Mr. Basketball: Grim's competitiveness drove him to succeed

That lanky sixth-grader is now a Mr. Basketball recipient.

Riverton coach Steve Galley had his doubts about Morgan Grim's potential when he first caught a glimpse of the skinny sixth-grader about six years ago. It was obvious Grim was going to be tall, but height doesn't always equate to success in basketball.

Grim's youthful exterior may have raised some question marks, but it was what Galley couldn't see that ultimately helped Grim become one of the most dominant basketball players in Utah.

"He's one of the most competitive kids I've ever coached, and if you pointed out a weakness to him, he would go and try and turn it into a strength," said Galley. "Some kids, you point out a weaknesses and they don't want to hear it. Morgan's a kid who truly got better every single year he played."

Along the way, Grim helped elevate Riverton's basketball program to new heights, and during a year in which a handful of players could have claimed the title of Utah's best, Grim separated himself in the eyes of the Deseret Morning News and is the 2006-07 recipient of the prestigious Mr. Basketball award.

Like Daniel Deane, last year's Mr. Basketball winner, Grim has committed to the University of Utah. He'd love to keep that commitment, but he admits that's up in the air with the resignation of coach Ray Giacoletti. Once the university names a new coach, Grim says he'll weigh his options with his parents, even though staying at the U. is still his No. 1 choice.

The timing of the resignation was very upsetting for Grim, because it happened on the morning of Riverton's 5A semifinal game with Spanish Fork. All the 6-foot-8 senior did was lead the 'Wolves to a 65-53 victory by racking up 19 points, seven rebounds and four blocks.

"He's a winner, and whenever anyone questions whether he'll be successful at the next level, I just say you don't really know him," said Galley. "He's just a fierce competitor. Whatever he needs to do at the next level, he'll find a way to get the job done."

A highly successful prep career is further evidence.

As a junior, Grim led overlooked Riverton to the 5A championship game at the E Center, where it took a buzzer-beating jumper by No. 1 Bingham to deny the 'Wolves the title.

This past year, Grim was at it again, but under much different circumstances.

Even with Grim, the 2006-07 season figured to be a down year for Riverton with a completely inexperienced supporting cast around the Utah-bound star. Instead, Grim carried the overachieving bunch all the way to the 5A championship game again.