Utah Pump N Run Basketball

Reyes Gallegos showed why the University of Nebraska wants his basketball services next fall. He simply makes plays when it counts.

Unfortunately for the Bingham Miners, they found out the hard way just how good he really is last week.

With first place on the line in Region 3, Gallegos didn't allow the Miners to clinch their fifth consecutive title in front of their home fans. Instead, he shifted power back to West Jordan, which controlled its own destiny for a region title heading into the week after a surprising 79-65 win.

And he did it in marvelous fashion.

The senior couldn't be contained en route to a 31-point performance in a hostile environment. But it's no surprise to coach Scott Briggs , who has proclaimed all season that Gallegos is one of the state's most athletic guards, both on offense and defense. Gallegos and Mason Sawyer held Bingham's guards to under eight points.

West Jordan was concerned with its free-throw shooting heading into the contest. It's been hit or miss this season. In the Jaguars' last meeting with Bingham, which was a blowout loss, the Jaguars made just 14 trips to the line. They improved dramatically and forced their way to the charity stripe 21 times -- making 20 of them.

West Jordan's offense is rolling. It's won five of six including a four-point win vs. Riverton where, again, the Jaguars shot splendidly from the perimeter and the free-throw line. The Jaguars are one of the better defensive teams in 5A. If they can continue this offensive hot streak with Gallegos, Sawyer, and Jordan Weirick , then a successful postseason run is imminent.

"We have high expectations for ourselves on how hard we will need to play every night if we want to compete with some of the more talented teams in the state," Briggs said.