Play it again: Gorman, Centennial rule the roost

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Great players come and go, but great programs can seem to live forever.

Such is the case, at least, when it comes to Southern Nevada girls basketball. The individual names change, cycling in and out every four years. But somehow, either Bishop Gorman or Centennial always rises to the top.

Both teams suffered significant personnel losses after last season.

The Bulldogs lost guard Italee Lucas, one of the most talented players in state history. The Gaels lost guard Kaila Goff, their director of traffic and on-court leader.

A new season begins this week. Will things change with the absence of such talent?

Not a chance.

The Gaels already boast top-10 rankings in several national polls. They return all-state center Ashley Gayle, who will be backed by a squad that appears to have no weaknesses.

If one team — and that’s a big if — can beat Gorman, it’s Centennial. It’s tough to say whether the Bulldogs have enough talent to beat Gorman, but they definitely have enough to consider the idea.

“I think we’re going to be fine,” said Centennial coach Karen Weitz, whose teams won four straight state titles between 2000 and 2005. “This team already has so much personality and character.

“I’m not sure you can compensate for the loss of Italee, but the other girls have really come together.”

Gorman coach Sheryl Krmpotich, whose squad lost to Centennial in the Sunset Region title game before routing the Bulldogs in last season’s state final, said the teams have developed a healthy rivalry over the years.

“It’s been like that since Centennial came into existence,” said Krmpotich, whose team went 31-4 last year. “When you have two great teams and competitive players, you’re always going to see a great game.”

Chances are good that the teams will meet again in the postseason. But a handful of teams have an outside chance of toppling the state’s giants. Most notably, Silverado looks strong in the Sunrise.

“We’re a lot further along right now than we were at this time last year,” said Skyhawks coach Diane Hernandez, whose squad qualified for last year’s state tournament and finished 23-8. “We really want to defend our regional title and take another trip to state.”

But Silverado, along with 28 other area teams, probably is to become another steppingstone for Gorman or Centennial as the perennial powerhouses march toward another title.

Palo Verde coach Rick Eurich said the powerful duo is pretty much impenetrable.

“The problem is that I call it the (Atlantic Coast Conference) over here,” said Eurich, who voiced his frustration over the challenges of playing in the Sunset. “One team always pulls away, and there are four teams fighting for three playoff spots.

“Then you’ve got one of the better teams in town getting left out of the playoffs.”

The best two teams, however, will get in.