Mountain View has challenges

It would seem the only real question in the upcoming 4A girls basketball tournament is which team will play Mountain View for the state title.

After all, the top-ranked Bruins haven't lost a game to a Utah team since the title game in 2000. They've won seven of the past eight title games they've appeared in, and they played just two close games against local teams this year — neither of which were 4A squads.

So, all that said, it may seem strange that one of those not assuming the Bruins will play for their eighth title in nine years is the team's head coach.

"No way do I think we have state locked up," said Dave Houle. "I honestly think we should be in Saturday's game, but we'll have to see how we do with the back to back games."

Houle's concerned because shooting guard Tiara Bowman has a broken finger, a torn rotator cuff and a stress fracture. Forward Lora Mitchell is sick with mononucleosis and center Ashley Cheesman, the team's leading scorer, is also suffering a stress fracture on her right leg. All that said, his players are all ready to suit up and make another run at another title.

"All a team has to do is be hot for one game," he said. "I've won a couple state titles when we weren't the best team in the state, so I know it can happen . . . But we do have Mallary (Gillespie), we have tradition, and our defense will always give us a chance."

Gillespie is a four-year starter, three-time all-state selection, an all-American and a finalist for the McDonald's All-American team.

"She could have huge numbers, but she's unselfish," he said. "She's really a coach's dream."

The most interesting part of this season, he said, is that teams focus on Gillespie and that's allowed Bowman, Cheesman and Mitchell to put up some impressive numbers.

There are plenty of other good players out there in 4A and most of those dream of dethroning the Bruins.

The Bruins bracket is extremely tough and besides Mtn. View, there really isn't a favorite. Only Skyview hasn't been in the rankings this season, and East, Payson and Provo are currently ranked in the top five. Bountiful got hot in the second half of the season upsetting Murray and handing it its third loss that gave West sole possession of the region title.

Payson is led by 4A's top scorer in Sandy Marvin, and the team boasts the best defense statistically in points for and against. Provo upset Payson in the second round of region play, but neither could beat region champion and No. 2 ranked 4A team, Timpview.

The T-birds have so many offensive weapons, but among the most impressive this season is forward Lindsey Freeze. They went undefeated in region play but face a feisty region 5 team in Olympus.

West could be a dark horse this season as they make their second appearance in a row at the tournament. They're led offensively by Becky Sorenson but have some great rebounders, too.

Orem was hurt significantly with the loss of guard Heather Keith but could break some hearts if Marsha Hemuli and Aubrey Stay are hot.

One thing Houle isn't doing yet is clearing a place for another trophy.

"We're not looking past anybody," he said.

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com