3 teams try to end Gators' reign

If Bishop Gorman and Durango weren't safe last weekend, then what would possess Green Valley to feel warm and fuzzy about this weekend?

The answer is simple. They don't.

The Gators, last of the top four seeds remaining in the Southern Nevada Class 4A Zone baseball tournament, are paired with three upstarts in the event's second round, and each certainly would love to end Green Valley's run as the four-time defending state champion.

Green Valley (25-3) plays Cimarron-Memorial (20-7) Friday at 5 p.m. at UNLV's Wilson Stadium, with the winner automatically advancing to next weekend's state tournament, which also is at Wilson.

Chaparral (16-13) and Silverado (19-9) start Friday's action at 2 p.m. in an elimination game. The loser is done for the year, the winner plays the Cimarron-Green Valley loser in an elimination game at 8 p.m. Friday.

"This is a big deal for our school," said Silverado coach Brian Whitaker. "At the beginning of zone, we were considered a long shot, but this is an opportunity to win a state championship. We're really excited."

No team has endured a rockier path to the second round than the Skyhawks, the fourth seed from the Sunset Division. Silverado played Green Valley, Durango and Gorman last weekend, and shocked the city by sending both the Trailblazers and Gaels packing.

Chaparral and first-year coach Rich Ebarb are the other pleasant surprise to emerge. The Cowboys' dominant feature is the middle of their lineup, which can take over a game. That group includes Maurice Washington, Sean Vann and Russell Cleveland.

"Silverado is a team that will fight. That was pretty evident with how they played against Durango," Ebarb said, referring to the Skyhawks' 3-1 win. "They're not a team who'll die on you."

Cimarron was sometimes a forgotten entity this season, mostly because Durango and Gorman were so dominant in the Sunset Division. Four of the Spartans' losses were to those two teams.

"The only way to beat Green Valley is to play a mistake-free game," Cimarron coach Calvin Valvo said. "If you make any mistakes, it's over."

Power-hitting Gavin Gosz leads the Cimarron lineup, which is formidable, but it is pitcher Chris Martinez who is likely to be under fire if Valvo decides to go with his senior right-hander.

Green Valley may counter with all-Southern Conference pitcher Mike Nannini, especially with a guaranteed state berth on the line. The Gators' top position players include third baseman Jason Keiser and outfielder Brian Reed.

"We're playing better than we have in awhile," Green Valley coach Rodger Fairless said. "Hopefully, we can put it all together."

The Cimarron-Green Valley winner moves into a 10 a.m. Saturday matchup with the winner of Friday's late game. If necessary, another game will be played at 1 p.m. Saturday.

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