Corner Canyon boys basketball finish 2nd in state
Apr 06, 2018 11:07AM ● By Catherine Garrett
Corner Canyon High’s Gabe Toombs helped the Chargers to the 5A state title game where they lost 76-49 to Olympus March 3. The junior guard, who was the squad’s leading scorer this season, was named to the All-Tournament Team. (Photo courtesy of Corner Canyon High)
It took the Corner Canyon High boys basketball program until its third year to reach the postseason. A year later, the Chargers lost to Olympus by four points in the semifinals. This season, the squad reached the 5A state championship game as Region 7’s third seed and faced an undefeated Olympus team and lost 76-49 March 3 at Utah Valley University.
“I thought we played very well in the state tournament,” head coach Dan Lunt said.
At the 5A state tournament, Corner Canyon defeated Highland 69-57 Feb. 26, coming back from a 12-point halftime deficit to outscore the Rams by 24 points in the second half. Hayden Welling led the way with 16 points and nine rebounds while John Mitchell added 13 points and Gabe Toombs had 11.
In the second round on Feb. 28, the Chargers beat Box Elder 79-54 behind a key 16-point second quarter — while giving up just five points — on their way to a 25-point win. Welling again led offensively with 19 points while Luke Warnock scored 14 points and Toombs put in 10.
Against Timpanogos on March 2, Welling went off for 29 points and eight rebounds to carry Corner Canyon to a 65-52 win in the semifinals. The Chargers opened up a close game with a 44-point second half effort and outrebounded the T-Wolves 39-21, led by Toombs’ 10 boards.
In the title game, Corner Canyon got down early and were behind 22 points by halftime. The Chargers played tough in the second half, scoring 25 points to Olympus’ 30, but the early deficit was too much to overcome. Blake Emery had 12 points to lead the offense.
Welling and Toombs were named to the 5A All-Tournament Team.
Corner Canyon finished the year with a 16-11 record.
“Overall, we had a great season and I am very proud of the kids,” Lunt said. “What makes us successful as a team is when we play together and everyone accepts their role.”
Also on the 2017-18 squad was Josh Chandler, Josh Christensen, Cole Hagen, Andrew Heath, Shane Hertgen, Ammon Jensen, Parker Miller, Trace Ross, Dallin Tullis and Carter Welling.
Lunt was assisted by Scott Sexton, Ken Smikahl, Taylore Anderson and Perrin Anderl on the coaching staff.
