Prep Sports: Journey to the Top

Friday

Utah Valley University

Class 5A

Taylorsville vs. Lone Peak, 9 a.m.

Northridge vs. Murray, 10:30 a.m.

Hunter vs. Davis, 10:30 a.m.

Brighton vs. Riverton, 9 a.m.

Skyline vs. Layton, 12:15 p.m.

Pleasant Grove vs. Weber, 1:45 p.m.

Bingham Alta, 1:45 p.m.

Syracuse vs. Cottonwood, 12:15 p.m.

Class 4A

Dixie vs. Springville, 9 a.m.

Mountain View vs. Stansbury, 10:30 a.m.

Sky View vs. Uintah, 10:30 a.m.

Highland vs. Westlake, 9 a.m.

Box Elder vs. Bountiful, 12:15 p.m.

Snow Canyon vs. Orem, 1:45 p.m.

Spanish Fork vs. Mountain Crest, 1:45 p.m.

Lehi vs. Olympus, 12:15 p.m.

The second round of the postseason is when things start to heat up. The first round is a thing of the past, and everyone still alive is usually very good. So we at the Tribune got to wondering which are the games that are absolutely must see? Starting with Class 5A, we'll review the three major classes. 

1) Pleasant Grove at Davis - Last year, the Vikings were tripped up in this round by Syracuse, and rest be assured they don't want to lose in this same spot. They'll encounter the same issues. Tanner Hinds is a great running back, Davis plays very good defense, and the Darts have one of the best fan bases in the state. What Pleasant Grove has that it didn't have a season ago is a game changer in Joe Kruger on the defensive line. That and the Vikings are ultra athletic leads me to believe that PG will prevail in a close game. 

2) Lone Peak at Hunter - Love this matchup. Hunter runs the ball like few teams in the state, the Wolverines haven't lost in forever, and they have a great great offensive line. Lone Peak's solid defensively, has a great quarterback in Tannon Pedersen and is itching to advance to the final four. Another great matchup this is and one which the winner will have earned its way to the state semifinals. 

Tony Jones

Region 14's South Summit and Layton Christian Academy tonight at 7 p.m. The Eagles had some trouble with Waterford in the first game but LCA pulled off the 25-22, 25-16, 25-11 sweep.

LCA will be playing for its first ever state title in volleyball while South Summit will be competing for its first championship under first-year coach Becky Dees.

--Maggie Thach

South Summit pulled off the biggest upset of the Class 2A tournament, beating Grand 25-14, 25-17, 18-25, 25-9 in the semfinals for a spot in the state championship match at 7 p.m. It will be an all Region 14 match as Layton Christian and Waterford are battling for that other spot.

The Wildcats played exceptional defense and did a good job of shutting down Shelby Dalton. By keeping her from getting many kills, South Summit threw off the Red Devils and Grand looked deflated. South Summit played strong at the net and didn't let many balls drop.

This team refuses to lose. Last night, on brink of elimination in the quarterfinals, the Wildcats stormed back from a seven-point deficit in the fifth game against Enterprise, the No. 1 team from its region, and held on to win the game and the match.

--Maggie Thach

Class 1A

Christian Heritage def. Monument Valley 25-9, 25-17, 25-20

Rich def. Wayne 25-16, 25-17, 25-11

Class 3A

Desert Hills def. American Leadership Academy 25-21, 25-16, 25-12

Morgan def. Juab 25-7, 25-8, 25-15

Richfield def. Bear River 25-13, 24-26, 25-19, 25-18

Could South Summit be the Cinderella team of the Class 2A? The Wildcats came out against 2A favorite Grand with no fear and defeated the Red Devils in dominating fashion in the first game, winning 25-14. South Summit wasn't rattled at all and was playing solid defense. They had great success digging up Shelby Dalton and that seemed to throw Grand off. South Summit played good at the net and Grand played more timid and seemed a little shocked. The second game is under way. The Layton Christian/Waterford match has just started.

--Maggie Thach