[Nevadaref]

Originally posted by tomegun
I will chime in since I have experience in all three. In Las Vegas there is just too much stuff going on. People work odd hours because Vegas is driven the the casinos that stay open 24/7. The gyms are too large for the regular season and they seem empty. I saw the same people at the games for years. Also, the schools are mostly new so there is no tradition. The coaches are relatively new coaches and they don't have programs they have good teams when they have good talent. Sad but true.
Here, in the MD/DC area basketball is king! There is so much talent here it is amazing! People are fans because they went to the school, their kids go to the school and/or they are just basketball junkies and want to see the next great player to come out of high school. Even the players follow other teams all over town! There is just some serious programs here with great coaches. DeMatha, Montrose Christian, Riverdale Baptist, Paul VI, O'Connell, St. Albans, Georgetown Prep, Southern Maryland, National Christian, Oxen Hill, Friendly, Magruder, Springbrook, Gonzaga, St. Johns, McNamara, Good Counsel and the list goes on and on. I thought I worked a lot of games in Las Vegas until this season. It isn't even over yet! Crazy!

Now I'm from Indiana. Last week my brother told me that there was an artical in USA Today about the biggest high school gyms in America. I think he said 8 out of 10 were in Indiana or something like that. My high school, Richmond, was number 4. The Tiernan Center seats around 8,000! I was a freshman when it opened and we went to the state finals 2 of my four years. The team was ranked as high as 14 in the nation and Woody Austin won Mr. Basketball over Shawn Kemp in 88'. Let me tell you, when we had a game the joint was packed! People I've met from all over ask me if I played in high school, uh no. Hoops is big time and I wasn't even into it like all that in high school. I can still tell you where you can get a game during lunch hour with some ball players. It is just part of our culture. If you are on the high school team where I'm from everyone in the town and the surrounding area will know who you are.
It is just going to take some time for Vegas to gain credibility but it will come. Things like the Centenial girls team definately helps. They have won 3 straight state titles and their main players are juniors. But, they have a freshman who is their best player! Even coming off two straight titles I knew she would be their best player and although they have a great coach and play good team ball she scored 42 in the state semis! As a freshman! That team could help basketball in the state.

Thanks T,
I was hoping that you would respond to this. (One reason I chose to title the thread as I did.) Anyway, I'm glad you like things back there. I used to work games at many of those same schools you listed, so you know why I liked officiating there so much and can understand how frustrating it is to watch this little association out here run things the way they do. They wouldn't know good basketball if it bounced off their heads!