Skyline looks past heartbreaker

The accomplishment will mean more when the Skyline Eagles are a little farther from the pain of losing the 5A championship game to Bingham.

"That's hard," said Eagles head coach Deb Bennett of feeling good after such a disappointing loss. Skyline lost the 5A title to Bingham 48-28 after having the best season the Eagles girls basketball team has enjoyed in Bennett's 17 years.

"That's been their best season record since I've been here," said Bennett of the 22-2 finish. And while the Eagles return some key players, they won't be the same squad they were this season as they lose five seniors to graduation.

"We will look a little different next season," she said.

Skyline loses seniors Emily Copier, Tori Lindsay, Liz Johnson, Allie Engman and Teresa Uipi.

"Emily is so long and tall, and she allows you to play her on the perimeter," said Bennett. "She such a good defensive player, and we'll really miss her cool, clam composure."

Uipi started this season after coming off the bench for her rebounding and defensive skills. She split her time between volleyball and basketball.

"Teresa is one of the best all-around athletes in the state," Bennett said. "She could be scary if she focused on basketball. She's a good student and very strong academically."

Johnson made a lasting mark on her senior season when she hit the lay-up at the buzzer to send the Eagles into the semifinals of the 5A tournament this year.

"Liz is such a great kid," Bennett said. "We'll miss her passion. She wants to go out of state to play basketball and is still deciding where. She has a 3.9 GPA and is also a good disc, javelin and shot put competitor."

Lindsay excelled on the basketball court despite tremendous personal turmoil in her life.

"If people only knew what Tori had gone through," Bennett said. "She is one of the most resilient kinds I know. She's a very good athlete, and we'll miss most the energy she gives us."

Engman, she said, still hasn't even reached her potential.

"She's still learning the game," Bennett said. "She may try to walk on somewhere, but she didn't start playing until ninth or 10th grade. She continued to improve every time she stepped on the court."

Skyline returns juniors Jenteal Jackson, at point guard, and Dani Peterson, at center, among others.