| The Carbon High Dinos basketball team recently completed preseason competition by hosting back to back games. The Dinos posted a 5-5 overall preseason record and look forward to starting Region 8 action this Wednesday in Emery. |
The Carbon High boys basketball team put the finishing touches on the preseason last weekend as they hosted back to back non-region games.
To kick things off, the Dinos hosted Cedar City last Friday evening. With emotions running high, the Dinos dominated the court, thus chalking up a 64-56 victory.
The Carbon team jumped ahead of the Redmen 21-10 in the first quarter. The Dinos then advanced their lead in the second quarter as the team entered the locker room at the half with the 28-15 lead over the Cedar City team.
The second half of play found the Redmen rallying a comeback against the Dinos. The Carbon team did not budge however as they continued to play strong. The result paid off as the Dinos captured the non-region win.
With the preseason coming to an end, Dino coach Ted Bianco felt it important to allow each of the Carbon players to compete in the home game. With most of the bench playing several minutes, the team rounded out the rough edges and now has a better idea of what the team is capable of as the regular season nears.
Leading the Dinos in scoring was starting forward Brandon Manzanares who posted 14 points. Following in scoring was Tyson Hackwell and Joe Moynier who each had 13 points.
“This game gave all of the kids a chance to play and they each played well. The experience was valuable to each of the athletes. The crowd was also great and backed us up from the beginning to the end. It was a strong victory for us,” explained Bianco.
The following evening, the Dinos hosted the Canyon View Falcons. The game would be the final preseason game of the year for the Dinos who will kick off the regular Region 8 season this Wednesday evening in Castle Dale against Emery.
With the season just around the corner, the Dinos came out ready for battle. The Falcons were ready for the talented Dino team however.
The game was a back and forth battle as each team struggled to gain control of the scoreboard. As the final buzzer sounded however, the Falcons had won the battle and forced the Dinos to the close 48-45 loss.
“The kids played hard, but several layups and easy shots were missed which hurt us in the end,” commented Bianco.
Joe Moynier scored 15 points to lead the Dinos in scoring as Neal Maynes posted eight points.
With the regular season creeping around the corner, Bianco feels that the Dinos will be a strong team in the region.
“We are a better team than in the past. We have come a long way just since the beginning of the preseason and I feel that we will put up a good fight,” stated Bianco.
This season is expected to be a competitive one for the Region 8 teams. With the Emery Spartans ranked first in the current standings with a 10-0 record, it is a known fact that this is the team that all the other Region 8 teams will be gunning for.
Also dominating the current standings is 8-2 Lehi and Delta with a 9-3 record.
“This will be a competitive region this year and I feel that we will do pretty well. We just need to continue to work hard and not give up,” concluded Bianco.
The Dinos will kick things off Wednesday evening in Castle Dale as the team competes against long time rival, the Emery Spartans.