Utah Pump N Run Basketball

Layton » Last year, Morgan Hesleph was a role player. A point guard off the bench that Sunny Tangero put in to pressure the ball on defense.

On Friday night, Hesleph, a junior at Juan Diego, showed that he was much more than that.

Showing a much improved jump shot, an improved handle and serious quickness, Hesleph scored 17 points to lead the Soaring Eagle to a 75-63 win over Layton Christian.

"It's just about hard work," Hesleph said. "I woke up at 4 a.m. everyday and I worked on my game. I wanted to show that I can play and that I can lead this team."

He did that and more against the Eagles. Hesleph got to the basket off the dribble repeatedly. He hit jumpshots, he knocked down free throws and he played the same kind of lockdown defense that he was previously known for.

His play, and the play of A.J. Pizza led Juan Diego, (3-1), on a 15-3 run to end the game. With the score tied at 60, Pizza converted a three-point play and that enabled the Soaring Eagle to close out the game strong.

"Layton Christian is a good team," Tangero said. "They're long and athletic and they look like a team that's going to go far. We got some bounces, we made some plays at the right time and that helped us out immensely tonight."

Pizza led the way for the Soaring Eagle with 21 points. J.D. Morgan also had a big game, putting up 17 points as Juan Diego displayed the kind of athleticism and length that should serve it well in Class 3A.

Hesleph, however, is the key. He had the look of a star on Friday night, and if he's able to keep up that level of play, Juan Diego could be a tough team to beat.

"The key is that we have the confidence after finishing third in the state last year," Tangero said. "These kids believe in themselves."