Lancers drop the Pirates

MAGNA — Future opponents of Granger in Region 6 and 4A had better be warned: if they want to beat the Lancers, they must find a way to shut them at the 3-point line. Cyprus learned such a task isn't as simple as it sounds.

The Lancers used a flurry of first quarter 3-pointers to seize control of the game against the Pirates and held onto that cushion throughout for a 60-53 victory Friday night. With the win, Granger moved to 2-0 in region play and the Lancers are in a first-place tie with West.

Granger emerged as a surprise team in the 4A playoffs last season, scoring a first round upset over Box Elder and taking eventual champion Provo to overtime. Players back from last year's team hope their climb up the 4A ranks can continue.

"I think we're on top, but we're starting fresh with a new coach," said junior forward Ray Tapusoa. "We came out good last year. Might as well take Granger to the top."

If Granger's outside shooters can hit like they did against the Pirates, rising to the top may be a moot point. The Lancers opened the game on a 15-2 run after three different shooters buried three-pointers.

Another three-point shot, from Tapusoa, increased the lead to 20-5 less than a minute into the second quarter.

By the end of the first half, Granger had made 45 percent of the 3-point shots it had taken.

And the team continued its hot shooting ways to open the second half. The Lancers took their biggest lead of the game, going up 42-20 with 6:00 left in the third quarter, after Thayne Fue and Ray Tapusoa sank back-to-back three-pointers.

Cyprus, like many teams this season, seemed blown away by the free-wheeling and fast-paced Lancer offense. Once the Pirates figured out how to muzzle it to a certain degree, it was hard to do anything expect play catch-up.

Several Lancer starters credit the team's success with its energetic offense to what goes on during the week in practice.

"It's like our practices and scrimmages are real games," said senior Mani Tapusoa. "Our JV could be another varsity team."

Cyprus did eventually claw its way back enough to cause a few nervous moments down the stretch in the fourth quarter. Trailing 55-39 with 4:59 left, the Pirates closed it to within single digits in the final minute.

Helping Cyprus' cause was poor free throw shooting by Granger. The Lancers missed all but one free throw in the final quarter — including front end misses on consecutive one-and-one opportunities.

---

E-mail: jcoon@desnews.com