T-Birds pummel, smash outmatched Springville

PROVO — Timpview High was anything but paradise for the visiting Springville Red Devils, as the Thunderbirds won the Region 7 opener in a 72-31 slaughter. Senior Karlee Weight and junior guard Gabrielle Pinegar combined for 33 points, outscoring the entire Red Devil squad.

The win comes after a rough preseason schedule left the T-birds with a 3-6 record.

"We really wanted to come in and show the region we're ready to compete," Weight said. And they were.

Timpview went on a 13-2 run early in the first quarter, as guards Kelden Wright, Aubrey Reeves and Pinegar forced turnover after turnover in the back court. Springville's Genna Brown hit a three to end the quarter, but Springville still trailed 19-7.

"Our press is one of our strengths, and our guards did a great job with it tonight," said Timpview coach Kawika Akina.

Springville's troubles with the T-bird press continued in the second quarter. Before a full minute ticked off the clock, Pinegar stole a Red Devil inbounds pass for an easy layup, extending Timpview's lead to 14. The Red Devils showed signs of life with a quick 5-0 spurt, cutting the lead to single digits. But the T-birds responded quickly, feeding the ball inside to Weight, who rattled off seven points, helping Timpview build a 38-16 halftime advantage. And it got worse.

Timpview outscored Springville 21-6 in the third, going up 37 points.

With four minutes left in the fourth quarter and a 42-point lead, it was finally safe enough for Timpview to pull Weight and Pinegar.

The T-birds will face the defending state champion Orem Tigers on Friday, and hope to improve on their 1-0 Region 7 record.

"It'll be a really competitive game," Weight said. "But if we play like we did tonight there's no one that can stop us."