If Timpview head coach Robert Sperry thinks the team he sent to the 4A state tournament is young, he might want to reserve more space in the trophy case for the upcoming years.
In a dramatic finish, Timpview locked up the overall state title, narrowly edging Lone Peak in the final match. The state title was up for grabs all the way to the final match.
And it was freshman Taylor Perry who excelled in the last moments.
After a senior heavy class left Timpview last year, Sperry was left with a squad laden with underclassmen — a fact that made him a little weary early on.
"We're a young group," Sperry said "I told them at the beginning of the year that if we work hard, the goal of taking state is attainable. They looked at me, kids just out of eighth grade, and looked at me (surprised) and I said, 'You better believe it.' "
Coming into the day, Timpview was tied with Logan for the overall lead. However the Thunderbirds had more advance to the second day. Lone Peak shadowed Timpview in the standings and had a legitimate shot at the title should all the pieces fall into place. All it took was a little luck for Timpview early on to clinch.
After the semifinals, Sperry knew his squad was in the hunt for the title but chose not to tell his team.
When approached before the finals, Sperry was already pleased, regardless of the outcome.
"I want my kids to fight their hearts out, and we'll see what happens. We're in good position, and even if we win, it's about them going and performing and whatever happens, happens."
Almost by design, Timpview's Perry squared off against Lone Peak's Ben Camp in the third-singles final to decide the state champion.
Camp struck first in the first set, winning the first game. Perry struggled with his serve. However, the freshman was able to calm his nerves and split the next two games.
Camp played well in the first set and kept close, forcing several errors with precise control.
However, it was Perry who found every inch of the court, sending well-placed shots to the corners to keep Camp on the run. Perry won the next three straight games to finish the first set up 6-2.
"It's awesome," Perry said. "Most of the team makes fun of me for being a freshman. I'm just glad to be here."
Perry led the entire second set, dropping shots in that proved to be to difficult for the tiring Camp to answer.
Camp fought all the way to the end and his effort was noticed by the crowd at the end in loud applause at the end of the grueling match.
"(Camp) played his heart out, and he's obviously emotional right now," Sperry said. "All of these kids played great."
After the match, Perry was clued in to his team's top finish and was overjoyed.
"My friends came in a told me after it was over." Perry said. "This is awesome."