5A girls high school basketball: Cavemen make the most of their second chance

TAYLORSVILLE — Not many people get a second chance at fulfilling a dream.

The American Fork Cavemen understood Saturday night's 5A state championship game was a second chance, and they didn't intend to waste it, not even a single second of it.

"We learned last year that this game goes by so fast," said American Fork head coach Corey Clayton after the Cavemen earned their first state title in girls basketball with a 51-40 win over Riverton. "It's a huge advantage knowing what to expect in this game."

American Fork got off to a quick start behind the offense of Haley Holmstead, who scored 14 points in the first half.

"Haley is amazing," said junior guard Amy Krommenhoek, who earned 10 assists, seven rebounds and three steals in the win. "She's just great at everything she does. She's a great person on and off the court."

While Holmstead and Kaycee Mansfield led the scoring effort, Nikki Ybarra, Krommenhoek and Cydne Mason led the defensive effort.

"Cyd is the perfect point guard, and Kaycee is amazing," said Holmstead. "If I was on the other team and Nikki was on me, I'd be scared. She turns the game around."

Clayton felt the difference in the game wasn't just experienced.

"The difference in the game was defense and rebounding," Clayton said.

Ybarra, Laini Kalumbi and Mansfield shared time guarding Riverton's Alle Finch, and they held her to no points until the fourth quarter. Finch finished with six points and three assists.

Dani Lockhart led the Silverwolves with 11 points, 11 rebounds and three steals. Chelsea Sorensen added 10 points, five rebounds and a blocked shot. Shaye Murphy and Shelby Ostler came off the bench and added six points each. Ostler added three assists and two steals.

"You've got to bring you're "A" game to beat American Fork and we didn't today," said Riverton head coach Ron Ence. "We gave up some easy baskets and then we didn't make some of our easy baskets."

Despite ending the season 24-1, Ence said he "couldn't be prouder" of his players.

"We'll take what we earned," he said. "It was a great season. We fought very hard."

Holmstead said part of what motivated the Cavemen in the title game was coming in second last season.

"We definitely had a bitter taste in our mouths," said Holmstead, the tournament's MVP. "We had some unfinished business."

Because of last year's disappointment, both players and coaches said they committed to "living in the moment."

"That means if you make a mistake, put a smile on your face," said Holmsetad. "It means enjoy the journey."

Clayton said everything was different about this year's title run.