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Nevada, St. Pius set to tussle at Wynn Gym
The Nevada Tigers will look to remain perfect in West Central Conference-play tonight at Wynn Gym as they welcome in the St. Pius X Warriors.
St. Pius (8-4, 3-1 WCC) enters on a five-game win streak, not losing in over a month. In addition, the Warriors are coming off two impressive conference victories, defeating St. Michaels by 21 and Clinton by 29. Meanwhile, the Tigers (11-2, 5-0) are eyeing a season-sweep of the Warriors, after besting them in the season-opener, 51-36, on Nov. 21 in Kansas City.
“Our 15 point win in November against them was not indicative of how close the game really was,” said NHS head coach, Shaun Gray. “They had cut the lead to two going into the fourth quarter, and we were then able to outscore them 18-5 to pull out the win.”
Added Gray: “St. Pius is in the thick of the conference title race, and riding a wave of momentum coming into tonight’s game.”
St. Pius players to watch
The Warriors are led by do-it-all senior point guard Tommy Hoambrecker, also the school’s starting quarterback. The 6-foot-1 Hoambrecker is a three-time all-conference selection, with an accurate 3-point touch.
“He scores, rebounds, passes, and defends at a high level,” said Gray. “They run most of their offense through him, and he is capable of getting hot at any time.”
The night’s featured matchup will be in the post, as 6-foot-7 senior center Andrew Hipp will look to keep elite Nevada forward, Clay Gayman in check.
“(Hipp) is a dominate post player, and is a double-double scorer and rebounder most nights, as well as a good shot blocker on the interior,” noted Gray. “He has been hampered by injuries in years past, but is now 100 percent and playing well for the Warriors.”
Along with Hoambrecker, another offensive threat in the St. Pius X backcourt is 6-foot-2 guard Kyle Taylor, described by Gray as the Warriors “smoothest offensive player — a lights out shooter and a strong attacker off the bounce with a good mid-range game as well.”
The Tigers will also have to contend with guards Johnny Conforti and Nathan Storm. Conforti, a senior, is known for playing physical perimeter defense, as well as his rebounding capabilities from the guard position.
“He plays more like an undersized power forward than a guard,” said Gray of Conforti, adding that Storm “has had some big games this year from the 3-point line, and is also a high energy defender for the Warriors.”
Nevada keys to victory
On the defensive end keys to a successful outcome, according to Gray, include limiting the Warriors from beyond the arc, limiting Hoambrecker’s dribble-drive penetration, and preventing Hipp from catching the ball deep in the post. Offensively, Gray said his club will need to be patient as the Warriors often switch from man to zone.
“St. Pius runs a packed-in man defense, as well as a very good 3-2 zone that gives teams trouble if they rush or force passes against it,” said Gray.”
Tip off is slated between 7-7:30 p.m. tonight, depending on the length of the junior varsity game that precedes it. Gray said his squad is looking forward to the conference clash, as it marks just the fifth time this season the Tigers will have played at Wynn Gym.
“We are looking forward to an exciting home-game against a high quality conference opponent,” concluded Gray.
Tiger tidbits
• Gayman enters tonight’s contest needing just 16 points to eclipse Chadd Jones (1,695) for No. 2 on the NHS boys all-time scoring list. Gayman needs 62 points to move into the No. 1 spot, held by Chris Smith (1,741), who suited up for Nevada from 1988-91.
• Nevada is ranked No. 8 in the most recent Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) Class 4 poll. District foe Grandview (11-2) checks in at No. 6, while Vashon holds the top spot.