Wasatch’s magical playoff run comes to an end

By Kenny Bristow

They weren’t one and done.  They weren’t even two and through.  They were only three points away from making it to the championship.  The Wasatch boy’s basketball team was poised to make a run at a 3A state trophy, but simply ran out of the magical gas that had propelled them into the third round of the state tournament.

On Friday night, the Wasps fell to number one seed Morgan in a battle that at times resembled a UFC match.  The underdog Wasatch squad fought with all they had and for the most part was successful.  All except for a shot or two that just would not fall.

When the clock read 2.9 seconds remaining in the game and the Trojans up by two, Wasatch set up a play for shooting guard Cooper Ballstaedt to penetrate as far down the court as he could and take his best shot at a three pointer.  It all worked except, the difficult running 30-foot shot with defenders all around, bounced off the glass to the left of the rim and the improbable run was over.

The fans at the Dee Center cheered wildly at what might have been the best game of the tournament.  And Wasatch was applauded for their performance, which should serve as consolation for them since they weren’t even supposed to be on the bracket for the tournament.  The Wasps, however, did not see things that way.

Senior Chris Johnson goes up for a field goal against the tough Snow Canyon defense.

“I was sure we were going to win state,” said Ballstaedt.  “I just had such a feeling of belief.  I’m still kind of in shock,” he added.  The guard wasn’t really bothered by the last gasp attempt – that would have taken a miracle.  It was Wasatch’s possession with the score still tied at 50 that is hard for him to swallow.  “We had it all set up for the last shot and did it perfectly.  I’m just so blown away that it didn’t happen,” the senior said.  “I’ll be playing that one back in my head for a long time.”

For their hard fought efforts against Morgan, the Wasps got to turn around after getting back to Heber City after midnight and return to Ogden for the 3^rd place consolation game against Snow Canyon Saturday at 3:00 P.M.  Not an easy thing to do emotionally.  Especially after leaving every ounce of yourself out on the floor the night before.

The Wasps decided to have some fun and make the most of their last time on the floor together.  They came out energetic – running and gunning and sinking four three pointers in the first quarter.  The Warriors matched Wasatch and eventually bested them on their way to a 25-18 lead after one quarter.

Ben Pelo scores on a layup. The junior led Wasatch in the consolation game with 13 points.

But the Wasps slowed the pace with their tenacious defense only allowing Snow Canyon five points to their 14 in the second quarter.  A mini eight point scoring barrage, highlighted by three pointers from Ballstaedt and junior Ben Pelo, gave Wasatch a 26-25 advantage.  The two teams then traded baskets the rest of the half with the Wasps coming out with a two-point lead 32-30.

The Wasps were showing little affect from the pervious night’s tough loss.  Snow Canyon, who was knocked into the consolation game from a thrashing at the hands of Bear River appeared to be hungry enough to want the 3^rd place plaque as well.

The second half consisted of more of the same closely played basketball with both teams answering each other’s attempt at running away with it.  Not until the Warriors broke a 40-40 tie with five straight points, did either team look ready to take charge.  Junior Jackson Gordon sank a three pointer followed by a Jeff Murdock bucket to pull Wasatch to within four when the third period came to a close.

Junior guard Jackson Gorden brings the ball upcourt after taking a pass from Casey Peterson.

Wasatch, despite good play on offense, was never able to regain the lead in the fourth.  Each of their scores was quickly answered by Snow Canyon which may have been a sign of the Wasps wearing down.  Justin Dorius’ consecutive scores of a field goal and a free throw would close the gap to 60- 59 with less than a minute to play, but it was two Warrior free throws that put the Wasps away for good.  Wasatch had one more chance at a three to tie it, but it would not go and Snow Canyon would convert after the rebound and walk away with the 66-61 victory.

Once again, the Wasps had at least eight scorers on the board. Pelo led the way with 13 points, followed by Jeff Murdock with 11 and Ballstaedt added 10.  Pelo, Nate Dow and Chris Johnson each had seven rebounds for Wasatch.

Lonnie Magnusson, center, sets up the play for his team during the game's final timeout.

After the 3^rd place game, Lonnie Magnusson, who has plans to step down after this season as the Wasp head coach explained how difficult it is to come back and play a consolation game the following day after a bitter defeat.  “It’s hard”, he said as he sighed and then paused.  “We wanted to win it (state).  We thought we could win it.  It just didn’t go that way for us,” he added.  But it’s been a rewarding season – it really has,” he said with a smile.  “I’m proud of all the guys for never quitting and playing hard.  It was a tremendous year for us.”