VV Bulldogs logoThe Virgin Valley High School boys basketball program competed well in 2015-2016. The Bulldog boy’s program went 9-5 in 1-A Sunrise League, good enough for a third place finish and a qualifying spot in the division playoffs.

There were plenty of up and downs for Bulldog Coach Sean FitzSimons this past year. Losing to Moapa Valley late in the season was a big downer as it marred the Bulldogs’ hope of a second place finish and hosting a first round playoff game. The Bulldogs big win 61-48 in early January over favored Chaparral gave the Dawgs hopes for a higher finish.

The Bulldogs finished 13-11 overall in Coach FitzSimons’ fourth year guiding the Dawgs program. FitzSimons overall record for four seasons is 55-46 but importantly his teams went 33-19 in tough 1-A Sunrise League play and made the playoffs each year.

“I feel the season overall was a success,” said Coach FitzSimons. “We wanted the number one or two seed, but ended up at number three. I feel we may have peaked too early. I liked how we bought in (bulldog basketball) and played hard. I was frustrated that we went 2-7 to close out the season. It’s something as a coach I’ve got to look into. I feel we have a good nucleus coming back next season in addition to a few J.V. kids moving up.”

The Bulldogs lose two starters from this year’s team but return Andrew Memmott (10.7 P. P.G.), Hogan Fowles (9.1 P.P.G.) and point guard Jarrett Tietjen (5.7 P.P.G.). The Bulldogs are counting on 6’6” Reid Jensen and Jayden Perkins to step up and compete for starting roles next year. Jensen came on strong toward the end of the season.

Possible move ups from the J.V. squad are Cesar Zarate, Jayson Brooks, Devin Cox, Tyson Wilson and others. Next year’s 1-A Division may have a new look as the Nevada Interscholastic Athletic Association reviews which teams may move up or down from Division 1 and 1-A programs.