After 15-plus years, WX is going to the second round

OGDEN -- The last time Woods Cross won a boys playoff basketball game their current roster was nothing more than a romantic look in their parents' eyes. A drought of 15-plus years from tasting playoff victory -- which has included narrow losses in the first round the past two years -- made the Wildcats focused and business-like in their convincing 54-46 defeat of Murray late Monday night at the Dee Event's Center.

Last year was a good learning experience for the Wildcats, with many of this year's players being major contributors on the team that came one shot away from upsetting Olympus in the first round.

Whatever the reason for their new- found confidence the Wildcats played with poise and consistency, building their lead to as large as 15 points in the fourth quarter.

While the victory is a watershed moment for a program that has been knocking on the door of the perennial contenders the past few years, the players took the game in stride, quickly looking forward to Wednesday's matchup with Payson.

"Any time you win in the state tournament it's a little more special than normal, but the kids were quiet on the bus, and there was no messing around," said Woods Cross coach Todd Street. "We went in and expected to win, and we did. That was the main thing. In years past we were just happy to be there and hoped to win. The kids went in expecting to win and had the confidence to do it. And we have every intention of going in there and beating (Payson) as well. You have to have that attitude."

The sedated manner of the returning bus trip may have been due to the energy the Wildcats applied defensively, pressuring the Spartans into 29 percent shooting from the field and out-rebounding them by seven. And the fact that the buses didn't depart until after 11 p.m.

While Woods Cross was tired after the game, it was Murray who looked like they were sleep-walking through the 9:10 p.m. tip-off. The Wildcats played with much more energy then their counterparts, and it showed more dramatically as the game wore on. The Spartans were able to remain within striking distance down six points at halftime, but the Wildcats blew things open in the third quarter with a barrage of three-pointers.

During a 13-5 run Woods Cross found their comfort zone behind the arc at the top of the key. Tyler Stahle, Holton Hunsaker and Patrick Day all connected from the same spot to help build the Wildcat lead heading into the fourth quarter. Hunsaker led the way offensively with 16 points while hitting 9-11 free throws. Day and Shawn Shahan provided the scoring punch up front, scoring 10 and 11 respectively. Each led the team with six rebounds.



bdevoe@davisclipper.com