Clark KOs top-seeded Palo Verde

Playing in the rough-and-tumble Southwest Division this season, Clark's boys basketball team managed just one win in six tries against area powers Bishop Gorman, Durango and Western.

But on Tuesday night, the Chargers put those experiences to good use, proving that they were a No. 4 seed in this week's Sunset Region Tournament in name only and posting a 66-62 victory over host Palo Verde, the Northwest Division's top seed.

"We knew we were going to win tonight," Clark coach Brad Query said. "No offense to this division over here, but we are battled-tested every night in our division.

"Not taking anything away from Palo Verde, but playing the Gormans and Westerns every night makes you tested."

Despite losing four of last year's five starters -- including 1999 State Player of the Year Kevin Gaines -- to graduation, the Chargers are now one win away from a return trip to next week's 4A State Tournament.

To get there, Query's club will need a victory against Nevada's top-ranked team, 23-5 Bishop Gorman. The Gaels posted a 66-47 win over Cheyenne on Tuesday to advance to Friday's semifinals, which will be played at Palo Verde.

"(Cheyenne coach) Larry Johnson is a great coach, and I respect the Cheyenne program, but I hope we get a shot at Gorman again," Query said before learning that the Gaels had won.

After falling by 18 points at home in their first meeting with Gorman this season, the Chargers (13-10) stayed with the Gaels the second time around, falling 77-71 on the road on Feb. 2

Palo Verde (19-9), meanwhile, exits the playoffs after making its first postseason appearance. After building his school's program from scratch over the past four years, Panthers coach Phil Clarke was emotional after the game, particularly over the loss of his nine seniors -- seven of whom have been with him since their freshman year.

"That's the hardest part," Clarke said. "We've got to be proud of what we accomplished. We won our division, made it to our first playoff game in history. But all of a sudden, it's like starting over again."

The Panthers actually held the lead for much of the first half in a game played at a frenetic pace, with both teams pressing defensively and pushing the ball upcourt on every given opportunity.

After taking a 28-27 lead at halftime, Clark slowly increased its advantage behind the strong play of seniors Charles Henderson (14 points, seven rebounds) and Melvin Bray (12 points).

The Chargers also got a solid contribution from junior center Michael Cooper, who finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.

Clark, which missed 4-of-6 free throws down the stretch, finally got one from junior Quintin Jones with seven seconds remaining to put the game away.

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