All things considered, there's no place like the road for the Highland Rams.
The defending state champions, who are 9-1 away from home this year, take their act to the Huntsman Center this week for the 5A boys basketball tournament. The Rams, Region 2 tri-champs, face highly-touted Brighton Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., in the first round."If we go with (road records) we've got a pretty good chance (of repeating)," said Highland coach Clark Godfrey. "It's possible, but it would be a real longshot. There are better teams, however, the best team doesn't always win the tournament. If they did, why play it?"
Case in point, the Rams. Highland's last two state crowns were somewhat unexpected. In 1991, Highland overcame being a fourth seed to win it all. Twelve months ago, veteran coach Larry Maxwell capped his career with a surprising state championship.
"It really wasn't destiny," said Godfrey, the former West High coach (1970-85) who began assisting Maxwell in 1988. "You don't win without talent."
However, heavy graduation losses have taken their toll. Just two players with extensive postseason experience return for the Rams.
"I'm pleased with this team. If we lose two straight, I'm still very, very happy with what we've done - but we don't plan on losing two straight," said Godfrey. "We've been playing well. Nobody's going to destroy us. That's a tribute to the kids and their character. I think they've just improved a whole bunch."
Winners of four of their last five games, the Rams own victories at Davis and Viewmont this season. Led by 1994 5A co-MVP Todd Christensen, who has battled illness (an intestinal parasite) all season long, and fellow veteran Winston Scott, Highland may be a darkhorse pick in this year's competition.
Said Godfrey: "If we get past the first one (fourth-ranked Brighton) watch out."
Indeed, just look at history.
"Larry (Maxwell) built a tradition at Highland that's pretty good. Tradition is really powerful, it's like momentum," said Godfrey. "Larry's Larry. He's Mr. Basketball and I've learned an awful lot from him."
Christensen, Scott, Brad Bentley, Spencer Nielson, Zack Sorenson, Rich Bennion, Scott Giles and Kyle Langston lead the Rams into the post-Maxwell tournament era.
The transition would have been easier had Highland defeated Bountiful at home last week and claimed the undisputed league title. By losing, the Rams fell into a three-way tie with Viewmont and Davis. Seeded second by a tiebreaker, Highland was forced into a first-round encounter with Brighton instead of Orem. Meanwhile, the Vikings face a challenging opener with the Tigers, but find themselves in a bracket with three teams - including Orem - sporting losing overall records.
"It doesn't disturb me. I thought we got what we deserve," said Godfrey. "If we had beaten Bountiful, we'd be in Viewmont's place.
"Make no mistake, Alta is the best team, but Viewmont is a definite darkhorse," he added. "The scenario is set for Viewmont - the team that should have won it last year, may end up winning it this year."
Davis opens with Mountain View and Bountiful meets Alta as consolation prizes in the roller-coaster Region 2 race. Highland's draw is only slightly, if any, better.
"(Christensen and Scott) are playing with three guys who didn't play a lick last year," said Godfrey. "That's what has hurt us. They are good kids, they just don't have a lot of experience."
However, Highland does have tradition of its side, "whatever that means," said Godfrey.
The 5A tournament runs all week, concluding Saturday, at the Huntsman Center.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
5A boys tourney
March 6-11, 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.