2008-09 results (20-4, 10-4)

Dec. 1 – HUNTER (W 64-52)
Dec. 5 – WOODS CROSS (W 64-62)
Dec. 12 – LOGAN (W 63-60)
Dec. 19-20 – at Cedar City tourney
vs. Centennial, Nev. (W 60-47)
vs. Hurricane (W 57-43)
Dec. 30 – CLEARFIELD (W 52-39)
Jan. 6 – COTTONWOOD* (W 83-56)
Jan. 9 – at Murray* (W 60-57)
Jan. 13 – at East* (W 62-56)
Jan. 16 – CYPRUS* (W 76-45)
Jan. 20 – at Olympus* (L 60-78)
Jan. 23 – HIGHLAND* (W 58-54)
Jan. 27 – at Granger* (W 60-37)
Jan. 30 – at Cottonwood* (W 54-46)
Feb. 6 – MURRAY* (L 59-61)
Feb. 10 – EAST* (W 74-55)
Feb. 13 – at Cyprus* (W 67-38)
Feb. 17 – OLYMPUS* (L 53-72)
Feb. 20 – at Highland* (L 57-62)
Feb. 24 – GRANGER* (W 60-43)
-----4A state tournament-----
March 3 - vs. Sky View (W 55-45)
March 5 - vs. Springville (W 54-52)
March 6 - vs. Olympus (W 44-36)
March 7 - vs. Provo (W 56-44)

* - Region 6 games. Home games in CAPS
2007-08 results (11-12, 7-7)

Nov. 21 - at Logan (L 60-64)
Nov. 30 - at Kearns (L 64-66)
Dec. 7 - at Hunter (W 42-30)
Dec. 11 - LEHI (W 47-40)
Dec. 14 - at Woods Cross (L 53-66)
Dec. 18 - at Clearfield (L 27-39)
Dec. 21 - TOOELE (W 69-54)
Jan. 2 - at Cottonwood* (W 62-33)
Jan. 4 - MURRAY* (W 46-44)
Jan. 8 - EAST* (W 62-56)
Jan. 11 - at Cyprus* (W 57-32)
Jan. 15 - OLYMPUS* (L 42-57)
Jan. 18 - at Highland* (W 34-33)
Jan. 22 - GRANGER* (L 58-66)
Jan. 25 - COTTONWOOD* (L 46-48)
Feb. 1 - at Murray* (L 53-67)
Feb. 5 - at East* (L 64-71)
Feb. 8 - CYPRUS* (W 57-44)
Feb. 12 - at Olympus* (L 61-53)
Feb. 15 - HIGHLAND* (L 51-54)
Feb. 19 - at Granger* (W 69-65)
-----4-A Play-in game-----
Feb. 22 - vs. Cottonwood (W 56-54)
----4-A state tourney-----
Feb. 26 - vs. Snow Canyon (L 54-76)
Region 6 standings


Olympus         13    1    .929      19    5    .792
Highland        11    3    .786      16    7    .696
West               10    4    .714      20    4    .833
Murray              9    5    .643      12  10    .545
Cottonwood      6    8    .429        6  15    .286
East                  5    9    .357        7  14    .333
Granger            1  13    .071        3  18    .143
Cyprus              1  13    .071        3  18    .143
WEST BOYS BASKETBALL - 2008-09
Region               Overall
W    L    Pct.       W    L    Pct.




















March 7 - West 56, Provo 44

Story of the game: Chris Barnes scored 17 points, and guard Tyrell
Corbin took over in the fourth quarter, with nine of his 14 points, as
West surprised Provo and claimed the 4A state championship trophy.

West's key moment: Barnes had the hot hand in the first half,
scoring 11 points (including three treys). But as Provo increased its
defensive pressure, it was Corbin who made the big baskets, and
the Panthers also were automatic at the free-throw line.

Provo's key moment: The Bulldogs trailed most of the first half, but
made a huge rally in the third quarter. Tanner Austin drained a couple
of three-pointers, and Kyle Collinsworth and Andy Isom got involved
as Provo took a 33-32 lead. Collinsworth finished with 17 points.

Statistical notes: West won the game by making free throws. The
Panthers were 23-24 from the line. Provo was just 6-14. The loss
ended Provo's 40-game win streak. The Bulldogs were two-time
defending state champions.

