Two Weeks of Summer Baseball

Timp Sports Weekly

June 29, 2011

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, we look at the last two weeks of how northern Utah County summer baseball teams have been faring. We're going to be looking at Utah Baseball Academy League play, two Timpanogos Colt League games, and two American Fork Pony League playoff contests. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

deanmemmott@hotmail.com

Awesome American Fork Cavemen Win 13-7 Over Cottonwood Ponies in 16-Under Division Game In UBAL Action

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

During a 16-under division game in the Utah Baseball Academy League June 25, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen posted a 13-7 win on the Murray field of the Cottonwood Colts, AKA the Ponies.

Spurredon by singles from Sean Hardman and Kody "Koko" Hall, the Awesome Cavemen took a 2-1 lead over the Ponies in the first inning. in the top of the second, Hardman singled in two runners during a three-run rally, improving American Fork's lead at 5-1.. In the third, a Hall single scored Skylar Mounteer. Singling in Zac Willis in the top of the fourth, Milo Abbot improved the Awesome Caveman lead at 7-1.

Doubling in the bottom of the fourth, Nate Gardiner scored on Hunter Smith's sacrifice groundout. American Fork kept Cottonwood from stampeding back during the fourth.

Advanced to third by Eli "Iza Comin'" Aubrey's one-out double, Mounteer scored on a Hall sacririce groundout. The Awesome Cavemen's 8-2 lead received big slashes in the bottom of the fifth. Singling in its bottom of half, Gavin Gurthrie, a "distant cousin" of folk singer Arlo Guthrie, came home on an American Fork error. Jake Marvo singled in another two runs to gas up a five-run rally that put Cottonwood within 8-7. Bubba Taveta grounded out before the Ponies could tie the game at eight.

On two outs during the top of the sixth, Alec Shulz singled in Hardman and moved Abbott to third. However, Koy Dibb struck out before the Awesome Cavemen could go on a rally. They held the Ponies scoreless in the bottom of the sixth.

With one out in the top of the seventh, Andy Bartholemew singled in Aubrey to start a five-run rally for the Awesome Cavemen. Hardman whacked another two-run single to give himself a total of four RBI's for the morning. Willis doubled Hardman in, then came home on an Abbott single.

Pitcher Willis walked Marvo in the bottom of the seventh. Marvo tried stealing second, but he got tagged while trying to steal back to first. That play helped to prevent the Colts from putting any runners on base in the bottom of the seventh.

Loners Drain Lehi 13-6 in UBAL Action June 24

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a June 24 game for the Utah Baseball Academy League's 17-under division, the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners, won the Lehi Pioneers' home field by a score of 13-6.

"They [Lehi] gave up three errors to us in the first inning, and we jumped on those things right away to take a 4-0 over them early," said Lone Peak Coach Guy Trowbridge.

AKA the Froggies, the Pioneers never could put together an effective hitting attack against the Loners during the game. Singles from Carson Kelshaw and Braxton Deveraux set the stage for the four-run rally. A Hunter Trowbridge sacrifice groundout scored Kelshaw, and after Braxton Barnes had gotten on base through an error, Tanner "Anvil" Smith singled in two runs, but got forced out at second. J.D. Spencer singled in a run to climax the rally.

In the bottom of the first, Tyson Webster and Andy Paul got on base through walks, but of those Froggies got stranded on base.

The top of the second saw Kelshaw singled in Justin Simpson, a "distatnt cousin" of TV's Bart Simpson. That was the only single that pitcher Cam "Tux" Lux let the Loners make that inning. In its lower half, Mitch "The Switch" Jeppson hit a two-out, solo homer over the right-field fence. After Taylor Nielsen had singled into left, Clint Christofferson grounded out.

With no scoring occurring in the third, the fourth saw the Loners hoping to profit from a Smith single hit into left. However, the Froggies kept Lone Peak from making any kind of gain from the hit.

In the bottom of the fourth, K.J. Griffith singled into right, and Andy Paul tripled him in on no outs. Paul soon came home on a Kade Evans sacrifice fly, sending Lehi hopping within 5-3.

Another extension of the Loner lead occurred in the fifth. In the top of it, Deveraux doubled in Kelshaw, then came home on a Hunter Trowbridge single. Catcher Nolan Padilla put out Trowbridge through a throw to second baseman Jeppson. Singles from Simpson and J.D. Spencer kept the Loner rally going. It climaxed with Casey Lundquist singling in a run. Lux answered that RBI by striking out Kelshaw.

Even though Nielson reached first on a Loner error in the bottom of the fifth, the Froggies couldn't make any runs that inning.

Singling at the beginning of the sixth, Barnes tripled in Deveraux., then home on a double fired by Jeremiah "Bullfrog" Van Dyke. Lehi answered those two Loner sixth-inning runs with two of its own. On the bottom of the sixth, Padilla stole home on one out, and an Evans sacrifice fly.

Singles from Simpson and Lundquist set the stage for the last Loner run of the night. Simpson scored it as shortstop Evans turned up a double play. Deveraux struck right afterwards.

Singling on one out at the start of the seventh's lower half, Jeppson soon came home on a Clint Christofferson double. Christofferson then came home on a Hazen "Purple Haze" Smith sacrifice groundout. Lehi's comeback effort collapsed through Webster flying out into center field.

Yankees Force 2nd Game in AFPL Championship Series Against Rockies

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Played at American Fork's Bus Manning Field June 23, the first game of the American Fork Pony League championship series saw the Yankees win 12-8 over the Rockies, forcing a second game, scheduled to be played June 27.

The first inning opened on a great note for the Rockies. Greyson Gramily singled in Kaleb Greening to open a six-run rally for the Rockies. They also got one-run singles from Louis "Lou" Figueroa and Chris Turners. Bridger "Mountain Man" Brooksby singled in another two runs for them.

On two outs in the bottom of the inning, Yankee Spencer Thomas singled in Jason Nelson. That was the only run that the Rockies let the Yankees make that inning.

The Yankee defense held the Rockies scoreless in the second and third innings. This achievement gave the Yankees a fresh chance for rallying back. Having come from behind to defeat the Pirates, the defending league champs June 22, the Yankees proved again in the bottom of the third that they were a hard time to hold in check. Singling at the start of the third's lower half, Jason Nelson stole home, stirring up a three-run rally, aided by Rocky errors. By the time the Rockies had shut down the rally, the Yankees had charged back wityhin 6-4.

Early in the fourth, Hunter Loveless homered in Brooksby to improve the Rocky lead at 8-4. Despite a Daman Carter single right afterwards, Brooksby's two-run homer failed to give the Rockies the momentum they needed for staying ahead.

On two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Parker Wimmer singled in a run to spark a five-run stampede that put the Yankees ahead 9-8. Taking over pitching duties in the top of the fifth, Dallin Searle, a cousin of Awesome American Fork Caveman baseball player Brock "Mutton" Lamb, held the Rockies scoreless through the rest of the night.

In the bottom of the fifth, Branden "Rambo" Frambro hit a one-run single, and the Yankees picked up two sixth-inning insurance runs on Branden Chambers sacrifice fly and a Jeremy Smith single.

Pirates Scuttle White Sox in AFPL Playoff Game June 16

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In an American Fork Pony League playoff game at Bus Manning Field June 16, the Pirates rebounded from a first-round loss June 14 to scuttle the White Sox 31-6 in a game that couldn't last beyond three innings, because of the Pirates' long rallies.

Pirate Coach Brian "Bucket" Parker said, "We hit it pretty good tonight. The Rockies beat us up 10-8 last Tuesday. We were ahead 10-2 at one point, but we fell apart in that game. It was great to see us do much better tonight."

Being the visiting team, the White Sox experienced frustration in making hits. They couldn't make any until the top of the third. By then, their effort to last another game had become a lost cause. In the top of the first, Harley Greiner was the only White Sox to get on base through a walk. The next White Sox walk occurred in the top of the second, when Zach Lelux got on base. Gunner Lamb produced the first White Sox hit of the game when he doubled into left, and he came home on a steal to produced a six-run rally.

The Pirates unleashed their murderous firepower in the bottom of the first. It opened with Colby "The Coaster" Frost doubling into left. Davis "Big D" Abbott doubled him and Hunter "Special K" Shemensky in to open a 14-run rally. During it, Dalton "D-Man" Nielson whacked a two-run, in-the-park homer. Shemensky and Hunter "Hornet" Hudson each doubled in two runs. The Pirates also got a one-run double from Chance "Seabiscut" Beasley and a two-run single from Nate "Gon" Ellison, and a one-run single from Russ "Red Bull" Carnagie.

Taylor "Huggie Bear" Reece's two-run triple sparked a 17-run rally for the Pirates in the second inning. Abbot hit another two-run double in the second to lead the Pirates with four RBI's for the night.

SF Dons Have Gay Old Time in Soaking Up 6-5 Win at Lehi

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Spanish Fork Dons had a happy time June 15 when they rowed in Lehi and posted a 6-5 win over the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, during a 17-under division game for the Utah Baseball Academy League.

The game's first 2 1/2 innings went down as a gay old time for Spanish Fork as the Dons scored all six of their runs in those rounds.

The game opened with Don Cam Money doubling off Hazen "Haze" Smith. The Don ran merrily home on a passed ball, and two-outs, Connor Johnson singled in Gentry Robinson.

In the bottom of the first, Lehi's Tyson Webster singled off pitcher Money, only to become ensnared in a double play turned up by shortstop Braxton Arygle. First baseman Johnson grounded out M'Kay Driggs, holding Lehi scoreless. The Froggies couldn't put any more players on base until the bottom of the third.

A Froggie error in the second inning allowed Morgan Nelson and Zach Slaymaker tear home. Robinson singled in Money to put the lead at 5-0. Logan Jensen doubled in Johnson in the third to conclude Spanish Fork scoring for the night. Spanish Fork's Jason Money singled in the top of the fourth, but got put out by catcher Terry Pxoton's throw to second baseman Cody Webb. The fourth saw Cort Nielsen single into left, but he picked off at first. Although Cam Money hit a one-out single in the seventh, he became stranded at third.

On two outs in the bottom of the third, Cole Christofferson singled in left, and a Smith single drove him home. That run began Lehi's comeback. Doubling in the fourht, Driggs came home on a Webb sacrifice fly. In the sixth, Driggs doubled in two runs, then came home on an Andy Paul single. Despite a Clint Christofferson single in the seventh, the Froggies couldn't catch up with Spanish Fork.

