Believe

I was going through some old emails, and found this one that my brother had sent to my boys.  Thanks Ty for believing in them and for always being there for them.  You are their strength, they will be champions because of the role you play in there lives.  Thank you!

March 13, 2010
This was just the other night when number One Weber lost the Big Sky Championship.  Thought it was pretty cool story and some awesome playing by somebody who just needed someone else to believe in him.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/Even-better-than-Montana-hero-s-42-point-game-H?urn=ncaab,227403

Had his future wife not finagled a tryout for him at a local junior college four years ago, Montana's Anthony Johnson never would have been in position to lead the Grizzlies to an improbable NCAA tournament berth on Wednesday night.
In fact, he probably wouldn't be playing basketball at all.
Johnson was washing dishes at a seafood restaurant trying to earn money to buy a car in 2005 when he started dating a college point guard who saw untapped basketball potential in him that others didn't. Shaunte Nance-Johnson eventually decided to transfer to a school in the Tacoma, Wash., area so that she could be closer to Johnson, only choosing Yakima Valley Community College after persuading the men's basketball coach to give her boyfriend a chance as well.
"It was hard for me to see that potential in Anthony and not see him put him it to work," Nance-Johnson recalled. "I had seen Anthony play pick-up games at the YMCA, and this kid was dunking like crazy. I was like, 'Dude, I know you can play with these college guys. I've seen them play and they're not as aggressive, they're not as athletic and they're not as talented.'"
The bargain Nance brokered revived Johnson's basketball career and put him on a path toward blossoming into easily the most jaw-dropping story of March so far. The 6-foot-3 senior scored 34 of his Big Sky tournament record 42 points in the second half of Wednesday's 66-65 victory in the title game, singlehandedly willing Montana back from a 20-point halftime deficit to stun top-seeded Weber State.
"To do it on the main stage in front of the country and to get a win of that magnitude, it's just crazy," Johnson said by phone on Thursday from the team bus on the way back to Missoula. "Right after high school. I was done. I had no more opportunities to play and to come from that and now I'm going to the Big Dance, it's remarkable to think about. It's been quite a journey."
Although Johnson averaged a team-high 18.9 points per game for Montana this season, he'd never had a superhuman night like this before. On Wednesday, Johnson was simply unstoppable in the second half, beating two and three Weber State defenders by getting to the rim, pulling up for mid-range jumpers or sticking an occasional contested 3-pointer.
To better understand what Johnson accomplished Wednesday, consider this for a moment:
• He scored Montana's final 21 points of the night.
• He shot 11 of 15 in the second half and 14 of 14 from the free throw line.
• He buried the go-ahead shot with 10 seconds to go, weaving through defenders until he found a sliver of light at the elbow and sinking a pull-up jumper to win it. 
"We were going to get it to A.J.," Montana coach Wayne Tinkle told reporters after the game. "We're going to ride him."
Maybe the best part of Johnson's story is that he got the chance to return the favor his wife once did for him.
When Division I scholarship offers began pouring in for Johnson after he blossomed into an elite scorer at Yakima Valley, he told coaches that he'd only consider their school on one condition: They find a spot for his wife on the women's team.
"I was heavily recruited out of my junior college and so was she, but nobody would take a chance on both of us," Johnson recalled. "I told them if you don't accept both of us, you don't get me, and instantly I'm getting hang-ups. Nobody really wanted the baggage, but Montana was different."

Johnson and his wife took a joint recruiting visit to Montana two years ago, both leaving Missoula with scholarship offers. Shaunte Nance-Johnson now averages 21 minutes a game off the bench for the Grizzlies women's team, which plays in the Big Sky semifinals on Friday night and stands two wins away from also qualifying for the NCAA tournament.

"It felt good for me to to return that favor to her because she really put her neck on the line for me when she could have lost the opportunity to play," Johnson said. "It has been a fairytale. It's worked out so well for the both of us."

Boys’ basketball: Knights beat American Fork with fourth-quarter run

Highland • The teams entered the final period tied at 34-34, but from there, it was no contest. Lone Peak made it clear that it is still the defending champion.

After three quarters of close play, the hometown Knights (12-2) secured a 55-40 win over American Fork (11-2) with a tremendous fourth-quarter effort in a rematch of last year’s Class 5A title game.

It was a much-anticipated contest — the parking lot was full and the stands were packed nearly an hour before tipoff. The hype overshadows the fact that the Knights have won the rivalry game the past 12 times they’ve played the Cavemen. But the latest installment in the series was certainly hard fought.

"AF played us tough — I mean, it was hard, and that’s a good team," said junior guard Nick Emery, who finished with a game-high 20 points. "We knew right from the start it was going to be a battle the whole game."

It was definitely a battle of stars — only one bench player scored between the two teams — and Lone Peak’s shined the brightest at the finish. T.J. Haws scored nine of his 15 points in the fourth quarter, and Emery scored seven. And the team, which struggled with free throws early, shot 11-of-13 in the final period from the line.