What we learned from this game: Provo coach Craig Drury said, "I
don't think we lost. We got beat. There's a whole lot of difference."
West won its first state basketball title since 1975.

Next: The championship game ends the season for all schools.

Links: All three local newspapers had reporters and photographers
at the game. To read the Deseret News story, click here. To read the
Salt Lake Tribune article, click here. To read the Provo Herald, click
here. To see the D-News photo gallery, click here. To check out the
Trib's photos, click here.


March 6 - West 44, Olympus 36

Story of the game: Chris Barnes scored 13 points and Tyrell Corbin
had 12 as West went on a 12-0 run late in the game and beat region
rival Olympus to advance to the 4A state championship game.

West's key moment: The Panthers trailed most of the game. With
the score 36-32, they held Oly scoreless the rest of the way. Barnes,
Corbin and Ricardo Saldana had big plays and West hit its free
throws to pull off the win.

Oly's key moment: The Titans couldn't beat West for a third time,
even though they dominated the first two games against the
Panthers. Oly played well enough to win, but never generated an
inside game this time. Corbin Green led with 11 points.

Statistical notes: West was 14-17 from the free-throw line; Oly was
just 2-4. Only four players scored for Oly. Joe Bourne and Will
Watkins were scoreless.

What we learned from this game: West realized it had to play a
different type of game to beat Oly because its game play the first two
times didn't work.

Next: West advanced to the state championship game for the first
time since 1975, where it will play unbeaten Provo March 7.

Links: Both Salt Lake newspapers had reporters at the game and the
Deseret News sent a photographer. To read the Deseret News story,
click here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune article, click here. To see the
D-News photos, click here.


March 5 - West 54, Springville 52 (2 OT)

Story of the game: Ricardo Saldana had the game of his career - 19
points, including 13-16 from the free-throw line - as West held off
Springville in double overtime to advance to the 4A semifinals.

West's key moment: The Panthers shot poorly and trailed most of
the game. Saldana led the comeback with a tip-in, two free throws
and a blocked shot late in the game, and then Chris Barnes hit a
basket to give West a three-point lead. Saldana finished with 19
points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots. This was probably his
best game of the season.

Springville's key moment: The Red Devils didn't fold. Dan Foster
rebounded a missed shot and fed Alex Mortensen, who scored at the
buzzer to force the first overtime. Mortensen had 24 points, while
Foster had 19 points and 17 rebounds.

Statistical notes: West was 25-44 from the free-throw line, although
Tyrell Corbin hit two key ones late that made the difference.
Springville was 13-16. Barnes finished with 13 points, and Corbin
had 10.

What we learned from this game: West won a game it could have
easily lost if not for big plays at serious times. With Saldana playing
well, West has a dominant force in the middle that could make the
difference.

Next: West will play Olympus in one 4A semifinal on March 6.
Springville finished the season 11-12.

Links: All three local newspapers had reporters at the game and the
Deseret News sent a photographer. To read the Deseret News story,
click here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune article, click here. To see the
Provo Herald, click here. To view the D-News photo gallery, click here.


March 3 - West 55, Sky View 45

Story of the game: Chris Barnes scored 19 points and West took
advantage of Sky View's poor shooting, pulling away in the second
quarter to claim the win in the opening round of the 4A state
tournament.

West's best moment: The Panthers started strong and led 19-16
after the first quarter, but then they outscored Sky View 11-2 in the
second period to claim a big halftime advantage. West had troubles
rebounding, but still held on to the win. Jordan Tanner added
10 points.

Sky View's best moment: Eric Berntson had a great night, scoring
20 points and pulling down 17 rebounds for the Bobcats, who shot
just 24.6 percent on the night. Afterward, some players said they
were always worried about having their shots blocked.

Statistical notes: Ricardo Saldana and Tyrell Corbin had off nights
offensively, but Corbin dished out seven assists and Saldana had a
couple of blocked shots.

What we learned from this game: West advanced to the second
round, becoming one of three Region 6 teams to move on. The
Panthers impressed some people with their performance.

