Lone Peak Knights
Photo by Army National Guard
It was awards night for the students at
Lone Peak (Highland, Utah). The student and facility restlessly anticipated the MaxPreps Basketball Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard. The Lone Peak Knights were Utah 5A state champions and ranked No. 1 in the county out of more than 20,000 boys basketball programs according to the MaxPreps Computer Rankings.
The Knights finished the year with a 26-1 record that culminated with a 79-36 win in the 5A Utah state championship game. After being presented with the national championship trophy in front of a packed auditorium last month, Lone Peak held a special assembly for the MaxPreps ceremony.
Jeremy Brunner, the MaxPreps representative, spoke first. He told the crowd that it takes a whole community to achieve excellence. Jeremy continued to tell the crowd, "It is amazing what Lone Peak has accomplished. The Knights embody the true meaning of team. No one would believe that a team from rural Utah could accomplish such a great season."
Sergeant Bric Simpson of the Utah Army National Guard continued the ceremony. Sergeant Simpson explained that the Lone Peak boys basketball team represents the same values that the Army National Guard treasures. The Knights team demonstrated loyalty, respect, honor, and integrity in winning the state championship. He went on to say that those same attributes are what it takes to be in the Army National Guard. He then asked Lone Peak's Head Coach Quincy Lewis to join him on stage.
With the crowd on its feet, Sergeant Simpson presented Coach Lewis with the "Minuteman" trophy.
"On behalf of Lone Peak High School, my basketball team and this community we are just thrilled to have this recognition," Lewis said at the podium. "As we went through this year, you maybe begin with trying to make your team the best team they can be, but it soon became obvious what we were doing was representing our school, our community and our state. Honestly with the year we've had, it's just a reflection of what this community is. I'm proud to be a part of Lone Peak High School and our state. We are grateful for this honor."
The Knights played the toughest ranked schedule in the nation and beat teams from Illinois, Colorado, Nevada, North Carolina, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and California.
"Receiving this trophy is an amazing accomplishment. It's definitely something special and we'll remember it forever," Lone Peak junior guard
T.J. Haws said. "I think it just shows how hard we really worked this year. It showcases our talent, and we're very lucky to be a part of it."
Congratulations Lone Peak on your No.1 ranking that reflects your incredible accomplishments and outstanding season!
