Taylorsville » The Syracuse girls' basketball team knew of the rumblings. The undefeated Titans had overheard their opponents predict, or rather hope, that they'd choke during the state tournament. They knew some still doubted whether Syracuse deserved its seasonlong designation as the No. 1 team in the state.

But on Saturday, Syracuse removed all doubt, defeating Pleasant Grove 62-49 in the 5A state final at Salt Lake Community College.

"Not everyone gave us respect," sophomore phenom Brittney Martin said, who finished with 15 points, eight steals, three assists and a block. "We had to win that respect."

"We'd heard all year that we played in a soft region. People questioned if we were really that good," coach Rob Reisbeck said. "I told them to take on a persona and send a message that we're the best team in the state. They proved that today."

And then some.

The Titans, in just their third year of existence, were a perfect 25-0 in their run to their first state title, winning every game by double digits.

But in the state championship game, Syracuse faced its best opponent of the season. While the Titans typically had games put away after the first quarter, the Vikings kept pace early as they found Hamson in the low post. After the Vikings rallied to cut the lead to six early in the fourth quarter, the Titans had to briefly turn to their delay game to fend off the charge. "We were nervous. We knew that all they had to do was get Hamson the ball and there was nothing much we could do," Martin said.

But armed with that realization, Syracuse opted to let Hamson work her magic in the post -- she finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks -- while they redirected their focus to defending Pleasant Grove's army of guards.

"We knew [Hamson] would score her points," Reisbeck said. "The key was to not let any other player have a big night."

The plan worked as, aside from Hamson, the rest of the Vikings combined for just 16 points. After Hazlett hit two free-throws midway through the fourth quarter, junior Kiana Fonua stole Pleasant Grove's entry pass -- just one of the Titans 21 steals in the game -- and lobbed it to Martin for an easy layup. The

From there, the Vikings were forced to play the foul to stop the game clock and Hazlett brought the Titans home, hitting 10-of-11 free-throws to add to a team-high 27 points.

A perfect end to a perfect season.

And for Hazlett, a fitting end to her high school career.

"I don't think it's really hit me," Hazlett said. "But we're all really happy. We'd come too far to not get it done today."

For Pleasant Grove, it was a tough end to an otherwise dream run to the state title game. But the Vikings aren't hanging their heads.

"I told them in the locker room that there is no shame in losing to a team like Syracuse," Larson said. "We just take confidence from this. Winning does amazing things."

Syracuse can now attest to that.

"Now, we want to build a tradition. This team has set the expectation."