The Alta High girls basketball team figures to be one of the top contenders for the Region 2 championship this year. However, the Hawks, with a rugged pre-region schedule, entered Tuesday's home game against Roy with an unimpressive 3-3 overall record.
But with league play approaching, Alta's 67-45 victory over the Royals should open the eyes of the other Region 2 coaches.The Hawk defense pressured a solid Roy team into giving up 15 steals for the game. Forward Laura Goulding was the offensive star, as she poured in 29 points. Alli Bills, a junior guard, added 20 points, six rebounds and five steals, while point guard Krista Wardle dished out 10 assists, swiped five steals and netted nine points.
Roy was paced by Johanna Taylor's 13 points, while Kristin Belnap and Candice Langstrom added 10 points apiece.
Elsewhere in the state Tuesday night:
Hunter 45, Skyline 43
At Hunter, the Eagles led for most of the game, but not when it counted most. Hunter's Angie Sheppick scored a three-point play and Tamara Thompson made a pair of clutch free throws in the final seconds to secure the non-region victory. The Wolverines are now 3-2 on the year. Skyline (4-3) was paced by Shelly Karren's 13 points.
East 49, West 36
At East, Amy Hale scored 14 points and Brooke Epperson added 11 as the Leopards downed the Panthers in a non-league game. Freshman point guard Charolotte Norman also played well for East (4-5). West was led by Emily Olsen's 16 points.
Viewmont 66, Bear River 60
At Viewmont, the Bears' Monica Doman scored 29 points, but it wasn't enough against the Vikings' balanced attack. All five Viewmont starters scored double figures, with Amber Tippetts leading the way with 16 points. Nikki Checketts , Jenny Wadley , Nicole Bradley and Lisa Ashby were the other Vikes to score 10 or more. Viewmont is now 5-2 overall, while Bear River falls to 3-4.
Davis 68, Hillcrest 49
At Davis, Rebecca Heusser scored 20 and Jodi Wimmer added 16 to lead the Darts to the victory. Regan TAylor and Brenda Barton added 13 and 11 respectively. Hillcrest was led by Kris Jensen and Heather Hofmann, who netted 15 each.
Ogden 53, Northridge 28
At Northridge, Kelly Vause scored 17 to lead the Tigers to the non-region win over the first-year Knights. Ogden led 29-12 at the half and coasted the rest of the way.
Woods Cross 50, Cyprus 45
At Cyprus, the Wildcats won their first game of the season behind 15 points by Molly Mason. Joe Leong and Tiffany Britton added 11 and 10 points respectively for Woods Cross (1-4). Kristi Johnston led the Pirates (0-5) with 16 points.
Bountiful 70, Box Elder 39
At Bountiful, the Braves won their second consecutive game after an 0-3 start. Jenny Gardner led the way with 19 points, while Candy Pitcher scored 17 and Amanda Walton added 14. Box Elder (2-5) was led by Laura Baird's 19 points.
Judge 55, Brighton 54
At Judge, the Bulldogs had fine foul shooting by Alethia Bapis and Melissa Miller down the stretch to preserve the victory. Erin Hartigan scored 24 to lead the way for Judge, with Carrie Christensen adding 16. Brighton's Courtney Cluff scored 16 in the losing cause.
Timpview 58, Springville 36
At Springville, the Thunderbirds continue to roll. Timpview (8-1) was led by Susie Bell's 17 points and eight steals, while center Lindsay Allen scored 17 and pulled down nine boards. Cheryl Fakler had a game-high 13 rebound for the T-birds.
Orem 63, Clearfield 36
At Orem, the Tigers jumped out to a 16-4 lead and never looked back. Guard Jenny Cobb scored 16 points with center Aimee Johnson adding 11 for Orem (5-4). The Falcons dropped to 2-5 overall with the non-region setback.
Wayne 68, Monticello 66
At Monticello, the Badgers trailed by eight at the end of the first quarter, but battled back to win by a bucket. Kami Taylor scored 19 points with Niss Potter adding 16 and Amy Hatch netting 15. Monticello was paced by Jolynn Eardley's 25 points with Kelsey Goodwin scoring 13.
Region 9
South Sevier 44, North Sanpete 36
At North Sanpete, Evonne Niemyer scored 15 points and Ami Schoemig added 13 to lead the Ramss to the victory. Natalee Allred netted 11 in the losing cause for North Sanpete.