Sunset Region not just Gaels

The boys basketball teams at Arbor View and Centennial have compiled the kind of resumes that generally make you the favorite to win a region title.

But nobody’s talking about the Aggies and Bulldogs that way. That’s what happens when you have Bishop Gorman looming on your side of town.

“We feel like we’ve been playing some pretty good basketball all the way around, and not just us, but Centennial, too,” Arbor View coach Kyle Hageness said. “Everybody kind of gets overshadowed by Gorman on the Sunset side. All of our goals are still intact, and recognition isn’t one of the things that we set out to get.

“If we can win games, the recognition will come.”

Arbor View (22-2) and Centennial (23-3) will try to prove they’re ready to contend with the five-time defending region champs when they begin play in the Sunset Region tournament at 6:30 tonight. The Aggies host Legacy (11-15), and Centennial hosts Palo Verde (13-13).

Centennial coach Todd Allen said he doesn’t mind being overshadowed.

“You know what, that’s all right,” Allen said. “Sometimes it’s good to be the forgotten one. You can sneak up on people and maybe play the role of the underdog.”

Centennial lost twice to Gorman (24-4) during the regular season, including an 80-64 loss on the final night. The Bulldogs’ other loss came to Arbor View in December.

Centennial senior guard Khalil Thompson said the loss on the final night of the regular season just served as further motivation.

“It’s tough, but I also think it’ll motivate us going into the playoffs,” Thompson said. “We had a loss, and we’re just hungry to get wins now.”

The Bulldogs have two seniors who helped them reach the state title game last season in Thompson and center Eddie Davis, giving them plenty of leadership to make a postseason run.

“I think we’re very experienced,” Thompson said. “We had a couple bad losses, but it’s good in a way. We’re very humble, and I think we can pull out some big wins in the playoffs.”

While Thompson and Davis bring experience, freshman Troy Brown has emerged as the team’s star. The 6-foot-5-inch guard leads the team in scoring (15.2), rebounds (9.6) and assists (4.0). And Thompson said he and Davis didn’t have to do much to get the freshman ready for the postseason.

“We really didn’t have to say much,” Thompson said. “Troy Brown, he learns quick, and he’s like one of us. He’s a leader. He speaks on what needs to be said.”

Arbor View also has plenty of experience, with six seniors in key roles. The Aggies have three legitimate scorers in Justin Burks (22.9), Terrell Butler (19.0) and Charles Porter (16.4). Isaiah Simmons takes care of the rebounding (10.5), and Corey Moore serves as the distributor (8.5 assists).

“This team is built for the long run,” Hageness said. “These kids have been waiting their whole high school career, and they’re ready. I think the pieces are in place, and it’s just a matter of going out and performing.”

If Centennial and Arbor View make it through the first round tonight, they would meet Thursday at Durango for the right to potentially meet Gorman in the final. And Davis said he would love another shot at the Gaels.

“I want to play them again,” Davis said. “That’s the best games of the year.”

Hageness said he’s trying to keep his team focused on Legacy but thinks his team would have a legitimate shot against Gorman.

“We all want to be able to play there,” Hageness said. “To get them, I think you’ve got to be pretty good, and I think we are. But I think you also have to get some breaks. If anybody can give them problems, I believe we could.”

Contact prep sports editor Damon Seiters at dseiters@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4587. Follow him on Twitter: @DamonSeiters.