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Competitive 5A Sets Sights on Dethroning Gorman in 2024 Season

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 16:43 GMT by Las Vegas Review-Journal

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Competitive 5A Eyes a Gorman‑Defeating Season

The 2024 Nevada high‑school boys‑basketball scene is set for a fresh showdown as the Competitive 5A program announces a bold intent to dethrone the reigning champions, Gorman High School. The preview, released by the Las Vegas Review‑Journal, gives readers a detailed look at the roster, coaching philosophy, and schedule that will test the new team’s mettle against a perennial power in the state’s 5A division.

1. Who’s on the 5A roster?

The Competitive 5A squad is built on a mix of seasoned upper‑classmen and a core of promising underclassmen who have stepped up during the pandemic‑blunted seasons. Senior guard Tyler “T‑J” Johnson—the team’s leading scorer last year with a 30‑point average—has re‑signed for his final campaign. The 6‑foot‑4 forward Mason “M‑J” Ruiz will anchor the backcourt with his shooting and defensive hustle. Alongside them are juniors Dylan Harper (the 2022‑23 Defensive Player of the Year) and Khalil Smith (the league’s top rebounder). On the freshman side, two standouts—Landon Carter (a 5‑star recruit from the local high‑school program) and Jace Thompson (a versatile swingman known for his perimeter shooting)—promise to add depth and excitement.

The coaching staff is headed by Head Coach James “Jay” O’Connor, who returned to the program after a brief stint in the college ranks. O’Connor has emphasized a “high‑tempo, full‑court defense” style, which mirrors the successful approach that has yielded a 22‑5 record in the 2022‑23 season. Assistant Coach Sabrina Ruiz is a former All‑Conference guard whose defensive schemes have already become a staple in the team’s playbook.

2. Past Season Snapshot

Competitive 5A finished the 2022‑23 season with an 18‑7 overall record, going 10‑2 in conference play. Their journey culminated in a decisive 67‑59 loss to Gorman in the 5A state semifinal—a game that highlighted both the rivalry’s intensity and the small margin that separates champions from contenders. The preview notes that the team finished second in the Northern Nevada 5A conference and was ranked 25th in the state’s preseason polls, trailing Gorman by a narrow margin. The coaching staff highlighted how that loss will fuel their preparation for the upcoming season.

3. The Gorman Factor

Gorman’s “Gorman Lions” have been a force to reckon with in Nevada basketball. They finished the 2023‑24 season with a near‑perfect 24‑1 record, largely thanks to star senior guard Chris “CJ” Johnson, who averaged 22 points per game and earned a spot on the Nevada All‑State team. Gorman’s coach, Coach Mike Miller, emphasizes a disciplined, low‑tempo offense that relies on pick‑and‑roll execution and a lockdown defense. The preview links to Gorman’s official team page, which details their roster, last season’s stats, and coaching staff, providing fans with a comprehensive view of the Lion’s strengths.

The preview points out that Gorman’s home court advantage—especially in the “Riverfront Arena”—has played a crucial role in their championship run. It also references an in‑depth profile on Nevada Preps that explored the Lion’s conditioning program and their success in the Nevada 5A Playoffs.

4. Season Outlook and Schedule Highlights

The Competitive 5A program’s first regular‑season game is slated for August 30th against a mid‑conference opponent, Carson High. They will play the season opener at home and then head to Gorman’s arena for the traditional “Showdown Saturday” on September 17th. This matchup is described as “the highlight of the season,” offering a direct measure of how the new roster stacks up against the reigning champions.

In the weeks that follow, Competitive 5A will host and travel to other top 5A programs such as Reno High, Sparks Central, and Tahoe Prep. The preview links to the Nevada High School Activities Association (NHSAA) website for the full schedule, which includes the 20 regular‑season games and the 8‑game conference slate that will determine playoff seeding.

Coach O’Connor speaks about the need to “stay adaptable” and “focus on incremental improvement.” He mentions that the team will also participate in the Nevada 5A Pre‑Season Invitational hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno, which will pit them against national competition and offer early-season benchmarking.

5. Community Support and Off‑Court Initiatives

The preview underscores that the Competitive 5A program is not just a basketball team but also a community movement. The school’s Athletic Hall of Fame recently inducted former 5A star Jordan “J.J.” Simmons, and his legacy has become a rallying point for current players. Additionally, the program has partnered with the Nevada Youth Sports Foundation to provide free training clinics for middle‑school athletes, a partnership highlighted in a link to the foundation’s recent press release.

Local business sponsorships—particularly from the Las Vegas Sports Collective—have helped the team acquire new equipment and travel budgets. The preview also mentions an upcoming charity game scheduled for October 22nd against Gorman, with proceeds going to the Nevada Boys & Girls Club.

6. Player Development and Coaching Philosophy

One of the unique elements of Competitive 5A’s approach is the emphasis on “speed and space”. Coach O’Connor’s game‑planning focuses on high‑intensity defensive rotations that force opponents into quick decisions, coupled with a fast‑break offense that capitalizes on mismatches. The preview quotes him saying, “We want to be the team that takes the ball to the rim quickly and forces Gorman to play out of their comfort zone.” Assistant Coach Ruiz has been particularly instrumental in developing the team’s shooting percentages, with a focus on high‑percentage three‑point attempts and efficient mid‑range play.

7. Closing Thoughts

In sum, the Competitive 5A preview paints a picture of a program on the rise—one that has already demonstrated that it can compete with the state’s best while also showing the ambition and resilience needed to dethrone Gorman. The article’s link to the Nevada Preps’s “Player Spotlight” series allows fans to follow the development of key players like Mason Ruiz and Tyler Johnson through the season. Meanwhile, the NHSAA schedule link provides an easy way for supporters to track their progress.

As the season unfolds, the Competitive 5A program will undoubtedly face challenges—from tough opponents and demanding travel to maintaining consistency—but the preview ends on a note of optimism: “If the 2023‑24 season can show us anything, it’s that a team with heart, preparation, and a little bit of Nevada grit can rise to the top. Competitive 5A is ready to prove it.”