CEDAR CITY — Even sweeter the second time around.
That was the consensus opinion of Manila's players and coaches as the Mustangs used a stifling defense and clutch shooting to knock off Tabiona 45-43 to earn their second consecutive state 1A basketball title at Southern Utah University.
It was everything one would hope for in a title game, as there were 10 lead changes before Casey Olsen hit a jumper midway through the final quarter to give Manila the lead for good.
"I knew something had to be done, and I was able to come through for the team" said Olsen, who waited until the final quarter before scoring his only points of the night, a pair of jumpers and two free throws.
Head coach Scott Taylor was not surprised with the effort, pointing out that it was the same thing for the Mustangs.
"Everyone knows our two big guys, but every game somebody else steps up" said Taylor, who added that the secret of Manila's success is the chemistry.
"This team gets along great, everyone knows their role and they accept it for the betterment of the team."
One of those "big guys" was Jeff Catron, whose heroics led Manila to its first three tournament victories. Catron had another big game, sharing scoring honors with Casey Robinson with twin 16-point efforts.
"It's a team game. We knew we could beat them if we played hard enough," said Catron, pointing out that Tabiona had beaten the Mustangs in their three previous meetings this season.
It was the defensive effort that keyed Manila's victory, not allowing the Tigers' outside shooters, Wacey Giles and Jordan Lefler, to get good looks at the basket, and containing Jeff Van Tassell's previously unstoppable inside game.
"Our shots just didn't go down. You have to to credit that to Manila. They came out and played hard," said Tabiona coach Lee Gines.
Tassell and Rowdy Rhoades, who had a hot start before being saddled with four first-half fouls, paced the Tigers with 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Olsen probably summed up the night best, saying "We beat them when it counted most"
LAYTON CHRISTIAN 65, RICH 49: Manny Hendrix had another big game for the Eagles, scoring 28 points to pace the winners, who took control early and kept the pressure on throughout the game. BJ Porter played well throughout the tourney in helping lead the Eagles to a third-place finish. Chez Sealy paced the Rebels with 21 points.
ESCALANTE 56, PANGUITCH 52: The Moquis earned a measure of revenge as they were able to knock off the team that handed them a double-overtime loss a week earlier in the Region 15 title game. Like Waterford, Escalante's only state tournament loss came on a buzzer-beater by Manila. Dallen Shakespear's 22 points paced the Moquis, with teammates Chad Cottam and Garison Lyman adding 15 and 13 points, respectively. Tyler Barney scored 20 and Cameron Leach added 16 for Panguitch.
WATERFORD 50, DUCHESNE 43: Cliff Snyder finished his high school career in fine fashion, scoring 22 points to lead Waterford to the consolation title. The Ravens' only tournament blemish was a last-second loss to tourney finalist Manila in Wednesday's opening round game. Jason Parkin added 14 points, all in the second half for Waterford. Sam Hoopes' 21 points paced the Eagles.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
MVP — Jeff Catron, Manila
Rowdy Rhoades, Tabiona
Jay Van Tassell, Tabiona
Casey Robinson, Manila
Chad Cottam, Escalante
Manny Hendrix, Layton Christian