For Olympus to bring home the 4A state boys basketball championship trophy, the Titans must overcome the loss of two injured guards and a history of close tournament defeats.
Then again, that's what makes a title run so satisfying.
"There's a lot of pressure. We have high expectations," said Nicholas Paulos, the Titans' 6-foot-7 post and leading scorer. "As a whole, we're trying to focus on the task at hand, which is having fun."
Olympus, which was 6-1 in Region 6 play going into Tuesday's game at East, had been on a roll. The Titans' experience - 12 seniors were part of last season's two-point state semifinal loss to West - and talent made them one of the teams to beat.
The lone blemish on Olympus' record before losing to region rival Bountiful two weeks ago was a preseason defeat to Alta.
Then, right before meeting Bountiful, the Titans lost two senior guards Spencer Harris and Joe Bourne for the season to injury.
"We were a little shell-shocked going into that game," OHS coach Matt Barnes said about the loss to the Braves. "We were back on our heels a little bit."
Bountiful, however, was upset by Woods Cross, setting up what could be the region's game of the year as Bountiful and Olympus meet to the end the regular season on Feb. 23.
"It's been a great year so far," Barnes said. "There are a lot of good teams in 4A this year. We have to step up and accept the challenge."
What makes the difference for Olympus is the combination of two go-to athletes combined with depth and, as mentioned, experience.
Paulos averages more than 15 points and nearly 6 rebounds, while Connor Brady is scoring about 13 points. Sam Williams, a junior, following a bit of an adjustment, has filled in at the point.
"We've been lucky enough that Bountiful dropped a game," Paulos said. "We'll be able to control our own destiny.
"We've got a lot of players who have been in this situation. The two-point loss [to West] was a tough one. But we've gone through that and have knowledge of what it takes."
Paulos added one more factor in Olympus' favor.
"We've all gotten better over the summer," he said. "We still have major pieces in place."
With the state tournament format changed for the 5A and 4A this season, finishing at least in the top two of region means so much. The first two rounds, including the play-in game for seeds three through six, are played in the home gym of the highest seed.
Only the top eight advance to the Dee Events Center at Weber State.
"I'm an old school guy, I look forward to playing in the big arena for the state tournament," Barnes said. "The home team doesn't always win, but it will be a bit of an advantage [playing first rounds at home].
"To win, you need to keep your composure and a little luck to go your way."
