RICHFIELD — The Milford Tigers brought home the first girls basketball state championship trophy in school history Saturday evening after beating Rich 48-42.
Hoisting the trophy overhead was the end of a journey that began with some bumps in the road.
“We suffered some hard losses at the beginning of the year,” said Milford head coach Mallory Bailey. “We just learned from our experience and different game scenarios and how to handle them in the game.”
Saturday’s game against Rich was a defensive battle as the Tigers set out to disrupt the Rebels’ defense.
“We played some great defense,” Bailey said.
Milford was able to capture a slight 13-12 lead in the first quarter.
“We had to shut down McKina Stacey, and we knew she could take it,” said senior Preslee Barnson. “I knew what I had to do for the team.”
Barnson did her part to frustrate the Rich offense, nabbing five steals through the game.
“That’s what we do in practice every day,” Barnson said. “We get under each other’s skin.”
In the second stanza, the Tigers’ defensive strategy kicked into high gear.
Much of the focus on Stacey, who was the top scoring player in the game with 18 points, fell on senior Jaycee Rose.
“I don’t know how successful I was, but that was my goal,” Rose said. “We worked hard all season for this, and really since the fifth grade. It means so much to be a part of this.”
Rose picked up two key rebounds, two steals and two points, but it was her presence on the court that spoke more than her stats — always being in the least convenient spot for the offense.
The Tigers were able to stifle the Rich offense through the remainder of the first half, holding the Rebels to four points — all foul shots by Stacey.
The defensive stranglehold continued through the third period, as Rich was limited to two field goals. To be sure, Rich’s defense was also making things tough. As the final eight minutes ticked off the clock, Rich held Milford to two buckets from the field. The Tigers were able to score 13 points from the foul line to outlast the Rebel surge.
Milford’s seniors started out together in elementary school, which is where they made a pact with each other that one day they’d be state champs. That day almost came two years ago when Milford played for the title, but ended up second to Panguitch.
“We never wanted to feel that again,” Aliza Woolsey said. Woolsey, who totaled 15 points, and Kinsey Williams with 16, led the Tiger offense. Woolsey also pulled down nine rebounds, while Williams had seven.
“I’m just so proud of our team, this is was what we’ve worked for all year,” Woolsey said.
“Everyone in our community is just so full of support,” Bailey said. “We just thrive on sports. It just means everything for the program.”
Bailey said the team’s dedication to each other made the difference in the end.
“They are just all so unique and each bring something different to the table,” she said. “It’s our first time getting here, and it’s a huge accomplishment for these girls.”
Deseret News 1A All Tournament Team
MVP — Jaycee Rose, Milford
McKina Stacey, Rich
Aliza Woolsey, Milford
Preslee Barnson, Milford
Kinsey Williams, Milford
Melissa Jessop, Water Canyon