Backyard born: Monson father-son battles key to Waterford center's success

SANDY — Neal Monson's first exposure to basketball came with the customary one-on-one backyard games pitting him against his father. Monson, the starting center for Waterford, never expected to emerge victorious in those contests. And he never did. Not by a long shot.

But, as his game continues to develop, he is finally starting to give his dad more of a challenge.

"I'm still waiting to beat him, but it's a lot closer than it was," Monson said.

When it comes to 3A basketball, Monson is the one who sets the standard others are trying to reach. Figuring out a way to stop him is enough to give any team fits.

Only in his second year of varsity play, the sophomore is already on a whole other level. He sports impressive averages of 19.9 points and 12 rebounds per game. Monson's ability to produce on both ends of the court benefits the Ravens by giving them a solid inside presence.

But it also means always being a focal point in an opponent's defensive strategies. Monson mentally prepares himself for the inevitable double or triple teams from game to game.

"You have to try a lot harder," he said. "Work a lot harder to get the ball and get rebounds. They're boxing out a lot and they focus on you (when) boxing out."

Waterford coach Reid Monson has a unique perspective on what his son brings to the Ravens. As a parent, he gets to experience the joy of seeing his child embrace the sport he loves and excel at it. As a coach, he gets the chance to mold a talented big man who most teams would covet.

"He brings a whole compliment of skills to the table," coach Monson said. "He gives us an inside presence. He brings an ability to score the basketball. His defense is improving."

Neal Monson never felt any pressure to take up basketball. It was something he wanted to do because the sport appealed to him above all others. His father enjoys the opportunity basketball offers in allowing them to spend time together.

"Just to be around him and come in to practice every single day — it's a gift not a lot of fathers get to (enjoy)," coach Monson said.

On a young team adjusting to life in a new region and new classification, having a player of Neal Monson's caliber on the roster is invaluable — even if it doesn't show in the win column just yet.

The Ravens are still searching for their first-ever victory in Region 10. They have come close to finally climbing over the top in recent close losses to Uintah and Union.

All the ingredients seem to be in place for future success. Besides Neal Monson, Waterford has a slew of other talented youngsters on its roster like Vince Otiede, Jonathan Orr and point guard Jordan Augustine.

But the Ravens are not content to look ahead to the future. They would like to see a little more success in the present too.

"We still want to win," Neal Monson said. "There's still pressure to win and do well."

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E-mail: jcoon@desnews.com