What We Learned this Week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The basketball season is always full of storylines. You have a few teams that had hype early in the season struggle, you have teams that did not get any hype playing well and there is a lot of new performers and stock risers making their case. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>It Ain't Over Till it's Over</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Provo vs. Dixie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game was an absolute box office hit. It was very well-paced, as Provo took an early lead and maintained it until halftime. However, Dixie persevered, and a standout performance from [player_tooltip player_id='2148482' first='Collin' last='Simmons'] allowed them to make crucial stops and clutch shots to secure the victory. [player_tooltip player_id='1598259' first='Makai' last='Allen'] of Provo had an outstanding performance, leading all scorers with 29 points. Allen is poised to be a valuable asset for Snow College, one of the top programs in the country. On the other hand, Simmons' performance should garner significant attention from D2 programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game came down to the wire, with Provo making a clutch bucket to tie the score. Dixie quickly inbounded the ball, and Jackson Winters showcased exceptional speed and court awareness. While running the floor, [player_tooltip player_id='2460889' first='Asher' last='Spence'] initially missed an open opportunity, but he regained composure, sinking a step-back three just as time expired, tying the game. With the ball airborne, Winters displayed incredible instincts, reaching up to tip the ball in, volleyball-style, before the buzzer. After a review, the officials upheld the call. Winters emerged as the hero, scoring two of his four points in the final seconds, propelling Dixie to a significant victory over the favored Provo team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Real Deal</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If game one is an indicator of what the season is going to be like, it's clear that Timpview is the real deal, displaying renewed energy and enthusiasm. Under Coach Brad Kitchens, the T-Birds have discovered a new level of performance. [player_tooltip player_id='1278448' first='Dean' last='Rueckert']'s freedom and creative play were particularly entertaining to watch, while Will Openshaw's impact on the team remains significant. Their ability to consistently hit 10 three-pointers per game, while also being one of the largest teams in the state, is truly remarkable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team's performance is particularly impressive considering they are currently without their starting point guard. [player_tooltip player_id='2218114' first='Cooper' last='Cleveland'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1960159' first='Lincoln' last='Holcombe'] have stepped up admirably, showcasing their skills and teamwork to maintain the team's strong momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Scrappy Teams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Farmington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Phoenix will be playing a different style of play this season, which lands them in the scrappy category. They have players who can aggressively pursue the game and execute a fun, fast-paced style. [player_tooltip player_id='1724606' first='Luke' last='Beattie'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2218132' first='Malakai' last='Tobler'] are poised to set the tone with their effective inside-outside game. Issac Anderson and [player_tooltip player_id='2838991' first='Jack' last='Layton'] also possess the necessary skills to contribute significantly. Overall, this team boasts a strong, dependable rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hurricane</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, they had some games where they went off from beyond the arc. However, right off the bat this year, they are demonstrating their ability to win games in various ways. The team's playing tempo is exceptional, as they could nearly average 20 points per quarter. With five players capable of averaging double figures each game, they present a formidable challenge to opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Asher Blair 19 pts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clyde Berrett 18 pts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dawson Hutchins 11 pts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2538798' first='Brigham' last='Kemp'] 10 pts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln Stout 8 pts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->