A learning process for Olympus boys’ basketball

A challenging preseason lineup against 5A teams has helped give the Olympus boys basketball team the experience it needs.

“We are a very inexperienced team,” coach Matt Barnes said. “We have some new guys, some new faces and we are just figuring things out. We are hitting a 37 percent shooting average and 17 to18 turnovers per game. We can definitely get better.”

The Titans had a close 53-50 win over Cottonwood Nov. 29 to open the season, with senior Will Cannon scoring the game high of 20 points with 14 rebounds and two assists. The win was followed by a 52-37 loss to Woods Cross Dec. 2, where the Titans trailed by only three points at the half, but struggled in the second half.

Olympus also lost a tough 49-42 home opener to Alta Dec. 6. The Titans led at the half, but again were unable to stay strong enough in the second half to pull out a win. Senior Jackson Coleman led Olympus in scoring, with 15 points, two three-pointers, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals reported by the coaching staff. Parker Rawlings contributed 10 points and six rebounds to the effort.

The Titans also lost a close 41-38 to Highland Dec. 13, but beat Bingham 52-45, Dec. 16.

“It’s a learning process,” Barnes said. “We’re trying to keep things in perspective; we’re working, staying positive. We’re just trying to get ready for league [regular season] play in January.”

Seniors for this year’s team are Cannon, Coleman, Rawlings, Stuart Pace, Nick Barney, Jake Bengtzen and Nate Breivik. Sophomore Connor Haller is starting at point guard for the team, with juniors Jaren Jones at forward and Coulson Hardy at guard.

“We are in the process of mixing and matching those 10 starters, trying to find the best combination,” Barnes said. “The kids are learning, growing up. They’re great kids, they work hard. We’re hoping for success.”

Olympus played in the Riverton Winter Invitational, defeating Fremont 55-43, Dec. 20, and losing a close 48-45 to Riverton Dec. 21. The Titans defeated Bountiful 60-57, Dec. 30 and narrowly won over Davis 66-65 Jan 3.

The Titans ended their preseason against Taylorsville Jan. 6 (Update?) and Box Elder Jan. 10, and will move into the regular season against Hillcrest at home Jan. 13, at Westlake Jan. 20, at Herriman Jan. 24 and at home against Skyline Jan. 27.