Rams start strong despite inexperience

For a team that graduated all but one starter from last year’s state championship season, Highland High’s boys basketball squad certainly hasn’t looked frazzled thus far.

The Rams were 1-1 as of press deadline, defeating Viewmont, 51-44, in their opener and losing to Riverton, 58-50. The duo of David Divver and Liam Thomas, who combined to average about nine points per game while playing behind the starters last year, have emerged as Highland’s go-to players. Starting man Max Bradshaw is expected back as soon as he recovers from an injury.

Divver made three 3-pointers and finished with 19 points, while Thomas added 16 points and seven rebounds in the victory over Viewmont. The Rams nursed a six-point halftime lead (27-21) and maintained the margin throughout the second half. Highland started the game on an 11-0 run. Matt Barker scored 10 points and Todd Connolly five for the Rams, who forced 25 turnovers.

Highland nearly overcame an abysmal start against Riverton, trailing 12-1 after one quarter and 20-15 at halftime, but couldn’t overcome the Silver Wolves. The Rams pulled to within one point, 35-34, heading into the fourth quarter, but Riverton won the period, 23-16.

Thomas netted 18 points against Riverton while Divver made three 3-pointers and had 11 points. Barker added six points, and Connolly, Hayes Hicken and Riley Tucker each had four points.

The Rams captured the 4A championship last season with a 48-42 victory over Bountiful. That was preceded by playoff victories over Mountain Crest, Payson and Lehi. Highland finished 22-3 overall and won the Region 6 championship with a 10-2 record. Sam Orchard averaged 16 points per game, Nate Fakahafua 13 and Lew Evans 10, but all three have since graduated.

Orchard, who also averaged three assists and three rebounds per game and shot 85 percent on free throws, was named 4A MVP. Fakahafua made the 4A first team and Evans the third team. Highland’s average point differential (59-47) was the best in 4A.

Highland was scheduled to host Hillcrest on Dec. 6 and play at Judge Memorial on Dec. 9.