From Deseret News archives:
High school basketball: Skyline blows out Alta in key Region 2 contest
The outcome was predictable.
After holding Alta scoreless in the first quarter, Skyline never looked back in a convincing 58-42 victory in the critical Region 2 clash.
"We certainly felt like a region championship, from our end, was on the line," said Skyline coach Derek Bunting. "Alta didn't have to win this game. We had to win this game."
Skyline's five starting seniors, three of whom are three-year starters, were very much aware of the importance of knocking off an Alta team it already trailed in the region standings.
"We couldn't lose to them on our home floor; we had already stubbed our toe against Brighton," said Skyline point guard Kevin Wagstaff, who finished the game leading all scorers with 18 points.
Skyline's mild desperation, combined with Alta's virtual disinterest until the fourth quarter, led to a crazy opening quarter and a blowout no one could have seen coming. In the first quarter Alta committed six turnovers and missed all seven shots in falling behind 11-0. The Eagles struggled protecting the ball as well with five turnovers, but at least there wasn't a lid on their basket.
It was much of the same in the second quarter until Alta scored seven quick points to end the half narrowing Skyline's lead to 22-12. Bunting wasn't concerned whatsoever with his team's sloppy offensive performance.
"In a big game, don't worry about the offense, just defend," said Bunting. "Defense certainly won this game. Offensively I didn't think we were that crisp at all, but that's the nice thing you don't have to be if you're playing great defense."
Skyline didn't let up in the second half either, building a 20-point lead as Alta never could put together a flurry to make it interesting, finishing the game shooting 13-of-38 from the field.
Even though Bunting was critical of his team's Princeton-style offense, it sure gave Alta fits with its methodical efficiency. Skyline connected on 18-of-30 field goals, with 14 of those coming on layups.
That type of production has now created a three-way tie atop the Region 2 standings with Skyline, Alta and Brighton all sporting 3-1 records. The Eagles' vast starting experience at the varsity level would seemingly give them an edge heading into the final month of the regular season.
"That's the great thing about our kids:, tThey know what they need to do. They are as tough on themselves as I am on them," said Bunting. "There's a lot of things I don't need to say to them with all the battles we've been in together."
In addition to Wagstaff's big night, Ryan Osterloh chipped in with 15 points while Casey Taylor added 14.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com
