by James Tate
Quarterfinal games
(2) Cyprus Pirates 58
(7) Syracuse Titans 56
A game that matched up teams that would play a close game, this game did not disappoint. The critical turning point was with 4:44 left in the game, Titans leading scorer Kaden Erickson fouled out. Erickson scored a team-high 17 points. Pirates’ sharpshooter Quentin Meza led all scorers with 31 points and made incredible shots inside the lane and outside the three-point line. Titans’ Brevin Hamblin finished his career with another double-double, 13 points, and a game-leading 14 rebounds. The Pirates move on to the semifinals against the American Fork Cavemen.
(3) American Fork Cavemen 57
(6) Fremont Silverwolves 52
The Cavemen had an incredible free-throw advantage in this contest, making 21 of 31 free throws, while the Silverwolves went to the line only three times, all by senior Treyden Hoggan on a fouled three-point shot attempt. The Silverwolves attempted 26 three-pointers, and the Cavemen’s defense was tough inside. Silverwolves’ leading scorer was Hoggan with 17 points, followed by senior Boston Hadley’s 12 points. The Cavemen got 14 points from Tiger Cuff and moved into the semifinals against the Cyprus Pirates.
(4) Lone Peak Knights 54
(12) Davis Darts 52
The Knights survived the upset-minded Darts by two points in this contest. The Knights had a rebounding advantage in this contest of 31-20. The Darts had three players score in double figures, seniors Kaden Eggett, Alex Fisher, and sophomore Coleman Atwater. Atwater cut the Knight’s lead down to a single point in the final seconds, but Cameron Swiggett closed the game with a free throw. A last-second half-court shot by Atwater fell short. The Knights move on into the semifinals against the #1 seed and region foe Corner Canyon Chargers.
(1)Corner Canyon Chargers 83
(9) Westlake Thunder 53
The Thunder came into this game as heavy underdogs but battled their region 4 opponent until the final buzzer. Senior Jaxon Roberts led the Chargers in scoring 22 points in this contest. This was the third victory of the season for the Chargers over the Thunder. Corner Canyon moves on into the semifinals against another region 4 opponent, the Lone Peak Knights.
photos courtesy James Tate