Measuring the success of a team isn't always done by their record. Although Maple Mountain only has four wins under its belt for varsity girls' basketball team this season, the JV team comprised of the same girls has a 12-3 record. Considering this is the school's first year and the team is comprised of freshmen and sophomores, that record doesn't seem quite so bad.

"The girls are improving with each game and playing better ball," coach Cory Green said. "Everything is new -- the school, the team -- we are doing the best we can and the girls are playing tough."

Jessica Benson plays point guard and Green said she's really grown into the position and started feeling much more comfortable on the court as a leader. She averages about seven points per game and along with Baylee Nielsen; the two of them lead the team in scoring.

On defense the Eagles rely on the Peay sisters, Jaci and Wesli. Green said they are by far the best defenders and really set the tone for the whole team. With only four games left in the season, defense is going to play a big part of their success or failure on the court.

 

Provo wrestling

The Bulldogs started the season out very young with a lot of inexperienced wrestlers but that didn't stop them from having six top-three finishers in region last week, three in first place and three in second. Coach Chris Miller attributes this to the boys peaking at the right time in the season.

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"Our team has made such great progress this season and they have grown and gotten better when it really mattered most," he said.

Jacob Jensen took first in the 135-pound weight class, Brian Shepherd in 140 and captain Likio Pope claimed first in the heavyweight class. Jensen has been consistent the whole season and finished with a 27-10 record overall. Miller said he's progressed to the point where he could be a contender at state next week.

Shepherd took second in state last year at the 130 class and although he's got tough competition from Payson, Box Elder, Uintah, and Mountain Crest, he could do as well this year or better. Pope has already met most of the wrestlers he will most likely meet in state this year and Miller said that if he performs up to his potential, he could do well again this year.

 

Salem Hills Wrestling

Placing fourth in Region 8 is a respectable place to finish the season and coach T.J. Brindley said he is pleased with the team's effort and looks forward to seeing what they can do in the division qualifier this weekend.

"We had 15 wrestlers qualify to move on and we're happy with that," he said. "Hopefully it will result in some state placements and build the moral on the team." Phillip Sorenson took fourth place at state last year and he looks to better that average this year. He ended this season at 40-4 and took first place in the 189 weight class at region last week. Brindley said he has sound techniques and a desire to improve each match.

Sophomore Spencer Davis took second last week in the 103 class and Brindley said his ability to escape his opponents makes him a huge asset to the team and if he continues will be a big part of the team next year.

To be good at wrestling, you have to be tough and junior Chase Wilson fits that description. He suffers from a slipped disk but that hasn't stopped him from having a huge season.

"This sport isn't easy and a lot of kids would have quit early on, but not Chase," Miller said.