MaxPreps 2013-14 Preseason Xcellent 25 Basketball preview: No. 6 Bishop Gorman

Key returners:

Nick Blair (6-5, Jr., G/F)

Chase Jeter (6-10, Jr., F/C)

Miles Loupe (5-8, Sr., G)

Obim Okeke (6-1, Sr., G)

Noah Robotham (5-10, Sr., G)

Stephen Zimmerman (7-0, Jr., C)

Newcomers:

Zach Collins (6-8, So., F)

Tanner Leishman (6-6, Jr., F)

Richie Thornton (6-1, Jr., G)

Deon Whiteside (6-5, Jr., F)

Circle the date:

Rice and the staff at nearby Findlay Prep (Henderson) have maintained a friendly relationship since the latter came on the scene a half-dozen years ago. But make no mistake, the Gaels would love to knock off Findlay after losses to the Pilots each of the past four seasons. That game will be played Jan. 25 at the Big City Showcase.

Another intriguing matchup comes Dec. 14 at the new Hoophall West event in Phoenix, where the Gaels will take on Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.).

Gorman will also participate in the Cancer Research Classic in West Virginia and Nike Extravaganza in Southern California.

Tournament time:

The Gaels have made a tradition out of playing in a major tournament before and after Christmas each season. Like last year, Gorman will get things started by hosting the Tarkanian Classic which includes No. 5 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), defending national champ Lone Peak (Highland, Utah) and Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.), among others.

After Christmas, the Gaels head to Oregon for the Les Schwab Invitational with No. 9 Whitney Young (Chicago) and two-time defending Washington state champ Rainier Beach (Seattle).