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Squeezing a non-conference game into the middle of the season is never an ideal situation, but that's exactly what Lone Peak High's boys basketball team did this week.
Head coach Quincy Lewis flew his team to Massachusetts to play a rare afternoon game about an hour outside of Boston to pit his 3rd ranked Lone Peak Knights against the 10th ranked Archbishop Mitty Monarchs.
Lone Peak has left the state four times this year to play in national tournaments, but this was the first game to be televised nationally (ESPNU).
Archbishop Mitty has one of the best big men in the country in Aaron Gordon. At 6'8" and 220 pounds, Gordon is one of the most athletic power forwards in the country, but has yet to commit to a college. Lone Peak center Eric Mika appreciated the challenge, "I think he's the most athletic guy we've ever played against. He's athletic and we knew every in-bounds and every time down the court we'd have to look out for him."
Gordon didn't disappoint the national audience as he mixed in a handful of dunks, ally-oops, and follow jams. But substance ruled over style as Nick Emery launched from deep, connecting on four 3-pointers to help him finish with 20 points.
Emery's counterpart T.J. Haws show great scoring versatility showing off an array of step back jumpers, deep 3's and drives. Haws scored 18, while pulling down six boards and collecting five steals.
The star of the matinee matchup was sharp-shooter Connor Toolson. Often overlooked, Toolson shot a perfect 6 for 6 from deep and scored 22 points as well as being named the player of the game.
Mitty's Gordon finished with a game-high 27 points and 12 rebounds, but the Lone Peak Knights proved that they are one of the most dominant teams in the nation by blowing out Mitty by 35 points.
After the blowout victory on Monday, Lone Peak traveled back to Utah Monday evening. They returned to region play to beat the Bingham Miners on Tuesday and upended the Lehi Pioneers on Friday, capping a perfect 3-0 week.