Team Preview: Bishop Gorman Gaels
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Bishop Gorman has dominated Nevada HS basketball for over a decade. The Gaels entered last season as 9-time defending State Champions and were expected to make it 10 after a 30-0 season. Unfortunately, that season came to an end in…
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Continue ReadingBishop Gorman has dominated Nevada HS basketball for over a decade. The Gaels entered last season as 9-time defending State Champions and were expected to make it 10 after a 30-0 season. Unfortunately, that season came to an end in a heartbreaking state title game loss. Now the coach with over 500 career victories, has to prepare to get his team back on top. The good news is He won’t have to do it alone. “One of the Biggest Success of Bishop Gorman the last 20 years is that I’ve had great people around me”. Says the coach. He’s right, the Gorman brain trust consists of a unique blend of coaches, all with specialized responsibilities.
Rich Thorton – Serves as the offensive coordinator. “Rich is really a genius with some of the offensive stuff he does”
Domingo Rivera – “Riv” as he is known also serves as the school’s athletic director. “Domingo’s been with me for 20 years, and is an amazing basketball mind”
Mike Wright – Wright is a Gorman grad who has coached every sport at the school. “He’s a guy that watches things, but when it’s time to speak they all listen to him”
Bobby Robotham – “Both his boys played for me and were great players and now he’s giving back”
Bjorn Berg – Berg was previously at Durango, and then came over when coach Henry took the job at UNLV.
Travis Rice -The recent graduate of the University of Washington is the head JV coach. He spent time helping the team put in their zone defense.
Buoyed by his talented staff, Rice serves as more of a CEO overseeing the day-to-day operations of the program. With 12 additional eyes at his disposal, nothing is missed during a Gaels practice. Every line is touched during suicides, and missed Free Throws have consequences. The practice feels similar to college practices I’ve attended, as no second is wasted and no detail is too insignificant. This combined with a singular focus to get back on top signals trouble for teams in the state. In this article, we preview the Bishop Gorman Gaels.
Returners:
The Ohio St Commit is arguably the best shooter in America. “Juni” has unlimitted range, and the ability to instantly change the scoreboard. The sharpshooter, is probably the best representation of the team, as he headlines a squad filled with sharpshooters.
Highlights
The high flying lefty is an athletic, two- way PG that impacts games with his scoring, three point shooting and ability to get steals in the passing lanes. He should have success for the team playing both on and off the ball.
Highlights
Elisaldez, showed why he’s one of the most explosive players in the state. He finished more than a couple of lobs on the day, looking even bouncier than I remember in the past. His ability to defend, as well as score in transition provides a vital element to the squad.
Highlights
The thing I like most about Bey, is that you know exactly what you’re getting with him. The 6’7 forward is one of the best defenders in the state, with the ability to defend all 5 positions. It was not uncommon in the workout to have him defending points or bigs His activity, is evident and is a huge part of his effectiveness on the defensive end.
Highlights
Bradley didn’t participate in the workout, but he will be a vital piece to the Gaels success. The lefty sniper has picked up the mantle of best corner shooters in America, and recently committed to North Dakota State.
Newcomers:
Jefferson is just scratching the surface of how good he can be. He cut his teeth last season, staring on the JV squad, and is now set to make his mark for one of the premiere programs in the country. His battle with David Nealy David Nealy 6’2″ | SG Stranahan | 2026 #27 Nation FL during practice was fun, as it’s easy to envision him as a lockdown defender, who spends his time pestering opponents.
Highlights
Baudreau could be counted on in big moments for this squad. If the Gaels are to have a chance at competing at Geico, they’re going to need the services of the 6’8 five man. He’ll be making the leap from the JV squad last season, where he served as one of the most dominating players at the JV level.
Highlights
Perhaps the best word to describe Jaxon is tenacious, the freshman rebounds like a vet. He used his explosion and elite 1st jump ability to battle and grab more than his share of in traffic rebounds. He’s a different type of athlete, who showed off some crazy dunks during the transition phase of the workout.
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Sleeper:
If he wasn’t the sleeper going in, he was after the workout. Rhymes was really good in the workout, showing some athletism and good defensive instincts, On several occasions you could find Rhymes jumping passing lanes for steals leading to thunderous dunks on the other end. Here’s a guy with all the tools to be an impactful player on one of the best teams in America.
Highlights
Top Prospect:
On a team as talented as this, it’s difficult to peg just one player as the top prospect however Nwuli gets the nod here. He was everywhere during the workout. It’s easy to keep saying he’s a high energy guy, but Nwuli never takes a play off. He competed for everything including looking to block shots around the rim, and be first to loose balls. His other skills will continue to improve, however he’s made himself into a serious prospect, using his athleticism, energy and effort.