High school basketball: 5A title special to the Shumways

OGDEN — Lone Peak senior Colton Shumway had four points, three rebounds and an assist in the Knights' 64-52 win over American Fork in the 5A state championship on Saturday afternoon.

Along with Jordan Hamilton, he tied for the lowest point production of the team's scorers. But the Knights were just pleased to be able to have him on the court.

"We knew that he was capable of doing that," Lone Peak coach Quincy Lewis said of the forward, who was a starter before being limited throughout the year with illnesses and injuries. "When he was out for a month or so during the season, we had to go a different direction, but boy did he come up big."

In addition to this season's ailments, which caused him to lose 30 pounds in a month, Shumway has dealt with a deformed hip throughout his life. A severe infection as a baby led to two major surgeries, one leg that is shorter than the other, and a total hip replacement in his near future.

The lasting effects of the infection have made it very painful for Shumway to walk, let alone play basketball and become a major contributor on a state championship team.

When he was sidelined earlier this year, it was his younger brother, Talon, a sophomore, who replaced him in the starting lineup.

"I really give a lot of credit to him," Lewis said of the senior, "because he supports his brother through thick and thin, and he accepted his role toward the end of the season. And then he came in today and just did a great job."

Talon, who had 19 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, an assist and a steal in the Knights' victory, held on to that starting position the rest of the year and has become a major contributor this season, emerging as one of Lone Peak's star players.

"A lot of people ask me whether or not I'm jealous of Talon," the older Shumway said. "I always tell them there's no way I could be jealous of him because I just love him so much. Every time I see him out on the court, I can't help but just be as proud as I can of him."

Entering Saturday's game, Colton Shumway was the only remaining player to have a championship ring from the Knights' last title in 2008 when he was a freshman. He said that while the last one was special, he enjoyed winning this ring more for two reasons.

"It's different to play in it than to sit and watch," he said, "and it's a lot better when you do it with your brother. I'm just glad I get to share this experience with him."

Talon added, "I don't think anybody could be more supportive than my brother. He's the best brother I could ask for, and I'm just glad I get to do this with him."

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