Bulldogs win 3A State Basketball Championship

Intermountain Catholic

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Judge Memorial's Noel Hollingsworth aggressively attacks the hoop in the State Championship game against Wasatch. Photo by Judge Memorial Senior Michael Berry

SALT LAKE CITY — The Judge Memorial Bulldogs became the State 3A Basketball Champions with a 77-65 win over the Wasatch Wasps at the E Center Feb. 22. This was their second state title in three years.

"This team improved as much as any team we have ever had," said James Yerkovich, Judge Memorial Catholic High School head basketball coach and vice principal.

"We lost some really good college-level athletes last year, and these guys just stepped in and kept getting better and better," said Yerkovich. "We can look at this season in four segments."

Yerkovich said their pre-season schedule was the toughest one they have ever played against 4A and 5A teams and they came out with an outstanding record, which led to their later success. They had eight wins and three losses. In two of the losses, they were only one possession away from winning in the games against Skyline and Brighton High Schools. We were close to having a record of 10-1.

"In the second segment of play, we pretty much dominated Region 10 with a record of 10-0, winning all of our games," said Yerkovich. "Part of that is tradition now, because over the last four seasons we have won 33 straight league games. This team was a big part of that winning 10 games themselves. We feel fortunate to have that happen, because we also know how easy it is to lose."

The third segment of Judge Memorial’s season was the State Tournament. They defeated Ogden High School in the first game 78-54 on their home court.

"That game propelled us into the quarter-finals," said Yerkovich. "We had to play one of our league opponents, Uintah High School, and we beat them 68-54. Then we played our biggest and most challenging game, the semi-final game against Bear River. We knew it was going to be a big game.

"I don’t know if I have ever witnessed a game where both teams were playing harder than during our Bear River game," said Yerkovich. "It was an absolute war, and our team just hung tough and led most of game by six to eight points. Then Bear River came back within two points late in the game, and we made four or five big plays in the last two minutes which got us a nine point margin and the win.

"That win brought us to the championship game, and the fourth segment of our season," said Yerkovich. "We played Wasatch High School. We got control of the game early and maintained our lead, as we had twice before at Judge during the league. I was worried our team would run out of gas after the Bear River game, but they responded really well."

Yerkovich said the team rotated, and everybody got to play in the state championship game. It was a rewarding experience. As well as they played, Yerkovich felt the whole atmosphere was pervaded by their "We" philosophy because everybody was supporting each other and it was great to have everybody contributing in the championship game.

In mentioning the players, Yerkovich said Noel Hollingsworth, a senior, has had an almost automatic double/double in rebounds and scoring. He averaged 20 points a game and had 14 rebounds a game this year. He also had a great post presence.

Yerkovich said point guard Stallon Saldivar, a junior, had an outstanding tournament and was picked as the Most Valuable Player. He can shoot, pass, plays hard, and is competitive.

He said Oliver Hughes, a junior, is somebody who frustrates opponents, and is one of the best three-point shooters Judge has ever had.

Yerkovich said one of the most valuable players is junior Dee Crandle. He is our stopper on defense. Crandle has had many great games all year long where he picks opponents best players and takes them out of the game.

"Walker Gale, a sophomore and a starter, is improving a lot," said Yerkovich. "He had a very good tournament. He is an outstanding athlete who can really jump.

"Senior Chris Sasich is the heart of this team," said Yerkovich. "He is the hardest worker, best listener, and is somebody everybody would love to have on their team.

"Senior Matt Jimenez is a very good athlete with a good attitude," said Yerkovich. "He made some definite contributions in some big situations."