Successful Learners are: Dedicated to Excellence - United in Service - Educated for Success

Springville boys basketball team traveled to Salem Hills, the reigning co-region champions, and pulled off a miracle upset in overtime.  Then, three days later, the Red Devils defeated the Payson Lions, the number one team in 4A; both games were won by one point in intense overtime battles. The Red Devils are now 6-8 and are on a six game winning streak.

Springville challenged Salem Hills with a 4-8 record and a 4 game winning streak.   Salem was heavily favored to win the game by double digits. But, Springville came out strong on defense and kept up with Salem Hills’ explosive offense. The game was so hard fought that overtime was needed to determine the winner. With 3.9 seconds left in overtime, London Simonsen hit two free throws to put Salem Hills up by one point.  Springville’s Dallin Pope would then inbound the ball to Parker Brady who rushed up the court and kicked to Bradley Kitchen who threw up a pray with one second remaining.  The ball then soured through the air for what seemed like hours; finally, the ball found its place in the hoop, giving the Red Devils a miracle road victory.  Matt Sumsion, lead the way with 21 points followed by Dallin Pope with a hard fought 15 points.

Three days later on Friday, January 21, the number one team in 4A came into town.  Springville had a red out in which the school gave out free shirts if you had a coupon from the pep rally the day before.  Before Friday, Payson’s only season loss came by the hand of Chartiers Valley, Pennsylvania, in a Florida tournament.   Payson was undefeated in state play.  From the tip off the crowd was going crazy. The game went back and forth during all regulation play.  The game would end up going into overtime in which both teams fought to the finish.  With time ticking down, Payson had the ball in the final seconds and down by one point, Payson’s Clint Bateman would put up a layup for the win only to be blocked by Matt Sumsion giving Springville the upset at home. Nathan Isrealsen, was the points leader for Springville with 20 and Matt Sumsion added 17.