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Sugar House Journal

Highland Boys Basketball Prepared for Season

Dec 08, 2015 14h15 ● By Tyson Peterson

By Tyson Peterson

Sugar House - In the spring of 2015, Highland boys basketball finished out the season with 15 wins out of 16. Some notable wins from the season include a 51-48 win in overtime against Layton Christian Academy, a comeback win of 48-38 against Grantsville, and two wins in one week against Murray White and Jordan White. 

As the Highland boys basketball team finishes up their tryouts to determine this year’s team, Coach James Boyce talked with The Sugar House Journal about this year’s team, expectations and what to watch for.

“Right now I think Park City is our first game in December, and that’s where our focus is,” Boyce said.

The team was decided and practice began in late November, giving the boys a few weeks to practice before their first game against Park City, who also went 15 for 16 last year. Other games coming up this season include Viewmont, Wasatch and West High School. The team will finish out its season in early March, depending on if the team makes it to the state finals.

“First we look to make it to regional finals, and then state finals if possible. We take it one step at a time,” Boyce said.

The last time Highland boys basketball won a state championship was in 2011. They have been the state champions eight times since 1965 which ties them with Bingham High School. Provo High school has the state record of 17 state championship wins.

Boyce noted that Ryan Lambson, Brevin Elscholz and Rick Scmidt are players to watch this season. Number 15, Rick Scmidt, is a senior now and plays power forward. He had notable games last year against East High School, West Jordan High and Bountiful High School.  

Jersey 1, Brevin Elscholz, is also a senior and plays point guard for the team. He had some great highlights against East High School last season. And Ryan Lambson, another senior, also plays point guard. 

 “You should expect to see us fairly senior heavy,” Boyce said about the demographics of the team. 

Lambson also plays for the Highland football team. In their game against Corner Canyon on Nov. 6, Lambson’s performance won him the player of the game award. He has won that award three time this past season, his first coming on Aug. 21 when he had nine solo tackles and one interception that helped turn the game around.

However, Lambson is not the only dual athlete on the team. Oscar Maxfield, a point guard, also plays for the Highland golf team. Earlier this year, Maxfield took second at the state 4A championship tournament.

“Our Highland Players never give up and are always willing to work hard,” Boyce said about his team.