Ferocious Vikings Defeat Awesome Cavemen 1-0 in UBAL Season Opener June 13

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings won 1-0 on the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's home diamond in a June 13 season opener for the Utah Baseball Academy League's 17-under division.

The contest went down as an outstanding pitching duel between Awesome Caveman Danny Beddes and Ferocious Viking Tyler Harmon. Beddes fanned four Pleasant Grove hitters while Harmon scattered American Fork's five hits in the game.

It opened with Riley Erickson doubling off Beddes, who then struck out Bryce Jones and Bradon King. Right fielder Sean Hardman picked off a Harmon fly ball.

In the bottom of the first, Zach Willis and Beddes each hit a two-out single off Harmon, but a fielder's choice play at second kept American Fork scoreless.

In the second inning, Colt Sheriff singled on Beddes, but a throw from catcher Willis to second baseman Morgan "Mo" Flinders put the Ferocios Viking out. On two outs in the bottom of the second, both Ky Clayton and Hardman each singled, but they got stuck on base. After Tyson Heaps hit a one-out single for American Fork in bottom of the fourth, the Awesome Cavemen couldn't make any more hits for the night.

Getting on base through a fourth-inning walk, Erickson scored the game's only run through an overthrow past second. Though that was American Fork's only error for the night, it still proved to be fatal to the Awesome Cavemen.

"We played great defense tonight against a team that had finished second at the recent state tournament," said Ferocious Viking Coach Darren Henry. "Tyler threw tonight a total of 76 pitches, the number thrown in a bullpin. That's a great number to win a game within ."

PG Cardinals Defeat AF Yankees 11-2 in Colt League Play June 14

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Timp Colt League action at American Fork's Rotary Park June 14, the Pleasant Grove Cardinals defeated the American Fork Yankees 11-2.

Getting on base through a first-inning walk, Cardinal Wes Alder soon stole home. That was the only run of the inning.

In the top of the second, Penny Gassman tripled in two runs, then stole home, improving Pleasant Grove's lead at 4-0. Yankee Austin Smith produced a triple of his own in the bottom of the inning, but he got stuck on base.

With Matt Corsley doubling in a run in the top of the third, the Cardinals went on a four-run rally. It got answered in the bottom of the third when Josh Smith doubled in Jacob Ingerson and Carson Buckner. Josh's hit was the only time that American Fork could score runs in the game.

In the fifth, Alder doubled into left, and C.J. Stubbs singled him in. Stubbs came home on a Branson Carter double. Carter later got forced out at home.

AF Shuts Out Skyline Little Birdies 5-0 in UBAL 17-Under Division Play

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Utah Baseball Academy League action at American Fork June 20, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen posted a 5-0 win over the Skyline Eagles, AKA the Little Birdies, in a 17-under division game.

The Awesome Cavemen allowed the Little Birdies to make only one hit in the game. That hit was a Luke Meyers single slugged in the top of the second.

Stung by a first-inning double play, the Little Birdies couldn't put together an effective offense throughout the entire game.

Miles Abbot doubled in Zach Willis and Jeremy Reynolds in the bottom of the first. In the third, Willis doubled in B.J. Eldredge on two outs, then came home on a Reynolds single. Singling into left during the bottom of the fourth, Morgan "Mo" Flinders reeled in Beddes for the final Awesome Caveman run for the night.

American Fork ended the game by belting the Little Birdies with a double play.

American Fork Coach Corey Clayton said, "We turned up a couple of double plays that that stopped them cold, and we we came up with some timely hits that allowed us to win 5-0 tonight."

Jordan Plowboys Defeat Ferocious Vikings 11-10 in UBAL Play June 22

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Utah Baseball Academy League action at Jordan June 22, the Beetdiggers, AKA the Plowboys, Defeated the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings' 17-under division team 11-10.

With pitcher Tyler Swan allowing no Ferocious Viking to get on base in top of the first, the Plowboys got to enjoy securing the first lead in the bottom of the inning. Singling into left, Tanner Barr soon came home on Swan's two-out single.

Walked by Swan in the top of the second, Riley Erickson soon stole home, setting off a four-run rally for the Ferocious Vikings. All of the Viking runs that inning occurred through steals.

Singling in two runs in the bottom of the second, Augie Anderson sparked a seven-run rally for the Plowboys. They pulled ahead 5-4 on a two-run single hit by Al Fife, a "distant cousin" of TV's Barney Fife.

With Bryce Jones homering off Swan in the third, the Ferocious Vikings made a valiant comeback attempt. Braden Cox's singling Jake Barnhart during the third put Pleasant Grove within 8-6. Tanner Ogden's one-run double improved the Plowboy lead at 9-6, but in the fourth, Viking McKay came home on a Parker Bullock sacrifice fly to cut the lead to 9-7.

In the fourth's bottom half, Morgan "Mo" Gomez stole home, and Tanner doubled in run. Pleasant Grove didn't let the Plowboys make any more runs after the fourth. In the sixth, Erickson's two-run double sparked a three-run rally for Pleasant Grove, but the Ferocious Vikings couldn't catch up with Jordan.

Awesome Cavemen Defeat WJ Pussy Cats 8-3 In UBAL Play

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen Defeated the West Jordan Jaguars, AKA the Pussy Cats, 8-1 in a 17-under division game during Utah Baseball Academy League action at American Fork June 18.

The Awesome Cavemen held the Pussy Cats scoreless in the first three innings. American Fork got its first run when Ky Clayton singled in Jeremy Reynolds in the bottom of the second. In the top of the fourth, Zach Draper singled in Vigill Cruz to tie the game at one, and the Pussy Cats soon loaded on two outs. Before they could pull ahead, pitcher Clayton grounded out Danny Cruz. West Jordan couldn't score again until the seventh.

In the bottom of the fourth, Danny Beddes tripled in Willis, then stole home. On two outs in the fifth, Nate Andrus, Ursula Andrus' "distant cousin" singled in Alec Shultz, and in the sixth, Zac Haws hit a two-run single to spark a four-run rally that proved to be a life-saver for the Awesome Cavemen.

In the top of the seventh, Cord Briggs tripled into left, and he stole home. After Danny Cruz also stole home on two outs, first baseman Beddes grounded out Keaton Asay to win the game for the Awesome Cavemen.

AF Yankees Defeat PG Yankees 10-6 in Timp Colt League Play June 23

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Timp Colt League action at American Fork's Rotary Park June 23, the American Fork Yankees defeated the Pleasant Grove Yankees 10-3.

American Fork led the entire game. In the top of its first inning, American Fork's Josh Smith and Adam Tate each singled. After Smith stole home, Austin Smith doubled Tate in, and he came home on a Colt Hale single. Hale scored on a sacrifice fly.

In the bottom of the inning, Pleasant Grove cut the lead to 4-2 on one-run singles hit by Mitch Houston and Glenn Palmer. Suddenly Ashly Shulz hit into a double play that ended the inning.

Getting on base through a second-inning walk, American Forker Carson Buckner scored during a fielder's choice play at second. The third inning saw Hale and Kolton Healey each single in a run for American Fork. With the bases loaded on one out in the bottom of the third, Houston stole home. Pleasant Grove then loaded the bases. However, Shulz and Corby Johnson each struck out.

Getting on base through an fourth-inning error, Dan Ingerson soon stole home, setting off a four-run rally for American Fork, highlighted by Josh Smith's one-run single. In the bottom of the fourth, Hayden Sanderson singled in Hunter Cannon, setting off a four-run rally for Pleasant Grove. With Houston hitting into a double play, the rally soon shut down, ending Pleasant Grove's last real chance for victory.

Awesome AF Cavemen's 16-Under Team Defeat Riverton Silverpups 7-2 June 18

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Utah Baseball Academy League action at American Fork June 18, the Awesome American Fork Cavemen defeated the Riverton Silverwolves 7-2 in a 16-under division game.

American Fork Coach Mark Willis said, "Sean Hardman pitched really good all seven innings. We turned up four double plays that hurt them a lot."

American Fork scored a run in the first inning and another one in the third. During the fourth's top half, the Silverpups scored a run. Kody "Koko" Hall batted in a run for the Awesome Cavemen in the fourth's lower half.

With the Awesome Cavemen holding the Silverpups scoreless in the top of the fifth, the inning's bottom half saw American Fork get one-out singles from Hardman and Milo Abbot.

In the sixth's lower half, Jason Nebekker and Hall each singled into left. The son of former Awesome Cavewoman athlete Ali "Lamb Chop" Searle, Dallin Searle singled in Nebekker to start off a four-run rally. Hardman smacked a two-run single, then came home on an Abott double.

The seventh opened with Mason Harkin singling into left. After Trevor Peterson singled, American Fork sprung its fourth double play. Joe Barlowe singled in Peterson for the game's final run.

AF-PG Summer Baseball

Timp Sports Weekly

June 14, 2011

Publisher's Message

For this week's issues, we look at how the Awesome American Fork Cavemen and Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings fared in the recent preseason tournaments sponsored by the Utah Baseball Academy. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

deanmemmott@hotmail.com

Awesome Cavemen Have a Gay Old Time in Comback Win Over SF Dons in a UBAL Preseason Tournament Game

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen came from behind to defeat the Spanish Fork Dons 9-8 in a preseason Utah Baseball Academy League, 16-under division tournament game, played at American Fork June 7.

The Dons led for the first 5 1/2 innings of the game. It got off to a good start for Spanish Fork. In the top of the first inning, Hayes Hall got walked by pitcher Sean Hardman, a little brother of former American Fork volleyball player Jenny "Munchkin" Hardman. Jade Nielson doubled in Hall, then got homered in by Brady Bate. The Cavemen grounded out Brock Nelson and Trevor Perkins before the Dons could pick up additional runs in the first.

In the bottom of it Zach Willis singled into left, only to get nailed in a fielder's choice play at second. After Hardman had grounded out, Brock Lamb, a nephew of former Cavewoman soccer star Ali "Lamb Chop" Lamb Searle, singled in Zac "Hawsie" Haws. Getting on base through a walk, Alec Shultz anticipated getting batted in, but he saw the first inning end with Koy Dibb striking out.

Spanish Fork loaded the bases on one out in the second, and Nielson hit a three-run double. He got out, though. The Dons' 6-1 lead received a big slash in the bottom of the second. A "distant cousin" of Hollywood star Bud Abbot, Milo Abbot got on base through a walk, and he advanced to third on an Eli "Iza Comin'" Aubrey single. Ursulsa Andrus' "distant cousin" Ryan Andrus singled Abbot in. Willis hit a two-run triple to cut the Don lead to 6-5. Despite a Haws single, Willis got stuck at third. The Awesome Cavemen then got held scoreless until the bottom of the sixth, despite an Abbot single in the fourth.

