Sports

Timpview Secures Spot in Quarterfinals After Chaotic Win

Timpview moves on to play Olympus on February 26 after winning against Alta

Anistyn Barber and Hazel Weaver • February 26, 2025

The Timpview boys’ basketball team punched their ticket to the state quarterfinals Tuesday afternoon with a 61-51 victory over Alta at the University of Utah. But this wasn’t just any win—it was a rollercoaster of a game that had fans on the edge of their seats.

The game started off neck-and-neck, with both teams trading buckets. At the end of the first quarter, Timpview held a slim 11-8 lead. Alta battled back in the second quarter, tying the game 18-18 with five minutes left in the half, but Timpview managed to regain control, heading into halftime up 29-23.

Then, in the third quarter, Timpview was in total control. The Thunderbirds built a 12-point lead, stretching the score to 42-30. But just as they looked ready to run away with the game, things took a drastic turn. A controversial foul call against a Timpview player quickly escalated into a technical, giving Alta 10 points in free throws. To make matters worse, Timpview junior Lincoln Holcombe was ejected from the game. Just like that, Alta had closed the gap to 42-40 by the end of the third.

Despite the setback, Timpview didn’t let the momentum shift get to them. They responded with composure, opening the fourth quarter strong and securing the 61-51 victory.

Assistant coach Jordan Hale reflected on the chaotic third quarter, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of state tournament games. “Every state championship game gets a little crazy, and weird things happen,” Hale said. “You just have to have composure and get through it.”

When asked about the team’s ability to bounce back, Hale praised their resilience. “It was a two-point game at the end of the third quarter, and we scored the first three times down the floor in the fourth,” he said. “It’s about composure. Weird stuff happens, you have to take it in stride and move on to the next play.”

Looking ahead to the quarterfinals, Hale knows Timpview has a tough matchup against Olympus. “They are a really good team—really scrappy. They’ve got some legit scorers, so we’ll have to bring our A-game to beat them,” he said.

For seniors like Lauren Smoot, the high-stakes game added to the emotions of the night. “I was nervous because it’s my last season or game possibly,” Smoot said. “So scary. I don’t want it to be the last game.”

Timpview moves on to face Olympus tonight, February 26, at 9 pm at the University of Utah. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the T-Birds as they continue their state title run.