Obim Okeke, Chase Jeter, Stephen Zimmerman, Noah Robotham and Miles Loupe will be looking to help Bishop Gorman win its 16th state championship.
Photo by Jann Hendry
Grant Rice
2012-13 record: 29-3, Division I state champions, No. 11 final Xcellent 25 national ranking
Players to watch: Nick Blair (6-5, Jr., G/F),
Zach Collins (6-8, So., F),
Tanner Leishman (6-6, Jr., F),
Obim Okeke (6-1, Sr., G/F),
Chase Jeter (6-9, Jr., F),
Miles Loupe (5-8, Sr., G),
Noah Robotham (5-10, Sr., G),
Richie Thornton (6-1, Jr., G),
Deon Whiteside (6-5, Jr., F),
Stephen Zimmerman (6-11, Jr., F/C)
Breaking down the GaelsRebuilding isn't part of the plan at Bishop Gorman.
The Gaels actually improved their record last winter by a game over 2011-12, a team that featured Shabazz Muhammad and a celebrated senior class.
Stephen Zimmerman was a first team All-State pick as a sophomore.
Photo by Jann Hendry
"I was probably more proud of my team last year than I have been in my 13 seasons here," Bishop Gorman head coach Grant Rice said. "It was a total group effort."
With most of the key contributors from last year's state championship team back in the fold, Gorman will once again be a team with a target on its back nationally.
"I think they will handle it okay," Rice said. "We've been through this before with all the preseason stuff and high expectations. I think we will be ready to go by the time December hits."
Leading the way are junior twin towers Zimmerman – a first team All-State pick as a sophomore – and Jeter. Both are Top 20 prospects according to 247Sports.
"They have played a lot together," Rice said of his potentially dominating duo. "They have played some AAU together and have just been in the gym working together and getting better a lot. They are good friends and hang out together off the court."
The schedule will be as challenging as any program in the country will face. Depending on the way tournaments sandwiched around Christmas shake out, the Gaels could face at least a half-dozen teams ranked in the preseason Xcellent 25.
"Obviously we would like to win every game but our goal has never been to go undefeated," Rice said. "We aren't going to shy away from taking on top programs. The main thing for us is to be playing in the final game of the season and doing well in Nevada."
Stepping upRobotham, a lethal shooter and capable ballhandler, should bring a steady veteran presence to the backcourt.
"It seems like he has been with our program for eight years," Rice said of Robotham's longevity on the Gaels varsity squad. "He has been an underappreciated guy at times but he does things the right way and will bring a lot of leadership to the team."
Key datesDec. 13 – vs.
Orange Lutheran (Calif.) at Hoophall West
Dec. 14 – vs.
Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) at Hoophall West
Dec. 18-22 – Tarkanian Classic
Dec. 27-30 – Les Schwab Invitational
Jan. 3 – vs.
Villa Angela-St. Joseph (Cleveland) at Cancer Research Classic
Jan. 4 – vs.
Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) at Cancer Research Classic
Jan. 25 – vs.
Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) at Big City Showcase
Feb. 1 – vs.
JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) at Nike Extravaganza
