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March 29, 2024

high school basketball:

Clark basketball eyes another state championship run

2015-2016 HS Basketball

Christopher DeVargas

From left, Clark HS’s mens basketball players; Keyshaun Webb, Darius Jackson and James Bridges, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015.

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There are two ways to look at the Clark High basketball team’s roster this season.

First, how outsiders see it: The two-time defending Division I-A state champions are young and inexperienced because they graduated three players who were cornerstones in taking them from a non-playoff contender to perennial power. The Chargers also plan to play multiple underclassmen in their title defense.

Then, how those in the Chargers program view it: We have two players who have played in three state championship games, and nobody else in the state can make that claim.

Yes, Clark will break in some newcomers this season. But by no means are the Chargers bracing for a down season. They expect to again be playing in the state tournament in late February.

“I’m sure we’ll be prepared for anything that comes our way,” Clark coach Chad Beeten said.

With seniors Darius Jackson and Keyshaun Webb, those players with three state championship game appearances, leading the way the sky is the limit. In addition to their leadership, they won’t get flustered in a big-game environment.

“We have two championships — just ready for the next one,” Jackson said.

Webb, who averaged about 11 points and four assists per game last season, is soft-spoken and unassuming. He’ll let his game speak for itself. Jackson thrives in Clark’s defense-first approach.

Together, they should fill in nicely for departed seniors Colby Jackson and Carter Olsen.

“There isn’t a lot of pressure. Pressure doesn’t get to me like that,” Webb said.

Clark has a handful of the best sophomores, and a few freshmen, in Southern Nevada. That group is led by guard James Bridges, who came off the bench in last year’s state championship game to hit a 3-pointer to ignite the Chargers’ offense when it was stagnant.

“He’s grown up significantly in the past year,” Beeten said.

Clark’s game plan starts with playing stingy defense. If they can stop another team from scoring and create turnovers, it immediately translates into offensive success. When Clark beat Elko two seasons ago to win the state championship, it surrendered just 25 points.

Duplicating those efforts might be easier said than done. That’s half the battle in dealing with first-time varsity players.

“Defense takes time. It will be a challenge early,” Beeten said. “Hopefully we get to where we need to be (by the playoffs).”

This is Beeten’s sixth season at the helm of the program. The year before he arrived, Clark won just seven games. Now, they’ve been to three straight state championship games, and won 86 games over the past three seasons.

So, when Beeten hints the Chargers will again make a deep playoff run, there’s no reason to doubt his logic.

“We know what our destination is and what we have to get done,” Darius Jackson said.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21

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