Senators eyeing toughness this winter

Success on the floor this season for Carson High boys basketball won’t be measured directly by wins and losses.

Coming off a 5-19 campaign last winter, the Senators want to be tougher.

Second-year coach Ty Golden is defining the group by their ability to be tougher, trust and execution.

“We are focusing in those three areas, both offensively and defensively,” said Golden. “We think those three will be key for the program overall.”

On the floor

Carson High lost several players to graduation from last year’s club and is missing its lone returning all-region player in Michael Hughes.

Hughes is recovering from a knee injury and Golden said his timetable to return isn’t finalized.

“It hurts us that he’s not out there. His voice and his leadership have still been really helpful,” said Golden. “We are hopeful at some point we can have him and I know that’s what he wants as well.”

Returning for their senior season alongside Hughes are Mouhamed Fall, Jordan Tabaracci and Justin Moore. All three were playing heavy minutes in the Senators’ season opener Saturday against Wooster.

Carson fell, 60-55, in overtime to the Colts, but got a look at what in-game action will be with the new squad.

“I’m expecting (Fall) to take that next step. He’s a really tall wing that can handle the ball. We know he’s super talented. We just need him to trust it,” said Golden.

Moore will be another staple in the rotation at power forward where he has shown his fearlessness to get after loose balls and fight for rebounds.

Moore led the Senators against Wooster with 13 points.

Juniors Japheth Banko and Landon Hoff also are returning.

“Landon is never one you have to fire up. He’s a really vocal kid and he plays on attack,” said Golden. “Japheth is a really solid guard and good defensively with his pressure. We want him to be a little more aggressive on offense and find his comfortability there.”

Hoff was second on the team with 12 points against the Colts.

Fellow junior Demarcus Brewster had seven points Saturday, including a 3-point basket in the second quarter.

“Moore and Brewster are the heart and soul of this team. I love their hustle and their effort,” said Golden. “We are excited to see what they can do.”

Sophomore guard Isaac Chambers and senior Evan Risi also are expected to contribute.

“Evan is a really good shooter and he played JV with us last year,” said Golden. “Isaac is a young player, but somebody that has been working really hard in the offseason. Even though he’s young, we feel like he can be a contributor.”

Golden said no position in his starting five is locked down. He said fans will continue to see the Princeton Chin Series offense with off-ball screens and split action.

“We will have our quick hitters. We want to play with tempo. We want to be moving and the big thing is that toughness for us,” said Golden. “On offense, we want to see that by paint touches.”

Around the 4A North

There are a few changes for Northern Nevada’s largest high school basketball class.

Realignment has shifted all Class 5A North teams from last season to the 4A North. Class 5A is now a Las Vegas-only classification.

Class 4A will have the same nine North teams battling for two state tournament spots, while Las Vegas has 24 teams (in four leagues) competing for two state tournament spots.

Another change for this season is the elimination of the 1-and-1 for single bonus free throw attempts.

That change was declared nationwide by the NFHS and teams will now have their fouls counted and reset each quarter.

If a team hits five team fouls in a quarter, the opposing team will automatically get two free throws. The change is a direct comparison to the rules in the NBA.

With the Class 4A North remaining intact, Bishop Manogue will be the favorite after winning the region last winter.

Spanish Springs and Douglas will be in the mix for the top spots as well. Damonte Ranch and Reed can never be counted out, either.

“The league is a really, really deep this year,” said Golden.

Carson will begin league play Dec. 5 against McQueen. The Senators two meetings with Douglas are scheduled Jan. 12 in Carson and Feb. 9 in Minden.

(Landon Hoff cuts across the paint Saturday against Wooster. Hoff, a junior, scored 12 points. / Jeff Mulvihill, Jr. | InstaImage)