High school basketball: 2A Waterford looking to end first round jinx

SANDY — This is the last chance for Neal Monson.

In four seasons at Waterford, Monson has helped the Ravens boys basketball program rise to great heights. Punctuating that rise is the Region 14 championship Waterford claimed this season in its return to the 2A ranks.

One empty spot remains for the center who committed to play for the University of Utah. Monson has not yet been a part of a team that has won a state tournament game. For him, the time to be rid of this last piece of unfinished business will arrive on Saturday when first round games in the 2A state tournament get underway at SUU.

"To get to the second round and actually be able to go down to the actual state (tournament) would be really fun," Monson said. "I'm hoping we can do that for my senior year."

Waterford had a chance to advance a year ago after coming out of Region 10 with a no. 2 seed. But the Ravens unexpectedly lost to Juan Diego 46-34 in the first round of the 3A tournament. It taught them a hard lesson that upsets can happen to any good team.

Last year's early playoff exit also caused Waterford (15-3) to take each individual game much more seriously than in past seasons.

"There's no looking forward," Ravens point guard Christian Priskos said. "There's no looking back. Our championship is every single game from here on out."

Advancing past the first round may hinge on what Monson can do for Waterford. Thus far, he has been dominant in every phase of the game — averaging 21.4 points, 13.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals per contest.

But he will be the first to tell you that he is not a one-man band. And Monson believes that teamwork is what fueled a successful push for a region title and has laid the groundwork for something bigger and better.

"We didn't kill anyone," Monson said. "We just found ways to win. I think playing in this region is good for us to grow together as a team."

Still, like many 2A teams, the Ravens face an uphill battle in its quest for a state title. It's no secret that South Sevier is the preemptive title favorite before a single tournament game is even played.

The Rams are 21-0 and have rarely even been challenged by their opponents this season. They boast an offense that averages 68.7 points per game to lead all 2A teams. South Sevier is equally formidable on the defensive end. The Rams allow just 43.2 points per game, second only to Waterford in 2A.