Hesperia High School valedictorian and basketball star Nolan Newman-Gomez has accepted a full-ride scholarship to the University of Idaho, where he will join the Division 1 men’s basketball team.
Standing 6 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, the versatile guard/forward has been a cornerstone of the Hesperia Scorpions’ athletic program.
“We are very proud of Nolan and everything he’s accomplished up until this point, but we are not surprised,” said JT Roach, Hesperia High School boys basketball coach. “He didn’t get here by accident; he got here because he fell in love with getting better. Nolan is leaving a huge impact on High Desert basketball and an even bigger impact on Hesperia Scorpions basketball. The legacy he is leaving will never be forgotten.”
Newman-Gomez leaves a legacy of excellence both on and off the court. The basketball star also found time for impressive grades in between games and practices, securing him the honor of class valedictorian.
For Newman-Gomez, his achievements are bigger than basketball.
By accepting a full-ride scholarship to a Division I program at the University of Idaho, the Hesperia High School senior secures a college education without financial burden and a chance to compete at the highest level of collegiate competition. He also becomes a source of pride for his family, school and community — showing what’s possible for local athletes with discipline and support.
Newman-Gomez’s impact on the Court
Newman-Gomez led the Scorpions to a 24-9 overall record this year and a 9-1 finish in the Mojave River League. Under his leadership, the team advanced to the CIF Sectional Division 2 Finals and the CIF State Division 1 Playoffs.
A four-year varsity player and three-time All-Mojave River League selection, Nolan was named the 2025-2026 MVP of the Mojave River League. His additional accolades include being a two-time Hesperia Unified School District Athlete of the Month, receiving the Hesperia High School Gladiator Award and being named the Hesperia High School Winter Athlete of the Year.
During his senior campaign, Nolan averaged a staggering 23 points, 18 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block per game. Over his four years as a Scorpion, he amassed over 1,700 career points and more than 850 rebounds.
Redefining the student-athlete
While his physical presence on the court is undeniable, Newman-Gomez’s impact in the classroom is equally impressive. He maintained a 4.6 GPA and completed 11 AP and college-level courses. He will be decorated as valedictorian when he graduates this May.
“Nolan is one of the hardest working, highest character players to ever come through HHS,” Hesperia High School Principal Mike Everett said. “His basketball IQ and love for the game are going to help him be successful at the next level.”
The next chapter: Moscow, Idaho
Newman-Gomez will join the Idaho Vandals team led by Coach Alex Pribble. The Vandals captured their first Big Sky Conference Tournament Championship this season, affectionately known as “Starch Madness.”
This year’s team led the school to its fifth NCAA March Madness appearance in its 112-year history.
“Nolan is a true diamond in the rough, in the best way,” Pribble said. “He absolutely dominated at the high school level. He has a great skill set and is extremely versatile at 6’8. We love his high standards in all aspects of life.”
For the senior, the transition from a Scorpion to a Vandal is a dream realized.
“I’m fully bought in,” Newman-Gomez said in a press release. “I wouldn’t have ever guessed I’d be at Idaho, but I couldn’t be happier anywhere else. Now I’m just counting down.”
Newman-Gomez will report to Moscow, Idaho, in June to begin his collegiate academic and athletic career. The Hesperia Unified School District wrote in a statement that it congratulates the basketball player and his family, and thanks the staff at Hesperia High School for their role in fostering such a well-rounded leader.
McKenna is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Hesperia High valedictorian accepts full-ride basketball scholarship to D-1 school
Reporting by McKenna Mobley, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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