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American Fork • The whistle blew signaling a technical foul. The American Fork players fell into routine as they walked back toward the bench for a quick discussion, assuming their teammate Taylor Moeaki would attempt the two freebies. The senior guard shoots between 85 and 90 percent from the free-throw line.
Moeaki, however, approached teammate Addie Holmstead. The smooth-shooting sophomore had struggled to find her rhythm throughout the evening, so Moeaki decided to provide what she calls "positive reenforcement" by letting her handle the technical.
"That's the kind of kid she is," American Fork coach Corey Clayton said. "She recognizes a teammate needs some confidence, I'm going to give her these free throws so she can see the ball go through the hoop and get herself going even though I have to sacrifice two free points."
American Fork went on to win that game, something it has done frequently over the past four years. This group of seniors is 73-27 together. The top-ranked Cavemen are 21-1 this season and enter the Class 5A girls' basketball tournament at Salt Lake Community College on Monday carrying a 21-game winning streak.
But the title has eluded the program the past three years with losses in the state championship game and semifinals twice. Moeaki believes this season the stress has dissipated because of an emphasis on maintaining a positive attitude.
"For the past years, we've had a lot of focus of getting that ring, but this year we've taken the pressure off a lot by having as much fun as we can," Moeaki said. "I think that is what is going to make a difference."
She's not only leading by example by averaging 18.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.3 steals per game, but also verbally.
"When you're not having fun, it's kind of stagnant and not very efficient offensively," Moeaki said.
She has made it a priority this season to instill confidence in her teammates, whether that's encouraging them in huddles, helping them with a defensive assignment, reminding them how fun the game of basketball is, or sacrificing two technical free throws.
"She's such a special person," teammate Taylor Franson said. "Her leadership really shows. She'll take charge and pick up the energy we're missing in practices. She's obviously an amazing player, but she's also an amazing human being. I think that's what makes her so special."
Clayton understands that the team depends on Moeaki for on-court contributions, too.
"We ask her to do so many things for us," he said.
Clayton believes there will be a moment in the state tournament where Moeaki will have to be selfish for American Fork to finally reach the summit.
"I really believe in order to win that tournament, you have to have a player that at times will say, 'Get on my back and I'll carry you,'" Clayton said. "She certainly doesn't have to do that for the whole tournament, but I think there will be times during the tournament where she will take it upon herself to carry us. I think that will be her role."
And Moeaki, with an enthusiastic attitude, is ready for the opportunity.
"I like to think I have a pretty positive attitude toward most things," Moeaki said. "I think it comes from knowing success comes from hard work."
Twitter: @trevorphibbs —
Class 5A
Defending champ • Layton
Favorite • American Fork has come so close to winning a state championship the past three years. When these seniors were freshmen, they finished 14-12 overall but played in the state championship game. It was a preview of things to come, but the Cavemen still are searching for those rings. The depth of this group allows it to play an up-tempo, aggressive style on both ends of the floor. As winners of 21 straight games, the Cavemen clearly are the favorite entering the final week.
Dark horse • With an overall record of 16-7, Bingham doesn't appear to be dangerous, but the Miners finished the season on a nine-game winning streak, including posting an 11-1 record in Region 3 with a win at Copper Hills.
Players to watch • Taylor Moeaki, Sr., American Fork, 18.7ppg, the highest per-game average in 5A; Mercedes Staples, Jr., Viewmont, 17.9 ppg; Hunter Krebs, Sr., Sky View, 16 ppg and 9.4 rpg; Sierra McNicol, Sr., Bingham, 16 ppg; Kaylee Carlsen, Sr., Sky View, 15 ppg; Sara Hamson, Sr., Pleasant Grove, 13.8 ppg and 9.5 rpg.
at Salt Lake Community College
Monday
First round
9:30 a.m. • Pleasant Grove vs. Layton
11:10 a.m. • Sky View vs. Brighton
12:50 p.m. • Bingham vs. Northridge
2:30 p.m. • Viewmont vs. Riverton
4:10 p.m. • Fremont vs. Taylorsville
5:50 p.m. • American Fork vs. Davis
7:30 p.m. • West vs. Lone Peak
9:10 p.m. • Copper Hills vs. Clearfield
Wednesday
Quarterfinals • 2:30 p.m., 4:10 p.m., 5:50 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Friday
Semifinals • 2:30 p.m., 4:10 p.m.
Saturday
11 a.m. • Championship game
Class 4A
Defending champ • Bountiful
Favorite • Alta suffered one loss this season, and the Hawks blew a significant fourth-quarter lead in that game. Many believed Alta to be the best team last season, but the Hawks were stunned when they coughed up a massive cushion in an eventual one-point loss to Springville in the semifinals. See the theme? If the Hawks can finish, they're very tough to beat.
Dark horse • Springville simply knows how to win in the state tournament. The Red Devils secured the No. 1 seed from Region 8. They'll likely face Skyline or Alta in the state semifinals with a legitimate shot to beat either team.
Players to watch • Lavender Briggs, So., Mountain View, 16.9 ppg; Madison Grange, Jr., Skyline, 16.7 ppg; Mariah Martin, Sr., Alta, 16.1 ppg; Kemery Martin, So., Alta, 15.2 ppg; Keslee Stevenson, Sr., Box Elder, 14.9 ppg; Savannah Sumsion, Sr., Springville, 14.1 ppg.
at Salt Lake Community College
Tuesday
First round
9:30 a.m. • Judge Memorial vs. Wasatch
11:10 a.m. • Mountain View vs. East
12:50 p.m. • Box Elder vs. Corner Canyon
2:30 p.m. • Maple Mountain vs. Hillcrest
4:10 p.m. • Highland vs. Timpview
5:50 p.m. • Springville vs. Kearns
7:30 p.m. • Skyline vs. Salem Hills
9:10 p.m. • Alta vs. Bountiful
Thursday
Quarterfinals • 9:30 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 12:50 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Friday
Semifinals • 5:50 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
1 p.m. • Championship game