This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Springville • After a win over a good team from Franklin County, Ohio, earlier this year, Orem coach Golden Holt got one of the biggest basketball compliments he said he's ever received.
"He said, 'We don't know who to guard,' " Holt recalled.
Orem left the Springville Red Devils with the same quandary Friday night, as all five Tigers reached double-digit scoring in a 74-54 blowout victory.
"My joy of coaching is to have five guys in double figures," Holt said after the game. "It's just so rewarding as a coach to have that balance. ... When we get four or five guys in double figures, I sleep pretty well at night."
Zach Hunsaker dropped 17 by slashing to the hoop and occasionally spotting up for a 3-pointer. Cooper Holt had 11, as did Orem's inside-outside start Dalton Nixon, despite still feeling the effects of the flu.
Guard Quinn Peters, who scored 11, swarmed Springville's ball handlers and started as many fast breaks as he finished.
"I love Quinn," Holt said. "When he has the ball in his hands, it's just so difficult for the defense. He puts so much pressure on them because he can do so much."
And Orem forward Jordan Darger, back for his first action after missing 10 days due to a shoulder injury, wreaked havoc on Springville, netting a team-high 20.
"We just wanted to be tough and attack the basket," he said. "Not settle for jump shots."
Springville senior Bradley Kitchen led a gritty Springville performance, scoring 18 points and helping keep the score close for the first half.
But Orem's length and athleticism led to too many fast breaks and easy buckets. Springville also helped the Tigers out, sending them to the line 21 times. Orem converted 20 of those attempts.
The Red Devils came into Friday night's Region 8 showdown with an unblemished record at 9-0. But after a preseason parade of Class 3A opponents, Orem was Springville's first major test of the season.
The defending state champion Tigers proved that the Region 8 — and maybe even the state — title still goes through Orem.
Twitter: @aaronfalk —
Storylines Orem 74, Springville 54
R In his first game back from a shoulder injury, Orem forward Jordan Darger leads five Tigers in double-digit scoring with 20 points.