By Greg James | [email protected] 

This season for Cyprus High School’s boys basketball team has found them highly ranked and ready to have an impact in the state tournament.

Each game the team has a motto of an opportunity to get better every day. That is how the Pirates have embraced this season.

“This is a great group of kids,” Pirates head coach Tre Smith said. “It is a fun group to be around and that makes them easier to coach.”

The Pirates stand in first place in Region 2. They are undefeated with three games remaining. The contest against Kearns scheduled for Feb. 16 could determine the region championship.

“Defense is the key. In our first big win over Kearns it was one of our better games,” Smith said.

On Feb. 4 the Pirates faced Kearns for the first time this season. It was a barn burner of a game. Cyprus led by only two at the half, but the third quarter proved to be the difference.

The Pirates defense held the Cougars to nine points as they pulled away for the victory. In a similar game against Taylorsville, the Pirates held a slim three-point lead at halftime. The midway point adjustments helped vault them to an 18 point victory.

“In the second half, we were much more locked in defensively. We made some second-half adjustments,” Smith said. “Our game is to run and space the floor pretty well and we have some big shooters. If the guys hit their spots we can be an effective team.”

Junior Quentin Mesa took control in the second half with his defense and court awareness.

“He is doing a good job. As he has developed in high school his awareness is a lot better. He has become more unselfish and talented. He is very good at controlling the pace and tempo of the game,” Smith said. “He has the potential to play after high school. We just need to keep at it and keep getting better.”

Mesa is averaging 19.7 points per game to lead the team. He also contributes 8.4 assists demonstrating his ability to involve his teammates.

“I have played basketball so much that I have learned to read the defenders,” Mesa said. “I can score on every level. I think we started the season a little rough, but I think we will put it all together when state comes around.”

As the state tournament approaches Smith realizes how important his team’s defense will be. 

“I think one of the guys that I have seen a lot from this season is Drysten (Heard). He is a senior captain and has been spectacular. He has become a better defender and has knocked down shots and is rebounding very well,” Smith said. “In 6A there are a lot of good teams. Anything can happen once the tournament gets here.”

Smith is quick to point out other players that have been key to the team's success this season. 

“(MJ) Tia does everything, he defends, rebounds and can score. We also have one of the best shooters in the state in (Diego) Mulford. He shoots 50% from three. His shooting has made it easier for the other guys. The defense has to stay attached because he is so good,” Smith said.

Tia and Justus Jackson-Fobbs combine for over 10 rebounds per game. Mulford has hit 73 three-pointers and averages 12.8 points per game.

Cyprus stands at seventh in the most current UHSAA 6A RPI standings. The state tournament is scheduled to begin Feb. 23 and the finals will be played March 5 at BYU.