Doubling into right during the top of the third, Bennett Bradford soon scored on American Fork error. The Cavemen didn't let that mistake come back to haunt them further. They held the Dons scoreless until the seventh.

Despite experiencing setbacks like a Don double play in the fifth, the Awesome Cavemen did not give up. They finally pulled ahead in the sixth. On one out in the bottom of it, Dibb tripled in Lamb and Shulz. Abbot doubled in Dibb to put the Cavemen ahead 8-7.

On two outs in the seventh, Nick "Mr." Roberts singled Coop Thorpe to tie the game at eight. The game stayed deadlocked until American Fork had two runners on base in the bottom of the seventh. Haws singled in Andrus to win the game.

AF 17-Under Team Bests Spanish Fork 13-3 in UBAL Preseason Tournament Game

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

June 14 didn't go down as a gay old time for the Spanish Fork Dons' 17-under division team. In a UBAL preseason game at American Fork, the Awesome Cavemen defeated the Dons 13-3 in a six-inning affair.

Pitcher Danny Beddes held the Dons scoreless in the first five innings, allowing only three hits during those rounds. Andy Perkins singled off Beddes in the top of the first, only to get stranded on base. Collin "Hollywood" Argyle produced a fourth-inning single for the Dons, and they saw Casey Reynolds single off Beddes in the fifth. However, none of those three singles could produce runs for the Dons.

Meanwhile, the game turned into a lopsided win for the Awesome Cavemen. On two outs in the bottom of the first, Zac Willis got on base through an error, and Beddes singled him in. When American Fork loaded the bases in the bottom of the third, Jeremy Reynolds, a son of former Bad Old Brighton Putty Tat Jason Reynolds, singled B.J. Eldredge in. Pitcher Andy Perkins answered that RBI by striking out Tyson Heaps.

The score stayed at 2-0 until the bottom of the fifth. Zac "Hawsie" Haws singled in Cade Hill, a "nephew" of TV's Hank Hill, to begin a long rally. Beddes homered in three runs, and on one out, Morgan "Mo" Flinders hit a one-out, one-run single into right. American Fork picked up two runs on a passed ball.

Spanish Fork finally got onto the scoreboard in the top of the sixth. The Dons picked up their three runs that inning courtesy of singles hit by Perkins, Argyle, and Kaden "Rockwell" Porter. In the bottom of the sixth, Zac Willis doubled in Eldredge to begin a four-run rally that ended the game in the sixth.

American Fork Coach Jay Holmstead said, "In both of our games today, our guys played with a lot of hunger. We wanted to bounce back from our loss to Bingham in the state championship game last week."

Awesome AF Cavemen Geld Cottonwood Ponies 6-2 in UBAL Preseason Tournament Game

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In UBAL preseason tournament game at American Fork June 8, the Awesome Cavemen's 17-under division team gelded the Cottonwood Colts, AKA the Ponies, 6-2.

Cottonwood got onto the scoreboard first during the top of the opening inning. Beaned by a pitch, Marty "Chag" Chaganovich stole his way around to third base. A great-grandson of a Yugoslavian immigrant who came to this country at age 14, Chag soon stole home. The Awesome Cavemen didn't let let the Ponies pick up another run until the fourth.

On one out in the bottom of the first, Danny Beddes singled in Zach "Hawsie" Haws for a tying run. The top of the second saw Ponies Sam Rickman and Mark Sulurio each slug a single, only to see American Fork spring a double play that retired Cottonwood to the field.

With Morgan "Mo" Flinders doubling in the bottom of the second, American Fork picked up two runs through singles hit by Ky Clayton and Cade Hill. On two outs in the third, Tyson Heaps doubled in a run, but got tossed out at third while attempting to turn his hit into a triple.

In the fourth's top half, Rickman singled in a run, but the Cavemen didn't let the Ponies score any further. Though stung by a double play in the bottom of the fourth, American Fork still picked up two runs through a Hill triple and an Andrus single.

From the fifth inning off, the game went down as a defensive battle. It ended with shortstop Jeremy Reynolds turning up a double play.

American Fork Coach Jay Holmstead said, "Cottonwood is one of the toughest teams in the state. When you beat them, you know you're definitely having a good day. We pitched pretty good against them. We made great defensive plays that they gave us."

Lone Peak Loners Defeat Ferocious Vikings 15-13 in UBAL Preseason Tourney Game

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

AKA the Loners, the Lone Peak Knights managed to round up only nine players for their 17-under division game at Pleasant Grove June 9. Still, the Loners won 15-13 over the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings in the preseason contest.

Ferocious Viking pitcher Tyler Harman held the Loners scoreless in the top of the first, despite a center-field double hit by J.D. Spencer.

Hitting a left-field single in the bottom of the first, Riley Erickson came home on a Bradon King triple that started a three-run rally for Pleasant Grove. During the rally, Jake Barnhart doubled in King, then came home on a single from Colt Sheriff, a grandson of former softball sensation Larry Sheriff.

Pleasant Grove didn't get to enjoy its lead for long. A nephew of former Caveman pitcher Dale "Grand Slam" Deveraux, Braxton Deveraux singled into left at the start of the second, and the Loners soon loaded the bases on no outs. Casey Lundquist doubled in two runs and Carson Kelshaw tripled in another two. Jeremiah "Bullfrog" Van Dyle singled Kelshaw in.

Pleasant Grove clipped the Loners' lead to 5-4 through Erickson singling in Parker Bullock.

The Vikings pulled ahead 6-5 on King's two-run single in the fourth. Harman singled in King to improve the Viking lead at 7-5.

Van Dyke doubled in Kelshaw to open a four-run rally for the Loners in the top of the sixth. Pleasant Grove erased Lone Peak's 11-7 lead during a six-run rally started by Erickson's one-run triple in the bottom of the sixth. During the rally, Barnhart hit a two-run homer that Pleasant Grove hoped would put the game away. That home run could not do that, though.

A "cousin" of TV's Bart Simpson, Justin Simpson singled in two runs in the top of the seventh, sparking another four-run rally that caused Pleasant Grove to go through a series of pitchers. In the bottom of the seventh, Erickson singled in Zack Hicken, but the Loners didn't let the Vikings go on another long rally.

Loner Coach Brandon Deveraux said, "After having played PG so often, we knew their plays. What we did was come up with big hits that made it possible for us to keep coming back into the game."

Ferocious Vikings Defeat Layton Stickers 7-1 in Final Day of Pool Action of UBAL Summer Tournament

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Although they didn't make it to the single-elimination part of the Utah Baseball Academy League's preseason summer tournament, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings did win 7-1 over the Layton Lancers' 17-under division team on June 10, the final day of pool play at Pleasant Grove.

AKA the Stickers, the Lancers could get any hits off pitcher Braden King until the third inning. By then, King's pitching had allowed the Ferocious Vikings to build up a 6-0 lead.

In the bottom of the inning, King scored on an infield error as Jake Barnhart stole to second. Layton didn't let the Ferocious Vikings score again until the bottom of the second. Its lower half opened with Zach Hicken homering over the center-field fence, nicknamed the Blue Monster.

"Tonight was the first time in five years that I saw someone hit a home run over the Blue Monster," said Ferocious Viking Coach Darren Henry. "Hicken had his best hitting game of the season tonight. He had both that incredible homer and a double.

On two outs, Bryce Jones homered in three runs. Although Tyler Harman flew out to center fielder McKay Burton soon afterwards, Pleasant Grove continued gaining momentum.

In the top of the third, Burton singled in Quinton Marcellin. That was the only RBI King let the Stickers have. Striking out two batters in the fifth, King kept Layton from profiting from a Weston "Mr." Hyde single hit into left. He also kept Marcellin standed on base after giving up a single to him in the seventh.

Meanwhile, in the bottom of the fourth, Hicken doubled into left, and he came home on a Riley Erickson sacrifice fly. Erickson singled Aiden Newanswander in the bottom of the sixth to complete the game's scoring.

State Track Meet

Timp Sports Weekly

May 31, 2011

Publisher's Message

For this week's issue, our cover story will be about the Awesome American Fork Cavemen's taking second at state, in spite of having just five young men involved in the affair. The story will also deal with how the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings, Lone Peak Knights (AKA the Loners), and Lehi Pioneers (AKA the Froggies) faired at the meet. We will also look at prior track meets that the Awesome Cavemen and Cavewomen competed at. We will also have a story about the Loners' Memorial Day weekend game against the Riverton Silverpups. Let's run straight to those stories. We will also look at the Froggies' soccer win over the Westlake Thunder, AKA the Shockers.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

deanmemmott@hotmail.com

Awesome AF Cavemen Take 2nd at State 5-A Track Meet

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Taking just five Awesome Cavemen to the state track meet at Brigham Young Unversity during May 20-21, American Fork took second.

American Fork Coach Art Taylor said, "We figured that Davis would beat us by 40 points, but it was amzing that they beat us by only five points.. Earlier in this meet, Timo [Mostert] started adding up the points, and he said we were in first place. We stayed ahead of Davis for a while. It was not the relays that Davis finally passed us. We had hoped that our relay teams would win first-places for us, so we could take state. None of our relay teams won, though."

American Fork took eight in the boys' 400-meter run. Lone Peak took fifth in the 5-A girls' 400-meter relay. Lehi took ninth in the 4-A girls' 400-meter relay.

American Fork took seventh in both the girls and boys' 1,600-meter relay. American Fork came quit close to winning the boys' medley relay, but arch rival Lone Peak's anchor pulled ahead to give his team state medley relay title by one second. American Fork finished second.

Lone Peak Coach Misty "Windy's Blackmailing Sister" Asay said, "The lineup we had for our medley relay team was completely different from the one we had at region. Today's medley relay was all mental. Our guys wanted it more than AF did, and they won it."

American Fork still produced a double state champion: Austin West. In May 20 action, he won the boys' 1,600 and 3,200. He also finished fifth in the boys' 800-meter run. He said, "This was my best meet. I set a new state record in the 1,600."

Pleasant Grove finished seventh in the boys' medley relay.

In the boys' 1,600, West's teammate Clayton Young took third and Ferocious Viking Haven Shelton fifth. Shelton went on to finish second in the boys' 800, in which he led Dayis' Brad Nyel until the last 100 yards, when that Davis Dart passed him by to win the state title. Shelton said, "I have a lot of respect for Nye and West. They're good competitors. With me being a junior, this meet has given me the kind of experience that I'll need for next year."

