Team Preview: Durango Trailblazers
If you have a great coach you have a good team. Chad Beeten is a great coach. He has a compulsive attention to detail, lazy practice possessions, or incorrect angles are punishable by running lines indefinitely. He maximizes every ounce…
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Continue ReadingIf you have a great coach you have a good team. Chad Beeten is a great coach. He has a compulsive attention to detail, lazy practice possessions, or incorrect angles are punishable by running lines indefinitely. He maximizes every ounce of talent out of his teams, this year his team is loaded with talent. Durango has the number 3 player in our class of 2022, two of the top 3 players in our class of 2023, and the #3 player in our class of 2024. Two years ago Beeten transformed an 8 win team and led them to the state semifinals. His players buy in quickly, and the humble coach has a simple explanation. “When kids have success playing the right way they like it.” “They realize you can be good without having to score 25 points a game”. says Beeten. His current team is expected to have a lot of success, they are deep, fast, and have shooting. They have talented freshmen, and experienced upperclassmen, ready to lead. Leadership defines the coach’s culture. “Culture is leading by example”. I don’t have to lead, the kids do it”. That works out perfectly for the coach, freeing him up for his most important goal. “getting this team to play together,”
HC: Chad Beeten 3yrs
Division 5A
Record 21-10
Key Returners:
Sterling Knox Sterling Knox 6'5" | SF Red Rock Academy | 2023 State NV 6’5 SF 2023 (#3PHN 2023) – Knox saw action as a freshman and is poised for a big season. Listed as a forward, he does a little bit of everything for the team don’t be surprised to see him playing every position at some point during the season.
Elijah Johnson Elijah Johnson 6'1" | SG Rancho | 2022 State NV 5’9 PG 2022 (#11PHN 2022) – Johnson is one of the fastest players from end to end. A two-way player, he also doubles as one of the top on ball defenders in the state. Johnson’s paint touch and distribution ability will be key to the Trailblazers reaching their goals.
Robert Gibson Robert Gibson 6'4" | PF Durango | 2022 State NV 6’3 PF 2022 (#32PHN 2022) – Gibson is a tough hard-nosed glue guy that serves as a team leader. He may be the best communicator on the team. The undersized forward is a high academic player with a 4.0 GPA. He will provide rebounding and frontcourt depth for the team.
Taj DeGourville Taj DeGourville 6'4" | SF Red Rock Academy | 2024 State #203 Nation NV 6’5 SF 2024 (#3PHN 2024) – DeGourville’s debut will be one of the most anticipated this year. A versatile offensive weapon, the wing possesses the ability to slash, shoot, and make plays. He’s a special passer, with good anticipation and accuracy. Degorville is a matchup nightmare, that at times can be unstoppable on the offensive end.
Tommy Brascia Tommy Brascia 6'8" | PF Durango | 2023 State NV 6’7 PF 2023 (#10PHN 2023) – Brascia didn’t practice today, but he’ll be part of the Trailblazers reaching their goals. He’s one of the best rim runners in the state, fitting in perfectly with their up-tempo style. The athletic forward will provide frontcourt depth, rebounding, and rim protection.
Key Newcomers:
Mason Brown Mason Brown 6'1" | PG Durango | 2025 CA-S 6’2 PG 2025 – Brown is one of the talented newcomers the team will be counting on. He has good size for the position, and an advanced IQ that his head coach describes as “Elite at his age”. Brown provides the team with yet another weapon, and his size should allow him to defend both backcourt positions effectively.
Jevon Yapi Jevon Yapi 6'2" | PG Red Rock Academy | 2025 State #379 Nation NV 5’10 PG 2025 – I have bad news for opponents of Durango, JY has grown. Yapi, who was one of the most entertaining middle school players, now gets his chance to contribute on the high school level. He’s quick and with an advanced handle, complete with several COD’s. There will be no pressure on the talented PG, so I expect him to ease into his position as he learns the aforementioned culture.
Sleepers:
Shane Thomas Shane Thomas 6'3" | SG Durango | 2022 State NV 6’3 SG 2022 (#3PHN 2022) – After missing his sophomore season, and having last season cancelled, Thomas’s debut is way overdue. The high-flying wing is going to explode onto the scene this year. One of the top 3 and D players on the west coast, Thomas showed off his R&J ability with a ridiculous chase-down block in the scrimmage. You can argue he may be the best athlete, 3 point shooter, and defender in the state. He’s also a 4.0 student currently holding 2 D1 offers.
Tylen Riley Tylen Riley 6'2" | CG Durango | 2023 State NV 6’2 CG 2023 (#8PHN 2023) – “If we had a season last year Tylen would be more well known,” says Beeten. He’s right, Riley is a devastating two-way guard. His arms and wingspan allow him to disrupt passing lanes and ballhandlers. He’s quick and has the ability to get into the lane and finish. On many clubs, Riley would be considered the top player, I expect him to be an X-factor for the club, putting up more than his share of impressive performances throughout the season.
Top Prospect:
Sebastian Mack Sebastian Mack 6'4" | CG Coronado | 2023 State #58 Nation NV 6’3 SG 2023 (#1PHN 2023) (featured image) – Mack is one of the most lethal scorers in the country. A sharpshooter as a freshman, the wing has added elite finishing ability and a lighting 1st step to his arsenal. His recruitment really picked up this summer as he added offers from UNLV and LMU. Mack is on the short list of Gatorade player of the year candidates.