Next: West will play Springville in one 4A quarterfinal March 5. Sky
View finished the season

Links: The Deseret News and the Logan Herald Journal had
reporters at the game. The D-News also sent a photographer. To
read the D-News story, click here. To read the HJ's story, click here.
To view the Salt Lake Tribune box score, click here. To see the
D-News photo gallery, click here.


Feb. 24 - West 60, Granger 43

Story of the game: Senior Ricardo Saldana had one of his best
games of the season, scoring 20 points, as West took care of
Granger on "Senior Night" and ended a two-game losing streak.

West's best moment: The Panthers started slowly, trailing 13-10
after the first quarter, but dominated after that. Tyrell Corbin added 15
points and West's defense - once again - throttled the visitors.

Granger's best moment: The Lancers did not have an inside game
and relied on the shooting of guard Tre Musgrow, who finished with a
season-high 23 points. Sophomore Alden Algic had six.

Statistical notes: West finished the regular season 9-2 at home.
Leading scorer Chris Barnes had just six points. West was 11-15
from the free-throw line; Granger was just 3-5. Algic had two
three-pointers for Granger.

What we learned from this game: It was necessary for West to win
this game to finish Region 6 in third place.

Next: West will play Sky View in the opening round of the 4A state
tourney March 3. Granger is done for the season.

Links: There was no local media coverage of this game. To read the
Deseret News brief, click here. To view the Salt Lake Tribune box
score, click here.


Feb. 20 - Highland 62, West 57

Story of the game: Latu Heimuli had a season-high 18 points and
joined Spenser Bowen for scoring honors as Highland moved into
second place in Region 6 with a thrilling home win over West.

West's best moment: The Panthers took a 14-10 lead in the first
quarter, and it was close the rest of the way. West had balanced
scoring, led by Chris Barnes with 18 points. Daniel Wray had 12
points and Tyrell Corbin 11.

Highland's best moment: Heimuli was a force inside, and had his
best game of the season. His play also opened the perimeter and
Highland buried seven three-pointers. Nate Fakahafua added 11
points.

Statistical notes: Barnes had all four of West's three-point baskets.
West was 13-18 from the free-throw line; Highland was 15-26.

What we learned from this game: West lost its second straight
game and must get back on the winning track. The Panthers must
win their season finale or they could drop to a No. 4 seed at state.

Next: West plays host to Granger on Feb. 24. Highland travels to East
the same night.

Links: There was no local media coverage of this game. To read the
Deseret News brief, click here. To view the Salt Lake Tribune box
score, click here.


Feb. 17 - Olympus 72, West 53

Story of the game: Corbin Green scored 20 points and Nicholas
Paulos and Connor Brady had 18 each as the Titans showed off
their hot outside shooting again and whipped West to capture their
third straight Region 6 championship.

West's best moment: The Panthers trailed 30-17 at halftime, but
rallied to get within six points before running out of gas. Daniel Wray
and Chris Barnes led West with 16 points apiece.

Olympus' best moment: The game was close through the first
quarter, but Olympus went on a 14-1 run in the second quarter to take
a big halftime lead. After West rallied, Oly poured it on in the final
quarter.

Statistical notes: Oly had eight three-pointers, led by Paulos, who
had four. West also had eight treys. West's Ricardo Saldana was
held to just five points, and fouled out in the third quarter.

What we learned from this game: Olympus ruined West's hopes of
getting back into first place. Now, the Panthers have dropped into a
tie for second and have another big game coming up.

Next: West goes to Highland on Feb. 20. Olympus plays host to East
the same night.

Links: Both Salt Lake newspapers had reporters and photographers
at this game. To read the Deseret News story, click here. To view the
Salt Lake Tribune article, click here. To check out the D-News photo
gallery, click here. To see the Trib's photos, click here. To see the box
score, click here.


Feb. 13 - West 67, Cyprus 38

Story of the game: Chris Barnes and Ricardo Saldana outscored
Cyprus by themselves, with 22 and 20 points, as West routed the
Pirates in a Region 6 game.

West's best moment: The Panthers led 34-22 at halftime, and then
blew the game open in the third period, outscoring Cyprus 18-4.
Daniel Wray added 13 points as West avoided an upset prior to its
big matchup against Olympus.

Cyprus' best moment: The Pirates stayed close in the first quarter,
but didn't have the offense to keep up with West. Weston Warr and
Marquis Newman had nine points apiece for Cyprus.

