Griffins having strong season

With a No. 19 national ranking and the best record in the state (11-4), can Tommy Connor's Westminster Griffins call themselves the top college basketball team in the state?

Well, maybe not, since the school plays at the NAIA level, but the Griffins sure could make a case as the most overlooked.

"Personally, I'm aware of where we are on the totem pole," Connor said.

The former Utah point guard says he is not coaching at Westminster for recognition; he's there to coach basketball and win some games. This year's team is winning at a record pace, but is not not receiving much attention.

"This is the best preseason we've had," Connor said. "When it's all said and done, we're here to play basketball. But any recognition we get is certainly deserved."

Westminster guard Brandon Sholly feels the team's record alone should be enough to garner more recognition. "Our record is the best in the state," he said. "It's something that should be given more attention."

Sholly's point is well taken. The Griffins are currently ranked 19th in the NAIA polls and completed the team's most successful preseason under Connor.

If you have followed the development of this team, you'll most likely agree that it is much different from the one that went 23-10 last year. Led by 6-foot-3 Jared Ruiz and former Alta Hawk point guard Danny Reeder, the Griffins transformed themselves into a fast-breaking up-tempo team.

"In the past, we found that we needed to control the team," Connor said. "The difference with this team is that we get production from other guys."

Ruiz led the team in scoring last year, averaging almost 14 points per game. This season, the senior from Taylorsville is having an even better year in part due to a change in the offense. Ruiz clearly enjoys the team's new approach.

"I'm more of a playmaker, so this style really fits my game," he said, adding that the team on the whole is the most athletic he's seen at Westminster.

Adding to the mix is point guard Danny Reeder. The former Class 5A tournament MVP set the freshman record for assists last year at Westminster. This season, the 5-foot-10 sophomore has increased his scoring and assist ratio.