Big-game setting no problem for Faith Lutheran

Most high school basketball players never have played in an arena the size of UNR's Lawlor Events Center. So there's sure to be plenty of wide-eyed stares as players take the floor at the state tournament this week.

But don't expect Faith Lutheran's players to be among those who look uncomfortable. For most of the team's key players, the state tournament is just the way the season ends.

"We've had kids who have played in those situations before," said Faith Lutheran coach Bret Walter, whose team has won three straight Class 3A boys state titles. "For us, the nice thing is this is Conner (Maloney's) fourth time. He's played in big games. I think they know what's going to happen when we go up there. The know the routine, and they know what to expect, and I think it helps them to be a little more confident and in control as the games start."

The Crusaders (21-8) will play Incline in the semifinals at 12:40 p.m. Friday at Lawlor. Sparks will play Dayton in the other semifinal, at 4 p.m. The championship game is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday.

Faith Lutheran didn't finish the regular season on a strong note. After winning their first six league games by an average of 25.3 points, the Crusaders lost to Boulder City and edged Moapa Valley in the last week.

But Faith Lutheran seems to have put that week of complacency behind, as the Crusaders dominated the 3A Southern League tournament, outscoring its two opponents 112-73.

"We're playing much better, more focused than we did the last week of the regular season," Walter said. "I think the kids put forth much more effort. Defensively we played a lot different. It wasn't even the same team that played the last week of the season."

Diontea Wright, the Crusaders' top scorer, is as big as just about any 3A post player at 6 feet 4 inches. But he's also extremely athletic, and his range extends to the 3-point line.

"He's just as important on the defensive end, too," Walter said. "He blocked the first two or three shots against Virgin Valley, and it really changed the game."

Maloney also stands 6-4 and might be just as tough for other teams to defend.

"The toughest matchup the other team has is Conner," Walter said, "because he is about the same height as Diontea, but he plays on the perimeter quite a bit. He can put the ball on the floor, and he can score in transition. Diontea usually draws their best bigger defender, so usually Conner seems to have a little better matchup."

The Class 1A boys tournament also will begin Friday, with two area teams figuring to be in the title mix. Defending 1A champ Trinity returns a strong squad, but Lake Mead is the favorite after rolling to a 31-1 record, including three wins over the Thunder.

The Eagles have advanced to the four of the last five 1A title games but have yet to win. Trinity beat Lake Mead 61-59 last season.

The Eagles will play Owyhee at 4:40 p.m. Friday at Spanish Springs High School in Sparks. Trinity will play Pyramid Lake in the other semifinal, at 8. The title game is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. Saturday at Lawlor.

The Meadows' reign in Class 2A has come to an end, as the Mustangs failed to reach the state tournament after four consecutive championships.

Southern League champion Needles (Calif.) will play Pershing County in the first 2A semifinal, at 4:40 p.m. Friday at North Valleys High School in Reno. Rite of Passage will meet Lincoln County in the other semifinal, at 8:20. The 2A boys championship game is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. Saturday at Lawlor.