Viking Kendra Richardson finished second in her girls' 800-meter heat and seventh over all. She said, "I felt that I did pretty good. I got to race against a lot of fast girls. I finished fourth at region."

Among other locals who competed in the boys' 3,200-meter run, Young took second, Steve Morin of Long Peak took third, Mac Morrison of American Fork sixth, and Awesome Caveman Asherne Richardson seventh.

Lone Peak Loner Brendon Strassen took sixth in the boys' javelin. Loner

Awesome Caveman Danny Keller took fourth in the boys' high jump and seventh in the boys' 400-meter run. Teammate Cole Odle took sixth in the boys' 400-meter run. Lone Peak's Corrie Lamoreaux took ninth in the girls' 400-meter race.

Ferocious Viking Skylar Monson took third in the boys' long jump. Ferocious Viking Alex Compton took ninth in the boys' 200-meter dash and 12th in the boys' javelin.

Loners Defeat Riverton Silverpups 12-4 in Memorial Day Weekend Tournament

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

After losing their state 5-A pennant a few days earlier, the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners, demonstrated that they could bounce back from heartbreaking experiences, to win games. That proved to be so on May 28 when they defeated the Riverton Silverwolves, AKA the Silverpups, 12-4 in a Memorial Day weekend tournament game at Orem's Timpanogos High, home of the Timberwolves, AKA the T-Pups.

The Loner-Silverpup game turned out to be a race against the weather. With dark gray clouds drifting over to the Utah County side of the Wasatch Mountains, questions arose over whether the Loners and Silverpups would be able to get their game in before a nasty rainstorm would set in. Although scheduled for 3:30 p.m., the game had pushed 30 minutes back because of the lateness of the Timpanogos-Wasatch game. It saw the Wasatch Wasps, AKA the Bugs, lead the T-Pups 4-1 until the top of the fifth, when Timpanogos scored 11 runs to win the game 12-4.

When the Riverton-Lone Peak game finally got underway, it gave a sneak peek at how tight games between the two schools could turn out to be when Lone Peak and Riverton would be squaring off against each other in the new league that the Utah High School Activities Association had assigned them to.

In the top of the first, Riverton pitcher Tony "Stormy" Harris caused leadoff hitter Carson Kelshaw to fly out to left fielder Matt Crook. Although Harris bean No. 2 hitter Hunter Trowbridge, shortstop Mick "The Quick" Jomes turned up a double play that held the Loners scoreless in the opening inning.

During the bottom of it, E.J. Lind's two-out double drove in Matt Davidson for the first Silverpup run. Jones singled in Lind, only to see teammate Taylor Wittenbaugh ground out.

The second inning opened with Harris walking Riley Otteson. The walk quickly turned out to be a blessing for the Loners. After third baseman Davidson had grounded out Justin Simpson, a "distant cousin" of TV's Lisa Simpson, Jeremiah "Bullfrog" Van Dyke, a "cousin" of actor Dick Van Dyke, singled in Otteson. Advanced into scoring position by Neil Burraton's left-field single, Tanner "Smitty" Smith singled Van Dyke in. Braxton Devereaux slugged a single, only to become snagged in a double play that prevented the Loners from pulling ahead in the second.

In the bottom of the inning, Braxton Jackson doubled into left, and Ryan "Mr. Giant" Bryant singled him in. The Silverpups' second lead didn't survive the third inning.

During the top of it, Braxton Barnes and J.D. Spencer's singles set the stage for a Loner takeover of the lead. Trowbridge doubled in Barnes. Spencer tried coming home on the same hit, but the Silverpups nailed him in a squeeze play. Parker Kinkade hit a two-run homer that tipped the Loners ahead 5-3. On one out in the bottom of the inning, Lind singled in Harris, then advanced into scoring position on a Wittenbaugh, two-out single. Lone Peak kept the Silverpups from capitalizing on that hit.

In the fourth, Simpson whacked an in-the-park homer which unleashed a six-run rally for the Loners. The rally saw Barnes and Kelshaw each double in a run. Beginning in the bottom of the fourth, Lone Peak held Riverton scoreless for the rest of the game.

In the sixth, Devereaux doubled into left during one out, then came home on Spencer's two-out single, concluding Loner scoring for the game. During the bottom of the sixth, Riverton got singles from Josh Layson and Lars Olsen, a "cousin" of the character Jimmy Olsen of the Superman comic book. Both Silverpups got stranded on base.

Soon after the game, the clouds unleashed a downpour. For Riverton, it was something that had occurred too late.

Lehi Froggie Soccer Team Win Region 7 Title During May 7 Showdown Against Westlake

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

AKA the Froggies, the Lehi Pioneers won their fourth straight Region Seven soccer title during a league finale at home against the Westlake Thunder, AKA the Shockers. Lehi flooded away its arch rival by a score 1-0.

The game went down as a contest to see which school had the most awesome defense for the night. Both squads put forth such a strong defensive effort that fans had to wonder if any scoring would occur at all. Unlike in baseball, spectators come to soccer games, expecting to see breathtaking offense. What they saw at the game was a series of frequent steals by both teams.

Froggies like Zach Stanley and Wes Crump produced steals that kept Lehi on the Shocker end of the field for most of the game. Jake Curl came up with some kicks that enabled the Shockers to penetrate deep into Lehi territory. However, Froggie goalie Taylor Watkins did not let a single Shocker shot fly past him during the entire night.

The game's outcome got decided shortly before halftime. After Lehi had failed to score on a corner kick, Logan Cottle rebounded the ball, then dribbled it over to the Shocker left wing. Cottle connected a cross to Cade Ramos, who then booted in a goal. It was the only one that goalie Giorgi Pitta gave up. That shot was enough to give the Froggies something to croak joyfully about after the game.

Lehi Coach Jerry Prisendorf said, "This is our fourth straight region championship. Westlake is a tough team. They gave Provo a big scare recently. We beat them with really good defense."

Two week after Lehi had taken down Westlake, the Froggies' ended unhappily -- no, make that unhoppily. In the octafinals of the state playoffs, the Mountain Crest Mustangs, AKA the Ponies, galloped into Lehi and dried up the Pioneers 2-0, ending their year-long reign as state 4-A champs.

Awesome Cavemen Win Boys' Division at Utah County Invitational

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavemen won the boys' division of the Utah County Invitational, hosted by Timpanogos, April 9.

American Fork boys' coach Timo Mostert said, "This is the first time we've won this invitational. The boys ran really well today."

Awesome Caveman Austin West won the boys' 1,600-meter run. In the boys' 3,200-meter run saw Awesome Cavemen Clayton Young finish second, Ashnafe Richardson fourth, and Mac Morrison fifth.

Ferocious Pleasant Grove Viking Haven Shelton won the boys' 800-meter run. He said, "My win today qualified me for the state. I had a close race against AF's Clayton Young, a friend of mine. He led me for a final little, but after the final turn in the race, I went out in front of him as hard as I could. "

In the girls' 800-meter run, Awesome American Fork Cavewoman Morgan Warner took second and Ferocious Viking Kendra Richardson took fifth. Richardson said, "I think I did good enough to qualify for state. I won first in my heat, but I finished fifth overall. These girls I ran against were super fast. I have respect for them."

In the boys' 400-meter run, Awesome Cavemen Cole Odle took first and Dan Keller second. Pleasant Grove's Blake Ellis finished seventh in the boys' 400-meter. Ferocious Viking Alex Compton took second in the boys' 100-meter dash.

Lehi took third in the boys' 400-meter relay and fourth in the boys' medley relay. Lehi's Jackie Heaps took sixth in the girls' 3,200-meter run. Lehi finished seventh in the girls' medley relay.

Warner also took fourth in the girls' 1,600-meter run. American Fork girls' coach Bruno Hunziker said, "For Morgan to place second in the 400 and forth in the 1,600, that was quite an accomplishment for a mid-distance runner. I was pleased with ninth-grader Diane Leach, who posted a personal best of 12:15 in the girls' 3,200. Though she didn't earn points for us, her posting that time was pretty good."

Among other finalists in the girls' 400-meter dash, Westlake had Danya Morin take third, Lilly Keel fourth, and Katie Cease sixth. In the girls' shot put, Westlake Shockers Noelani Jackson took second and Eve Manumalena seventh.

Lone Peak Loner Billy Musselman won the boys' pole vault, which saw Caveman T.J. Bishop finish third. The Loners' boys' medley relay team took first. In the boys' high jump, Awesome Caveman Brendan Flannery took eighth. American Fork's LesMarie Purcell took third in the girls' discuss, which saw Lehi's Bianca Guas finish sixth.

In the girls' high jump, Awesome Cavewoman Taylir Garrison took second and Loner Chanel Turner eighth.

Spring Sports 2011

Timp Sports Weekly

May 3, 2011

Publisher's Message

Sorry about the long delay in presenting new postings of this sports blog. With my work schedule and some other distractions, I have not been able to provide you with some up-to-date accounts from the world of northern Utah County sports. For this issue, I will make it up to you readers with presenting you accounts of recent sporting events I have been able to catch. They included some baseball games, two softball contests, two lacrosse matches, three soccer games, and two track meets. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

deanmemmott@hotmail.com

Awesome AF Cavemen Drop April 12 Game to Alta Tweeties

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Region Four baseball game at American Fork April 12, the Alta Hawks, AKA the Tweeties, shrieked past the Awesome American Fork Cavemen 9-4.

The Tweeties led the entire game. In the top of its first inning, Tweeties Mark Cavaness came home on a Cole Meyers single. Pitcher Blake Brailsford did not let the Tweeties make any addition runs that inning. Brailsford's work allowed the Awesome Cavemen to tie the game at one in the bottom of the inning. Slugging a double into left, Zac Johnson came home on a right-field single whacked by Nate "The Load the Dishwasher" Pitcher, who soon got ensnared ina double play.

With Brailsford walking Colt "Big Slash" Nash in the top of the second, R.T. "Mr. Thorn" Rose hit a two-run homer. American Fork tried recovering from it, but the Tweeties held them scoreless in the second and third innings, despite Robinson slugging a single in the bottom of the third.

Though Brailsford held the Tweeties scoreless in the third, they picked up two runs in the top of the fourth via one-run singles fired by Cavaness and Myers. Those two RBI's cost Brailsford his job at the mound. Awesome Caveman Coach Jarod "The Prankster" Ingersoll had Jeremy Reynolds take over at the mound. The reliever grounded out Beau Kallas, a "distant cousin" of late film actor Charlie Kallas, to retire the Tweeties to the field.

