In a non-COVID-19 year, Skyridge’s gym would’ve been a revolving door of student sections on Friday night for the second night of the Skyridge tournament.
Skyridge students would’ve been decked in orange to see the home Falcons take on Copper Hills, while the night cap between rivals Corner Canyon and Alta would’ve surely brought a bunch carloads of students coming around the point of the mountain.
This is definitely not a normal year though.
“I told them if they’re in it for the popularity and girls, this is going to be a disappointing year,” said Skyridge coach Jeff Gardner, whose team beat Copper Hills 82-70 to advance to Saturday’s championship game.
Only parents will be in the stands again on Saturday, and even though the atmosphere is certainly different without heckling banter from the student sections, Gardner said there are a lot of positives to take from the circumstances.
“It’s been a pure form of the kids playing the game and just a real focus on the game, and it’s been a lot of fun,” said Gardner.
Skyridge shot 61% and knocked down 10 3-pointers en route to the win, with Nick Holland leading the way with 24 points and Parker Christensen chipping in with 21.
Skyridge raced out to a 28-12 lead after the first quarter, but Copper Hills clawed back and tied the game at 46-46 early in the third quarter.
Colby Carter and Holland responded with back-to-back 3-pointers for the Falcons who never trailed again.
“We knew at some point they would get going,” said Gardner.
Copper Hills overcame a similar deficit the night before to beat Cedar City, but Skyridge didn’t let it happen again as it regrouped after Copper Hills’ push to improve to 3-0 on the young season.
“We’ve played really well offensively, we’ve shot the ball, we have a number of guards who are really good off the dribble. So I’ve been really pleased with our offense. We have a ways to go on the defensive side. There’s been on a lot of positives,” said Gardner.
Skyridge will face No. 1 Corner Canyon in Saturday’s championship at 3:15 p.m. after the Chargers rolled past Alta 76-51.
Trace Ross led Corner Canyon with 23 points, with Carter Welling adding a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Corner Canyon held Alta to just 31% shooting and controlled the paint with a 26-12 edge.
Corner Canyon coach Dan Lunt admitted the atmosphere wasn’t that of a typical Alta-Corner Canyon showdown, but considering their circumstances he’ll take.
“It was different for sure. We’re just grateful that we’re able to be here and play and just grateful that we’re having the season,” said Lunt.