RICHFIELD — The North Sevier Wolves knew it would take more than an individual effort to win a state championship. They were certain that more than one person would need to step and get the job done. All season, each player did her part. A complete team.
That is why it is not surprising that the Wolves won the 2A state championship behind the play of eight individuals forming into one unit, one mind-set, one team.
"It's everyone all at once," said tournament MVP Valma Cook of how her team was so successful. "It is the teamwork. We did it as a team, and teamwork wins games."
North Sevier capped its 23-2 season with its third win over South Sevier, 39-33, and a title. The Wolves finished with a perfect record against 2A competition as their only two losses came against the two 3A finalists, Emery and Canyon View.
It took the two teams most of the first quarter to get over the nerves of playing in a title game. North Sevier turned the ball over on three of its first four possessions. South Sevier took a little bit better care of the basketball but could not put the ball in the hoop. The Rams were 3-for-12 in the opening quarter. The result of the offensive woes was a 6-4 South Sevier lead at the end of one.
After the poor start, it seemed that North Sevier's Cook began to take over the game in the second quarter. In a minute and a half span, she scored six points to bring the Wolves back and eventually give them the lead at 18-14 at the break.
The third quarter saw a back-and-forth battle that had North Sevier's Kasta Nielsen as the player that stood out. She scored all six of her points, including a jumper just, before the buzzer to gave North Sevier a two-point lead going into the deciding period.
Never was it more evident of the Wolves philosophy of team work than in the fourth quarter. Five different players scored, and eight of the team's 11 points came from the bench. Chanda Hallows scored the first five points of the quarter to open a five-point lead. Jenny Stapel scored the next three points for the team to maintain the advantage.
"It's kind of been that way all year," coach Lexa Larsen said of having everyone contribute. "We played eight kids all year, and we expected all of them to do their jobs."
Cook again took over in the final minutes as she had a pair of steals and rebounds. She finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and five steals to pace her team in all categories. Although it was a complete team effort, Cook shone the brightest for the Wolves not only in this game, but for the season. As a leader, her attitude rubbed off on the whole squad.
"Valma is so unselfish," Larsen said. "She could care less if she scores a single point as long as we win. I told her at half, 'This game is yours, just go take it."
Cook and the rest of the team did just that and now have the trophy to show for it. The win, however, has both its good side and bad as the team gets ready to celebrate.
"We just want that chilly ride on the fire truck now," said Larsen.
2A All-Tournament Team
MVP— Valma Cook, N. Sevier
Annie Judd, Waterford
Kelli Christensen, San Juan
Kasta Nielsen, N. Sevier
Kascee Jacobs, S. Sevier
Jaden Parsons, S. Sevier
E-mail: mblack@desnews.com