Pinnacle Lady Panthers take state: Ladies take inagural tournament
On February 27 and 28, USSA (Utah Schools Sports Alliance) conducted their first state basketball tournament for both girls and boys. The girls from Pinnacle High School began tournament play by dominating Merit Preparatory Academy in a 71-16 win and finished as champions.
Julianne Price was the first game's high scorer with 15 points, followed by Jordan Hamner and Monique Hullings dropping 14 points each to help the Lady Panthers find their way to victory.
The PHS gals continued their destined play against Paradigm High School, winning easily 55-37 and clinching a place in the championship game on Saturday. Sarah Norton led the team in scoring with 26 points.
"Saturday morning the girls spent their time cheering on the Pinnacle boys, as they waited for their championship game where they again would face Paradigm," said Pinnacle Business Manager Paula Wells.
The girls did not let any pre-game jitters get the best of them as they showed the true grit downing Paradigm 31-27 in the championship game.
"The girls fought hard throughout the game trading the lead with Paradigm several times," said Wells.
Sarah Norton again led the team in points, pouring in 20.
Coach Heidi Kay stated "I am proud of the girls and their accomplishment."
Kay led the small team to the victory they had dreamed of, the girls were 12-1 in regular season play and the regular season champions.
Kay is a two time winner this season, as she led the Pinnacle High girls volleyball team to the state title this year as well.
At the end of the tournament Pinnacle garnered several accolades as Coach Kay was named USSA Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.
Additionally, Sarah Norton was honored as the tournament's most valuable player.
Norton scored a total of 51 points in the two day tournament.
Participating members of the Lady Panthers are: Julianne Price, Mariah Dimick, Jordan Hamner, Tesla Marakis, Hannah Urbanik, Monique Hullings, Rylie Birch and seniors, Jessica Hardy, Sarah Norton and Crystal Sherman.
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