Think high school basketball squads are resting and relaxing during the holiday break from classes? Think again. Most local teams have been working feverishly on the hardwood as region games loom in a few weeks. 

Farmington

The Phoenix headed into Christmas on a winning note, defeating Mountain Ridge 62-56 on Dec. 21. Farmington trailed 36-30 at halftime but used a 17-6 third quarter to make a comeback. Collin Chandler was held to 11 points, but Paul Beattie had a season-high 24 points. Devin Day added 14 points. 

Farmington is 4-5 on the year. On Thursday, the team played at home against Copper Hills for the final non-region game of the year. The Phoenix hosted Fremont on Jan. 4 to tip off league play. 

Woods Cross

The Wildcats moved to 5-3 with a 54-46 victory over Clearfield on Dec. 21. Woods Cross trailed 31-29 at halftime but turned up the defense in the second half. 

The Wildcats held the Falcons to 15 second-half points and scored 25 of their own to earn the win in the low-scoring game. Mason Bendinger led the way with 16 points. Teammate Alex Earl contributed 13 points, including a trio of three-pointers. Nine Woods Cross players got in the scoring column. 

This week is a busy one for Woods Cross, as the team has three games. First was a contest against Salem Hills on Wednesday, after our press deadline. On Thursday, Woods Cross played at Cyprus before hosting West Jordan on New Year’s Eve. 

Viewmont

  The Vikings entered this week with a 3-5 record, having played two games last week. 

Viewmont crushed Highland 88-62 on Dec. 20, with Scott Noel accumulating 23 points on the day. Radek Pulsipher had 16 points, and Zach Robison chipped in 14 points. Pulsipher also had six points and five assists. Caden Lauder had nine points and seven rebounds. A total of 10 Viewmont players scored. 

It was a different story the following day when Viewmont met West Jordan at home, losing 76-56. 

The Vikings struggled from the field, hitting just 23 of 60 shots. Meanwhile, West Jordan shot 50 percent and had its way in every quarter. Pulsipher had 16 points and five rebounds in the loss. Noel had 13 points and five rebounds, while Robison had 10 points and five rebounds. 

On Tuesday, Viewmont fell to 3-6 with a rough outing with 5A power Olympus. The Titans blew out the Vikings 85-43, holding Viewmont to just 18 field goals. Pulsipher had 10 points and was the only Viking in double figures. 

Viewmont played at Skyline on Wednesday, after our press deadline. The team played at Park City on Thursday and then hosts Murray on Friday. 

Bountiful

The Redhawks didn’t play last week, but the team brought its 4-3 record into this week where it hosted Green Canyon on Wednesday. Bountiful hosts Lone Peak on Jan. 4. The Redhawks have lost three of their last four games.