak shooter however, when he gets hot watch out! Cruz can easily go on runs where he hits 5 or 6 in a row.
Matt Valentine 5’10 SG 2020 – Valentine is one of the leaders. The sweet shooting lefty is a threat to knock down shots whenever he steps on the floor. His presence opens up driving lanes for the team’s athletic slashers. Valentine saw action in 24 games last season and should see an increase in minutes along with a bump in production this year.
Brady Joiner 6’5 PF 2020 – Joiner checks a ton of boxes. A high academic performer, Joiner maintains a 3.9 GPA and scored 29 on his ACT. He’s also a two sport athlete, starring as an outfielder and pitcher in the spring. On the basketball court, he’s a big physical post. Joiner is a good leaper and will provide post defense and rim protection. As for his future, Joiner is set to visit Standford, Oregon, Baylor and UNR with a plan to walk on and earn a scholarship. No way I’m betting against him.
Key Newcomers:
Zach Jefferson (featured image) 6’2 SG 2021 – It’s Jefferson’s time to shine. The combo guard showed a ton of potential last season, while averaging 18ppg on the JV squad. He grinded this summer, playing through injury while competing in high profile tournaments like the Fantastic 40. He looks healthy, and ready to make a name for himself around the city.
DJ Turner 5’11 PG 2021 – Turner is my type of PG. The 5’11 dynamo is a pitbull. He plays with a low center of gravity, and is a defensive menace that loves to harass ballhandlers. No combo label here, Turner is one of the purest points in the city. For starters he can guard other PG’s. He also possess a good understanding of how to have his team play at a tempo that they can be successful at. Nice mid – range pull up, however Turner doesn’t need to score to impact a game. He’s an unselfish player that does an excellent job of keeping everyone involved.
Deshon Palmer 6’2 SF 2021 – Palmer is an explosive athlete. One of the rare guys that I’ve seen that is listed shorter than he actually looks. He gets off the floor! Palmer has a quick second jump and is able to compete for rebounds against much larger players. A good floor runner and athlete. Palmer is able to defend multiple positions. If he and Joiner can coexist on the floor together, then SR will have one of the more formidable frontcourts in the Valley.
Justin Peters 5’11 SG 2022 – Peters will see minutes this season. A team can never have enough shooting, and he certainly provides that. A funky release, that’s pushed from his chest, however it’s consistent, and he can shoot it with range. He will be a nice addition to the team.
Top Prospect: Zach Jefferson – When I’m identifying “sleepers” I’m looking for talented players that have a good reason as to why they haven’t had an opportunity to show it. Jefferson fits that profile. The combo guard showed glimpses of his talent with the JV numbers. With so many upperclassmen last season, it was difficult to get varsity minutes. I’ve had the opportunity to watch him in the Fall Leagues and he’s looked amazing! Quick and explosive. Jefferson has shown the ability to get by everyone that has been put in front of him. He has a great skill – set that includes a mid range game and spot up 3’s. The more I watch him play, the more I’m convinced he’s a scholarship athlete.