Season Preview: Potential Breakout Performers
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Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way. The players in Nevada lost an entire year of their career last season, due to the shutdown of the H.S season. Many players were poised to use the season…
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Continue ReadingLet’s get the elephant in the room out of the way. The players in Nevada lost an entire year of their career last season, due to the shutdown of the H.S season. Many players were poised to use the season to make a name for themselves. As it stands, because so many players were denied an opportunity last year, it’s provided more opportunities for players to put together breakout seasons this year. Some players would have undoubtedly made a splash last year, while others would probably have had to wait until this season for their breakout moments anyway. In this article, we take a look at some potential Breakout Performers for the high school season.
DJ Thomas DJ Thomas 6'2" | PG Liberty | 2024 #19 Nation NV 6’0 PG Liberty 2024 (#1PHN 2024) – Because of last season’s shutdown, Thomas’ debut is perhaps the most anticipated of any player in recent memory. The lefty is a high IQ player, that raises the ability of everyone on his squad. Thomas is one of the rare players whose elite shooting ability is actually an afterthought, because of all the other skills he possesses. As the engine for a talented Liberty team, that features top 2022 prospect Joshua Jefferson Joshua Jefferson 6'8" | PF Liberty | 2022 State #158 Nation NV and Aaron Price Aaron Price 6'7" | PF Liberty | 2022 State NV , Thomas’s poise and playmaking will be counted on to help the team achieve their goals.
Decarlo Quintana Decarlo Quintana 6'4" | SF Carson | 2023 State NV 6’4 SF Carson 2023 – I never heard of Quintana, and then one day he’s playing on the EYBL circuit. After a summer of competing against future draft picks and high major prospects, a lot is going to be expected of the talented wing. The athletic forward will team with sharpshooter Parsa Hadjighasemi Parsa Hadjighasemi 6'4" | CG Carson | 2022 State NV to create a formidable 1-2 punch for the Senators.
Khaman Maker Khaman Maker 7'1" | C Trinity | 2024 State #127 Nation NV 7’1 C Desert Valley Prep 2024 (#2PHN 2024) – I’m not 100% sure where Maker will ultimately end up playing his High School Basketball, but wherever it is, he’s going to be a factor. The 7 footer is an active shot blocker with a genuine passion for protecting the rim and defending. His sheer presence on a high school basketball court is going to be must-watch basketball. As Maker begins his H.S career, expect more and more scouts to flock to Sin City to see the native from Africa play.
Dontrell Johnson Dontrell Johnson 6'5" | SF Trinity | 2022 State NV 6’5 SG Bonanza 2022 (#7PHN 2022) – The saga of Johnson is a long one, so I’ll just hit the highlights. Transferred from Bishop Gorman, had to play JV as a sophomore, missed his junior year due to the shutdown. While it’s been a winding road, one thing is certain, the 6’5 wing can play. Johnson, whose always been known as an athletic defender has added shooting to his offensive repertoire. He has the potential to be the main scoring weapon for a Bonanza team that is a trendy pick to take home the 4A crown. If he lives up to his billing, expect Johnson to be worth the wait.
Tylen Riley Tylen Riley 6'2" | CG Durango | 2023 State NV 6’2 CG Durango 2023 (#8PHN 2023) – Riley has used the shut down to quietly move up the rankings. He’s developed a local legend status, as teammates, and opponents alike have mentioned him as one of the cities top sleepers. Riley is a good two-way guard with speed and quick hands. He’s going to see minutes for a Durango squad, with 5A title aspirations. The talented junior could play a major factor in his team reaching that goal.
Jake Bevacqua Jake Bevacqua 5'10" | PG The Meadows School | 2023 State NV 5’10 PG Meadows 2023 (#15PHN 2023) – Bevacqua is my dark horse to lead the state in scoring. Perhaps the only thing that may slow him down, is the talent around him. Bevacqua who has battled through nagging injuries over the course of his 1st two seasons looked sharp and healthy at the Territorial Classic in Utah a few months ago. A healthy Bevacqua, just might be the key piece of a deep and talented Meadows squad with 2A championship aspirations. If that happens, expect many to take notice of the contributions from Bevacqua.