Tuesday, May 13, 2003 | 9:36 a.m.
A surprise-free set of regionals gives way to the excitement of state championship week, complete with two dominant Northern entries sure to test the best of the South.
The Reno baseball team heads into CCSN's Lied Field and Burkholder Field riding a 29-game win streak and a victory in the North title game. The Huskies, who have not lost since March 6 and who scored 54 runs in four region playoff games, are ranked No. 21 in the nation by USA Today.
"Their driving force may be to show the Southern Nevada teams they can win," Centennial coach Charlie Cerrone said.
On the softball diamond, no introduction is needed for two-time defending Sun Player of the Year Brianne McGowan of Wooster. McGowan, a 6-foot-3 anchor of the three-time defending 4A state champion Colts, was the difference as Wooster allow just one run in four games en route to claiming the Northern Region tournament.
"We know Wooster had a fantastic year," Centennial softball coach Cyndi Castro said. "It's not just all about Wooster. There are three tough teams coming out of the North."
Last week's Northern and Southern regional tournaments produced dramatic plays and outcomes, but few surprises. In baseball, softball, and boys' volleyball, all eight regional No. 1 seeds qualified for state tournament play, and just two teams seeded lower than No. 2 earned spots.
Highly regarded boys' golf teams Green Valley, Coronado, Bishop Gorman and Palo Verde all made it to the 4A State Tournament in Sparks, which begins the first of two rounds at Red Hawk Golf Club today. Sunrise individual champion Brad Thompson and Sunset medalist Robert Massi lead a strong field.
The South's two top softball teams -- Sunrise champ Silverado and Sunset champ Centennial -- overcame tough circumstances to roll through the regionals. The Skyhawks removed head coach Dan Smith and promoted assistant Doug Thornhill to the top post before regionals began. Silverado responded by going 4-0 and winning a ninth consecutive region crown.
Thornhill and school officials declined comment on Smith's removal.
The Bulldogs found themselves in scraps with both Palo Verde and Sierra Vista. Centennial first survived a 1-0, nine-inning fray with the Panthers before overcoming a 3-0 deficit in the Sunset title game to dispose of the Lions.
"It's anyone's tournament going in," Castro said.
Green Valley baseball coach Nick Garritano, who heads one of the tournament's hottest teams with pitching standouts Ryan Tabor and Jordan Parraz, echoed those feelings.
"It's got the makings to be a great state tournament," Garritano said. "It's wide open."
Cerrone's Centennial team, along with Silverado, are also expected to contend. The Bulldogs rolled to the Sunset crown behind strong hitting from Bryce Massanari (13 RBIs), Danny Ramirez (11 RBIs) and Josh Wheeler (.714 BA) in their four wins.
Last year's 4A state runner-up, Centennial is primed to finish the job in 2003.
Today also begins state playoffs in boys' volleyball. The North does not field teams, so four South entries will compete for the crown.
Sunset champion Centennial is the favorite, and the Bulldogs face Chaparral at 5:15 p.m. at Chaparral High School. Immediately following will be Sunrise winner Silverado against Durango. Semifinal winners play for the crown Wednesday at 7 p.m.
The all-class state championships in track and field go on all weekend at Foothill High School. Trials for 4A begin Thursday. Friday and Saturday copetition begins at 3 p.m. and runs well into the night.
Swimming and diving state championships take place Friday and Saturday at Nevada-Reno.
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