| A Mont Harmon guard looks inside as Dusty Blackham goes up for two during the Castle Valley Junior High Tournament in Emery County. |
The Mont Harmon Junior High boys basketball teams came on strong this year. Their varsity team took the Castle Valley Athletic Association’s regular season title and their junior varsity squad overtook the competition to win both the regular season title and the season ending tournament.
The varsity team was 5-1 during the regular season and advanced to the varsity tournament’s championship game after defeating Helper 76-53 in tourney’s first round. Mont Harmon was led by seventh grader Jordan Blanc with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Seth Tryon had 19 points and also gathered in 10 boards. Dillion Manzanares also contributed with 15 points and 10 rebounds of his own. Coach Jeff Blanc also mentioned Landen Martindale who had 10 and Julian Tamllos.
“Julian played great both on the offensive and defensive ends leading the team in assists and steals,” said Blanc.
Mont Harmon lost to Canyonview in the championship game 46-41, finishing the tournament with a 6 -2 overall record. Mont Harmon had defeated Canyonview twice during the regular season but fell short in the final game of the year.
The Pirates were led by Jordan Blanc with 11 points and 13 rebounds in the loss. Tryon hit for 10 points and Manzanares had eight with 11 boards in the game.
“I felt like our team worked hard all year,” said Blanc.
The junior varsity team finished the season with a perfect 10 – 0 record.
Mont Harmon routed Canyonview in the first round of the tournament 72 – 19.
Mont Harmon had four players in double figures including Jaren McCourt with 14, J.J. Morley with 12, Tanner Gagon with 12 and Daulton Nelson with 10.
Bryce Blackburn, Dakota Cisneros and Dylan Vogrinec all played tough defense from the guard line stifling the Cougar defense.
Mont Harmon faced San Rafael in the junior varsity championship game and once again put on both an offensive and defensive clinic, downing the Bulldogs 61-40.
“It was a six point ball game at half time and in the third quarter we picked up the defensive pressure and out-scored San Rafael 28-8,” said Coach Blanc.
Mont Harmon was led by J.J. Morley and Tanner Gagnon with 16 points and McCourt with 14.
“Bryce Blackburn and Dakota Cisneros once again played exceptional defense and offensively pushed the ball leading to many easy transition buckets,” said the Mont Harmon Coach.
Mont Harmon has had outstanding athletic programs for the last several years and coach Blanc feels that is directly related to teamwork.
“Teamwork was what helped us to be successful throughout the year and any given night someone different could step up and lead the team,” said Blanc.
It is often said that defense wins championships and Blanc could not agree more.
“Our kids played really tough defense all year, it’s not as flashy as scoring but it’s what leads to wins,” said Blanc.