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Richfield • After losing in the semifinal round of the Class 1A boys basketball tournament the past seven years, Rich wasn't taking any chances Friday at the Sevier Valley Center.
The Rebels roared out to a 22-4 lead and were never seriously challenged by defending Class 1A champion Monticello as they took a 56-42 victory to earn Saturday's 5 p.m. title game.
Rich, a longtime small-school football power, has never won a state basketball title, though the Randolph school did play for the title in 2002.
The Rebels are trying to become one of the rare teams to win both a football and basketball championship in the same year. What's more, coach Ashley Brown is the head man for football and basketball.
"It definitely takes the pressure off you," said Brown after breaking the semifinal jinx. "It takes pressure off the kids. It takes pressure of you as a coaching staff. The kids did a great job today. Our kids have worked really hard all year long to get to the state championship game and win a state championship. They showed it today."
The Rebels are balanced and unselfish. Lincoln Huefner led his team with 13 points, while Wyatt Muirbrook and Jayden Wallentine each scored 11. Muirbrook had 11 rebounds while Huefner and Wallentine had five each.
And perhaps that balance is the key.
"As the season went on, we became more and more comfortable with each other," Muirbrook said. "We bonded more. We had good teams in the past that could have won it, but were all in it for themselves."
The Rebels also seemed aware of their semifinal history.
"We always wanted to win this game," said Huefner. "We have struggled in this game. We wanted to keep that out of our heads and focus on winning the game."
Brown said the Rebels' success on the football field hasn't hurt, either.
"They know they are winners because they have already done it once, even though it is in a different sport," said the veteran coach. "It definitely helps that you have already won a state championship in football."
After the big opening run, Rich came to earth a bit. Monticello, led by fine guard Sheldon Black, went on an 11-2 run to cut Rich's lead to 10 early in the second half. But Muirbrook got hot and the Rebels built leads of as many as 22 in the second half.
"Kids like athletics here," said Brown. "They are willing to work hard. And, if you are willing to work hard, you can be good at anything you want to be."
Twitter @Tribtomwharton -
Class 1A boys' basketball
At Sevier Valley Center, Richfield
Friday's results
Consolation bracket
Duchesne 54, Piute 34
Panguitch 55, Tabiona 51
Valley 58, Diamond Ranch 53 (OT)
Tintic 67, Wayne 58
Championship
• Rich 56, Monticello 42
Saturday's schedule
Championship game
5 p.m. • Rich vs. Green River-Bryce Valley winner
Consolation games
Noon • Valley vs. Dugway (7th place)
1:30 p.m. • Panguitch vs. Tintic (5th place)
3 p.m. • Monticello vs. Green River-Bryce Valley loser (3rd place) -
R Rich finally wins in the semifinals after losing in that round the past seven years.
• A 23-4 run to begin the game by the Rebels proves too much to overcome for the defending champion Buckaroos.
• Rich gets double-figure games from Wyatt Muirbrook, Lincoln Huefner and Jayden Wallentine.