Hawks fly too low, go 0-3 against
South Sevier, Grand and San Juan
By James Tilson
Staff writer
Feb. 1, 2018
MT. PLEASANT—The boys basketball team of North Sanpete High School, still fighting for a playoff berth, stumbled last week to a 0-3 record in Region 15 play, losing to South Sevier 81-68, to Grand County 59-56 and to San Juan 76-60.
Even with these losses, Cris Hoopes, the Hawks’ coach, still expresses optimism for his team’s chance in the playoffs: “We know we still are very much in the hunt. As a team, we are focusing on the basics of what we do and are very aware that we need to get to work and grind through the circumstances.”
The four-game losing streak began with the loss to Manti the week before in the cross-county rivalry game, but Hoopes doesn’t think that has any impact on his team’s performance: “I don’t think it is a hangover from the Manti game. We still are extremely confident with our chance and know the opposing teams are great teams who we need to play well against.”
The Hawks struggled to contain the skilled shooters from the Rams of South Sevier High in their home 81-68 loss Wednesday, Jan. 24.
The Hawks jumped out to an early 17-8 lead in the first quarter, exerting their signature press defense to create turnovers and easy baskets.
But then the Rams’ passing and shooting took over, and they outscored the Hawks 29-16 in the second quarter and by four in the third quarter and by five in the fourth.
The Rams’ Caleb Barton led all scorers with 34 points, including six three-pointers. Spencer Steadman led the Hawks with 18.
On Friday, Jan. 26, against Grand in an away game, the Hawks led through three quarters and seemed to have it in hand.
But in the fourth quarter, Grand mounted a furious 18-5 comeback and overtook the Hawks to claim the 59-56 victory.
Shawn Taylor led the Hawks with 15.
The Hawks hung tight to the Broncos throughout the away game on Saturday, Jan. 27, but an 18-10 third quarter greatly improved the margin of victory for San Juan.
In addition, note the Broncos’ making 28 of 34 free throws versus the Hawks’ putting in seven of 12 from the line.
Spencer Steadman led the Hawks with 21 points in the 76-60 loss.
North Sanpete stands at 3-6 in Region 15 with three games left in the regular season. The Hawks are in danger of not making the playoff field and cannot afford to miss any opportunities to climb in the standings.
This week, the Hawks hosted Emery High yesterday (score unavailable).
Next week, North Sanpete travels to Richfield on Wednesday, Feb. 7, and then to Manti for the regular season finale versus the Templars on Friday, Feb. 9, in a game that could determine the Hawks’ playoff fate.