Statistical notes: West won the season series and beat Cyprus by
about 30 points each time. West G Tyrell Corbin scored just two
points, which was his season low.

What we learned from this game: It would have been easy for West
to look past this game, but they rolled to the easy win.

Next: West plays host to Olympus on Feb. 17. Cyprus travels to East
the same night.

Links: There was no local media coverage of this game. To read the
Deseret News brief, click here. To view the Salt Lake Tribune box
score, click here.


Feb. 10 - West 74, East 55

Story of the game: Ricardo Saldana, Tyrell Corbin, Chris Barnes and
Jordan Tanner all scored in double figures as West celebrated its
95th year of the West-East rivalry with a convincing Region 6 win.

West's best moment: The game was 16-16 after one quarter, but
West blew it open after that, taking a 38-25 halftime lead. The game
was played at West's preferred faster pace. Saldana was the top
scorer with 16 points.

East's best moment: The Leopards played tough in the first quarter,
but couldn't keep up after that. Scott Paulsen had 14 points, and
Christian Brown and Jeff Vargas had 11.

Statistical notes: East shot barely 50 percent from the free-throw
line. West swept the season series. The loss ended East's
two-game win streak. Both teams had five three-pointers.

What we learned from this game: West looked fine-tuned as its gets
closer to its rematch against Olympus next week. Each team
received awards from West's booster club regarding the long rivalry.
The teams will play in different regions next year.

Next: West plays at Cyprus on Feb. 13. East travels to Murray the
same night.

Links: There was no local media coverage of this game. To read the
Deseret News brief, click here. To view the Salt Lake Tribune box
score, click here.


Feb. 6 - Murray 61, West 59

Story of the game: Markus Duran scored 20 points, including a
three-pointer from the corner with one second left, to lift Murray to an
upset win over West, which dropped the Panthers out of first place in
Region 6.

West's best moment: The Panthers got a decent effort from its usual
crew, and Tyrell Corbin showed off his shooting ability with three
treys. Chris Barnes led West with 18 points. This was a tough loss,
but not a killer.

Murray's best moment: The Spartans trailed throughout the first half,
but pulled ahead at the end of the third quarter, setting up an exciting
finish. Murray hit nine three-point shots, including six by Duran. Ken
Masic added 15 points and John Hunt 10.

Statistical notes: Both teams didn't fare too well at the free-throw
line. Murray was 4-9; West 9-15. The game at Murray earlier this
season was also a close (60-57) game.

What we learned from this game: West didn't lose this game;
Murray won it. The two teams split their season series. This loss
actaully could help West in the long run.

Next: West travels to East on Feb. 10. Murray plays at Highland the
same night.

Links: There was no local media coverage of this game. To read the
Deseret News brief, click here. There was no report in the Salt Lake
Tribune.


Jan. 30 - West 54, Cottonwood 46

Story of the game: Tyrell Corbin scored 17 points, Chris Barnes had
13 and Ricardo Saldana 12 as West turned back Cottonwood in a
Region 6 game.

West's best moment: The Panthers led 25-16 at halftime. This
wasn't a perfect game by any means. West shut down certain part of
Cottonwood's offense, but could not bury the Colts because of its
poor free-throw shooting.

Cottonwood's best moment: The Colts tried to rally in the second
half. They hit seven three-point baskets, but couldn't cut into the lead.
Alo Moli played one of his best games of the season and led
Cottonwood with 22 points.

Statistical notes: West was 13-28 from the free-throw line;
Cottonwood was 7-11. Tyson Reynolds had 15 points for
Cottonwood, including three treys. Moli had two treys, too.  

What we learned from this game: It wasn't perfect, but it still was a
good win for West. The Panthers moved into a tie for first place
because Olympus lost. West has Oly at home Feb. 17.

Next: West plays host to Murray on Feb. 6. Cottonwood goes to East
the same night.

Links: There was no local media coverage of this game. To read the
Deseret News brief, click here. To view the Salt Lake Tribune box
score, click here.


Jan. 27 - West 60, Granger 37

Story of the game: Chris Barnes scored 18 points and West added
another scoring threat in Tyler Jackson as the Panthers whipped
Granger in a Region 6 game.

