Cedar City claimed hold of Utah's sole win during the first day of the heralded Reebok Las Vegas Holiday Prep Classic Monday. The rest of the day wasn't nearly as pretty for the other three Utah schools who are participating.
The Redmen's 54-49 victory over favored Birmingham's (Ala.) Ramsay High came as a surprise to most at the tournament. David Evans led the way for Cedar with 23 points, while Karl Bohman chipped in 13 points and eight rebounds.Rebounds turned out to be the big factor as Cedar City outrebounded Ramsay 31-19.
Carmichael (Calif.) 71,
Cedar City 32
At Las Vegas, after winning the first game earlier Monday, Cedar City, 3A's top-ranked team, ran into big problems against a quicker Carmichael Jesuit (Calif.) team.
The Redmen didn't have any players in double figures, while only shooting 35 percent on the night. It was Cedar City's (6-1) first loss of the season.
Mater Dei (Calif.) 92, Payson 39
What's the difference between Utah's fourth-ranked 4A team and the nation's top-ranked team from the USA Today? Oh, just 53 points. Mater Dei, out of Santa Ana, Calif., shot over 50 percent, while taming the Lions (5-2) to shoot only 30 percent from the field.
Joel Ockey was Payson's top scorer with eight points. Mater Dei (7-0) outrebounded Payson 48-24, and only had eight turnovers to the Lions' 22.
Virgin Valley (Nev.) 54,
Mountain View 53
At Las Vegas, Brent Ramey scored 15 points for 5A's No. 4 team, but Mountain View was upset by Virgin Valley of Mesquite, Nev. The Bruins fell behind by 13 points at halftime and were never able to recover.
Dan Brotherson scored 24 points for Virgin Valley, who outshot the Bruins 17-3 from the free-throw line.
Inglewood (Calif.) 73,
Mountain Crest 58
At Las Vegas, the Mustangs (1-4) were led by J.J. Nielsen, who scored 21 points and Dan Conger, 17, but it wasn't enough to overcome Inglewood, Calif.
Paul Pierce, one of the nation's most-highly regarded prep players, scored 18 points for Inglewood.
Hunter 66, Skyline 56
At Hunter, the Wolverines were paced by Dustin Pearce, who scored 18 points, including four three-pointers. Dave Johnson had 23 points for the Eagles.
Olympus 74, Kearns 36
At Olympus, Kyle Gertsen and Brandon Wallengren each added 14 points in the blowout win for the Titans.
West Jordan 70, Park City 42
At West Jordan, the Jaguars won this battle of winless teams for their first win of the season. Jeff Hirschi had a game-high 18 points for West Jordan.