By Braden Clark
February 10, The Payson Lions capped off their undefeated region record with a 14 point victory over rival Spanish Fork.
“It feels good to sweep these guys, it gives us some pride for the rest of the year,” said junior big man Lander Crook.
The Lions were led by senior guards Clint Bateman’s 27 points and Tanner Newbold’s 14 points, 12 of which came from four three pointers. A big factor in the game was the play of junior big man Kaleb Wright, giving the Lions an inside threat with 17 points.
“I am glad Kaleb was able to play well like he did tonight; I have been guarding him in practice and I know how good he can be, he finally showed that tonight,” said Crook.
In the game prior Spanish Fork, the Lions took on the Juab Wasps for the Lion’s senior night. With an impressive performance, the Lions overpowered the Wasps with a 73-50 victory. Bateman put up 20 points along with 11 assists.
“It has been a learning experience, playing under Clint and Tanner. They have shown me what it takes to be a leader, and when my time comes I will be ready,” junior guard Trey McCloud.
The Lions finished their season with an incredible 17-4 record, going 10-0 in region for the first time in Payson basketball history. This year has been full of wonderful experiences from a spectator’s perspective; the blowout victory to Payson rival Salem Hills and the defensive statement in Spanish Fork, where former 3A leading scorer Clay Banks scored one point, thanks to the defense of Newbold.
On February 18, Payson hosted the first round of the 3A state playoffs, where the Ogden Tigers traveled two hours south to take on the Lions. In the 3rd quarter the Lions started to pull away with back-to-back threes from Jamon Lunt and Newbold. The Lions left the Tigers hopeless with 25 points from Bateman, along with Newbold’s 20 points.