Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
SALT LAKE — Brody Kozlowski felt it from the first minute he stepped on the floor.
"I just kept slinging it, and it just kept going in," he said.
Channeling his inner Klay Thompson, the USC signee started 5-of-5 from the field, finishing 12-of-16 with a career-high 39 points, and the No. 4 seed Corner Canyon Chargers surged late to put away the No. 5 seed American Fork Cavemen 67-58 in the quarterfinals of the 6A boys basketball tournament Monday morning.
After meeting in the championship game the last two years, with American Fork taking the first meeting in 2022 at the Marriott Center in Provo and Corner Canyon winning last year at the Dee Events Center in Ogden, the third straight game between these two foes turned into a one-man show — with Kozlowski as the headliner.
Corner Canyon head coach Dan Lunt called Kozlowski "a special player." for what he's able to do on the court.
"He just does what he's asked to do," he said. "There's no one like him I would say in any state around the country."
For Monday, at least, it certainly seemed that way. Ever since Kozlowski returned from an injury midway through the season, he's been the hottest player in the state. And yet, he wasn't aware he even reached his career-high against American Fork.
"I was just trying to finish the game and get the win," Kozlowski said. "It's just a tribute to my teammates and the way they play."
His teammates certainly did step up when it mattered. Brylon Valdes scored 7 points in a row, totaling 11 for the game, guard Isaac Neibaur came alive to dish out six assists, and guard Noah Bendinger chipped in with some spectacular defensive plays late.
"When Brylon started scoring, they were on a run of their own," Lunt said. "Credit to him for attacking the rim; that was huge."
Those moments proved to be the difference as the Chargers outscored the Cavemen 15-9 in bench points. Corner Canyon also added 13 more fastbreak points and 12 more off American Fork turnovers.
"We were right there where we needed to be," Cavemen head coach Ryan Cuff said. "At the end of the day, they were the better team."
Forward Jared Shepherd scored 28 points, including six 3-pointers, to lead American Fork, while forward Blake Rawson added 12 more with nine rebounds.
Cuff said his message in the locker room was how proud he was of his team. After surviving an early onslaught from Kozlowski, the Cavemen roared back to take a 27-26 lead into the locker room.
American Fork then cut a 9-point deficit in the second half to just three, 56-53, with under two minutes remaining. But on the ensuing possession, forward Reece Dent missed from in close, allowing a transition opportunity for Corner Canyon. That led to Kozlowski's sixth 3-pointer of the game, pushing the lead back to 6 with under a minute to go.
Despite the cruel turn of events, Cuff said those things happen in sports all the time.
"This why we do what we do as coaches," he said. "Just because we don't win all the time, however, doesn't define us."
It certainly won't define his group of players, especially his son, senior guard Tiger Cuff, who was part of the team that won a state championship as a No. 10 seed in 2022.
"I treat them all as my sons," an emotional Ryan Cuff said. "I wouldn't have wanted it any other way; I love these guys."
While Cuff's thoughts turn to the offseason and what's to come, Lunt said his players have prepared for the moment since the spring of last year.
"We know what it takes to get here," he said. "The culture and attitude is built during the offseason, and with that comes expectation."
Lunt said that's what allowed the Chargers to stay so composed down the stretch. For Kozlowski, it's just another opportunity to play on a big stage — which is where he seems to thrive every year. It seems fitting, given he'll be under those bright lights in the City of Angels pretty soon.
"I just love the energy in these buildings," Kozlowski said. "I feel like I play well in places like these."
Apparently, Corner Canyon does, too. And now they're one step closer to another state title.
Layton 77, Farmington 61
Utah commit Dave Katoa poured in 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block as the Lancers used a 28-12 second-quarter run to pull past the Phoenix.
Mekhi Martin had 14 points, five rebounds and three steals for Layton (24-1), and Jonah Fuller added 12 points.
Jayden Haskell and Paul Beattie each totaled 20 points and 10 rebounds for Farmington (14-10).
Lehi 70, Riverton 49
Cooper Lewis drained a pair of 3-pointers en route to 28 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals as the Pioneers exploded out of halftime with a 17-8 run to pull away from the Silverwolves.
Grayson Brousseau added 13 points and four rebounds for Lehi (21-3), and Easton Hawkins had 12 points, nine rebounds and two blocks for the Pioneers.
Zach Edwards led Riverton (17-8) with 17 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Herriman 63, Davis 48
Carlo Mulford poured in 18 points, including three 3-pointers, with four rebounds and three assists as the Mustangs jumped out to a 20-9 lead after one quarter and never looked back.
Malcolm Johnson added 14 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and three steals for the Mustangs (20-5), and Ike Palmer supplied 13 points, four rebounds and three steals for Herriman.
Zach Fisher had 17 points and 10 rebounds to pace Davis (17-8), and Coleman Atwater scored 10 for the Darts.
