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NHS seniors hit Wynn Gym floor tonight for swan song
It won't be the same without them.
After gracing the Wynn Gym hardwood for the past four years Nevada's five-member senior class is slated to set foot on its home court for the final time tonight against Center High School at 7:15 p.m.
The Tigers senior class is comprised of Matthew Sommer, Myles McNeley, Patrick Ferry, Peyton Walker and Blayde Dodds.
"This group has a special place in my heart and always will," said third-year Nevada High School head coach Shaun Gray, who also spent one season as an assistant.
"We have been lucky to have had this high quality group of young men, even more-so than we have been lucky to have had their basketball talents. The relationships we have been able to build over these last four years are something I will always cherish."
The 2016-17 season has arguably been Nevada's best since 1991, when the Tigers finished 30-1 overall. Currently, Nevada (21-3 overall) is in the midst of a 16-game win streak.
Gray said much of the Tigers success this season can be attributed to its senior leadership.
"They have continually improved as not only players, but also as leaders, teammates and men," he said. "I'm not sure what it will be like going to the gym without these guys there, because I haven't done that in four years."
Gray continued: "All I can say is that it causes me to pause and gather myself, simply pondering on the thought of missing them this May when we start (offseason workouts)."
Gray said the future is bright for his senior class as they begin to make their college plans.
"We know they will be headed for great things in the future and that they truly are built for success in life," Gray noted.
"They will always be a part of the Nevada Tiger basketball family. I could never say enough about what they mean to myself, my wife (Michele), and our Nevada Tiger Basketball family."
Matthew Sommer
Nevada's electrifying starting point guard is a four-year member of the team and three-year varsity starter. Sommer eclipsed 1,000 points earlier in the season, as he enters tonight's contest No. 8 on the all-time NHS scoring list with 1,216 points.
"Matthew is our floor general," Gray said. "He wants nothing more than for the team to succeed. This is evidenced by his high assist totals when he could instead (opt to) produce large scoring numbers."
Gray said it's a coaches dream to have an unselfish point guard.
"It has been a blessing to our program to have a leader that leads not only on the court but in life," Gray said. "Matthew leads a life that many young men would do well to emulate. He has worked hard the last four years to continually become a better man.
"He will be deeply missed both on the court and in the locker room by our players and coaches next year."
Myles McNeley
McNeley, a shooting guard who possesses a feathery touch from beyond the arc, is a three-year varsity member who has started the past two seasons.
"Myles has been the fire in our teams defensive belly the past two seasons," Gray said. "More importantly he has shown up each and every day to practice with a workmanlike, hard-nosed attitude that sets a great example for our team."
McNeley recently locked down Rachaad White of Center High School in the Tigers 71-67 West Central Conference road victory.
"Myles defensive tenacity has been instrumental to our teams biggest successes," Gray said. "Myles is a deadly 3-point shooter that has hit big shots in key moments time and time again over his career."
Gray said the leadership qualities McNeley exhibits speak volumes.
"Myles 'run through a wall' attitude is one that coaches wish every player would develop," he said. "Myles, it would seem, was born with that attitude both in basketball and in life. He is passionate and would do anything for anyone. His leadership, humor, heart and toughness will be greatly missed by our program next year."
Patrick Ferry
Ferry, Nevada's starting power forward has had a breakout season for Nevada.
"Patrick has developed into an outstanding player for us," Gray said. "His versatility inside and out have been a big attribute to our team. He has been asked to play multiple positions over the years and has always answered the call."
Gray continued: "Patrick has a great sense of humor and a love for his teammates. He has stepped up and played well in our biggest games the past few years. He is a very good defender and is also versatile on that end of the floor, being asked to guard both forward and quicker guards.
"We will miss not only his versatility but also his committed attitude and his leadership. His desire to be the best version of himself in everything he does is a great example for our younger guys."
Peyton Walker
"Peyton has a deep love for his teammates and the game of basketball," Gray said. "He sets a good example with his unselfishness ---- and his work ethic are such that many young men should look to and aspire towards.
"Peyton's excitement, and energy in the locker room and on the bench is contagious and integral parts of our team chemistry. He is friends with everyone and treats everyone the same without regard for age or status."
Blayde Dodds
"Blayde has shown a commitment to the team regardless of status, which is a great example for many to heed in today's world," Gray said. "Blayde pushes his teammates in practice and has a propensity to hit big shots in scrimmages. His ability to keep the mood light and fun with impersonations and jokes has been an asset to our team."