Through two walks and a Jake Miles single, the Awesome Cavemen loaded the bases on one out in the bottom of the fourth, giving them a chance to turn the game around to their favor. A Danny Beddes sacrifice fly scored Zach Willis, and B.J. Eldredge singled in Miles to cut the Tweetie lead to 5-3. American Fork again loaded the bases when Robinson got beaned by a pitch. Before the Awesome Cavemen could rack up additional fourth-inning runs, Pitcher grounded out.

The fifth opened with Reynolds striking out Tweeties Ryan Relf and Dakota Walbeck. Just as the inning's top half appeared over, Nash singled off the pitcher. The Tweeties quickly came home on an error as Rose got on base. Brinton Wren doubled in Rose, then came home on a Davis Braxton single. After walking Cavaness, Reynolds struck out Meyers. The strikeout coild not undo the damage done by the three fifth-inning runs. The Tweeties intensified the damage by holding the Awesome Cavemen scoreless in the bottom of the fifth.

Reynolds opened the sixth by striking Kallas. Relf singled into left, only to get run down in a squeeze play in between first and second. Shortstop Pitcher grounded out Walbeck to hold the Tweeties scoreless in the sixth.

In the bottom of it, Reynolds got on base through an error. Before it could do them serious damage, the Tweeties slugged the Aweesome Cavemen with a double play. Beddes set the stage for a fourth Caveman run through singling into right. With Eldredge getting on base through an error, Robinson singled Beddes in.

The next inning, Nash tripled into left, and Rose singled him in. Replacing Reynolds at that point, Kyle Wright didn't let the Tweeties make any more runs. American Fork attempted to make a strong rally during the bottom of the seventh. Singles from Ty Flinders, Willis, and Reynolds gave Awesome Caveman fans hope that their team could save itself from a heartbreaking home loss. However, the game ended with Cousin Ryan Draper striking out before the Awesome Cavemen could score any seventh-inning runs.

Ferocious PG Vikings Make Short Work of Awesome AF Cavewomen

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings made short work of the Awesome American Fork Cavewomen in an April 11 softball game at Pleasant Grove. The Ferocious Vikings obliterated the Awesome Cavewomen 19-0 in three innings.

Viking pitcher Angie Mikalauski threw a no-hitter in that game. She walked only two Cavewomen: Lexi Morris and Nia Harper. Both of those American Fork players got on base in the top of the first. After that inning, Cavewoman scoring hopes evaporated.

In the bottom of the first, Mikalauski hit a two-run bomer to spark a 10-run rally for the Ferocious Vikings. The next inning, Robyn Jeserick walloped a three-run double during a nine-run rally that doomed American Fork.

In the top of the third, Mikalauski struck out Stephanie Berchick. Morris flew out to right, and Jessica Hamilton grounded out.

Pleasant Grove Coach Jim Clark said, "The girls put in some good swings today. They came up with big hits in the first two innings. Chicks dig long balls.

"Angie struggled a little bit in the first inning, but she found her strike zone, and she didn't give up any hits.

"Today's game was supposed to have been played at AF, but after she had looked at the field this morning, American Fork's coach and I agreed at 10 a.m. to move the game over to here."

Vikings Drop N0n-League Softball Game at West Jordan April 13

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a make-up, non-league softball game at West Jordan April 13, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings received a hard drumming from the West Jordan Jaguars, AKA the Pussy Cats. They shut out the Ferocious Vikings 10-0 in the six-inning game.

It opened with pitcher Brianna Ordinway striking out Ferocious Viking Lexi "Schoony" Schoonver. No. 2 hitter Lisa Castleberry singled into left, then tried stealing second. Sharp-eyed catcher Ashley Schnerzinger connected a throw to second baseman Annie Oliver to put the Ferocious Viking out. Ordinway struck out Jentri White to hold Pleasant Grove scoreless.

In posting a game total of six strikeouts, Ordinway did not let the Ferocious Vikings make any more hits until the top of the fourth. Meanwhile, the Pussy Cats began to turn the game into a shutout. During the bottom of the first, Brea Buckley hit a two-out homer off pitcher Angie Mikalauski. She held the Pussy Cat lead to 1-0 until the bottom of the third.

Aided by a Pleasant Grove error that inning, Markke Ashton doubled in Becky Ballard in on one out. After a Lyndsey Drake single had scored Ashton, the Pussy Cats loaded the bases. A Sherzinger walk scored Olver, and Ordinway singled in two runs, only to get pinched in a fielder's choice play during a third out at second.

Singles from Schoonover and White gave the Ferocious Vikings a chance at picking up runs in the fourth. After the Pussy Cats had pinched Schoonover in a putout at second, Castleberry grounded out to shorttstop Drake, and right fielder Kayla Baird picked off a Regan Weber fly ball.

Hit by Drake and Chelsea "Buffalo" Bills, two fourth-inning, one-run singles positioned the Pussycats in a spot to end the game early. The Ferocious Vikings didn't let the Pussy Cats score any runs in the fifth.

In the top of the sixth, Josie Walker singled into left, but got thrown out in a fielder's choice play at second after left fielder Ashton had snared a Calli Clark fly ball.

Sixth-inning singles from Drake and Ashton gave Viking fans strong reasons to be nervous. After Ashton had scored a run on an error, the Pussy Cats loaded the bases on one out. A Kenzie Culligan walked brought Drake home for the game-ending run.

Jayvee Game at Lehi Opens on Good Note for Highland, but Ends Baadly For Lambs

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a March 14 junior varsity game at Lehi, the Highland Rams, AKA the Lambs, got off to a great start through a seven-run rally in the first inning. However, the game ended on a baad note for the Lambs when the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, hopped back to shear them 14-7.

Walked by pitcher Cole Christofferson in the top of the first, Lamb Jon Olson soon scored the game's first run on an error. Olson later on hit a two-run double for the Lambs during the ensuing seven-run rally. Highland picked up additional runs on singles from Nick "The Sugarhouse Fury" Urie and Joe Algrin.

The Lambs' long rally could have smashed the Froggies' morale, but it did not, even though Highland held Lehi scoreless during the first two innings. In the bottom of the second, McKay Driggs slugged a center-field double for the first Froggie hit of the game, and he moved to third on a balk called against Highland. Even though Driggs became stranded at third, his double gave the Froggies faith that they could make further big hits off members of the Lambs' pitching staff.

In the third, the Lambs looked as though they would definitely butt the Froggies out of the game. Highland loaded the bases through singles from Big John Korhlelicker, Algurin, and Cole Childs. However, the Swampies kept Highland from making any runs that inning. It summed up what the Lambs had to endure through the rest of the game.

On one out in the bottom of the inning, Christofferson singled into left, and Tyson Webster doubled him in. The Lambs didn't let Froggies score again until the bottom of the fourth.

At the top of it, Highland got singles from Matt "Rowdy Roddy" Roddrick and Gregg Hopkins, a "distant cousin" of film star Tony "Silence of the Lambs" Hopkins. Lehi didn't let the Lambs make any runs that inning.

In the bottom of it, Andy Paul singled into left, and a Driggs, left-field double moved him to third. A Cody Webb sacrifice fly scored Paul. Driggs came home on a Highland balk.

Urie hit a one-out single in the top of the fifth, but Lehi kept him stuck on base. On two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Paul slugged a single that loaded the bases. Walks by Driggs and Webb soon produced two runs for Lehi.

Highland once more loaded the bases through sixth-innings slugged by Childs, Olson, and Hopkins. Just the Lambs were about to embark on another long rally. Hopkins got picked off at first, retiring Highland to the field.

In the bottom of the sixth, Kade Evans singled into left, and Christofferson doubled him in to start a nine-run rally. With their lead flooded away in that long rally, the Lambs attempted to come back in the seventh, but in spite of an Ephriam Shulte walk, Lehi held Highland in check.

Lehi Froggie Soccer Team Enjoying Strong Chance at Taking Region 7 Title

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

As they wind their final year of 4-A soccer, the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, are currently enjoying a strong chance of winning the Region Seven championship. They began region play with a 3-1 win at home against the Orem Tigers, AKA the Tiggers, on March 17.

In that game, Froggie Bosco Muhnie scored the game's first goal. Tigger Matt Gay evened the game at one, but Lehi's Zach Stanley scored the next two goals to give the Swampies their win.

After the Froggies had won a league game at Provo two days later, they got reminded in a non-league, nighttime game, that they were not invincible. The Copper Hills Grizzlies, AKA the Cubbies, roared into town and dried them up 2-1.

Lehi Coach Jerry Preisendorf admitted, "Copper Hills is a strong team. They reminded us that any team could take us down."

The Cubbies got both of their goals in the first half. Aided by teammates such as Andy Newbold and Omar Delgadillo, Alan "Big Al" Lemasney scored both of the Grizzly goals.

Lehi's defense kept Copper Hills in check throughout the entire second half as Froggies such as Logan Cottle, Derek Holmstead, and Zack Cowan kept stealing the ball. Late in the period, Ty Skousen kicked in a goal for the Froggies. Cubbie goalie Nicolas Keetch held the Froggies scoreless after that.

Even though the Froggies had nothing to croak about in that game, they came back the following Tuesday to take down the Timpview Thunderbirds, AKA the Millionaires, 5-1.

Lehi didn't waste much time in getting onto the scoreboard. Before Timpview, AKA Rich Kid High, could do anything, Skouson bootted in a goal. The Froggie lead stayed at 1-0 until the first half's final seven minutes. Aaron Caprio booted in a shot to improve the Froggie lead at 2-0.

Early in the second half, Millionaire Josh Romo kicked in a goal from the top of the Froggie's penalty box. Before the Millionaires could tie the game at two, Eddie Tilly booted in the third Lehi goal on a cross the game's final 16 minutes. Stanley scored a goal on a breakaway play, and Muhine made the final goal on a rebound.

Lehi played a nighttime game against Mountain View on the Tuesday of the following week. The game was for sole possession of first place in the region. AKA the Teddy Bears, the Bruins gave Lehi a tight game in both halves.

Teddy Bears Juan "Jack" Flores, Vic Diconcio, and Jantsen Adams guided frequent attacks on the Froggie defense. It never broke, though. Froggies Davis Crabb, Ian Ramos, and Wesley Crump kept coming up with steals that gave the Teddy Bears fits to no end.

The first half ended in a scoreless tie. However, 11 minutes in the early second half, Froggie Zach "Captain" Morgan kicked in a goal. It sealed the game's outcome. The win 1-0 lead over the Teddy Bears sent the Froggies hopping on their way to another possible league title.

