Alta Basketball Wins State 5A Tournament

Facing a tough opponent in the final 5A championship basketball game, Alta emerged victorious over Timpview with a score 64-53.

For senior Ryan Richards ending his high school basketball career on a win was the best. “I’m so happy with how the team played,” he said. “I love Alta basketball.”

The team played phenomenal throughout all of playoffs beating the number one seed Olympus in the semifinals. That set them up to play rival Timpview in the championship game.

Coach Travis Orhn was proud of the team and their performance. “We played the best basketball of our season and peaked at the right time,” he said. 

Alta had a great season and finished region play in second place. In fact, three of the four semifinal teams were from region 8. 

Ohrn went on talking about his team, “It’s great when you have players like Jaxson Johnson and Ace Riser who are so competitive.” 

Jaxon Johnson came away as the MVP of the tournament. “We couldn’t have done it without everyone,” he said. “The players, coaches, and support was amazing all season long.” 

Alta also had three players named to the team of the tournament in Ace Riser, Carter Doleac, and Jaxon Johnson.

The boys credit their on court chemistry to their success. The team’s chemistry was at an all time high during the tournament, propelling the into the state championship and ultimately winning it for Alta.

They also give credit to the amazing student section that supported them game after game and really showed up for the state tournament. Senior Lucy West loves the games. “The unity of everybody cheering together as a school for our team is really powerful,” West said. “Sports provides a great atmosphere where our school comes together and support each other.”

Looking to next year, Carter Goodfellow is already excited. “Winning state is a dream come true,” he said. “Going back to back would be unreal, and we can do it.”