West's best moment: West jumped on Granger early. Playing on the
Lancers' home floor, the Panthers took a 17-7 lead after the first
quarter and were never threatened. Ricardo Saldana had 11 points
for West.

Granger's best moment: This was one of those rare occasions
where the Lancers played a team with as much - or more -
athleticism. Not sure this was a winnable game. Tre Musgrow had
10 points; T.J. Tapusoa had nine.

Statistical notes: West was 9-13 from the free-throw line; Granger
was just 3-9. Each team had five three-pointers.

What we learned from this game: This was another good win for
West. Despite being in second place, this team has the tools to go a
ways into the 4A tournament.

Next: West plays at Cottonwood Jan. 30. Granger takes on East at
home the same night.

Links: There was no local media coverage of this game. To read the
Deseret News brief, click here. To view the Salt Lake Tribune box
score, click here.


Jan. 23 - West 58, Highland 54

Story of the game: Tyrell Corbin scored 16 points and West took
advantage of a big foul differential to claim a key Region 6 win on its
home court over Highland.

West's best moment: The Panthers led most of the game, but it was
close until the end. West had the better perimeter game. Ricardo
Saldana added 13 points and Daniel Wray had 10.

Highland's best moment: The Rams had been getting good outside
shooting recently, but not on this night. Nate Fakahafua had a
season-high 22 points and Walker Jensen added 12, including a
pair of three-pointers.

Statistical notes: Highland's usual outside threats - Spenser Bowen
and Taylor Brightwell - had two points each. West hit 19-28 free
throws, compared to just 5-9 for Highland. Jordan Tanner has come
on recently for West; he had nine points, including two three-pointers.

What we learned from this game: By winning, West has sole
possession of second place. Highland dropped to third.

Next: West plays at Granger on Jan. 27. Highland returns home to
take on East.

Links: There was no local media coverage of this game. To read the
Deseret News brief, click here. To view the Salt Lake Tribune box
score, click here.


Jan. 20 - Olympus 78, West 60

Story of the game: Connor Brady scored 21 points and Corbin Green
had 20 as Olympus pummeled West with its perimeter shooting,
nailing 12 three-point baskets, in a Region 6 game.

West's best moment: The Panthers trailed most of the game, but
made a nice rally in the third quarter, keyed by several steals, that
narrowed the gap to six points. Tyrell Corbin led West with 21 points.
Chris Barnes had 16.

Oly's best moment: Oly led most of the game, but didn't really pull
away until the fourth quarter with a 26-point outburst. The victory
elated the home crowd because it put the Titans into sole
possession of first place.

Statistical notes: This was West's first loss of the season. Oly hit
26-41 (63 percent) from the field, while West was 25-56. Oly has
beaten five region opponents by an average of 16.8 points. Oly had
six different players nail three-pointers.

What we learned from this game: This was a tough loss, but it
shouldn't hurt West much. It's hard to go through the season
unbeaten. Instead, this will likely inspire the team.

Next: West takes on Highland at home on Jan. 23. Olympus travels
to East the same night.

Links: The Deseret News had a reporter and photographer at the
game. To read the D-News game story, click here. To view the Salt
Lake Tribune box score, click here. To see the D-News photo gallery,
click here.


Jan. 16 - West 76, Cyprus 45

Story of the game: Chris Barnes scored 24 points and led West's
fine-tuned offense to a convincing win over Cyprus in a Region 6
game.

West's best moment: The Panthers led 15-8 after the first quarter
and then 36-13 at halftime. Ricardo Saldana had 17 points, and
Jordan Tanner and Tyrell Corbin 12 each.

Cyprus' best moment: The Pirates were never in the game, but
played West pretty evenly in the second half. Marquis Newman had
12 points for Cyprus.

Statistical notes: Despite being so far behind, Cyprus made just one
three-point basket. West was 7-10 from the free-throw line. Cyprus
8-16. Barnes solidified his position as the region's leading scorer.

What we learned from this game: This was an easy victory for West,
which had to avoid looking ahead to next Tuesday's game against
Olympus.

Next: West travels to play Olympus on Jan. 20. Cyprus takes on East
at home the same night.

Links: There was no local media coverage of this game. To read the
Deseret News brief, click here. To view the Salt Lake Tribune box
score, click here.


