Double dose of success expected at Lone Peak this season

HIGHLAND — Success is something the players, coaches, fans and community expect from Lone Peak High School's basketball teams.

It could come in a double dose this season, as both the boys and girls basketball teams have the talent to challenge for a region and state title. Whether the wins outnumber the losses, however, likely depends on how fast both teams learn to handle the high expectations.

With so many players who know what it's like to play in the big games with a big target on their backs, the Knights should be able to respond in a positive way to the pressure.

GIRLS: The Lone Peak girls are heading into new territory.

For the first time their coach can remember, they are the Region 4 favorites. That mantle usually belongs to Mountain View, but this year the Knights are the team with the target on their backs. And it's all happening because most of their core is returning from last year.

Caitlyn Sears led the Knights in scoring and rebounding in each of the past two seasons, and she was second in assists. The best news for Lone Peak coach Keith Flood is that she's back, and she gives him plenty of options.

"She's a good outside shooter, a good penetrator, and she runs the floor well," said Flood, who is returning four starters from last year's third-place team in the league. Though they lost in overtime in last year's state playoffs to the eventual state champ Skyline team, he has plenty of hope for this season.

"We'll still be very up-tempo like last year. But this year we have the ability to slow it down a little bit, too," Flood added.

His team is not small, but they are still athletic as they will play extensively two players that top 6 feet, including returning starter Amanda

Farish, who has improved her shot and her penetration ability and has the versatility to play any position from shooting guard to center.

Ryan Littlefield played some garbage time last season for the Knights but will be joining full force this year after an off-season in which she grew and improved on her scoring and rebounding ability. Shannon Harmer is a three-point threat, but she can also run the point in transition, and Shantell Flanary will put her quickness on the court to disrupt the opposition.

This team has what it takes to take the league title, but it also has plenty of tough competition.