GVHS boys split final week before state bye

GUNNISON — The Gunnison Valley boys basketball team closed the regular season last week with a split in Region 15 play, earning a home win over Millard before dropping a narrow road loss at North Sevier as the Bulldogs turned their attention to the postseason.

Gunnison Valley opened the week with a 63–57 win over Millard on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Gunnison High School. The Bulldogs trailed by three at halftime but took control in the second half, outscoring the Eagles 36–30 after the break to secure the victory.

Daxton Knudsen led Gunnison Valley with 12 points, while Talan Dyreng added 14 points and seven rebounds. Braxton Pickett scored 10 points, and Landry Edwards chipped in nine as the Bulldogs spread their scoring across the lineup and finished strong in the fourth quarter.

Two nights later, Gunnison Valley came up just short in a 64–60 loss at North Sevier on Friday, Feb. 6. The Bulldogs fell behind early but mounted a second-half rally, scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter to cut into the deficit before running out of time.

Edwards led Gunnison Valley with 21 points and eight rebounds in the loss. Pickett added 10 points, while Dyreng and Knudsen combined for 15 as the Bulldogs battled to the final possession against the Wolves.

The split left Gunnison Valley at 14–8 overall to close the regular season and secured the Bulldogs the No. 7 seed in the 2A boys basketball state tournament. As a top-eight seed, Gunnison Valley earned a first-round bye and will open postseason play Thursday, Feb. 13, at home against the winner of the Parowan–Grand County first-round matchup.

Quarterfinal, semifinal and championship games will be played later this month at the UCCU Center in Orem.