Taking a quick glance at the Lake Mead boys basketball roster, one might guess the Eagles were at least a year from competing for a state title.

Think again.

Although Lake Mead doesn't have a senior on the team, the Eagles have plenty of skill and should contend for the Class 1A state title when the tournament begins Friday.

"We're real talented," Lake Mead coach Jeff Newton said. "We're a little bit deeper than we've been in the past. We go with eight (players). In the past we've only gone with about five."

Lake Mead (24-5) will play Pyramid Lake at 8 p.m. Friday at Del Sol High School. Smith Valley will play Trinity (19-9) in the other semifinal at 4:40.

The 1A boys title game is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. Saturday at the Orleans Arena.

Lake Mead's added depth has allowed the Eagles to open up the offense this season.

"I'm playing more kids than I ever have played," Newton said. "We've got a deeper rotation than I ever have played. The kids are happy, and it's always enjoyable to watch an up-tempo game. There's a lot of scoring."

Freshman wing player Landon Littlefield has been the Eagles' leading scorer, averaging about 17 points. Junior wing Jared Dean scores about 15 a game.

"Jared is the Energizer Bunny," Newton said. "The kid, every night gives 110 percent. You know when he leaves the floor he's given his all."

Junior point guard Stephen Byrd will key the defense, Newton said.

Trinity advanced to the 1A title game last year before losing to Pahranagat Valley. The Thunder is led by senior guard Jon Atkins (14.4 points, 6.8 rebounds).

In the girls tournament, Pahranagat Valley is seeking a state-record sixth consecutive title.

The Panthers will play Eureka in the semifinals at 6:20 p.m. Friday at Del Sol. Mountain View (20-11) will play Owyhee in the other semifinal at 3.

Saturday's girls title game is scheduled for noon at the Orleans Arena.

Pahranagat Valley hasn't missed a beat this season, despite the graduation of star forward Kalee Whipple, who has started 11 games for Utah this season and is the Utes' second-leading scorer.

Mountain View lost three games to Pahranagat Valley, including two by six points or fewer.

Randall Van Kempen averages 18.8 points and 6.8 rebounds to lead Mountain View.