OGDEN — Kearns’ unexpected march through the 4A state tournament came to an abrupt end against Bountiful on Saturday, but no one will forget the Cougars’ fighting spirit at the Dee Events Center anytime soon.
They rallied from a double-digit lead to beat Timpanogos in the opener and then knocked off back-to-back region champs in the quarterfinals and semifinals — Logan and Olympus — in games up for grabs in the final minute.
Against Bountiful though, there would be no comeback.
“The guys got a little flustered. They went to triangle and two and a little gimmick defense, and my guys got flustered,” said Kearns coach Dan Cosby. “I think the pressure of being here, getting a little flustered, couldn’t hit shots. It was mainly their defense. You’ve got to give them credit. Bountiful’s a good team.”
The loss will no doubt sting for a while, but the second-place trophy that will now reside in Kearns’ trophy case is something a community can be proud of for a long time.
Cosby said each victory has brought the Kearns community closer and closer, and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of.
“If you believe in something (and) want to accomplish it, you can do it if you put your mind to something,” said Cosby, whose team hadn’t played for a state championship since winning the 3A title back in 1972.
The Cougars finished the season with a 19-8 record, but principal Maile Loo said Cosby is as proud of what his players have accomplished in the classroom.
“Danny has always been an activist for academics. He understands that unless the kids are academically sound they will not be great athletes,” said Loo.
Cosby is not a teacher at Kearns, but Loo said she saw him there every day at the school during the season checking up on his players, making sure they were going to class and keeping their grades up.
If an impromptu study hall became necessary, Cosby would hold one in the gym or his house if necessary.
“There has never been a paraprofessional coach that I have worked with in my 12 years at the high school level that was been so connected and so passionate about his program and his kids, and not just on the court but academically as well,” said Loo, who joked she needed to get him an office.
The combination of Cosby’s passion and a group of talented basketball players like Bushmen Ebet, Buay Kuajian and Tayler Marteliz made for a perfect storm this season that won’t be forgotten anytime soon despite the 66-54 loss in the championship.
“The whole culture of the school has definitely changed this week, ’cause they realize where they come from and they’ve identified with the performance of the kids,” said Loo.