Boys Cougars assert themselves as team to beat RENO – Spanish Springs coach Kyle Penney wants his Cougars to be the hunters rather than the hunted. Well, Friday night’s controlling 68-61 win at Bishop Manogue may complicate that request. The victory in the showdown of unbeaten (in regional play) teams now undoubtedly makes the Cougars the team to beat in the 4A … [Read more...]
Nevada accomplishes a first of the millenium — beats San Diego State
RENO – It may be premature to say Nevada is back. But it certainly took a big step towards that threshold on Wednesday night, surviving a furious San Diego State rally to hang on and beat the Aztecs in a thriller, 72-69, in front of 8,461 at Lawlor Events Center. “Obviously, San Diego state has been the premier program in our league for a long time … What a great game … [Read more...]
Shoup Shots: Sky is not falling for Nevada – yet
Let’s call it like it is. Nevada suffered the dreaded “bad loss” on Saturday at Fresno. The Bulldogs simply are not a very good basketball team. Before the win over Nevada, here’s the list of Fresno’s wins: University of Texas-San Antonio (69-66, at home), Lamar (at home), Oregon State (a team Nevada beat by 25, 63-58), Menlo (an NAIA school, by 13), Drake (by two … [Read more...]
Boys hoops storylines to watch in New Year
The Reed, Spanish Springs and Sparks boys basketball teams enter 2017 with varying degrees of expectation. Here are the storylines to watch for the Cougars, Raiders and Railroaders: Spanish Springs Cougars: Can they get it done? The goal for this team is pretty simple. Win the program’s first regional title. That’s how talented this bunch is. Josh Prizina and … [Read more...]
Week 6 4A North Boys Hoops Power Rankings
After a two-week non-league reprieve, regional play fires back up tonight. Here’s how the teams stack up entering the meat of the season. To view how the rankings have progressed, click here. 1. Spanish Springs Cougars (9-4, 4-0) A 10-point and five-point loss to open their trip in San Diego gave way to a 10-point and four-point win to wrap up the Cougs’ trip. … [Read more...]
Week 6 4A North Girls Hoops Power Rankings
Until something drastic changes, the story will remain constant. Can anyone chase down Bishop Manogue? Six weeks into the season, the answer is clear. No. At least not yet. To view how the rankings have progressed, click here. 1. Bishop Manogue Miners (8-2, 4-0) The undefeated start to the season ended last week with losses in two of the first three in San Diego’s … [Read more...]
Girls Hoops storylines to watch in New year
The calendar doesn’t flip to 2017 until Sunday. That doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead. All three local prep girls basketball seasons are well underway and while some things are coming into focus, others remain ambiguous. Here are the storylines to watch for the Reed, Spanish Springs and Sparks girls basketball seasons in the new year: Reed Raiders: Can they contend? … [Read more...]
Shoup Shots: Top five prep stories of 2016
In a lot of ways, 2016 sucked. Beloved Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez left this earth in a tragic boating accident. Prince, Muhammad Ali, Arnold Palmer, John Glenn and David Bowie were among the big names who also left for greener pastures. We endured the most negative presidential election ever seen as racially charged tension split our country like a hot … [Read more...]