Chargers Outlast Rams In Final Game

After upsetting the top seed Bountiful Braves in a hard fought game the Highland Rams returned to Weber State to take on a powerful Corner Canyon team in the second round of the 5A state tournament. It was a fight to the end but an early run by Corner Canyon was too much for the Rams to overcome with Corner Canyon winning 64-50 which will end the Rams strong season.

Corner Canyon was ready to play and came out firing in the first quarter and made a statement fast with a commanding 25-12 lead through one quarter. In the second quarter Highland fought back keeping with the Chargers holding them to about half as many points as they had in the first quarter. Through one half the Chargers lead 38-26 with seniors Gabe Toombs and Hayden Welling putting up big numbers for the Chargers.

In the third quarter it was a defensive fight with neither team able to break double digits in points that quarter. Highland defended well and outscored the Chargers 9-8 in the third to keep the game within reach heading into the fourth with the Rams down 46-35. In the fourth Highland made a comeback push and got within 6 points with only a few minutes left. But the Chargers answered with strong defense and a few big plays to force Highland to stop the clock by fouling. After many free throws the Chargers were able to seal the win to go on to the next round of the state tournament.

One of the major factors in this game was the free throw difference. Corner Canyon was able to put up 18 points just from the free throw line to the Rams 3 points. Highland senior Christian Rich put up 12 points with 2 threes and lead the Rams in this hard fought battle. Corner Canyon senior Gabe Toombs had 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead his team to victory.

“It felt so great. I think for all the seniors you know that this is your last shot and that made it all better when we beat Bountiful,” Senior Christian Rich said. “We played so hard on tuesday and tonight and showed everyone that we are not that bad.”

It was tough for the Rams to not get the win tonight but to get this far against all odds was special for the team and especially the seniors.

“It was a great way to finish our senior year,” Senior Aidan Straight said. “After losing in the first round last year it was good to get that win and win as a team. It was tough to lose to Corner Canyon again but that’s just sports and I’m proud of our team and how we came together to beat Bountiful it was really special.”

Going this far in the tournament was a great way for Highland to go out knowing they gave it their best shot and knocking out one of the best teams in the state. It is hard to see a bunch of seniors leaving but the Rams will do their best to return and go even farther next season.