This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Cottonwood may very well have the most experienced boys basketball team in the state. Eleven seniors suit up for the Colts, who are hoping that experience pays off when region play begins Friday.
"All of us seniors have known each other for a long time and it's cool we all made the team together," said guard Parker Swope. "We all bring something special to the table."
What Swope and fellow senior Ryan MacKay bring into each game is the ability to hit long-distance shots. Through the teams first 11 games, Swope hit 19 3-pointers, while Mackey connected for 12, despite missing several games with a sprained ankle.
"I really wanted to work on my range, and just be a better overall player, so I quit football to focus on basketball," said MacKay, who made only two 3-point shots last season. "I have a lot more confidence in my shot this year."
While Swope has always shot from downtown — the senior notched 25 3- pointers last season — he feels his teammates are making it easier for him this season.
"We mostly have been helped by our post players getting attention and passing the ball back outside," said Swope. "Our team works really hard and we just want to be ready when region starts."
Managing playing time for 11 seniors hasn't been easy for second-year coach Cory Martin, but having everyone buy into a team concept has been.
"The 11 seniors are a great group of kids," said Martin. "Everyone accepts and their role and does what they are asked to do and that helps us get better each day. This is the best group of kids I have ever been around."
After fighting through a tough preseason slate — the Colts faced defending Class 5A champion Lone Peak, as well as defending Class 4A champion Highland — the schedule doesn't lighten up at all. First up for Cottonwood in region play is No. 2-ranked West Jordan.
"We have had some tough losses but we feel we can compete with anyone," said MacKay. "A lot of people think we aren't that good and that motivates me and the team. As long as we run and play good defense we will be in every game." —
Big number • 5. Number of consecutive wins by the Brighton boys basketball team — the longest winning streak since 2008.
Big player • Will Cannon, Olympus boys basketball. Cannon scored 20 points in a win over Davis, and followed that with 30 points against Taylorsville.
Big game • Hillcrest at Olympus boys basketball, Friday, 7 p.m. The Titans put their winning streak on the line when new region foe Hillcrest visits.