The fourth-ranked Bountiful High boys volleyball picked up two more wins this week, sweeping Clearfield 25-20, 25-20, 25-23 March 19 and Bonneville 25-10, 25-21, 25-12 March 21.

The Redhawks remain undefeated through four matches in Region 5 play and are 6-1 overall.

Farmington

Farmington defeated Sky View 25-18, 25-22, 22-25, 19-25, 15-8 March 19.

Senior outside hitter Jake Connell led the Phoenix with 18 kills while senior middle blocker Ashton Scholz added 12. Setters Brayden Peck and Charlie Evans ran the offense with 27 and 20 assists, respectively, while senior libero Anderson Duke recorded 11 digs on the back line and Scholz and sophomore Pearce Eliason combined for seven blocks at the net.

“We were consistent for the first two games, demonstrating a strong attack and defense,” said head coach Ferman Sorriano Bautista. “We seemed to find a strong gameplay that Sky View could not stand. They took sets three and four with a very aggressive attack that we couldn’t stop, but we took the last set and the match, counterbalancing their attack with an excellent defense. Also, our sophomore and JV teams showed strong gameplay from point one in winning their matches.”

At the Lone Peak tournament March 22-23, Farmington defeated West 2-0, East 2-0 and Salem Hills 3-0 while losing to Lone Peak 2-0, Bingham 2-0 and Skyridge 3-1.

The Phoenix are currently 4-5 this season.

Viewmont

Viewmont defeated Box Elder 26-24, 24-26, 25-15, 25-23 March 19.

“The match was filled with so many swings of momentum for each team,” said head coach Karl Lippa. “We were down 20-24 in the first set and rallied to win 26-24. It was an indicator of how close the end of sets two and four would be. Box Elder’s serve receive was strong all night causing our serving to be more conservative and out of sync. Our defense continued to improve as the night went on. I am proud of the boys for working together to overcome the attack while they continually threw at us.”

Against Northridge March 21, the Vikings won 25-14, 25-15, 25-16. 

“Every player played and contributed to scoring points for the team which was great,” said Lippa. “I enjoy watching the progress of the players as we approach our one-month checkpoint. I was pleased with our newer players in how they adjusted in the match. The offense was set well, and our serve-receive had many excellent passes to keep our offensive options open.”

At the Pleasant Grove tournament March 22-23, Viewmont defeated Fremont 2-1 and Brighton 3-0 and lost to Bingham 2-1, West 2-1, Corner Canyon 2-1 and Skyline 3-0.

“The tournament was a great experience for us,” Lippa said. “Pleasant Grove was a terrific host and I was pleased with the high level of competition from many different schools. Our boys played well and what I was most pleased with was the growth we showed with high competition, especially from two of the higher level 6A teams in Corner Canyon and Bingham. Our team’s support for each other continues to be a reason for our growth through some early season challenges. Offensively, we played an intelligent game overall, and I felt our defense just got better as the tournament went on. I took many notes on skills, concepts and techniques to improve upon and we had an enjoyable time highlighted with a 3-0 win over Brighton to finish the tournament.”

The Vikings are now 6-5 this season.

Woods Cross

Woods Cross defeated Roy 25-17, 18-25, 19-25, 25-19, 15-9 March 18.

Senior middle blocker Eli Michaelis had eight kills and team-leading four blocks for the Wildcats. “Once we were able to start engaging our middles, Eli went to town, hitting over the block,” said head coach Josey Hilton. “He is also huge at the net, putting up a strong block. He is definitely a presence on the court.”

Senior Khang Tran led offensively with 12 kills senior Hayden Poulton had 10 kills and 12 digs and Cole Howard also recorded a double-double with 10 kills and 11. Sophomore Clayton Schmitt ran the offense with 38 assists and senior Dallin Olsen was tops on defense with 18 digs.

Woods Cross’ junior varsity also beat the Royals in five sets with junior Lincoln Hibbert noted as the player of the match by Hilton. “While serving, we scored 22 points and he also had amazing defense,” she said. “Lincoln is always smiling, always cheering, and is always asking for ways to improve. He is a great teammate and does his job on the court, with one of the best attitudes I have seen.”

In the sophomore match against Roy, setter Bennett Pilkington was the star of the show, according to Hilton. “His contributions toward our match was huge,” she said. “He was calm and focused on the mission: to win. On top of his great sets he gave the hitters, he also played an important role on defense, digging the opponents’ hits and also putting pressure on them from the service line. He was consistent, has a great attitude and made minimal errors. We are excited to see where volleyball takes him.”

Against Clearfield March 21, the Wildcats won 25-23, 20-25, 25-18, 25-18 behind 12 kills and four blocks. “His improvement from our first game against Park City is phenomenal,” said Hilton. “He is the definition of a sponge – soaking up knowledge, asking questions and all with a great attitude and smile on his face. He brings so much energy to the court and is a game changer to keep your eyes on.”

Also helping offensively were Howard with 10 kills, Tran with seven aces and Schmitt with 19 assists while on defense, Tran, Poulton and Olsen each recorded five digs.

In the junior varsity match, Woods Cross lost 24-26, 25-23, 9-15, 15-8, 7-15. “Isaac Johnson has been our six-rotation player, becoming a force on offense and defense,” said Hilton. “He is the player that we couldn’t afford to take out. For two matches in a row, he has excelled. He led the team with six kills, 12 digs and aces for the night.”

The sophomores lost 25-17, 13-25, 12-15. “Tanner was one of the most consistent players for the night,” Hilton said. “He usually plays setter, but sometimes he’s asked to play outside hitter. He is not afraid to play other positions and tries his best to make a contribution in whatever he’s asked to play. His performance was exceptional especially from the service line where he delivered 15 service aces in a row and knew exactly the best spots to target. He is really receptive to the coaches’ tips, has a positive attitude and knows how to enjoy the game.”

At the Pleasant Grove tournament, Woods Cross lost to Salem Hills 2-0, Wasatch 2-0, Pleasant Grove 2-0, Brighton 2-0, Payson 3-0 and Sky View 3-2.

“This was a great experience for the varsity team and helped to see how we stack up against other teams in the state,” Hilton said. “Being the first high school tournament these boys have played, there was a lot of learning happening: the need to start strong, stay focused, stay energized and disciplined. All of this seemed to click in our last match against Sky View, which went to five sets, and the boys finally relaxed enough to implement all that they have been learning over the last three weeks and just play. The energy shifted, they were relaxed, focused and most importantly, having fun.”

The Wildcats’ record on the season is 3-8.