The boys region basketball season is fast approaching, with their first region game being tomorrow, January 10th. The team is very optimistic about defending their region title. Entering the region games, the Thunderbirds have a record of 10-3 with Junior Dean Ruckert leading the way with 19.5 points per game and Junior Will Openshaw bringing in his fair share of 11.6. The team has brought in some big wins over the 13th ranked Harvard-Westlake and Bishop Gorman squad.
When asked about the season so far, junior Mason Ford said, “I feel good so far. We started off pretty strong beating some really good teams and we’re playing super good right now.” Mason is not the only player with an optimistic point of view heading into region play. Junior guard Lincoln Holcombe agreed, stating, “We are very excited for region games. We are excited to play in the rivalry game against Orem because it’s always a fun game.” Timpview will take on the Tigers in an intense away game on Friday, January 17th, in their 3rd region match.
The team is on a 5 game winning streak, and is ready to keep that streak alive heading into the second half of their season. When asked about success so far, Jackson Palmer stated, “I think as a team we’re trending in the right direction… obviously you’ve got your ups and downs but we’ve got a team that’s been playing together for years and we’re only going to get better.” Jackson enjoys the great chemistry this team has, and believes it’s something they can use as an advantage over other teams in their next games. Holcombe believes he can be a part of their chemistry as well, saying, “I can help the team by bringing lots of energy and giving it my best.”
Coming off a strong season last year and winning the region title, the team looks to find ways to give them the best chance to become back-to-back region champions. Mason defined it as “getable” for the team to bring home another region trophy, as long as they continue to play as a team and stay focused. When asked about their favorite moments from the season so far, and how they can use these moments to keep playing well, many of the players referred back to their success against the top ranked teams in the nation. Mason believes that these games were a big “confidence boost” for the team and that they are something they can remember as they carry out the rest of their season. When asked this same question, Holcombe says one of his biggest highlights so far was him dropping an impressive 18 points to lead the team in a dominant 74-51 victory over the Pleasant Grove Vikings.
The team will kick off their region season in a home game against the Wasatch Wasps on January 10th, at 7pm.