But it was also tenacious defense that won the game for the Knights. After getting abused by American Fork’s frontcourt, Lone Peak switched into a zone that befuddled the Cavemen. It led to a 17-1 run that left the Knights safely ahead as the clock wound down.

"We had to try some different things to get them off balance," Lone Peak coach Quincy Lewis said. "In the first half, we acted like we were in fifth grade playing Junior Jazz, just running around. Then we played smarter and got what we wanted."

In the first quarter, it appeared American Fork had the upper hand. With the post rotation, led by Zac Hunter, the Cavemen found a steady stream of scoring. And Quincy Bair and Marcel Davis made Lone Peak pay with some outside shots.

American Fork’s hot streak coincided with early struggles for Lone Peak’s offense. As Emery and Haws shot cold, Talon Shumway, Chase Hansen and Brody Berry helped carry the Knights through the first half.

But American Fork ground to a halt in the second half, as Bair and Davis were held to a combined single point. The Cavemen attempted to catch the Knights off-guard by stalling and waiting for holes in the zone, but it simply led to turnovers and missed buckets.

Davis was already thinking ahead to the next shot it will get at Lone Peak, Feb. 10 at home.

"It’s gonna be in the back of our heads until next time," Davis said. "We’re gonna work on attacking that zone and knocking down shots."

WARNER: Lone Peak continues mastery of A.F.

There will be a time in the future, maybe even as early as Feb. 10, the next time American Fork plays Lone Peak, when the Cavemen will finally end Lone Peak's domination, but that time is not yet.
Now now.
Lone Peak did it again. The Knights did what they always do when it comes to their rival - win.
Friday night's game was billed as the high school game of the year - an American Fork team that was 11-1 vs. a Lone Peak team that was 11-2 and ranked in the top 20 nationally.
Basketball fans filled Lone Peak's gym and most of them showed up early enough to watch Lone Peak's junior varsity team remain undefeated. Those who showed up at game time had no where to sit.
An announcement over the PA system was made. "No saving seats." Heck, finding an open seat on Friday night was as difficult as finding a $50 bill on the floor of a homeless shelter. Lone Peak's 2,400 seat gym was overflowing into standing room only.

It's hard to explain the reason for Lone Peak's dominance. Is it superior talent or luck? Maybe a combination of both, but whatever the reason, Lone Peak is having a great time.

Lone Peak 55, American Fork 40

HIGHLAND — Coach Quincy Lewis thought his team looked like fifth graders. Senior Brody Berry was a little nervous. T. J. Haws' shots weren't falling and Talon Shumway went to the bench in foul trouble.
For two quarters, it looked like the game the Lone Peak Knights had been dreaming about for weeks was going to turn into a nightmare.
"You just have to trust your teammates," said junior guard Nick Emery, who finished with a team-high 20 points in Lone Peak's 55-40 victory over American Fork Friday night in Highland. "They got in the passing lanes in the first half and that made it harder to run our offense. It was huge for us to go back East and play against those teams. That's AF. All the hype was there, but you have to get on that even keel. You gotta keep your composure all game; the next one is going in."
The Lone Peak gym was packed two hours before the varsity game tipped off. It was loud, raucous and the kind of hard-fought game that makes standing the whole game worthwhile.
It did not, however, begin well for Lone Peak. American Fork led the entire first quarter and the teams traded leads in the second half. The Cavemen owned a 23-21 lead at halftime.
"I thought they really executed well," said Lewis. "We had to try some different things just to get them off balance. We finally found something at the end of the third quarter."
The Knights looked frustrated and harried most of the first half, but still managed to keep the game within reach thanks to Emery.
"In the first half, we acted like we were in fifth grade, playing Junior Jazz, just running around," Lewis said, laughing. "We played smarter in the second half and got what we wanted."
Lewis said the fact the Knights, especially Emery and Haws, were able to hit 3-point shots throughout the game kept the game within reach even when the team struggled defensively. While his players missed some long-range shots, he said they are playmakers and that's what they're going to do.
In the third quarter, momentum swung in favor of the Knights. Haws hit the first three at 5:01, then center Chase Hansen hit a 3-pointer at 3:01 to put the Knights within two points of American Fork's lead. Caveman Austin Waddoups answered with a 3-pointer and Emery followed that with a 3-point shot. Then Haws hit a jumper to tie the game at 34-34 at the end of three quarters.
"Those are the kind of players that they are. Sometimes you're going to scratch your head and swallow a little bit when they miss, but they're going to make a few of those too."
At halftime the team calmly talked about what was working and what was not. Part of the problems was American Fork's fast-paced, high-flying game plan.
The Cavemen tried to slow the game down in the third quarter and Lewis said he thought that actually helped Lone Peak, which switched from zone in the first half to man in the third and then back to zone in the fourth quarter.
"I thought we were just a little bit tired at that time, and I think it did a couple of things for us," said Lewis. "It allowed us to catch our breath and our legs. It made us a little bit sharper on our rotations in the zone. They still got some shots, but they missed them. Sometimes it's that simple."
American Fork had balanced scoring with Zac Hunter, Waddoups and Quincy Bair each scoring eight points. Marcel Davis and Ryan Andrus added six points each.
Haws finished with 15 points, while Shumway had nine, Hansen seven and Berry four.
Berry said the energy the Cavemen played with in those first few minutes was worrisome.
"At the beginning, they were knocking everything down," he said. "I was thinking, 'Oh no. What's going on?' But it's a long game and we've been in that situation before. I knew we'd come back from it. I was still really nervous though. They're a good team."
Both players and coach appreciated the atmosphere the rivalry game offers.
"We look forward to this game," said Emery. "We work all season for these types of games … where everyone is going crazy. It's awesome."
Adds Berry, "It means a lot to go into region 3-0, but we just have to be ready when we go down there. It will be more packed and crazy."

