Alta coach Ron Carling would make a fine politician. Despite mentoring the top-ranked Hawks to an 18-2 record and the Region 4 championship, Carling engages in diplomacy when it comes to the 5A state tournament - which begins Monday and concludes Saturday at the Huntsman Center.
"I think there are probably 10 or 11 teams that could win it," said Carling. "It's pretty even actually, but I hope it isn't."Fear not, coach. Few teams sport a lineup as talented as your Hawks. Seniors Adam Sharp, Brad Willden, Brent Hawkins, Nate Carling and Lance Dahlquist have teamed with junior Nate Knight to form an overpowering rotation - Alta has lost just once, a region setback at the buzzer against Orem, to a Utah team this season. Wins, home and away in some cases, have come against the likes of No. 2 Taylorsville, No. 3 Mountain View and No. 4 Brighton.
"It's been a really fun year," said Carling. "I hope it ends up the same." Acknowledging that his Hawks have "played pretty well" in recent weeks, Carling says three factors - good performances, luck and keeping key players on the court - may be the ingredients for state success.
"The team that gets hot for a week usually wins it," he said. "I hope it's us."
After last year's disappointing second round loss to eventual-state champion Highland, Alta is seeking to ease the sting of last year's fifth-place finish.
"In the back of their minds, I'm sure they remember it," said Carling. "I'm sure they'd like to redeem themselves."
Perhaps easier said than done considering expected challenges from region mates Mountain View and Brighton, as well as league champions Layton (Region 1), Viewmont, Davis, Highland (Region 2 tri-titlists) and Taylorsville (Region 3). Other teams to watch include Alta's opening round opponent Bountiful, always-tough Bingham and unpredictable Orem.
Regardless of the future, Carling is maintaining compressed optimism and nothing near a "winning is everything" attitude.
"I just hope our kids play well and give it their best."
Four games are slated for both Monday and Tuesday with quarterfinals games set for Wednesday and Thursday. The semifinals will be played Friday with the state championship contested Saturday.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
5A boys tourney
at the Huntsman Center
Monday's games
Viewmont vs. Orem, 2:30 p.m.
Fremont vs. West Jordan, 4:10 p.m.
Bingham vs. Clearfield, 6:30 p.m.
Alta vs. Bountiful, 8:10 p.m.
Tuesday's games
Taylorsville vs. Weber, 2:30 p.m.
Mountain View vs. Davis, 4:10 p.m.
Highland vs. Brighton, 6:30 p.m.
Layton vs. Hunter, 8:10 p.m.