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Bountiful • The Bountiful girls' basketball team entered last season's Class 4A tournament with a 20-0 record and as the obvious favorite.

But then the Braves and star center Kennedy Redding fell 68-64 in overtime to hot-shooting Liz Eaton and Maple Mountain in the quarterfinals in a stunning upset.

"It was a hard way to learn," said the 6-foot-4 Redding, who joins teammates such as Liz Larson, Bailey Hart, Amy Chidester, Jamie Stahle and Lovely Tukuafu for another run at the title this season. "Any game is hard to lose, especially at state. You are done if you lose. It was a good experience."

Redding, a 4.0 student who has signed to play volleyball with BYU next season, was a leader on the Braves team that recently won the state volleyball crown. She has decided to focus on volleyball next season so she can put all of her energy into getting better at a single sport.

For now, Bountiful coach Joel Burton is more than happy to have Redding back for one more season of basketball. After all, she averaged 21.2 points, 16.2 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 1.5 assists per game last season, and even hit a couple of 3-point baskets.

"What we have since last year at state is the drive to go one day at a time," said Burton. "We want to keep getting better. We know that with one bad day, our season can be over. [They] had experience in volleyball and know how that feels. It makes a big difference."

"You work so hard," said Redding. "It's hard to lose any time. It's just a sad time. I am looking forward to this year."

Burton looks at Maple Mountain with Eaton as a major obstacle this year. He expects Springville to be good, and Woods Cross and Highland to be improved. Defending 4A champion Sky View moved up to 5A this season after realignment.

Though she is slender, Burton said his star center can more than hold her own against teams that get physical with her.

"She is tougher than what people think," said Bountiful's eighth-year head coach. "She is slender, and that plays to her advantage. She doesn't get knocked around. I like seeing that physicality. It feeds into what we do as a team."

Redding and her teammates will need to be tough. As the obvious favorite coming into the season, they expect every team they play to bring its best.

Twitter: @tribtomwharton —

About Bountiful

• The Braves were 20-0 last season before falling in overtime to Maple Mountain in the 4A state quarterfinals.

• Senior 6-foot-4 center Kennedy Redding averaged 21.2 points, 16.2 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 1.5 assists a year ago.

• Bountiful is among the 4A favorites again this season. Coach Joel Burton also expects Maple Mountain, Springville, Woods Cross and Highland to be contenders.