For Juan Diego’s Brian Curran, his senior basketball campaign was supposed to include the Soaring Eagle climbing from the middle of the pack to the ranks of the contenders.
A 6-5 record entering region play gave the team reason to be optimistic. Then, a four-game losing streak to start region play forced the program to dig deep and try to salvage the rest of the season.
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Prep highlights
Big game » Lehi at Riverton, Tuesday at 7 p.m. The final game of the Region 4 regular season could have major seeding and playoff implications, with Bingham, Lehi and Riverton still fighting for two available spots. Bingham (4-4) plays at American Fork and at Lone Peak. Lehi (3-5) finishes its campaign at Lone Peak and at Riverton. Riverton (2-6) has home games with Pleasant Grove and Lehi.
Big player » Riverton senior Stephan Holm came up big when his team needed him most. On the verge of playoff extension, Holm scored 15 in a 56-53 overtime loss to American Fork. Holm had a team-leading 16 a few nights later as the Silverwolves beat Bingham, 52-47, to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Big number » 28. West Jordan’s Jordan Loveridge scored 28 points on Alta’s home floor as the Jags took command of the Region 3 race with a 75-60 win. Loveridge, a University of Utah commit, leads Class 5A in scoring and rebounding with 22.6 points and 12.8 rebounds per game.
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"We were all getting frustrated that we just couldn’t get a win," said Curran. "We’re a pretty tight-knit group, so we all just put our heads down and worked harder."
After the loss to Wasatch, coach Brandon Sluga said he laid it all out for the players. "I told them we needed to practice harder and that I know we’re capable of so much more," he said.
After an attitude and intensity adjustment — and after moving 6-foot-6 junior Easton Withers into the starting lineup — Juan Diego defeated Uintah 46-42, then squeaked by Union 41-37.
But a playoff berth would hinge on more region wins. A 10-point loss at Judge Memorial was followed by a 51-49 loss to Wasatch, where Curran scored a career high of 25, but watched helplessly as his 3-pointer at the buzzer missed.
"That loss to Wasatch was tough. … It was senior night and everyone was really motivated," Curran said.
Four nights later, Juan Diego earned a road win at Park City as Curran and freshman Gabe Colosimo combined for 29 points in a 53-50 victory.
"Against Park City, we came out focused and I think we’re at our best when we’re a little more balanced offensively," Curran said.
Sluga praises Curran for this versatility.
"Brian is kind of a do-it-all guy," said Sluga. "He usually draws the toughest offensive player, he’s our best perimeter shooter, can put the ball on the floor, and can post up when called upon."
In a year when nothing seemed to come easy, Juan Diego saw its season take another blow Friday with a 65-52 loss at Uintah, despite career high of 27 points for Curran.
The loss forced a tie for Region 10’s final playoff spot and a play-in game that will make or break one team’s season.
Curran looks at this challenge as just another opportunity.
"We’re excited to play another game and show people we can play better … and ultimately I just don’t want to be done," he said.
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