FIELDER’S CHOICES: Reliving old memories, creating new ones

This week brings back fond memories. There is no equal to a state basketball tournament, and 2009 serves as proof.

As we return to the Orleans Arena, I can’t forget how both Class 4A finals then were decided by a single point.

It raises several questions for this year’s event: Will anyone stop the Bishop Gorman boys from winning their third straight?

Will Centennial’s girls be forced to hold the ball in the second quarter so they don’t beat anyone by 50 (which is so much worse than winning by 49)?

Most important, will I ever pick a bracket correctly?

Truth be told, there was an awful lot of red ink on my regional brackets, but I did pick eight of the 10 champions right.

Here are my thoughts for this weekend. Let me know what you think, but keep it cordial.

Class 4A Boys

I actually think on the right day Canyon Springs can beat Bishop Gorman. Problem is, it might be one out of 10 times they play.

Super Bowl II will come down to size, and Gorman has more of it than Canyon Springs. The Pioneers probably have the advantage at point guard, but the Gaels are superior on the wing and in the low post.

If Canyon Springs’ bigs can stay out of foul trouble, and Shabazz Muhammad doesn’t erupt for 30-plus points, this one could be close.

Championship: Gorman 72, Canyon Springs 63

Class 4A Girls

Liberty might have what it takes to beat Gorman, but that would prevent destiny.

And that destiny is Gorman and Centennial meeting once again for all the marbles.

And no, this one won’t be a one-point game like two years ago. Centennial wins big.

Championship: Centennial 68, Gorman 51

Class 3A Boys

Well, I guess I missed the boat on thinking Virgin Valley would win state seeing how they didn’t even get here. Props to the Pirates.

I think Moapa Valley might keep playing this well after I pick against them. Let’s hope they prove me wrong again, I guess.

Championship: Lowry 51, Moapa Valley 48

Class 3A Girls

No Southern Nevada team has won a 3A girls title since Pahrump Valley in 2005.

That will change this week.

Virgin Valley has the best player in this field in center Rachel Morris, who is driven to win state as a senior. Need proof? See her 21-point, 23-rebound, eight-block, four-assist masterpiece in the league final.

The Bulldogs have a solid core of role players on the perimeter as well.

The streak ends here.

Championship: Virgin Valley 48, Truckee 41

Class 2A Boys

Like the league tournament, any one of the four teams could win this thing.

It’s about who’s hitting shots, who’s in foul trouble and who gets a couple breaks.

You have to admire Needles, which plays the game the right way. The nice thing about the Mustangs is there are so many different guys who can beat you.

Still, Agassi Prep’s post presence could make things interesting for the Stars.

Championship: Needles 78, Agassi Prep 74

Class 2A Girls

That Needles-Lincoln County league final was more like a football game than a basketball game.

Players were colliding, technical fouls were flying and intensity was at a fever pitch.

I like a talented Needles team to get to the final, but Sarita Jo Condie will lead Pershing County to the promised land.

Championship: Pershing County 54, Needles 46

Class 1A Boys

This will be a repeat of the league final, but Beatty will be better prepared offensively.

Beatty is making a nice run, a good sending-off party for so many seniors.

The question is, can the Hornets hang with the experienced Panthers enough to be in position to win?

Championship: Pahranagat Valley 53, Beatty 44