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Show December 2003 me?y Sipaurtams Before the 2003-200- 4 basketball season tryouts were even over, Emery Spartans head coach Todd Jeffs was already challenging his players to think big. We will have an opportunity this season to win a state championship for this school, he commented. With the quality of players that we have, I will be very disappointed with anything less than a championship. This is expected this year. Jeffs had a lot to base his optimism upon. The Winter Sports Guide 7 four cCuamipDOirDsCDDip DtoxoiMirDgj two leading scorers from last years team will be returning to lead Emery. The Spartans also made an excellent showing this summer at two basketball camps and the Utah Summer Games. The team was 25-- 5 coming out of the three competitions. Last season, the Spartans finished 16-- 6 after a 14-- 0 start and lost to eventual state runner-u- p Judge Memorial on a last second shot in the playoffs. Even though the Spartans were the surprise of basketball last season, they were disappointed at 3-- A the way the season concluded. Returning starters are Bowie Jeffs and Chandler Pearson. Jeffs has been stating since his freshman year aid was naned to first team all state last year. Jeffs has been the leading scorer the last two seasons, the leading assist man the last three seasons and currently has five school records. Pearson was last seasons second leading scorer and last seasons leading rebounder. He was also named second team all state. Both players represented the state well on AAU teams this summer around the nation. Zeke Atwood, who was the first man off the bench last season for the front court positions and was the leading shot blocker, has long arms, is very athletic, is a strong rebounder and is expected to be a pivotal figure up front. Chad Phillips, after a season off, Ty Gardiner and Keaton Cowley should provide senior leadership. Two other expected senior elements of the team are Matt Stucki and Isaac Bawden. Both athletes are ball and just short of 6 feet tall but play small-ma- n are willing to do the dirty work. Their agitation-styl- e play should wear out any opponent quickly. They will be looked upon for defense, ball handling and outside shooting. Mike Blomquist, a junior, could also see lots of playing time. The players on the team have proven their ability to win. Many members of the squad were part of the team that won the Summer Games this y ear. They also finished second at the University of Utah camp to a large Montana school that has 2,500 students, as well as narrowly losing at the Snow College camp to last years champs Wasatch. This years team boasts Gardiner at 6'5 and Atwood and Pearson at a legitimate 63. Protecting the key will not be as big a challenge this year as it w'as last. Emery basketball brings a winning tradition to the courts this !$) 0 Despite Wasatch and Lehi returning lots of players, Coach Jeffs said he believes this group will be special. They are quicker, more aggressive and more athletic than past teams. They also like each other. Jeffs will be assisted by Ty Jensen, Scott Stilson and Steven Gordon. season, as well as many experienced players. Cod G3(9D0sn(ifis: Hamburgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Salads, Fries, Frosty's, Ice Cold Drinks Great Combos to choose from Biggie Size any Combo for just 39tf TEAMWORK CREATES AS A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM, YOURE AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR SUCCESS. JOIN TODAY! 7 Our pick-uwindow is open til midnight SAVINGS LOANS CHECKING MORE! p OLD FASHIONED HAMBURGERS every night 687 Price River Drive, Price ? .6 3 7 8 686 -- FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 196 N. MAIN, HUNTINGTON 687-247- 2 |