Basketball Recap: Payson Comes Up Short

Payson was the 61-49 winner over Uintah when they last played one another back in February of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Payson Lions fell to the Uintah Utes 66-60. While the Lions didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating the Utes 19-15 in the first quarter.

Despite the loss, Payson still got an impressive performance from Legend Reynoso, who went 9 of 14 en route to 21 points and five boards. The dominant performance gave Reynoso a new career-high in points. The team also got some help courtesy of Zandon Theobald, who went 6 for 12 on his way to 12 points and seven rebounds.

Even though they lost, Payson was working as a unit and finished the game with 22 assists. That's the most assists they've managed all season.

Uintah had a senior duo take command as Dauson Gardiner went 7 of 15 en route to 20 points and four steals and Gideon Owen almost dropped a double-double on 15 points and nine boards. The match was Gardiner's third in a row with at least ten points. Jd Pickup was another key player, putting up 13 points and five rebounds.

Payson's defeat dropped their record down to 13-4. As for Uintah, they moved to 12-6 with that victory, which also ended their three-game losing streak.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Payson will venture away from home to face off against Layton Christian Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. One thing working in Layton Christian Academy's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last five games. As for Uintah, they are taking a road trip to challenge Mountain View at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Uintah is facing Mountain View at the right time seeing as Mountain View is stuck on a five-game losing streak.