By Mitch Stephens
MaxPreps.com
They just built a new Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas, a $93-million Shangri-Lai of schools in the Summerland area toward the mountains. The better-than-ever girls basketball program matches the state-of-the-art structure.
"This (team) is probably the best we've had here yet," said Gorman coach Sheryl Krmpotich, affectionately known around campus as `Coach K.' "We're just learning how to jell together and getting the kinks out."
Considering the Gaels (31-2 last year) have won back-to-back Nevada 4A state titles and been runner-up two other times under Krmpotich, the coach's statements are somewhat startling.
Gorman returns a pair of big-time recruits, 6-foot-4 Texas-bound forward Ashley Gayle and 5-7 point/shooting guard Darriel Gaynor, who has signed to Oregon. Add in the second twin-tower, 6-4 junior Dannielle Diamant, 5-6 sophomore point guard Aaryn Ellenberg and 5-11 off-guard Kiara Belen and the Gaels have no shortage of talent.
Gaynor was the leading scorer last year at 15 points per game, but Ellenberg, Gayle and Belen all averaged in double-digits. Diamant might end up being the team's most prized recruit.
"Honestly, we have six legitimate Division I players on the team right now," said Krmpotich, a former Xavier star who had a tryout with the WNBA's Los Angeles Stars in 2000. "It's a very versatile and dynamic group. They're in great shape, the work real hard and they have great heart. They do all the little things."
Unfortunately, during a 3-1 start, the Gaels have been turnover prone. That cost them during a 57-51 loss to Bolingbrook (Ill.) during the season-opening Whitney Young Tournament in Chicago.
"I'll be honest," Krmpotich said. "The only team that can beat Gorman is Gorman. They don't even realize how good they are yet."