The Springville girls' basketball team was undefeated coming into the state tournament and it managed to end its season that way when it defeated Timpanogos last Saturday 42-36. Being undefeated can make a team an automatic target but the Red Devils didn't let that bother them and instead steadily made their way through the tournament and ended up on top.

"Everything you've done in the regular season means nothing when you step onto the court at state," coach Nancy Warner said. "Every team, no matter what their record, starts fresh and they know they have to play the best ball they can or go home early."

Their path to 4A glory wasn't easy and they found themselves down 10 points in the first quarter in the game against Timpanogos. But the Red Devils rallied back and picked up the win and the state title. Lexie Eaton continued to dominate on the court and made 14 of 16 free throws in the final game and had the game-winning shot in the closing seconds of the semifinals against Snow Canyon.

Warner said she put a lot of work into the defense and that has paid off. Jen Mason was instrumental during the tournament on the defense and Warner said she excelled at pressuring the point guards. Sadie Clements also held up the defense, holding the opposing guards to less than their typical average points.

"Offense wins games, no question," Warner said. "But a strong defense is what wins championships."

Pleasant Grove girls' basketball

Utah County was well represented in the 4A and 5A tournaments held last weekend. Pleasant Grove took second place after a tough 62-49 loss to the dominant Syracuse team, which went undefeated this year. The Vikings managed to stay within 10 points most of the game and late in the fourth quarter were only down by six. Although they finished second, they were pleased with where they ended up.

"We were in a tough region and this tournament was very tough," coach Glenn Larson said. "I knew that if the girls played well they could beat anyone and they did great."

Jennifer Hamson kept up her incredible season and had 32 points in the championship game, continuing her run as the Vikings leading scorer. She also set a new state record with 152 blocks this season. Teammate Danyele Hoffman also ended the season well, averaging more than six assists and three steals per game.

Aided by MacKenzie Larson, Marci Johnson, Britney Johnson, and Kourtney Dinehart, the Vikings were strong during the tournament and played well against Syracuse. Syracuse has been throughout the season, it wasn't unusual for them to double the score on their opponents. The Vikings lost by only 13 points, far lower than other teams that went up against them this year.

"These girls played their hearts out and I'm proud of the performance they put up," Larson said. "Keeping the game against Syracuse close was a major accomplishment and they should be pleased with how they played."