Holladay • Olympus’ Jeremy DowDell was raked across the face as he pursued his defensive assignment in the second quarter Friday night against Highland.
His facial expression went from disbelief when no foul was called to relief there was no blood to downright determined. He called for the ball on the next possession and knocked down a long 3-pointer.
Just what the top-ranked team in Class 5A needed — extra motivation.
DowDell scored a game-high 21 points, and the Titans disposed of visiting Highland 70-49 in a Region 6 contest that kept Olympus perfect through 15 games this season.
“That killed,” DowDell said about the blow to his face. “I couldn’t see for a second and didn’t know what was going on. Then I thought I was open, and I was a little bit bugged and wanted to knock one down.”
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune) Seth Williams slices to the hoop during first half play as Olympus defeated Highland 70-49, Friday, January 19, 2018.
It’s Olympus’ best start to a season in coach Matt Barnes’ 21 seasons and gives the Titans (2-0 in Region 6) 36 wins in their past 37 games.
“It’s so much fun — 15-0,” DowDell said. “It’s crazy. The crowd was awesome tonight. There was tons of energy on both sides. It was fun.”
Rylan Jones had 17 points and Harrison Creer added 11 for Olympus, which played a clean first half — just two turnovers — and led by double figures the entire second half. DowDell made four of the Titans’ eight 3-pointers to raise his state-best total to 54.
Highland (8-5, 1-1) attempted to slow the pace in the first half, but the long possessions made for some disjointed scoring opportunities, and the Rams made just two baskets in the second quarter.
Elijah Shelton had 14 points and Liki Makaui added 11, but top scorer Christian Rich was held to just one field goal and four points.
“It’s been a terrific start, and it’s been a lot of fun,” Barnes said. “My kids are down to earth and they just care about winning. They have a fun together.
“We try not to get caught up in the win streak. It’s a long way to go.”
OLYMPUS 70, HIGHLAND 49<br>• Jeremy DowDell scores 21 points and makes four 3-pointers as Olympus remains unbeaten on the season. <br>• Junior guard Rylan Jones, a University of Utah commit, scores 17 points with three 3s and Harrison Creer adds 11 points for the Titans. <br>• Olympus wins for the the 36th time in its last 37 games. The only loss in that stretch came against Springville in last season’s state championship game.