5A boys high school basketball: Darts defeat Copper Hills, advance

A year ago, Davis coach Jay Welk probably didn't expect the Darts' double overtime loss to the Lone Peak Knights in the 2008 semifinals to be advantageous in the 2009 state tournament. After his team rallied to erase a six-point deficit late in the fourth quarter in the first round of the 5A state tournament at the E Center on Monday, Welk changed his tune.

"It was important senior leadership down the stretch," said Welk after his Darts defeated Copper Hills, 54-51. "You just can't simulate some things in practice or league games. The guys who played a part last year responded well."

Guards Jordan Welk and Trevor Daniels were two of the experienced players the coach was referring to. The seniors scored 16 points apiece, including 10 in the second half from Welk, as they took over the game by making contributions on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.

"It was very important for us to have strong play from the guard line," Welk said. "They (Copper Hills) had the size advantage. It was important for us to get scoring from a lot of positions."

The Darts jumped out of gates, taking a quick 10-point lead in the first quarter, only to be outscored by 12 points over the next two quarters. During that time, the Grizzlies were aggressive to the basket and used their size to control the boards.

Entering the fourth quarter, Welk pulled his guys together and reminded them what had gotten them to this point.

"We talked about keeping our wits about us and to focus on doing the things that have made us successful all year," he said.

After allowing a quick Grizzly basket to start the fourth, the Dart defense turned up the intensity and forced a Copper Hills scoring drought that lasted over five minutes of the fourth quarter. During that time Davis inched back by way of the charity stripe, converting on 9-of-13 attempts in the quarter.

With just 2:53 left, Chris Larabee hit two free throws to put the Darts ahead by two, and Welk's crew never relinquished the advantage again.

Copper Hills guard Preston Stelter had an opportunity to tie the game with a 3-point attempt from the baseline with just 1.3 seconds left, but the shot hit the front of the rim, and the Darts grabbed the rebound as time expired. Stetler led the Grizzlies with 10 points, and Steven Larson added 13.

"One thing we did well at the end was rebound the basketball," Welk said of the effort in the final period. "That and hit free throws. We made big plays late in the game that we just needed to make."

Davis advances to Wednesday's quarterfinals and will face Pleasant Grove at 7:15 p.m.

E-MAIL: sthomas@desnews.com