Priesendorf said, "We have to respect Mountain View's goalie [Keegan "Blackie" Black]. He gave us a great challenge, especially when we had to win this game to stay in first place. Since Mountain 'View is a really tough team, tonight was our best defensive effort ever this year."

Ferocious PG Vikings Tame Bad Old Brighton Puddy Tats in Final Game of 3-Game Series

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

During the first two games of their three-game series against the Brighton Bengals. AKA the Bad Old Puddy Tats, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings got smoked. In the first game, the Bad Old Puddy Tats demolished Pleasant Grove 14-4 on Brighton's home fields. Two days later, Brighton came hunting for the Ferocious Vikings in Pleasant Grove and tore them to pieces. However, on April 15, Pleasant Grove finally atoned for those losses by defeating the Bad Old Puddy Tats 10-4 on Brighton's own hunting grounds in Cottonwood Heights.

In the April 15 game, Riley Erickson got things off to a nice start for the Ferocious Vikings when he singled off pitcher Chase Nielsen in the top of the first. Although right fielder Jonnie "The Plumber" Whipple picked off fly balls hit by Cort Iorg and Cade Hooley, Erickson still came home on a bad throw made by catcher Alec Olsen. First baseman Gage Matuszak intercepted a Broc Starr fly ball, retiring the Ferocious Vikings to the field.

The bottom of the first opened with center fielder Erickson catching a Cole Butcher fly ball. That setback didn't stop the Bad Old Puddy Tats from taking control of the game. Pitcher Tyler Harmon walked rock singer Bruno Marz's "distant cousin" Nick Marz and gave up a single to Matuszak. Taking advantage of the walk and the single, designated hitter K.J. Burrola singled Marz in. Third baseman Payton Peters turned up a double play to end the first in a tie.

Nielsen kept the Ferocious Vikings scoreless in the second. This allowed his Bad Old Puddy Tats to pull ahead in the bottom of the inning. On two outs, Logan "Rob Roy" McGregor got on a base through an error. Soon, Butcher singled him in. Before the Bad Old Puddy Tats could increase their lead, second baseman Iorg grounded out Marz.

Harmon held the Bad Old Puddy Tats scoreless in the third, fourth, and fifth. Harmon's performance at the mound helped the Ferocious Vikings turn the game to their favor. In the top of the third, for instance, Shuan Jacobson hit a solo homer over the left-field fence, making the Ferocious Viking fans excited as they were when Starr hit a solo home run in Pleasant Grove's loss at Brighton three days before.

With the Bad Old Puddy Tats unable to break the 2-2 tie, the Ferocious Vikings took control of the game's momentum. In the fourth's top half, singles from Peters, Jacobson, and Ryland Peterson resulted in Pleasant Grove loading the bases on two outs. Erickson hit a two-run double. Hitting a left-field single in the fifth, Hooley got singled in by Starr, who became ensnared in a double play shortly afterwards.

On one out in the sixth, Jacobson singled in Peterson to open a five-run rally, which saw Erickson slug a one-run double and Iorg single in another two runs.

In the bottom of the sixth, singles from Whipple and Chase Howell created an impression that the Bad Old Puddy Tats would roar back into the game. Ian Fehlauer singled in Whipple, and a Zane Smith walk loaded the bases. After Howell stole home, Hooley took over pitching duties. He struck out Hayden Bensen and caused Butcher to fly out to right fielder Petersen.

Even though Matuszak hit a one-out double in the bottom of the seventh, the Ferocious Vikings kept his hit from igniting a Bad Old Puddy Tat comeback.

Viking Coach Darren Henry said, "Harmon made up for the bad game that he had here on Tuesday. He couldn't throw strikes in that game, but he did do that today. When Harmon's pitching arm got tired, we had Cade [Hooley] take over, and he kept them under control. It was great to end this series with a win."

Froggies Win at Home Against Springville Hellions and Maple Mountain Golden Chirps

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Week Publisher

The Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, won two recent preseason games at home. In a preseason opener at home the Froggies exorcised the Springville Red Devils 6-1. A few days later, Lehi swamped Maple Mountain 8-0.

Amid freezing weather at the Springville game, Palmer Page hit a double that set a four-run rally for the Froggies in the third inning, flooding away a 1-0 lead that the Hellions had posted. Lehi picked up a run in the fourth and one in the fifth. Jordan Allen doubled in fellow Froggie Trevor Jeppson in the fifth. Helltown got double from Mark Case and one from Dallin Ollerton.

In the Maple Mountain game, neither the Froggies nor the Golden Chirps could score. In the second inning, Lehi went on a four-run rally. The Froggies scored two runs in the third and another two in the fourth. Page and Jeppson each hit a double for the Froggies in the shutout win. Maple Mountain got singles form Logan Miner, Nick "Mafia" Maffy, and Alex Burroughs.

Basketball Finales

Timp Sports Weekly

March 13, 2011

Publisher's Message

For this double issue, we look at Lehi's final week of Region Seven basketball. We also look at how the Fercious Pleasant Grove Vikings and Awesome American Fork Cavewomen fared at the recent state 5-A girls hoop tournament. We will also look at the Ferocious Vikings' loss at Jordan in a Region Four boys' basketball finale. Let's get to those stories.

Dean Von Memmott

Publisher

deanmemmott@hotmail.com

Orem Tiggers Bounce Away With 68-55 Win over Lehi Froggerettes

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Region Seven girls' basketball finale at Lehi Feb. 22, the Orem Tigers, AKA the Tiggers, bounced away with a 66-58 win over the Lehi Pioneers, AKA the Froggies or Froggerettes.

Lehi needed to win at home in order to avoid a region playoff game. However, a loss to the Tiggers at home would mean having to play them in a league playoff game at Mountain View Feb. 24.

The game opened with Vicky Cuello putting the Tiggers on the board first. Led by Megan Sackett and Brittany Harr, Orem stayed ahead for most of the opening period. Treys from Aerin Ogden and Brooke Barnes tipped the Froggies ahead 11-11. A Harr sparked a 6-0 scoroing run for the Tiggers. At the end of the quarter, Froggie Trisha Quilter stole the ball and passed to Whitney Cook for a layup that trimmed the Tigger lead to 17-14.

Although Cook put the Froggies within 17-16, they still didn't retake the lead until a short time later. After the Tihgers had bounced out to a 20-16 lead on free throws from Sackett and Hailey Hamblin, Ogden produced a three-point play that allowed two Anau Falaeo foul shots to put Lehi ahead 21-20. A Tatum Monsen trey restored the lead to the Tiggers. They led by as far as 29-25 during the last four minutes of the second quarter. The combined foul shooting of Quilter and Barnes tied the game at 29 at halftime.

Even though a Sackett hook shot broke the 29-29 tie, Lehi continued stealing leads from the Tiggers. Two straight Sadie Johnson buckets, for example, put the Froggies ahead 33-31. After a Sackett bucket had tied the game at 33, Ogden produced a three-point play that gave Lehi its final lead. A Harr trey tied the game at 36, and a Hamblin layup sent Orem on its way to securing a 49-41 lead through the shooting of Sackett and Rachel Lyons, despite Falaeo putting Lehi within 38-37 on a foul shot. Quilter and Johnson slashed the Tigger lead to 49-45 at the end of the third quarter.

Lyons proved to be fatal to the Froggies in the early fourth quarter, for she swished in two buckets that helped the Tiggers to keep bouncing out in front of Lehi. With Anga Ah Quin putting a shot back in and Johnson and Barnes hitting crucial foul shots, the Froggies managed to paddle back with 53-50. Lyons and Harr led the Tiggers on a 7-0 scoring run that created a 60-50 lead for them. An Ogden trey and a Falaeo layup cut the Tigger advantage to 60-55. However, Lehi's desperation to come up with steals resulted in Orem bouncing frequently to the foul line, where the Tiggers put the game away.

Barnes led the Froggies with 19 points while Ogden added another 14. Harr led the Tiggers with 17 points while Sackett added another 16 and Lyons 13.

Lehi Froggies Flatten Orem Tiggers 77-55

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In Region Seven boys' basketball action at Lehi Feb. 22, the Pioneers, AKA the Froggies, flattened the Orem Tigers, AKA the Tiggers 77-55.

To the disappointment of their first-year coach, Golden Holt, the Tiggers didn't come out bouncy in the first period. The Froggies hopped at taking advantage of the Tiggers' flatness. A Ryan Christofferson bucket sent Lehi swimming out to an early 10-1 through the shooting of Dusty Draeger and Colton Colledge. Shots from Josh Pollard and Chris Clark put Orem within 10-5. That turned out to be the closest that the Tiggers could get to Lehi. A Zach Stanley bucket sent Lehi on a 16-0 scoring run that surely made Holt want to pull his golden hair out in frustration. By the time a Pollard three-point play renewed Orem scoring in the second period, the Froggies had command of a 26-10 lead.

Lehi maintained its double-digit lead all through the second period, despite efforts by Clark and fellow Tigger Jordan Darger, whose shooting enabled the Tiggers to outscore Lehi 16-15 in Quarter 2. Colledge and Christofferson held their own in battles against Pollard and Clark for rebounds. Lehi's control of the boards enabled the Froggies to hop away with a 39-24 lead into the next half.

The Tiggers finally became a threat in the second half. It opened with Darger sinking a trey. Christofferson answered it with one of his own. In answering Lehi bucket for bucket, the Tiggers came back within 47-34. Shots from Draeger and Colledge helped Lehi keep its double-figure lead until the fourth period. After it had opened with Colledge putting the score 58-56, Darger produced a three-point play that set off a 7-0 lead that pushed Orem within 58-53.

Lehi Coach Craig Gladwell said, "We called a time-out at that point to reform our focus after they had gone on that 7-0 run. We had a couple of key plays in which we had Colledge post up for shots. They got the momentum going for us again."

Colledge sank two straight layups that unleashed a 17-2 scoring run that flattened the Tiggers. Zach Stanley contributed a trey to that knockout, scoring run.

Colledge led Lehi with 28 points while while Draeger added another 15 and Christofferson 14. Darger led the Tiggers with 19 points while Clark added another 16.

Lehi Froggers Stun Westlake Shockers 73-66 in Region 7 Boys' Hoop Finale

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Lehi Pioneers finished their Region Seven boys' basketball schedule with a 73-66 win at home against the Westlake Thunder, AKA the Shockers.

