High school boys basketball: Bingham surprises West Jordan thanks to strong defense

Connor Williams and Bingham High's boy's basketball team won't back down from a challenge. Williams proved that point Friday against visiting West Jordan, helping keep the Jaguars' Jordan Loveridge in check in a 52-40 Region 3 victory.

Loveridge, who came in averaging 25 points per game, was held to one field goal and 11 points. Most notably, Williams' key defensive stop on Loveridge's dunk attempt kept the Miner lead at four points with less than two minutes remaining in the game. From there, Bingham (3-2) rebuilt the lead to double digits and snapped West Jordan's undefeated streak in region play (4-1).

"I thought (Loveridge) was just going to lay it up, but he went up for a dunk," said Williams, who got just enough contact to alter the shot and create a change in possession. "I think that was key because the next possession we got a layup and went up by six."

Bingham's defensive strategy was evident — deny Loveridge and make West Jordan a perimeter team. With the inside sealed off, the Jaguars fired away to no avail. Loveridge's only basket came early in the first quarter and West Jordan had just 13 field goals overall. The Jaguars were also held to a season-low in points, and suffered their first loss since Dec. 4.

"We just decided to force them to shoot outside," Bingham coach Mark Dubach said. "Our zone frustrated them a bit. I don't think Connor touched the ball on that play, but he certainly stopped the dunk."

West Jordan scored the first five points of the second half to lead 24-23, but Bingham answered right back. Williams, in fact, put the Miners ahead 36-26 with his breakaway dunk midway through the third quarter.

Still, the Jaguars wouldn't go away quietly. West Jordan used a 7-0 run to make it 38-35 early in the fourth and appeared to be gaining momentum until Williams hustled back on defense to prevent Loveridge's dunk.

"We came in with a 2-3 defense and focused on stopping him in the key," Williams said. "He's a big scorer, so we wanted to make him stay outside and keep his points down."

Williams finished with 15 points and five rebounds to lead Bingham. Jordan Phouthavong added 12 points, Logan Parker had nine and Sean Larson scored eight for the Miners. Jaxon Knighton had 11 points and 13 rebounds to pace West Jordan.

Despite the big win, Dubach said the Miners would keep things in perspective.

"We're in fourth place in region, we're not overconfident about anything," Dubach said. "We're just trying to get better every game."

Anthony Cusumano lives in Herriman with his wife and daughter. He has been in journalism for nearly 20 years, covering youth, high school, college and professional sports. He also teaches fourth grade at Midvale Elementary School.