Hoophall Classic: All About Lone Peak

Lone Peak High began their national tour with an 81-46 drubbing of Proviso East (2011-12 state runner-ups in Illinois) back in December and concluded their tour with a 81-46 beatdown of the two time Division II state California champions in Archbishop Mitty.

In front of a packed house in Springfield, MA for the 2013 Hoophall Classic, the two-time defending state champions of Utah brought their A game and wowed the crowd with their pinpoint shooting and ball movement in a route to a win over top 5 senior Aaron Gordon and Co. For anyone who has seen Lone Peak play this year, it is well-known that they are led by their three headed BYU trio of guards Nick Emery and TJ Haws and big-man Eric Mika. While these three players all played up to their lofty expectations this MLK day, it was unsung starter Connor Toolson who stole the show and went 6-6 from three on his way to a team high 22 points. 

Lone Peak jumped out to an early lead as they are prone to do with their deadly three point shooting. Senior guard Nick Emery launched a deep three on the first possession and the route was on. Lone Peak jumped out to a 15-4 lead which quickly turned into a 44-20 halftime lead.

The second half was more of the same as Lone Peak showed off their athleticism and teamwork. Aaron Gordon was able to get his for Archbishop Mitty and finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds but his teammates were rendered helpless. Emery finished with 20 points for Lone Peak while Haws had 18 points and six rebounds. While Toolson stole the show today, he has been a steady first year starter all year and averaged almost 10 points per game while in three games against nationally ranked opponents in the City of Palms Classic. 

As noted above, Lone Peak has taken on all comers throughout the United States in several elite tournaments: 

Chicago Elite Classic – 12/1

Defeated Proviso East (Illinois) 81-46. Proviso East went 33-1 last year with their only loss coming in the state championship to Simeon 50-48.

Great Western Shootout – 12/7

Defeated Denver East (Colorado) 73-54. Denver East is currently ranked #1 in the 5A class of Colorado.

City of Palms Classic – 12/19 – 12/22

Defeated Callaway (Mississippi) 60-42. In the opening round of the City of Palms, Lone Peak defeated Malik Newmann who is one of the top sophomores in the country.

Defeated Chester (Pennsylvania) 73-50. Snapped Chester’s 61 game win streak with a dominant 2^nd half performance.

Defeated #16 Southwind (Tennessee) 67-52. Despite the athleticism of Jonathon Williams and Jujuan Johnson, Lone Peak used another dominant 2^nd half to advance to the championship.

Lost to #1 Montverde (Florida) 45-66. Lone Peak finally ran into a team with too many match-up problems. Kasey Hill and DeAngelo Russell kept the pressure on Emery and Haws all game, while Dakari Johnson battled with Mika down low. The Knights were within striking range for most of the 2^nd half before Montverde pulled away. While Mika and Johnson battled down low, the Knights did not have the size or strength to match-up with Devin Williams down low. 

Brandon Jennings Invitational – 1/12

Defeated Wesleyan Christian (North Carolina) 63-59. Despite not playing up to their normal high standards, Lone Peak came from behind to defeat Theo Pinson and his teammates in Milwaukee. 

Hoophall Classic – 1/21

Defeated Archbishop Mitty (California) 81-46

After this last performance, Lone Peak will now head back to Utah to defend their back to back state championships. Throughout the year, Lone Peak has been beating their Utah opponents by almost 30 points a game. Their closest game came in the first game of the year which was also happened to be a state title game re-match. In this game, Lone Peak only beat Brighton by 20 points after having beaten them by 30 points last year. Needless to say, Lone Peak should win their 3^rd state championship in dominating fashion. 

Other Notes:

·         Emery, Haws, and Mika have all signed with BYU while Talon Shumway will head to BYU on a football scholarship.

·         Lone Peak competed together on the Under Armour AAU circuit as the Utah Reign and they were competitive in all of the main tournaments they played in.