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OREM UT—The Richfield Wildcats girls basketball team, in their debut season, to 3A have done the unthinkable by winning the state 3A title 53 to 48 over the Union Cougars. Last season the Wildcats took the state title in 2A basketball and played their hearts out in the championship game.

The game itself stayed close with neither team really gaining an all out advantage. Both teams had great ball movement, and waited for the opportune moment to score.

Brook Bliss, a junior, for the Wildcats had an all out fantastic game. Bliss smothered opponents on defense while coming up with some big blocks. On offense she drove through the paint and toppled Cougar players in her path. The Wildcats were up at half-time 20-16.

“They have poured their heart out there already,” said one Wildcats fan. “Here is to the second half, now watch our girls take it to them.”

Head Coach Marc Peterson of the Wildcats, coached against the team he played for in High School. “We all played for Union growing up,” said Bob Peterson, older brother of Head Coach Peterson. “It is a little weird to be rooting for Richfield after playing for Union growing up.”

Coach Peterson had not only his two older brothers in the stands but the bleachers seemed to be decorated in blue and red for the Wildcats.

The second half had fans on the edge of their seats with both teams giving a solid back and forth effort. This was for the state title. This was for bragging rights for the next year. At this moment only one thing mattered and that was being able to raise the trophy at the end of the game.

With a 1:17 left in the fourth quarter the Wildcats held a small lead of 48 to 42. Then came the Cougars’ roaring back fighting tooth and nail.

During a timeout Coach Peterson emphasized making “Key free throws in order to win the game.” With 36 seconds left the Cougars were within three. The gymnasium filled with echoes of fans as slow seconds ticked off the clock.

Bliss stepped up to the line and clearly drained two must have free throws. Wildcats players were on the verge of madness. The score was 51-48 in their favor now. 16 seconds remained. Hanging on their last breath the Cougars inbound the ball only to have it picked off.

With two seconds remaining the crowd was shouting at the top of their lungs as another Wildcat was sent to the free throw line. Calm and under control both were made, securing the Wildcats win at state.

As the clocked hit zero fans rushed out of the bleachers and embraced their 3A champions. There were moments of tears and satisfaction as the Wildcats won back to back titles within the two different leagues.

“Brook has played well for us all year,” said Coach Peterson. “We are fortunate to be getting her back again next year.”

Chelsee Willarbson led the Wildcats with 23 points.
“It feels great to win this,” said Bliss. “I am very happy for the team. We did it.”