Bryce Valley High School snuck out four close wins at the just-completed 1-A state boys basketball tournament to become the 2010 state champion. Bryce defeated Piute 53-48 to win the tournament. Bryce defeated Wasatch Academy on Wednesday 44-35 followed by a win over Tabiona on Thursday by a score of 36-34. On Friday, Bryce defeated Monticello in the semi-finals 57-52.
Piute made it to the finals by upsetting number 1 ranked Rich in the semi-finals 59-57. Piute opened the tournament with a 54-34 whipping of Manila and then defeated Green River 64-50.
Green River, before the loss to Piute in the quarterfinals, had defeated West Ridge Academy 55-46 as they opened tournament play in Richfield at the Sevier Valley Center. Green river closed out their stay with a 64-56 loss to Liahona.
Jason Johnson led the way for the Pirates in the tournament, as he was the leading scorer in each of the games. Jason scored 32 points against West Ridge and 22 points against the other two teams Green River played.
Against West Ridge, Green River led 31-16 at the half and then coasted home to get the victory. Against Piute, Green River fell behind early, trailed at the half 29-18 before making a second half run to tie the score at 43-43 early in the fourth quarter. Piute then ran away with the game as they went on a 21-7 run to close the game out. Green River and Liahona were tied after the first quarter at eight a piece and then the Pirates were outscored each of the next three periods. Liahona is in their first year of high school basketball.
Also scoring against West Ridge was Justin Johnson with 15 points, Kayden Mecham with six points and Jake Corrigan with two points. Also scoring against Piute was Mecham with 14 points, Justin Johnson with six points, Corrigan with three points, Caleb White with three points and Diego Mendoza with two points. Scoring against Liahona was Corrigan with 19 points, Mecham with eight points, Justin with five points and Adrian Escalante with two points.
Green River Pirates end season at State Tourney
"Kaden Mecham gets a dunk for the Pirates at a game against Monticello earlier this season."