Season after season, Karen Weitz watched her talented Cheyenne High girls basketball team falter in the state tournament against Reno opponents. For two decades, Northern Nevada’s iron grip on state championships remained unbroken.

The pattern forced the coach to analyze what made these northern programs so formidable. Her conclusion was simple yet profound: they never stopped playing.

When Centennial High opened its doors in 1999, Weitz seized the opportunity to implement year-round training. The transformation was swift and decisive—within just a few seasons, Centennial captured the state title with a perfect record, finally shattering the north’s long-standing dynasty.

This winter, she hoisted her 15th state championship trophy, extending her own Nevada record.

“It has nothing to do with me. I can care less if we win another one,” Weitz says. “But it’s stuff that you always hear from past players. It’s one of the most memorable things that’s ever happened in their life. OK, that’s a pretty cool feeling to give somebody.”

Her résumé speaks volumes: nearly 800 victories, multiple national rankings for Centennial, selection as a McDonald’s All-American Game coach, and enshrinement in the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame.

Perhaps her most groundbreaking achievement came three years ago when Centennial tapped her to lead its boys program as well. She joined an exclusive club as one of only two women nationally coaching boys high school basketball.

While Weitz acknowledges the significance of breaking this barrier, she maintains a characteristically straightforward perspective. Basketball, in its essence, remains basketball.

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