Muckers looking to start tradition

The Virginia City High's girls basketball team left campus at 5 a.m. Thursday to start its quest to bring back the first-ever state championship to the tiny Story County school.

Virginia City, 25-5 and owners of a 20-game win streak, faces Lund in the first round of the NIAA 1A State Championships today at 11 a.m. at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

The winner of the Virginia City-Lund game will play the winner of the Pahranagat Valley-Owyhee game Saturday for the championship.

Virginia City coach Todd Hess would like nothing better than to start a tradition on the girls' side. Virginia City boys have 17 state titles.

"The girls are really excited," Hess said. "The town is very excited for the girls. I played up there in the '80s and coached the boys team. It's nice to see the town jacked up about girls basketball. I think about three-quarters of the town is going to be here (in Vegas).

"They (Lund) have an incredible record. They've lost only twice all year. Their best player is Keisha Stewart. She is a tremendous athlete. She can score inside and outside, and she can rebound the ball."

Virginia City will rely on its big three of Gigi Glogovac, Sophie Glogovac and Megan Brandon. All three are solid scorers. Brandon is probably the best 3-point shooter on the squad, while Sophie Glogovac has a nice medium range game and inside game.

"They have shared a lot of the offensive load," Hess said of his talented trio. "We've had a good week of practice, and we're looking forward to the opportunity."

Hess expects there will be some butterflies for both teams early on.

"The girls haven't been here before," Hess said. "We haven't gotten out of the first round (of regionals). Once the game gets going, I expect both teams to settle and we'll see some good basketball."

Lund brings a 20-2 record into the game. Lund, the 2001 state champ, comes in as the No. 2 seed from the south after losing 48-37 to Pahranagat Valley last weekend.

Lund coach Shane Boren said the loss was a good thing for his team. Lund hadn't lost since mid-December. He said he doesn't know much about the Muckers.

"I've talked to some people (about them)," Boren said. "I know they are tall and lanky, and have pretty decent speed. They also like to press.

"Right now it's harder (when you don't have information on your opponent). I'm more worried about what we're doing. It (the loss to PV) brought us back down to earth."

Lund is led by the 5-foot-8 Stewart, who averages around 20 a game. Point guard Katie Whipple averages 10.9 a contest. Lyndsey Ivins, Melynda Boren and Kara Rimington are all capable of producing double-figure scoring games.

"We're comfortable in any set offensively," Boren said. "We do like to get out and run a little bit."

- Contact Darrell Moody at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com, or 881-1281.