Jan. 13 - West 62, East 56

Story of the game: Daniel Wray and Ricardo Saldana led a balanced
scoring attack with 16 points each as West blew out East with a big
third quarter and then hung on to claim the Region 6 win.

West's best moment: It was a close first half, with West taking a
26-24 lead into halftime. West outscored East 20-8 in the third
quarter. Chris Barnes added 14 points and Tyrell Corbin 13.

East's best moment: The Leopards had a nice fourth-quarter rally,
and this time Christian Brown got some scoring help. East outscored
West 24-16 in the final period. Jeff Vargas led with 17 points.

Statistical notes: Brown finished with 15 points for East, and Andrew
Williams had 12. The third quarter is proving to be West's most
dominant this season. Only six players scored for the Panthers.  

What we learned from this game: West stayed unbeaten and avoid
a potential pitfall in this rivalry game. Still, the Panthers are not way
ahead of everyone else, as this opponent played them close.

Next: West returns home to take on Cyprus on Friday (Jan. 16). East
has a home game against Murray the same night.

Links: There was no local media coverage of this game. To read the
Deseret News brief, click here. To view the Salt Lake Tribune box
score, click here.


Jan. 9 - West 60, Murray 57

Story of the game: Tyrell Corbin and Chris Barnes scored 17 points
each, but it was Tyler Jackson's three-pointer at the buzzer that lifted
West to a comeback victory over Murray in a Region 6 game.

West's best moment: The Panthers trailed 42-35 going in the fourth
quarter, but put together a nice rally that didn't end until Jackson's
shot. Daniel Wray had 12 points and Jackson eight as West stayed
unbeaten.

Murray's best moment: The Spartans' two-man scoring duo of John
Hunt and Markus Duran put on a show, especially in the first half.
Hunt finished with 24 points and Duran had 21.

Statistical notes: What happened to Ken Masic? He didn't score. Did
he play? Duran had five three-pointers and Hunt had four. Corbin had
a pair for West.

What we learned from this game: West avoids another potential
pitfall by winning in a tough place to play. The Panthers improve to
2-0 in region.

Next: West travels to play rival East on Jan. 13. Murray has another
home game against Highland the same night.

Links: The Salt Lake Tribune had a reporter at the game. To read the
Tribune story, click here. To read the Deseret News brief, click here.
To view the Salt Lake Tribune box score, click here.


Jan. 6 - West 83, Cottonwood 56

Story of the game: Chris Barnes scored a season-high 28 points as
West broke open a close game in the second half and went on to
rout Cottonwood in each team's Region 6 opener.

West's best moment: No doubt about it. The Panthers got a scare,
but the defense picked up and held Cottonwood to just 15
second-half points. West outscored the Colts 27-6 in the final
quarter. Tyler Jackson had a season-high 15 for West.

Cottonwood's best moment: The Colts played tough in the first half,
and held a 41-39 halftime lead. Raymond Chavez had 15 points and
Tyson Reynolds 13. Tim Glen helped out with nine points, all on
three-pointers.

Statistical notes: Barnes dominated the inside against the smaller
Colts. While Cottonwood hit eight three-pointers, West countered
with 10. Jackson had five treys by himself. Daniel Wray had 15 points
and Ricardo Saldana 12.

What we learned from this game: This was another example of
West not being able to show its dominance until the second half.
This game was closer than the score indicated

Next: West travels to Murray on Friday (Jan. 9). Cottonwood has a
home game against East the same night.

Links: The local media did not cover the game. To read the Deseret
News brief, click here. To view the Salt Lake Tribune box score, click
here.


Dec. 30 - West 52, Clearfield 39

Story of the game: Tyrell Corbin scored 16 points and Ricardo
Saldana had 15 as West broke open a close game late in third
quarter and buried Clearfield in a non- region game.

West's best moment: West had turnover problems most of the
first half and trailed 19-16. But the Panthers went on a 9-0 run late in
the third quarter, led by two Saldana dunks, and then hit their free
throws down the stretch.

Clearfield's best moment: The Falcons held on to the ball on
offense, and forced 13 first-half turnovers to hold the lead. The game
got away from them in the second half when the pace got too fast.
Alex Nelson led Clearfield with nine points.

