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Richfield • As the Panguitch girls' basketball team attempts to win its third straight 1A title and 11th overall Saturday against Duchesne, it will rely on its great defense.
The Bobcats, who blasted Monticello 52-20 Friday, have made defense the cornerstone of one of the top girls' dynasties in small school basketball history.
"When you get into tournaments, it's about defense," said longtime Bobcat coach Curtis Barney. "You all of a sudden see the scores drop about 20 points from what you see in the regular season. Defense gets it done."
That was evident early as Panguitch held Monticello to just two points in the first quarter. The Bucks had few offensive answers.
"We didn't shoot particularly well from the outside, but our defense caused plenty of trouble," said Barney. "Everything was one shot and out, and it was contested. I feel really good about where our defense is right now."
On the other hand, Panguitch might still be looking for its best offensive game of the tournament. The Bobcats, so dominant the past two seasons, have not shot well from the outside and have relied heavily on the height of Chesney Campbell and Taylor Bennett for points.
"Teams have been running different defenses on us," said Campbell, who finished with a game-high 20 points and was the only Bobcat in double figures. "We have to figure out what they are running."
Campbell said a big difference in Panguitch's relatively easy win Friday was the fact the players were communicating better with each other.
"We talked more this game than we ever have before," she said. "That really helped us out. We get caught up in the moment and forget to talk."
Barney knows Duchesne coach Eric Jessen from when Jessen coached the boys at nearby Bryce Valley.
"You can tell they are a good team," said Barney about Duchesne. "We are similar in styles, size and quickness. It ought to be a good matchup. I know Eric. He's a good guy, but tomorrow night we'll be competitors."
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