This is something Murray hasn't had in a while. The Spartans are used to relying on guards. They are used to having the bulk of their points coming from three-point specialists or slashers -- players who can run the fast break and players who can kill opposing teams with quickness.

This year is different. This year, they have a big man.

David Collette is Murray's first legitimate post player in the past few years. But it's taken a little bit of time for Collette to develop into a leader this season.

"Last year, he was a 6-foot-7 sophomore. He was a little young and too thin," said Murray coach Jason Workman. "But he had a good skill set. He had a soft touch and could make a short jump shot."

And a year has made a big difference. He's grown to 6-foot-8 and as a junior, he is the team's unquestioned leader. He is averaging 16.5 points a game and he alters opposing offenses with his defensive presence. He clogs up the middle but also has the mobility and quickness needed to guard a small forward who likes to step outside the key.

He has become more versatile. He can block shots. He can shoot. He can dunk and his favorite move is his baby hook shot to the outside.

"Last year, we had some good players and I was a sophomore, so I was at the bottom," Collette said. "But I feel getting that varsity time last year got me some good experience. Last year was a lot of pressure but I haven't felt pressure at all this year. I'm just having fun out there."

In the process, Collette has been vital in helping his team earn a .500 record. Coming into the week, Murray was 5-8 but Collette kept the Spartans competitive in close losses to top 5A teams like Jordan, West Jordan and quality teams like top-ranked 4A team Olympus in the preseason.

"We've shown we can compete," Workman said. "He's shown he's a leader in that situation. He shoots free throws well, he doesn't turn over the ball and he's done a good job of keeping himself out of trouble. There's not a player as valuable to his team as David is to ours."

Collette knows he has a big role to fill for his team to win but also knows it has to be a team effort. Cade Bullough has had some big games, scoring 18 and 16 points against Judge Memorial and Taylorsville.

Justin Esgarciga, Mitch Tate and Wyatt Woodard are the team's other players capable of stepping up offensively.

"I do have a big role but each individual's success helps the team out a lot," Collette said. "Our team chemistry hasn't been there lately but that's starting to come together."

Murray went through its toughest region stretch last season, taking on Cottonwood, Skyline and West back-to-back-to-back. The Spartans didn't do as well as they'd hoped and came out of that 1-2. But Murray looks to fare better in the second half of region. And to do that, the Spartans need a big boost from their big man.

"We have to go on the road for three in a row," Workman said. "David, for his size and all the skills that he brings, he's important to anything we want to accomplish."