Statistical notes: The Panthers hit 10 of 13 free throws. Corbin
showed his outside shooting for the first time with two treys. Chris
Barnes had 10 points for West.

What we learned from this game: West is unbeaten and coach
Lyman says that's good, and bad. West goes into the Region 6
season as the clear favorite, but now will get everyone's best effort.

Next: West starts region play when it hosts Cottonwood Jan. 6.
Clearfield goes to Viewmont Jan. 9.

Links: The Deseret News had a reporter and a photographer at the
game. To read the D-News story, click here. To view the Salt Lake
Tribune box score, click here. To check out the D-News photo gallery,
click here.


Dec. 20 - West 57, Hurricane 43

Story of the game: Chris Barnes scored 20 points and Ricardo
Saldana added 14 as West slowly built its lead and beat Hurricane in
a defensive battle at the Utah Summer Games Invitational at SUU.

West's best moment: West led 23-17 at halftime, but had its offense
working as the Panthers scored 34 points. Only five players scored
for West.

Hurricane's best moment: The Tigers are a good team. They have
plenty of athletes, which showed in football. Gordie Dotson led with
14 points. On defense, they made West work for their baskets.

Statistical notes: Jordan Tanner was West's outside scoring threat
with two three-pointers. Tyrell Corbin had nine points, as well as
plenty of assists. West hit 14-24 free throws.

What we learned from this game: The Panthers won two games
away from home. This was their first road trip this season. This could
be a special team.

Next: West is off until Dec. 30 when it plays host to Clearfield.
Hurricane has a home game against Richfield the same day.

Links: The St. George Spectrum had a reporter at the game. To read
the Spectrum story, click here. To read the Deseret News brief, click
here. To view the Salt Lake Tribune box score, click here.


Dec. 19 - West 60, Centennial, Nev. 47

Story of the game: Chris Barnes and Daniel Wray had season high
scoring totals as West jumped to a big lead, let it slip away, and then
rallied back to beat Las Vegas Centennial in the first round of the
Utah Summer Games Invitational at SUU.

West's best moment: The first and fourth quarters belonged to West.
The Panther got off to a big lead - 18-8. In the final period, West
outscored Centennial 19-6 to break the game open. Barnes had 24
points. Wray had 17.

Centennial's best moment: West led 31-22 at halftime, then
Centennial came back on a 21-10 run to take a one-point lead going
into the fourth quarter. But they couldn't hold on.

Statistical notes: The referees let the team's play. West was 6-10
from the free-throw line. Centennial was 3-4. West remained
unbeaten - at 4-0 with the win.

What we learned from this game: It's hard to say what this game
means because we don't really know how good Centennial might be.
The Panthers, though, remained unbeaten and have to be
considered one of the best Utah teams in 4A at this time.

Next: West takes on Hurricane in the second round of the tourney.
Centennial will play Davis.

Links: There was no local media coverage of this specific game of
the tournament. To read the Deseret News brief, click here. There
was no report in the Salt Lake Tribune.


Dec. 12 - West 63, Logan 60

Story of the game: Chris Barnes scored 21 points and the West
defense shut down Logan's final three-point shot attempt as the
Panthers improved to 3-0 with another home victory.

West's best moment: West led most of the game, although it was
tight. The Panthers' defense stuffed Omar McDade's three-point
shot and - once again - pulled out the close win.

Logan's best moment: McDade led Logan with 24 points, including
five three- pointers. He seemed to be the Grizzlies only outside
shooting threat. Jeff Manning added 14.

Statistical notes: Tyler Jackson backed up Barnes with 13 points.
Daniel Wray had 12. Jackson was West's outside shooting threat
with three treys.

What we learned from this game: West coach Bob Lyman said the
Panthers have a nasty habit of letting opponents back into the game
after they've taken a lead.

Next: West travels to Cedar City to play in a two-day tournament
there. Logan goes to Orem tonight (Dec. 13).

Links: The Salt Lake Tribune had a reporter and photographer at the
game. To read the Tribune story, click here. To view the Deseret
News brief, click here. To check out the Trib's photo gallery, click here.


Dec. 5 - West 64, Woods Cross 62

Story of the game: Chris Barnes scored 26 points and Tyrell Corbin
had 22, but it was Daniel Wray's basket with 2.5 seconds left that
lifted West to a big non-region win over Woods Cross.

