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After a late December loss to Grand County High School, the Waterford School boys' basketball team found itself with a 2-4 record and looking nothing like the team that stormed to last year's Class 2A final.

Since that loss, the Ravens have gone 10-3 and look like one of the hottest team's entering the 2A tournament.

The Ravens have achieved it with defense and a host of underclassman that have accepted their roles and sunk their teeth into head coach Reid Monson's complex system.

"We have a bunch of new guys this year and it takes some time to pick up the offense," said junior guard Seth Monson, who averages 15 points, and nearly five assists per game.

Waterford's late-season run included a 50-47 loss to defending champ South Summit High School and two wins over North Summit High School and Rowland Hall to end the regular season.

"We are starting a freshman, a sophomore and two juniors and there is a certain learning curve where you just have to play and get the jitters out," said coach Reid Monson.

One of those is 6-foot 7-inch sophomore center Eric Mika, who learned from University of Utah freshman Neil Monson.

"Just practicing with him every day made me better plus I grew three inches over the summer," said Mika, who averages 16 points and 12 rebounds per contest.

Seth Monson and Mika rely heavily on each other and are complimentary of each other's game.

"My job with Seth there is so much easier," Mika said. "He's always there on the weak side, he is unselfish and a great shooter."

"Eric has been playing so well he's usually got three guys around him," said Seth Monson. "Just his presence opens driving lanes and makes getting into our offense a lot easier."

With such a host of talented underclassman, 2012 might be the year of the Ravens, but coach Monson said his guys are ready now.

"I think someone will have to play very well to beat us in the tournament," said Reid Monson. "Our keys will be can we execute and can we take care of the ball?"

The first round of the 2A tournament is set to start Saturday, Feb. 19. —

Waterford scores big

At 6 feet 7 inches tall, sophomore forward Eric Mika might be one of the better big men in 2A basketball over the next few seasons. Mika is averaging 16 points and nearly 12 rebounds per game.

After a slow start to its season, Waterford has won 10 of its last 13 games.

Seth Monson and his younger brother, freshman Alec Monson, combine to average 21 points per game. Both will be back to lead what should be a loaded Waterford squad next season.