This is not going to be a popular opinion, particularly in Southern Nevada: The prep hoops state tournament at the two highest levels has become pointless. It’s time to get rid of the DI and DI-A state basketball tournaments. Each year, a “state champion” is crowned, but that term has become outdated. When it comes to prep basketball (and sure, football too), Nevada … [Read more...]
Shoup Shots: Nevada hoops really needs a shot clock
I’ve used just about every outlet possible to voice my displeasure with one of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association’s basketball rules. I’ve written, tweeted and ranted on my radio show (which wrapped up on Friday) that prep basketball in the state of Nevada needs a shot clock. The majority of prep coaches I’ve discussed the topic with have agreed, but the … [Read more...]
Shoup Shots: The case for/against Spanish Springs boys
The Spanish Springs boys basketball team is the Rail City’s best chance at a regional title this week. The Cougars, who were picked to win the High Desert League by the coaches in the preseason, finished second in the HDL at 16-8, 12-4. At times, they’ve played the part of the favorite, looking like one of the region’s elite. At other times, they’ve looked like just one … [Read more...]
Shoup Shots: Playoff outlook for local hoops squads
It may feel like the season just started, but the prep hoops regular season comes to a close this week. So ready or not, the postseason starts next week. Here’s how the playoff picture looks for the local squads: Spanish Springs boys The Cougars are in. The question just becomes where will they finish? After Friday’s loss at McQueen, Spanish Springs will likely need … [Read more...]
Shoup Shots: High Desert League boys title up for grabs tonight
Okay, so the High Desert League boys basketball title isn’t literally up for grabs tonight. But it may as well be. At least for one team. Spanish Springs hosts Reno tonight in a contest that will either determine the league champ, or sprinkle extra drama on the final three games of the regular season. The Huskies enter in first place at 11-1 in the DI North. The … [Read more...]
Shoup Shots: Flying under the radar
I typically use this space to talk about one of the dominant storylines in local athletics. For the last month and a half, it’s been basketball dominated. And how could it not? The Spanish Springs boys, although off to a luke warm start, began the season with lofty expectations and regional title aspirations. The Nevada men’s team is in the first year of the Eric … [Read more...]
Shoup Shots: Race for DI North boys title remains wide open
This is the way it’s supposed to be. We are six weeks into the DI North prep boys basketball season and the list of legitimate regional title contenders is anywhere from five to seven teams long. That isn’t to say all those teams have equal odds. As teams prepare now for the most important portion of the season, it is obvious that Carson is the front runner. The … [Read more...]
Shoup Shots: All I want for Christmas is …
This is the most wonderful time of the year. Or, depending the personality traits of your relatives, maybe it’s not. Maybe this is the most dreaded time of the year. Lines are longer. Conversations with family gets weirder. And maybe the post-dinner cocktails get stronger. However, I have a more positive outlook on the holidays. Since flying the Shoup nest, I have … [Read more...]