Nevada Shootout to highlight local hoops players

Louie Traub/ViewBasketball players Vince Carducci, 15, top, and Andrew Badillo, 15, go after the ball during an April 4 practice at Eldorado Preparatory Academy, 1801 S. Maryland Parkway. Players were gearing up for the Nevada Shootout, set for April 22 at the Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J. St. Tyrell Jamerson, founder of the Nevada Shootout, helps lead a practice for the event at Eldorado Preparatory Academy, 1801 S. Maryland Parkway.Louie Traub/View Advertisement

By ERICA VITAL

VIEW STAFF WRITER

Former UNLV point-guard Tyrell Jamerson said he believes Amateur Athletic Union teams like his local Triple-Double Elite will bring back the caliber of play for which Las Vegas was known in the 1990s. With this goal in mind, Jamerson has organized the Nevada Shootout.

The competitive games for boys ranging from grades 8-12 will take place on April 22 at the Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J. St. Participants will play against top local competition from schools, AAU teams and individual players from all over the valley.

"We have kids and coaches entering from Valley High, Bishop Gorman, Foothills and Durango High," Jamerson said. "A lot of national name brands have hosted games in Las Vegas. I saw a need for games that represent the community. I wanted to do something on a grass-roots level to show what these kids can do."

Jamerson said he grew up playing basketball at the Doolittle Community Center, and after-school team play, in addition to playing ball on school teams, is often the experience of kids who want to excel.

"That's the way it is now," Jamerson said. "Always working, no matter what."

Jamerson has partnered with Premier Prep Sports U.S.A Basketball Company and MARQUI-Athletics as hosts of the event. Premier Prep offers instructional sessions and NCAA workshops for local student-athletes.

Jevon Banks, founder of Premier Sports U.S.A., also a one-time point-guard for the Rebels, said the Nevada Shootout will give all of its participants an opportunity to have their stats seen by western colleges and universities.

"All stats will be included on our Web site and published in the Premier Prep Sports newsletter. Everyone gets a chance to shine," Banks said.

As co-sponsor, MARQUI-1 Athletics will provide uniforms for each player. The cost is $75 per participant. Players and coaches can register at www.premierprepsportsusa.com, or call 974-2777 for more information.

The top 24 middle school game begins at 5:15 p.m., followed by the top 24 freshman-to-sophomore game at 6:30 p.m. The showcase ends with the top junior and senior game at 7:45 p.m.

"I always tell my kids," Jamerson said, "a lot of people play basketball, but not a lot are basketball players. We want to teach our kids how to become true basketball players."