4A Elite 8 Preview
Only 8 teams remain in the 4A Classification. The biggest surprise of the tournament so far is Highland a team that is 13-11 knocks off one of the one of the top seeds in 4A in Timpview who previously only had 5 losses all year. The other 3 top seeds remain.
Elite 8: Rematch
Corner Canyon vs. Maple Mountain
Corner Canyon has been playing some good basketball but their flaw is that they play to the level of their competition. The Charges pulled off a 55-52 victory earlier this year against Maple Mountain but the playoffs are always so different. Michael Scheffner has been playing very consistently this year but the production from the supporting cast has been the difference. If the Chargers want to exceed expectations this year they will need help from their supporting cast.
Maple Mountain is sneaky good. They played a difficult schedule but were able to figure somethings out and are rolling. The duo of Tyler Boyak and Parker Christensen pack a nice punch as they average over 30 points a game combined. In their win against Murray four players scored in double figures. If they want to avenge this years earlier loss they will need some of the same.
Predictions: This one could go either way, whoever scores the most in the 1st quarter will have the advantage and that might be Maple Mountain.
Elite 8: Upset Special
Hillcrest vs. Highland- One of these teams will make it further than almost everyone but their own fans ever thought. Higland is riding a train of emotions with that amazing buzzer beating win against Timpview. Liki Makaui hit his only 3-pointer from near half court to help the Rams advance. Hillcrest handled Highland very easily this year. Hillcrest will need improved play from their guards who almost gave away their game against Salem Hills. Look for Tyson Flores to have a great game.
Prediction: Whichever team has better guard play will win and we have Hillcrest winning on the fact that they have better bigs.
Elite 8: Game to Watch
Timpanogos vs. Olympus- Is prime time basketball. Olympus comes in as the favorites to win back-to-back titles, but Timpanogos is one of the teams that remains that has the cast and coaching to knock them off. Olympus will always see good production from their 4 stars. Timpanogos has played some really good teams this year and has seen gritty play from Matt Norman and Dalten Stewart. This could be the best evenly matched game of the tournament.
Prediction: Timpanogos with the upset win!
Elite 8: Matchups
Woods Cross vs. Springville- If you were expecting Trevin Knell to not be able to shoot well in big arenas, you were wrong, which means trouble for Springville who struggled from the outside in their 1st round match-up. Springville has great guard play but they will need to step up in order to not get blown-out, especially Josh Ellison who has the capacity and game to speed up and control the tempo. Springville’s switching defense might get exposed by Trevor Trost and Knell this game.
Prediction: Woods Cross and Knell will go off.