Sevier Valley College in Richfield hosted this season’s Region 1A Preview November 17 and 18. The Valley Buffalos had two pre-scheduled contests beginning with the Manila Mustangs at 5:30, followed by the Tabiona Tigers at 9 a.m. on Saturday, for which the team bus left Orderville at 6:30 that morning.
Senior point-guard Lydia Cox looking for a passing lane while driving for the bucket during Valley’s season-opener at the 1A Preview in Richfield’s Sevier Valley Center. Photos by Jerry Melrose.
The first evening was directed by Assistant Coach/bus driver Mesia Lamb, in the absence of coaches Dustin and Harmony Cox attending a Farm Bureau meeting. Hopes were dashed 45-32, in which Kimber Reeve (senior) led the team with 15 points and Rachel Cox (junior) racked-up 12. Lydia Cox (senior) and Jane Jennings (freshman) joined-in with two each, trailed by Andee Anderson’s solo.
With Head Coach Dustin back at the helm, Rachel reversed roles with her 15, as Kim netted 11. Freshmen Emma Cox and Lindsey Franklin scored deuces, while sophomores Maddie Cox and Andee each aced in their 51-33 loss. Sophomores McKaydee Bauer and Tenacie Roundy played without scoring, as did freshman Teagan Roundy.
Coach Cox commented on the state of the squad after last Monday’s 5:30 morning practice. “We didn’t have Lyd (Lydia Cox) or Jane (Jennings) on Saturday. Jane was at the rodeo. She did very good; she won the Poles (Bending event). And then, Lydia won 2A. She played on the 2A team for volleyball. They won the All-Star game. So, sad to miss them, but give them credit there. So, it was good.”
After assessing the team’s Preview performance, he observed, “Yeah, things are good ... coming together. Making movements very good. Making it automatic, making it ‘habit.’ One thing that I liked about it is their conditioning. They had legs under them, and just went. They went, they went! Just a little confused on some of the places we need to go to. But they were going; they were going. They’re clicking ... keeping moving. Manila was good; Tabi was good. Good programs, good coaches. We’re ready, ready to go!”
After the Thanksgiving Moratorium, they’ll hit the ground running away from home at Piute on November 29, including Kanab’s Cowboy Classic on December 1 and 2.
