By DAVE BELCHER
Moapa Valley Progress
During the first month of summer vacation from school, there have been several sports camps that have had the Moapa Valley athletes busy in preparation for this coming school year and the athletic season.
Girls Soccer
Girl’s soccer started the summer off at the high school with about 35 girls with ages ranging from the 7th grade through next year’s seniors.
“Basic skills were addressed as well as actual game time,” said head girls soccer coach Lisa Cornwall. “Just within those three days, I noticed so much improvement. I’m excited for this upcoming year as well as years to come.”
The camp featured Amanda Wenzel who plays for Colorado Mesa University who was an instructor of the camp. She was very impressed with the girl’s work ethic.
The soccer teams have open fields every Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8:00. Tryouts will begin on Saturday August 15.
“I hope to see them out there” said coach Cornwall.
Cross Country
Cross Country held their camp also during the first week of summer. Five athletes came during the week where they spent time with Coach Heather Humes, who returns from a few years off as girls coach, and boys head coach Gary Watkins. The runners put in about 35 miles that week running throughout the hills and roads of Moapa Valley. Watkins said that he is optimistic that Moapa Valley runners will qualify for state this year.
Baseball
Baseball has been playing games and having informal practices ever since the high school season ended. Moapa Valley is playing in the Connie Mack league 16 and under. Currently they are 10-9 having won 3 of their last five games.
There is no division separation as they play the teams from all the larger schools in Las Vegas.
“Some of the teams aren’t very happy that they have to come out to Moapa Valley to play because they feel they are better,” said head coach Gary Weiss. “It’s great when we beat them.”
Moapa Valley is currently in third Place with three games to play this week. There are 16 boys playing this summer. All of them at the High School on Tuesday and Wednesday. If they remain in third place with a win this week Moapa Valley qualifies for the state tournament.
“This is giving us some good experience with 22 games, as many as the regular season and extra at bats and reps,” said Weiss. “We could have had a better record, but we are giving everyone playing time which is giving the younger players playing time.”
They have been playing anywhere from three to five games a week and, as mentioned, schools like Palo Verde, Liberty and other division I powers. Boulder City and Faith Lutheran also have teams involved.
Boys’ Basketball
The boys’ basketball went to St George last week where 7 from the varsity team played and 9 younger boys played from the community.
“Overall we learned a lot about some of our younger players and what we need to do to improve,” said Coach Dallas Larsen. “All the kids had a positive experience and we will be back in the gym working to get ready for the season.”
With a young team Moapa Valley competed in the small school portion with teams from Utah and Alamo, Nevada. Moapa won two of their first three games as they pounded Altamont 44-16, a team who had younger players than the Pirates.
Moapa was beaten by Morgan in a game that started at 10:20pm.
Moapa came back Tuesday morning with a three point victory over Morgan.
“We were able to push the ball in transition against Altamont, but our man defense needs a lot of work,” said Larsen.
Moapa lost to Morgan’s #2 team by 2 points then played Alamo and lost a close one as Moapa struggled scoring.
“Getting out-rebounded really hurt us” said Larsen.
Moapa and their young team lost three more close games before losing to Morgan in the tournament ending the camp.
Over all coach Larsen was grateful to those who helped him, Jared Bushman and John Stastny; also to the kids who went to the camp.
Football camp starts on July 20 at Fillmore Utah, Contact Coach Lewis for information. For Volleyball contact Mandie Matheson.
