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Show ports WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2008 • B l Covering what matters most ALA to turn up tempo for '08 \ • Steve Taylor STAFF W R I T E R The American Leadership Academy boy's varsity basketball team is entering its third season, all as a 2A school. The ALA Eagles have new coaches and mostly new players, but they still have bright expectations for the season. Coaches Craig Searle and Gary Johnson are basically co-head coaches, although Searle is officially listed as the head coach. Coach Searle and Coach Johnson have known each other for almost 20 years, and in that time, they have played a lot of basketball, but they have never coached together before. At their practice, they had their players split up into two groups, with one playing defense and the other playing offense, practicing a three-on-two fast-break drill, with an emphasis on quick, smart passing. The Eagles don't have any really tall players, so they plan on running an up-tempo offense modeled after North Carolina, and a defense that pressures the ball full court. Johnson said they plan on treating the See EAGLES • B2 Courtesy photo / Lou Crandall, SFHS RED AND GRAY: Spanish Fork's boys basketball team is young, having lost a number of top players to graduation last year, but they're excited to hit the hardwood and prove themselves. SF team young but ready to play Chad Vest STAFF WRITER In a way, it feels like just yesterday when the Mighty Dons finished out the regular season with an OT loss to the Viewmont Vikings at the Dee Events Center in the first round of the playoffs. It's funny how time flies. Already the hoops season is upon us and Coach Bailey has a big challenge of replacing nine seniors from last year's squad. A trio of guards, who were deadly from behind the arc, have moved on to bigger and better things like their fellow teammates which leaves some doors wide open for competition amongst the red and gray. Dallin Naulu, who was a three year starting point guard (floor general), enjoyed a spectacular High School career along with many teammates in the '08 class. With all of the starters graduated, this leaves newcomers with a daunting task. 'Those are some big shoes to fill," said Bailey. "It's going to be tough. But I think we've got some younger kids coming in that have a lot to prove. We'll be a really young team and I'm excited for them." Last season, the Dons nearly had the most seniors in school history but it's a different story this year. Only two twelfth graders will suit up which are Breck Lewis and Taylor Jones. Lewis (football star QB) returns with some valuable experience as a sixth man on last year's squad and Jones saw limited time as a sharp shooter. "I think Breck Lewis and Taylor Jones will give us some good leadership out there," said Bailey. "Jones is a wing player and he can flat out shoot," he said with a chuckle. SF fans can expect to see many new faces on the Varsity level. Look for junior Gavin Hales to run the offense with several others receiving time as wingmen which include junior Rhen Williamson (transfer from Springville), Jones and Lewis. In basketball, height makes a big difference but the Dons are lacking in that department as their biggest player tops out at 6'3" which is senior Chase Loftin. Loftin, who has quick feet, will help down low and on the perimeter as will his gridiron teammate Travis Still. Still is only a sophomore but should contribute very well with his athletic ability. Junior Adam Duke will also aid the Dons with some solid play in the paint as will Chris Hansen and Max Johnson. "We're not really big at all," said Bailey. "We're going to run. We're going to have to get some easy buckets but if not, we'll have to be patient until we get the right shot." On last year's team there were seven juniors but only two will be part of the team this year because five opted to become Sky Hawks. All five boys made the Salem Hills High team in its inaugural season and it definitely has affected neighboring schools. "We lost some good players," said Coach Bailey. "But this group has been working hard because they have a lot to prove. We just have to get after it." For several years now, Region IV has been one of the most competitive leagues in all of Utah. Lone Peak is the top dog and Pleasant Grove is not far behind thanks in large part to two Afro-American cousins with the last name of Wilcox. Both are MVP-type players and the Dons will have to contend with them once again.The less vertically challenged of the two has already verbally committed to play for the Washington Huskies following his senior campaign. But, as good as they are, Lone Peak's Tyler Haws (verbally committed to BYU) and company are the returning state champions in backto-back years. Head Coach Mark Bailey enters his fifth season at the helm of the Dons Hoops program. In his previous four, he has taken the Red and Gray to the state playoffs three out of four times with his first year being the lone exception. However, this year Region IV will only allow three teams to qualify for the state tournament so the Dons have their work cut out for them. Spanish Fork's first game will be today, Nov. 26 at Utah Valley University. They will face-off with the Orem Tigers with tip-off at 1:30 p.m. Courtesy photo / Lou Crandall, SFHS GAME ON: The Lady Dons basketball team brings a mix of experience and new faces. Lady Don cagers excited to play Bryan Redd STAFF W R I T E R Your Lady Dons team looks to be strong and focused, and will provide exciting basketball. The team returns many talented and dedicated players. This Dons team has chemistry, and a tough work ethic. The girls aspire to take Region 4 and to, compete for a state championship. The 2008 Lady Dons team is quick. Their team practices have demonstrated speed and agility at every position. The Dons play fast, are well conditioned, and show great chemistry. This season's squad has some great height and their drive and work ethic is incredible. The Don defense will be tough to score on. The Lady Dons have size, shot blocking and rebounding prowess. The SF guards are quick arjd aggressive and the Dons' defense demonstrates confidence and intensity. Athletes to Watch • Erin Redd led the team and region defensively last season with her incredible See LADY DONS • B10 Namon Bills / Spanish Fork News TEAM LEADER: ALA will be looking to junior Sarah Madson to come up big for the team this year. Eagles in good hands Steve Taylor STAFF W R I T E R The American Leadership Academy girls basketball team is in good han,ds. j Their new head coach happens to be the kind that generally works in the NCAA See ALA • B10 |