Inexperienced Desert Pines can’t keep up to Colorado team in Tarkanian Classic

Last year, Desert Pines played in the Platinum bracket of the Tarkanian Classic and went on to win the Class 3A state championship.

Last year’s team also had 11 seniors, three of whom went on to play in college. On Thursday night, this year’s team started a freshman and sophomore.

Playing in the lower Select bracket, the young Jaguars were unable to keep up with Denver East (Colorado), and after grabbing a quick lead, could not hold on, eventually falling 60-43 at Liberty High School.

“We’re just inexperienced,” Desert Pines coach Mike Uzan said. “We’re doing all right though. We’re getting better.”

Desert Pines led 13-6 early but that was the best it would look.

Denver East played an aggressive defense, pressing full court from the beginning. It caught up with the Jaguars, who were frequently forced into making bad passes in the backcourt.

After falling behind, it didn’t take long for the Angels to get going. Led by Daylen Kountz and his 21 points, they used a 20-2 run in the first half to forge a 26-15 lead.

Denver East scored 10 consecutive points midway through the second half to stretch the lead to its largest margin, 52-26.

But it’s clear there’s some positive elements for Desert Pines. The freshman who started was guard Dayshawn Wiley, and he had 15 points and five rebounds, including 12 of his team’s 25 second-half points.

“He’s special,” Uzan said. “He’s got a lot of heart, and he plays hard.”

Contact Justin Emerson at jemerson@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2944. Follow @J15Emerson on Twitter.