5A boys high school basketball: Pioneers claim final playoff spot

LEHI — No matter how they got there, both Timpanogos and Lehi were in the same position Tuesday night: Win and move on to the playoffs, or lose and wait until next year.

In the end, the Pioneers were able to build a big enough lead and ultimately hold on, 53-48, to claim the third and final 5A playoff spot reserved for Region 4.

Lehi head coach Craig Gladwell didn't feel like his team's playoff hopes should have come down to the final regular season game, but he's proud of how his team performed.

"It was frustrating that it came down to a win tonight, but the kids played hard, and this is where we expected to be," he said.

Pioneers' post player Will Walker scored eight of his team's first 12 points to help them to an early lead, one that eventually grew to 24-16 at halftime.

Even though he was held scoreless in the second quarter, Walker finished with a game-high 19 points.

The Timberwolves came out of the halftime locker room hot, going on a 10-2 run. That spurt was capped by a steal and dunk by Trevor Thomas that tied the game at 26-26.

But the final two and a half minutes of the third quarter proved to be the key stretch for Lehi. Leading just 31-29 entering that span, the Pioneers outscored Timpanogos 9-0 (six from Walker) to lead by 11 with one quarter to go.

"I thought at times we relaxed and played well tonight," Gladwell said. "During those times, that's when we pulled away."

And about Walker, Gladwell said: "He's been a mainstay for us down low this year, and he did make some big plays for us tonight."

Down the stretch, Lehi struggled from the free-throw line after it became clear the Pioneers would have to win the game from there. In the final eight minutes, Lehi made just three of its first nine free-throw attempts in the quarter.

Those struggles allowed the Timberwolves to pull to within 48-43 with just over a minute to play. But the Pioneers connected on five of their next eight free throw tries to secure the win.

"I think we've had a pretty good season," Gladwell said. "Now I just hope we can get focused going into the playoffs."

When asked how he expects the momentum from the win to carry over into the tournament, Gladwell said, "I haven't even thought about that yet," but added that he's glad his team has almost a week to prepare for their March 2 opening-round game in the 5A state tournament.

Lehi's Corey Smith scored 14 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, while Jacob Obioma added 10.

Timpanogos was led by Jensen Nelson's 12 points. Teammate Parker Brown chipped in with 10.