Early in the game, Mana Niu put the Shockers on the board first through sinking a layup. Ryan Christofferson answered it with a trey and a lay-in that gave Lehi a 5-2 advantage. Although Niu did cut the lead to 5-4, a Dusty Draeger trey gave prevented Westlake from slipping ahead. Draeger became Lehi's chief gun in the first half as his shooting spurred the Pioneers into maintaining a narrow lead all the way through the period. It ended with Froggie Zach Stanley scoring on a steal.

At the start of the second period, a Draeger trey spurred the Froggies into building a double-digit lead. Christofferson, Blake Cleveringa, and Colton Colledge came forward to do some serious damage inside the perimeter. Despite efforts from Niu and Semi Taeollli, the Shockers couldn't prevent the Froggies from hopping 10 points ahead of them. Lehi led by as far as 41-27 in Period 2. A Niu bucket trimmed the lead to 41-29 just before halftime.

At various points in the third period, the Froggies did maintain double-digit leads over Westlake. However, Niu Spencer Brown, and Tom "Cat" Larsen guided the Shockers within 41-33 and 47-38. Shots from Cleveringa put Lehi's lead back into double figures. The third period ended with Draeger sinking a trey.

Another Draeger trey sounded off the start of the final period. Lehi kept Larson from doing much damage inside the key during the quarter as Westlake tried make a strong comback. When the score read 70-58, Brown and Larson each hit a trey in hopes of ultimately saving Westlake. It roared within 70-64, but Christofferson sank three foul shots to quiet the Thunder's comeback.

Lehi Coach Craig Gladwell said, "It was great to see Draeger have a fantastic game tonight. He had some practices, because he had been ill recently. His playing turned out to be really crucial tonight, especially when Westlake tried to run back into the game in the last three minutes of it. We called a time-out, and we were able to get some key boards and foul shots to clutch the game."

Draeger and Christofferson both racked up 25 points each to lead the Froggies. Larson led the Shockers with 20 points while Niu added another 18.

Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings Win State Play-In Game at Layton

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings posted a 51-43 win on the home floor of the Layton Lancers, AKA the Stickers, in a state play-in game Feb. 19.

The game opened with Danyele "Panther" Hoffman sinking a trey sent the Ferocious Vikings out to an early 8-2 lead. Stickers Maddie Smith and Livia Treseder cut it to 8-6. Before Layton could tie the game, Hoffman hit another three-pointer, and she made an assist to Britney Johnson for a layup that fired up a 10-1 scoring run that left the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings ahead 18-9 by the end of the period.

In the second period, a Hoffman layup gave the Ferocious Vikings a 20-9 lead. Even though they maintained a double-digit lead through most of Quarter 2, the Stickers still answered them point for point. Layton's Addison "Addy" Moore emerged as a threat to them that period as she became warm in her shooting and rebounding. She finished the half with a layup that cut Pleasant Grove''s lead to 27-18.

In the early third period, Moore hit a layup and a trey that cut the lead to 27-23. Teammate Amber Daley scored on a steal to put Layton within 27-25. Despite Viking Coach Glenn Larson calling a time out, the game continued growing more scary for Pleasant Grove. When a Stacey Woster foul shot put the Stickers within 27-26, Pleasant Grove's season appeared doomed. However, Hoffman produced a three-point play that ended the Ferocious Vikings' dry spell. Despite a Moore trey, Britney and Marci Johnson pulled down some key defensive boards that helped to save Pleasant Grove. Meanwhile teammate Taylor Warburton scored on an offensive rebound and Hoffman sank a layup during a steal to enable Pleasant Grove to take a 37-29 lead into the fourth period.

For its first four minutes, Pleasant Grove led by as far as 11 points. In the last four minutes, the Vikings let the Lancers make steals right underneath Pleasant Grove's basket. This gave Smith and Moore chances at whittling down the lead. Layton sawed it down to 45-41. In the last 1 1/2 minutes, Moore fouled Johnson, who sank two foul shots. Foul shooting from Johnson and Hoffman saved Pleasant Grove's season.

The Vikings' victory got marred by teammate Kourtney Dinehart suffering a seizure. Because of it, she didn't get to play in the rest of the state tournament until the loss to the Syracuse Titans, AKA the Midgets, in the semifinals.

Larson said, "I hope we've learned from this not to let teams make steals right underneath our basket. That's been our Achilles heel this season. It was great to to see them battle hard on to get into the tournament after we had fared in region. We won our last two region games. That gave us some momentum."

Jordan Plowboys Defeat Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings in Region 4 Boys' Hoop Finale

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

In a Region Four boys' basketball finale at Jordan Feb. 22, the Jordan Beetdiggers, AKA the Plowboys, defeated the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings 35-31.

Cade Wilkes' shooting guided the Ferocious Vikings out to an early 9-2 lead. Plowboy Austin "Shagadelic Baby" Haney sank a layup on a steal, and then he swished in a trey to cut the lead to 9-7.

The game stayed a low-scoring contest in the second period as fans got treated to witnessing ferocious battles for rebounds. Al Hamson and Taylor Allred led Pleasant Grove in these struggles against Plowboys liek Ryan Nemelka and Addison Walter. Midway through the second period, a Haney trey tied the game at 12, but two Hamson free throws put the Ferocious Vikings back out in front. Cory McAllister swished in a three-pointer, and Wilkes contributed a free throw that left the Vikings leading 18-12 at the end of the half.

Until the third period, Pleasant Grove had been able to keep Nemelka under control. However, in that quarter, he became, especially in the last minute when he racked up six straight unanswered points to pushed the Plowboys within 26-24. Nemelka's destructive work was almost enough to make fans forget that a Wilkes trey had given the Vikings a 22-14 lead earlier in the quarter.

The fourth period opened with Nemelka hitting a go-ahead trey. The Ferocious Vikings fourth-period performance turned out to be tame. Despite Allred and McAllister pulling down some key defensive rebounds, Pleasant Grove couldn't sink a shot until the final two minutes. At the 2:00 mark, Allred hit a trey to cut the lead to 31-29, but Addison Walter and Mark Krueger's control of the boards prevented the Vikings from tying the game. After Allred had hit two foul shots to cut the lead to 34-11, he fouled out, and Jordan held Pleasant Grove scoreless in the final minute of the game.

Allred led Pleasant Grove with 10 points while Wilkes added another eight. Nemelka led the Plowboys with 13 points.

Awesome American Fork Cavewomen End Home Season With Loss to Lone Peak Loners Feb. 17

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavewomen finished their Region Four girls' basketball scheduled with a loss at home Feb. 17. The Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners, defeated them 39-29.

The Awesome Cavewomen never led in that game. Loners Whitney Johnson, Maddie "The Wrath" McGrath, and Marquelle "What Da" Funk dominated the boards, denying the American Forkers many chances for second shots.

It was hardly surprising, then, that American Fork got held to two points in the first quarter. Led by Cassidy Fraughton and Sadie Williams, American Fork tried in the second period to make up for its disappointing, first-period performance. The Awesome Cavewomen outscored the Loners 6-4 to move within 13-8 by halftime.

In the third period, the Awesome Cavewomen practically answered the Loners point for point, but they still couldn't overtake Lone Peak. When the third period ended with the Loners leading 22-18, people wondered if Lone Peak would somehow pull far away in the low scoring affair. The Loners did do that in the fourth quarter. Johnson became really hot in scoring. With help from Megan Hansen, Johnson swished in a trey that improved the Loners' lead at 27-17. After a Burningham shot had put the score at 29-17, a Williams field goal and two Fraughton foul shots put American Fork with 29-21. Suddenly Funk scored on a steal. It became the first in a long series of turnovers that destroyed the Awesome Cavewomen's comeback efforts.

Johnson led the Loners with 12 points while McGrath and Funk added another six, Lauren Le Frandt three, Hansen and Burningham two. Fraughton led the Awesome Cavewomen with 10 points while Williams added eight, Shelby Carson five, Baugh two, and Hayley Sua-Filo two.

American Fork atoned for its dismal Feb. 17 performance by winning 61-41 over the West Jordan Jaguars, AKA the Pussy Cats, in a state play-in game Feb. 18. Fraughton led the Awesome Cavewomen with 21 points while Williams added another 14 and Carson 13.

Ferocious Vikings End Loner Girls' Season in State Octafinal Game Feb. 21

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

Going into the Feb. 21 octafinals of the state 5-A girls' basketball tournament, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings appeared doom, because they were to meet Region Four champs, the Lone Peak Knights, AKA the Loners, who had squished them like grapes twice in league play this winter. However, by showing a ferocious effort this time, Pleasant Grove sank the Loners by a score of 54-50.

Getting the opening tipoff, the Loners scored first through Marquelle "What D" Funk's dropping in a three-pointer. Ferocious Viking Danyele "Panther" Hoffman answered it with a trey of her own. Her teammate Britney Johnson broke the tie, and another Hoiffman trey improved the Viking lead at 8-3. After Loner Megan Hansen swished in a set shot, two Funk foul shots brought the Loners within 10-7. That turned out to be the closest they could get to the Ferocious Vikings. A Britney Johnson trey and two Becky Clement fouls improved Pleasant Grove's hold on them momentum. Although Loner Whitney Johnson did cut the lead to 15-9 by the end of the first quarter, she couldn't do much for her team in that game.

Pleasant Grove Coach Glenn "The DJ" Larson said, "We focused a lot on blocking Whitney Johnson from getting to the basket. We held her to eight points for the morning."

With Whitney unable to do much damage to the Ferocious Vikings inside, the Loners had to look to other players like Funk, Lauren Le Frandt, and Mikail Buringham to save them from an abrupt elimination from the tournament.

That prospect became strong in the second period, when Janae Olson stole the ball from Funk and passed to Becky Clement for a layup that opened a 6-1 scoring run for the Ferocious Vikings. Layups by Danyele and Britney helped Pleasant Grove stretch its lead to 22-10. Britney and Danyele were not the only Ferocious Vikings who did tremendous damage to the Loners in the second period. Megan Wilde, for one, tipped a crucial shot hack in while Olson and Clement kept Whitney from pulling down many boards. After Pleasant Grove's lead had swelled to 27-11, Lauren Le Frandt hit a baseline shot that sparked a brief 7-3 scoring fun the Loners. Karli Taylor and Mikail burningham contributed to the scoring run. After Britney Johnson hit a trey, Burningham sank a three-pointer at the end of the half to cut the lead to 30-18.

