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Battle of the big men
Mid-Valley hoops game delivers marquee matchup: Bohmann vs. Nelson
They're both 6-foot-7.
They're both undeniable forces on the hardwood.
They're both going to spend next Wednesday trying to one-up the other.
It's Sutter High's Isaiah Bohmann vs. Yuba City's Zach Nelson, and it will be the marquee matchup to watch during the Northern California Senior All-Star Showcase.
"I'm going to try to dunk on him, he's going to try and dunk on me," said Nelson, the Appeal-Democrat's All-Area MVP. "If there's any room to throw it down — the ball's going to get thrown down."
Friendly rivalries like the one above is why River Valley coach Terry Evans put together Wednesday's game, which tips off at 7 p.m. at the Falcons' gym. He has long wanted to have a game like those staged in other metro areas — one where the top players converge for one final go-around before taking off their high school jerseys for good.
"I think it would be a great night for our community," Evans said in January, while in the midst of his phone calling and e-mailing campaign to pull of his vision. "Can you imagine Zach Nelson and Isaiah Bohmann on the same floor?"
Wearing out the rolodex paid off.
On one side will be Nelson, aka: Mr. 56 points in a single game.
On the other is Bohmann, aka: Mr. Shattered a backboard.
Nelson averages 23.6 points and 14.5 rebounds a game, Bohmann is an 18 and 18 guy. But there's more to this game then two big centers and their stats. They both will be sharing the court with a talented group of teammates.
Nelson will represent the "home" team, which is essentially the top players from Yuba City and River Valley, including Donnie Triphan, Jessa Chima, Jordan Garcia, Gabriel Finley and Zach Cross, respectively. Lindhurst's Bob Jensen will be carrying the clipboard and brings along the Blazers' Jonnie Yang with him.
Bohmann will play alongside familiar faces like Gridley's Ty Nichols and Marysville's Alex Cummings in addition to a talented pool of lesser known non-locals like McKinleyville's Logan Kiff and Chris Pender. Sutter's Bernie DiDario will handle the coaching duties for the "away" squad.
It's a well-rounded group, and come Wednesday, they get to see how they stack up.
"Oh yeah, of course I'm excited," Nelson said. "You have some of the best players in the area, what's not to like about that?"
WHEN: 7 p.m., Wednesday
WHERE: River Valley High School gymnasium.
WHAT: Northern California Senior All-Star Showcase
