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"Adversity is our best friend."
That quotation from Highland's Brevin Elsholz did a good job of summing up the Rams up and down basketball season.
That year took a decided upswing Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A basketball tournament at the Huntsman Center when Highland captured a 76-64 win over Mountain View.
The Rams are only 14-11 on a season that saw them finish third in Region 5. Much of that record is due to injuries to captain Ryan Lambson.
And, in perhaps an omen, Lambson dislocated his knee cap in the first half against Mountain View and may or may not be able to play in Friday's semifinal game.
So, as Elsholz said, Highland is used to adversity this season.
"I am not sure if we will have him for Friday," said Ram coach Jim Boyce. "It's huge. He's a captain. We didn't have him for the Christmas tournament and the first few games in Region … We played six games without him. He's an awesome kid. He is a warrior. We are hoping he can come back Friday."
The good news for Highland is that the Rams learned to play without Lambson if he is out. And they sounded confident after their quarterfinal win.
"We don't feel like an underdog," said Elsholz, who led Highland with 24 points, five rebounds and five assists. "We feel like we are going to win every time."
Highland certainly started that way as Elsholz opened the game with two quick three-pointers. The Rams built up a quick double digit lead and were never seriously threatened.
"Coaches told me to shoot, no matter whether it goes in or not," he said. "Whenever I let it go, I think it is going in."
Highland had great balance. Star center Rick Schmidt scored 16 points, had 10 rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Jayden Palauni added 11 points and eight rebounds. Will Trice scored 10 points.
"We're not done," said Boyce. "We have the mentality that we expect to play Saturday."
Mountain View got a huge game from Brigham Bateman, who finished with 35 points and eight rebounds. The Bruins, who finished the season strong, hung close enough to make a game of it but could never quite recover from the Rams' fast start.
Twitter @tribtomwharton —
Storylines
• Brevin Elsholz scores 24 points to lead four Rams in double figures as Highland becomes a surprise 4A semifinalist.
• Brigham Bateman scores 25 points and hauls down eight rebounds to pace Mountain View.
• Highland senior captain Ryan Lambson dislocates knee and is questionable for Friday's semifinals.