The Loners finally took the Ferocious Vikings seriously in the early second half. It unfolded with Funk hitting two foul shots to begin a Loner comeback. Led by Burningham and Megan Hansen, the Loners outscored the Ferocious Vikings 7-2 in the half's first two minutes to get within 32-25. Olson swished in two buckets to help Pleasant Grove stay ahead as its lead diminished into single digits. Whitney Johjnson and McGrath delivered big cuts to the Viking lead. When a Whitney Johnson three-point play put Lone Peak within 38-34, the Ferocious Vikings' luck seemed to have been exhausted. However, Hoffman sank a jumper and two free throws to tip the tempo back to Pleasant Grove's favor. Still, the Loners weren't going to toss in the towel. McGrath and Funk pushed them back within 42-38. When the third period had ended, the Ferocious Vikings discovered that the Loners had outscored them 20-12 that quarter.

After Hoffman had sunk a layup at the start of the final quarter, Funk sank a jumper that kept the Loner cause alive. Karli Taylor scored on two straight offensive rebounds to put Lone Peak with 44-42 and 46-44. The Loners got their best opportunity when two Mikayla McChesney foul shots put them within 47-46. Before Lone Peak could pull ahead, Britney Johnson swished in a set shot. Though it did turn out to be the most critical shot of the game, it didn't deter the Loners. They battled fiercely in the game's final two minutes. After Whitney fouled out at 1:40, Lone Peak's chances evaporated quickly as Olson and Britney Johnson hit foul throws that the Loners from catching up, despite a Funk trey that cut the lead to 53-50.

"We won this game for Kourtney," Danyelle Hoffman said. Kourtney Dinehart had to sit out the Lone Peak game, because of a seizure she had suffered in the Layton game Feb. 19.

Hoffman led the Ferocious Vikings with 18 points while Britney Johnson added another 13, Olson 10, Clement six6, Marci Johnson four, and Wilde two. Funk led the Loners with 13 points while Whitney Johnson added another eight, Burningham seven, McGrath five, McChesney two, and Le Frandt two.

Syracuse Midgets End Awesome AF Cavewomen's Season Feb. 21

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Awesome American Fork Cavewomen's basketball season ended in a crushing defeat at the hands of the Syracuse Titans, AKA the Midgets, in state 5-A girls' octafinal action at Salt Lake Community College Feb. 21. The defending state 5-A champs, the Midgets smashed the Cavewomen 61-31.

American Fork's doom got sealed in the first period. Early in it, Awesome Cavewoman Shelby Carson, a niece of former Awesome Caveman football player Shane "Sauce" Carson, hit two straight buckets to give American Fork a 4-0 lead. The Awesome Cavewomen went cold for five minutes after that. The Midgets capitalized on American Fork's cold spell. Timmairie Taylor hit an insider shot that spark a 14-0 scoring run for Syracuse. Aided by Abby Call three-pointers, the long scoring spurt gave the Midgets firm control of the game. Two Cassidy Fraughton foul shots renewed American Fork scoring, but the hammering that the Awesome Cavewomen received in the 14-0 scoring left their morale really low. By the end of the first period, Syracuse commanded a 22-8 lead over American Fork.

Pulling down a second-oeriod, offensive rebound, Brittney Martin improved the Midget lead at 24-8. After it had grown to 25-8 on a Makenlee Williams free throw, Tyra "T-Rod" Rodriguez fed a pass to Carson for a layup. Fraugton hit a bucket. It turned out to be the last field goal made by American Fork in the half. The second period saw each team score only five points as the game turned into a battle for rebounds. Martin held her own against Carson, Fraughton, and Sadie Williams.

The Midgets became really hot in the third period. Martin, Williams, Call, and Sarah Sperry became incredibly accurate as they swished in shots that pushed Syracuse more than 20 points ahead. The Midgets kept Carson, Fraughton, and Ashley Baught form doing much damage inside the key. After the period had ended with Baugh scoring on a steal to cut the lead to 49-26, the Midgets vexed the Cavewomen with another cold spell. In the final period, Syracuse held American Fork to five points. The game ended with Midget Kana Fana sinking a layup on a steal.

American Fork Coach Corey Clayton said, "After we got that early 4-o lead, we went absolutely cold. When we were down by eight, we missed three straight layups that could have enabled us to lead by at least 10-9. We couldn't recover after that period. With us losing only three seniors, we expect to come back to this tournament next year."

Carson led the Awesome Caverwomen with nine points while Baugh added another six and Fraughton four. Williams led the Midgets with 12 points and Call 11.

Ferocious Vikings Defeat Bingham Pickers in State 5-A Quarterfinal Action

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

During the Feb. 23 quarterfinals of the state 5-A girls' basketball tournament, the Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings buried the Bingham Miners, AKA the Pickers, 61-53.

That quarterfinal game went down as one of the tightest contest of the tournament. The lead changed hands several times during the night. Bingham attempted repeatedly through the course of the night to throw Pleasant Grove off track by sending entirely new line-ups. However, the Ferocious Vikings were wise to that favorite trick of Bingham Coach Rand "Iron Band" Rasmussen. Pleasant Grove held its own against every new string of Pickers sent by Rasmussen into the game.

Picker Jilliam Powell opened the game's scoring with a set shot, but she missed a free throw. Nevertheless, the Pickers still secured a 6-0 lead on shots from Ashton Henderson and Chantee Renouard. Britney Johnson put the Ferocious Vikings on the board at that point, and they rowed back within 6-5 on a Janae Olson free throw and a Beckyt Clement jumper. Despite a Latesha Richard bucket improving their lead at 8-5, the Pickers failed to keep Pleasant Grove from stealing the lead from them in the first period. Clement sank a layup on a steal, and she then swished in a jump shot that gave the Ferocious Vikings a 9-8 lead. Teammate Megan Wilde put a shot back in during the blaring of the quarter-ending buzzer.

Aided by two Olson foul shots, the Ferocious Vikings outscored the Pickers 6-4 in the first four minutes of the second quarter. After Danyele "Panther" Hoffman had passed to Marci Johnson for a bucket that improved Pleasant Grove's lead at 17-12, Henderson swished in a layup that opened a fierce Bingham comeback. During it, the Pickers quick found something to Yack about when Summer Yack tied the game at 18 on two foul shots, then put Bingham ahead 29-18. After Powell had improved the Pickers' lead at 22-18, Clement shaved it down to 22-21 on a foul shot and a lay-in just before halftime.

The third period opened with Yack and Brooke Blonquist guiding the Pickers on a 6-0 scoring run. When the score read 28-21, Viking Coach Glenn "DJ" Larson called a time-out at 6:26. He later said, "I told the girls during that halftime, 'They've had their rally. Let's get back into the game.'"

Pleasant Grove did do that. Shots from Hoffman and Britney Johnson shoved the Ferocious Vikings back within 28-27. After tying the game at 28 on a foul shot, Hoffman stole the ball and sank a go-ahead layup. Through the shooting of Hofffman, Wilde, and Clement, Pleasant Grove quickly accumulated a 36-29 lead. A Blongquist bucket sent Bingham picking its way back within 36-34. Before the Pickers could tie it at 36, they threw the ball away. Clement and Olson rebounds helped the Vikings stay ahead through the rest of the game. Aided by a Britney Johnson foul shot, Olson produced a three-point play that gave the Ferocious Viking a 40-36 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Pleasant Grove improved its advantage at 44-36 in the first two minutes of Quarter Four. Shots from Yack and Blonquist put the Pickers within 44-40. Bingham couldn't capitalize on the Viking turnovers quickly enough to grab a tight control of the moment. The closest the Pickers could get to Pleasant Grove was a spread of four point. While Clement and Olson dominated inside the key, Hoffman and Britiney Johnson continued scorching Bingham with searing shots from the perimeter. By the game's final minute, the Vikings had accumulated a lead to 58-48. With the way Pleasant Grove had been playing all through the second half, even the most diehard Bingham fan could see that the Pickers' state title hopes had completely caved in at that point.

Britney Johnson led Pleasant Grove with 18 points while Hoffman added another 15. Blonquist led Bingham with 18 points while Yack added another 12.

Ferocious Vikings' State Hopes End at Hands of Syracuse Midgets in 5-A Girls Semifinals

By Dean Von Memmott

Timp Sports Weekly Publisher

The Ferocious Pleasant Grove Vikings' hopes of making a second-straight appearance in the state 5-A girls' championship game got sunk in a semifinal against the Syracyuse Titans, AKA the Midgets, at Salt Lake Community College's Lifetime Activities Center Feb. 24.

Going into the semifinal, the Ferocious Vikings were hoping to break the jinx that Syracuse had held over them for the past two seasons. Last year, the Midgets defeated the Ferocious Vikings for the state title.

The Feb. 24 semifinal opened with Kiana Fauna putting the Midgets on the board first. Danyele "Panther" Hoffman stole the ball tied the game at two. Even though Britney Martin put the Midgets back ahead, two Becky Clement shots put the Ferocious Vikings ahead 6-4. Martin guided Syracuse on a 7-1 scoring run that left the Midgets leading 11-7 at the end of the first period.

Shots from Britney Johnson and Hoffman kept the Ferocious Vikings in the game during the second quarter. When the score read 20-14, Hoffman pulled down a defensive rebound and raced away for a layup that opened a 14-8 rally for Pleasant Grove. Two Janae Olson foul shots put the Vikings ahead 28-27 in the half's final minute. Just before the buzzer, Martin shot gave the Midgets a 29-28 lead.

At the start of the third quarter, Clements put a shot back in to put Pleasant Grove ahead 31-30. After Midget Makenlee Williams swished in a go-ahead shot, the Vikings fell to pieces through making a long series of turnovers that enabled the Midgets to pull far away. In the meantime, Syracuse held Pleasant Grove to seven points in the third period. By the end of it, Syracuse commanded a 43-36 lead.

The long string of Viking turnovers persisted into the final period, allowing Syracuse to go on a 12-0 scoring run aided by Abby Call's shooting. Midway through the quarter, a Martin shot put the Midget lead at 56-36. That shot sounded the death knell for Pleasant Grove. Because of the wideness of the Midgets' lead, Larson let all of his reserves have game time. In the final minute of the game, Kourtney Dinehart finally got to play in a state game, after having been sidelined by a seizure at the Layton game six days before. She pulled down a defensive rebound for Pleasant Grove as the conttest entered its final 30 secnds.

Viking Coach Glenn "DJ" Larson said, "We played well in the first half. In the second half, though, those many turnovers killed us. We couldn't recover from them. We have some great talent coming back. We'll be getting the girls ready this summer for the coming season."

Cllement led Pleasant Grove with 15 points while Britney Johnson added another 14, Olson 13, and Hoffman nine. Martin led the Midgets with 17 points while Williams added another 13, Call 11, and Fauna 10.