Ballers of the North
One of the best parts about covering basketball in the state of Nevada is that it is a state that extends further than just Las Vegas. Their are so many talented young ballers entrenched deeply in the state. So far…
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Continue ReadingOne of the best parts about covering basketball in the state of Nevada is that it is a state that extends further than just Las Vegas. Their are so many talented young ballers entrenched deeply in the state. So far the boys up North have been making big names for themselves let’s talk about some of them
Kareem Rowe 6’4 PF McQueen 2020 – Kareem “The Dream” Rowe has gotten off to a a video game like start. McQueen is undefeated thus far with a 5-0 record and Rowe is a huge reason why. Rowe is averaging a double-double with 32 and 14. Including a freakish 45 point 21 rebound game against Wooster. I mean who does that? Rowe’s name is a name we should familiarize ourselves with because he could be in the running for player of the year. He is dominating the Reno scene right now. He is an inside force that uses his quick reflexes and naturally smooth demeanor to get what and where he wants on the floor. Every game he has been in thus far has been must see. I’m excited to see what else he can do going forward.
Michael Klekas 6’2 PF Elko 2022- For what it’s work Klekas is one of my favorite players in all the state. I had the honor of learning about him and his family this summer and I’m happy to say he hasn’t at all been a disappointment. A season ago Klekas eclipsed the 20 point mark on seven different occasions, scoring in double digits a dominant 22 times in 27 games. So far this season he’s on pace to shatter that mark averaging 30.7 points per game 10.3 rebounds 4.5 assists and 2 steals. As you all can see Klekas can do it all he has a strong inside-outside game, he could score with ease inside the block. And if things get muddy inside he can step beyond the arc and drain threes. He is also one of the better two way players in the state as his steal and block numbers indicate. He is a total baller. In Klekas first game this year he went off with 41 points and 6 rebounds. With only three games under his belt this year I don’t see why he won’t have more nights like this.
Mason Whittaker 6’5 PG Spanish Springs 2020- He is one of the more complete guards in all of the state a Milos Uzan of the North if you will. He just has an all around game so far this season he is averaging around 18 points 2 assists 6 rebounds 2 steals. With Whittaker his game is a mixed bag of everything. The best part is his team will be better off for it. He’s that throwback point guard that sets up everything for his team. He has a high basketball IQ. He knows when to take over and when to defer. I think he for sure is a dark horse name for a player of the year because of his leadership role and status for his team. Spanish Springs is 6 games in already and the best for him is yet to come.
Elijiah Jackson 6’0 PG Churchill County 2020- Jackson is a three sport athlete. He might be one of the best quarterbacks in the state. He threw for a shade over 2200 yards and 30 touchdowns this season. Transitioning that onto the basketball court. Jackson might be one of the best point guards in the state. He himself as an athlete reminds me a lot of Allen Iverson. Iverson like Jackson is very short in stature. Also like Iverson he is good at any sport he tries. Jackson is the best part of a team that has struggled thus far securing a win going 0-3. Jackson has been a show averaging 22.3 points 2 assists and 5 rebounds. He is shifty in and outta the lane like a little pinball. He can also hit the open shot. His assist total could be more however their are a lot of looks that are not being hit. Jackson’s efforts should be looked at and highlighted. He maybe one of the best athletes in all the state. He will continue to do damage since he is the lead dog on his team.
2022 Incline (NV) W TT Valosek plays on balance and has a nice midrange game.
TT Valosek 6’3 SG Incline 2022- This year’s sample size for him isn’t the largest because his team has only played one game up to this point. The game he did play he picked up where he left off as a freshman scoring 19 points 3 assists 8 rebounds 3 steals. For my money it is safe to say he will keep that up and then some. As a Freshman he helped lead his team with a 25-6 record and the 2A Nevada state championship. As a freshman he averaged 15.5 points 2.3 assists 5.3 rebounds 1.5 steals per game last year. Valosek has plenty of experience in big games and will look to repeat from a stellar freshman year. He will be a young man that will continue to move up in the rankings.