West's best moment: West led most of the game, but Woods Cross
stayed close and finally rallied to take a one-point lead until Wray's
basket. He was also fouled on the play and it resulted in a narrow
win.

Woods Cross' best moment: Tyler Stahle led the Wildcats with 24
points and Jake West had 10.  Woods Cross was 3-1 last year in
games decided by three points or less. The Wildcats had a good
comeback in the fourth quarter, but fell just short.

Statistical notess: Both teams shot well from the free-throw line.
West was 12-15, while Woods Cross was 7-9.

What we learned from this game: A big win for West, which
remained on top of Region 6 and stayed unbeaten. It's also a good
win for the region, which had been 1-9 before Friday's play.

Next: West has another home game, taking on 4A power Bountiful
Dec. 9. Woods Cross, which plays four Region 6 teams this season,
travels to Layton Dec. 10.

Links: The Salt Lake Tribune had a reporter at the game. To read the
Tribune story, click here. To read the Deseret News brief, click here.
To see the Salt Lake Tribune's box score, click here.


Dec. 1 - West 64, Hunter 52

Story of the game: Chris Barnes started where he left off last
season, scoring 19 points (including two three-point baskets) to lift
West to convincing season-opening win over Hunter in a non-region
home game.

West's best moment: The Panthers took command from the start.
Helped by Barnes and sophomore point guard Tyrell Corbin, who
had 11 points, West claimed a 20-16 lead after one quarter and
extended it to 33-24 by halftime.

Hunter's best moment: The Wolverines stayed in the game. Helped
by A.J. Pataialii's 19 points, Hunter matched West's point total for
most of the second half. Hunter fell to 0-2 with the loss.

Statistical notes: West had a big advantage from the free-throw line,
hitting 19-28 charity shots, compared to 5-9 for Hunter. Ricardo
Saldana had 12 points for West. Jeff Poole added 14 for Hunter.

What we learned from this game: This was a good win for West.
The Panthers did not appear rusty in their opener, and that bodes
well for them as they prepare for Region 6 action.

Next: West has another home game Friday against Woods Cross.
Hunter hits the road again to play at Murray the same night.

Links: There was no local media coverage of the game. To read the
Deseret News brief, click here.
Salt Lake Tribune photo
West's Chris Barnes drives the lane between two Logan defenders.
Deseret News photo
West's Tyrell Corbin looks for a teammate to pass to during a fast
break in the Panthers' game against Clearfield Dec. 30.
Salt Lake Tribune photo
West's Daniel Wray tips in a missed shot in
their game against Murray Jan. 9.
Deseret News photo
Chris Barnes moves toward the basket for two of his 16 points
against Olympus.
Deseret News photo
West's Chris Barnes tries to find room against a couple of
Olympus defenders.
Coach Bob Lyman
Deseret News photo
West's Jordan Tanner dribbles the ball down court ahead of a
Sky View defender.
4A State Tournament
Championship
March 7

West 56, Provo 44
March 6

West 44, Olympus 36
Provo 53, Bountiful 34

March 5

Provo 39, Highland 32
Bountiful 57, Mountain View 44
West 54, Springville 52 (2 OT)
Olympus 51, Timpview 49
March 3

Timpview 59, Mountain Crest 52
Olympus 56, Orem 49
Springville 48, Snow Canyon 46
West 55, Sky View 45
Mountain View 69, Dixie 49
Bountiful 70, Cottonwood 44
Provo 57, Murray 39
Highland 66, Woods Cross 47
Deseret News photo
West's Chris Barnes and Corbin Green of Olympus
congratulate one another as the Panthers celebrate their 4A
state tournament win.
Deseret News photo
West players celebrate their victory over Olympus that put the
Panthers into the 4A finals.
Deseret News photo
Ricardo Saldana elevates high over a Springville defender to
score a basket.
Deseret News photo
Chris Barnes holds the state championship trophy as he and his West
High teammates celebrate their first basketball title in 34 years.
Deseret News photo
West coach Bob Lyman hugs junior David Wray as the
Panthers celebrate winning the 4A state title.
Salt Lake Tribune photo
Tyrell Corbin stares down a Provo defender.
4A STATE CHAMPS