12:00 AM, Feb. 4, 2012
| HURRICANE - The Hurricane boys basketball team is making a case for why it could be the most dangerous team in 3A.
On Friday night, the Tigers hosted Region 9 foe Cedar for a battle of position. After a thrilling back-and-forth contest that showcased big shots, big blocks and big-time playmakers, the Tigers' red-hot shooting proved too much in the end as they defeated the Reds 64-54 in front of a standing-room only gym.
"The kids put in the preparation for this game," said Hurricane coach Brian Vaifanua, whose team has won seven of its last eight games. "We didn't have a great performance up there (at Cedar) last time and they took it to us. ... Tonight we did a great job defending their post players."
Not only did Hurricane avenge its previous loss to Cedar this season, it moved a half a game ahead of its foe for second place in region. With leader Desert Hills winning on Friday as well, the Tigers stand a half game back of the Thunder for the top seed with three games left to play.
To get into striking distance of a region title, Hurricane benefited from a balanced attack.
Small forward Taylor Parker led all scorers with 19 points, which included four 3-pointers in the win. The senior also chipped in five rebounds and three assists. He was backed up by forward Colton Marshall's 15 points and seven rebounds along with center Boston Gubler's 13 points and four rebounds.
Cedar had four players in double-digits. Kyler Nielson had 15, while John Ursua, Trent Snow and Kaden Garrett tallied 10 apiece. Yet the experienced group struggled at times due to a relentless man-to-man Tigers defense.
"We knew we didn't want to have to fight back from a deficit early," said Hurricane shooting guard Benson Rich, who posted 10 points and four rebounds. "Kyler Nielson is a great player and their leader. We wanted to make sure we doubled him in the post and made it tough for him to score."
It was a game of streaks for both teams.
Hurricane built leads of 17-9 and 27-18 in the first half, however, Cedar closed on an 8-2 run to cut the deficit to three entering halftime.
Early in the third quarter, Ursua made a big basket in transition. When coupled with a Snow free throw, the Reds got over the hump with a 34-33 lead. Nonetheless, it would be the Reds' last time in front as the Tigers unleashed a 10-0 run highlighted by Parker's and-1 basket off the glass from the left block, igniting a roar from the home faithful.
The play occured after the senior pump-faked his defender on the left wing, drove to the paint and drew the defender, but maintained enough body control to get his bank shot to go through the net.
Cedar did rally later in the half, closing to within 49-45 after a pair of Nielson free throws in the fourth, but again the streaking Tigers regained momentum.
This time it was an 8-2 push with three minutes left that helped secure the critical region win.
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