Columnist Spencer Patterson: Durango baseball makes its debut in national prep poll

Spencer Patterson's prep sports column appears Thursday. Reach him at 259-4085 or [email protected]

Durango became the third area school to earn recognition in USA Today's prep baseball rankings this week, debuting in the Western Regional poll at No. 6.

The Trailblazers, who finished the regular season with a 27-2 mark, replace Bishop Gorman in the rankings. The Gaels had moved up to No. 14 nationally before going 0-3 last week.

Cimarron-Memorial, the other local squad ranked by the publication this year, made a brief appearance at No. 9 regionally in the preseason poll.

Last year, state champion Green Valley finished the year ranked No. 4 in the country.

* HONOR ROLL: Rancho's boys golf team won its first league match in five years on Tuesday, posting a 242-243 win over Basic at Desert Rose Golf Course. Rich Dagelbeck shot a 36 to lead the Rams past the playoff-bound Wolves. ... Green Valley softball ace Renee Heitbrink tossed her third no-hitter of the season Tuesday to lift the Gators to a 1-0 extra-inning victory over Basic. Heitbrink struck out 12 batters on her way to her 22nd win of the season. ... Clark senior Kevin Gaines and McQueen senior Kate Smith have been named Gatorade's Circle of Champions Nevada boys and girls basketball players of the year.

* ANNOUNCEMENT: Bishop Gorman will host a pair of basketball camps this summer. The first, for boys entering grades 4-6, will be held from June 14-17, with the second, for boys entering grades 7-9, slated for June 21-24. The camps cost $125 per individual, with group discounts available. For more information, call Jeff Wagonseller at 732-1945, Ext. 354.

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