Lone Peak Boys Baskteball 2011-2012 "Riding for the Brand"

The "Thank You" boxes that we did this year, for all the Lone Peak Boys Basketball Sponsors.

Thanks to both of my Brothers for the helping with this project.  Tyler had the boxes from his business www.Lettersleftbehind.com, and Stan stayed at Blue Sheep till midnight printing all the boxes for me.

Thank you so much. The "Thank You's turned out great and all the boys were able to get them to all the sponsors who have taken the ride once again this year with an amazing team and coach.

Inside the box we put, the Media Guide, the poster of the team, and this years theme and a copy of first article of the season.

This years theme for the Lone Peak Boys Basketball Team is "Riding for the Brand".

RIDING FOR THE BRAND

The term "riding for the brand" was an expression of loyalty to a man's employer or the particular outfit he rode for.  It was considered a compliment of the highest order in an almost feudal society.  If a man did not like a ranch or the way they conducted their affairs he was free to quit, and many did, but if eh stayed on he gave loyalty and expected it.

A man was rarely judge by his past, only by his actions.  Many a man who came west left things behind him he would rather forget, so it was not the custom to ask questions.  Much was forgiven if a man had courage and integrity and if he did his job.  If a man gave less than his best, somebody always had to take up the slack, and he was not admired.

Louis L. Amour

Best-Selling cowboy western author

Lone Peak gears up for 5A title defense

Neil K. Warner
There is no sense in trying to compare schedules.
Does Lone Peak have the toughest non-region schedule of any team in Utah prep basketball history?
It is tougher than Provo's non-region schedule in 1998 when the Bulldogs played the top two ranked teams in the nation?
More difficult than the one Timpview had when the T'Birds participated in the Slam Dunk at the Beach tournament and took on Dwight Howard's team?
Who's to say? But it is safe to say that Lone Peak's schedule will be brutally challenging.
Why make it so tough?
Just winning the Region 4 title will take all the experience against good teams the Lone Peak can get.
As the Knights prepare to tip off another season, Lone Peak will play at least six teams from out of state and could play as many as eight of its 11 non-region games against top teams from around the country.
Lone Peak coach Qunicy Lewis believes this year's schedule will pay off when it comes time to defend the team's 5A state title.
"Our guys need to get challenged. We need to have them ready," Lewis said. "They are some really good teams and those kind of things (tough non-region games) get you ready."
You can't argue with Lewis' philosophy. He has turned Lone Peak's program into the elite 5A program in the state. In his eight seasons as head coach, Lewis has a 161-31 record and has won four state titles.
There is no reason to think Lone Peak won't continue its domination. The Knights return four starters back from last year's state championship team that went 24-1.
Nick Emery, the reigning Utah Valley Player of the Year, is poised to have a monster junior season. He averaged 21.7 points per game last year and looks like how Chase Hansen played on the football field - in a league of his own.
"Honestly after having watched him, he's a better player than he was last year," Lewis said. "He's stronger and he's improved his dribbling skills. He can play the point or the two for us. I think he'll have a great year."
What makes Lone Peak so feared is the supporting cast that the Knights use to surround Emery. T.J. Haws, a 6-4, sophomore, is capable of taking over a game by himself. He averaged 13.8 points per game last year.
The Knights also return Talon Shumway, a 6-3, junior, who was named MVP of state championship game after he scored 19 points.
"He can play the two or three. He's strong and athletic and he can handle a four man defensively," Lewis said. "He makes it very difficult for a four man to guard him."
Lone Peak will use Hansen (6-4) in the post. The Valley Player of the Year in football will give Lone Peak the toughness it needs inside.
With all of the talent on this team it's easy to be overlooked and perhaps the most unsung player on the team is senior guard Brody Berry, who is a three-year starter. In last year's state championship game, Berry scored 10 points, had nine assists and seven rebounds and five steals. He does it all for Lone Peak.
In addition to those players mentioned, Lone Peak has several other players who figure to make an impact. Conner Toolson, a 6-2, junior, will give the Knights some additional shooting. Zach Frampton, a sophomore, could get some time on the court for his defense.
Adding to the depth of the team's frontline will be Cameron Gibbons (6-5), Mason Squires (6-3) and Josh Buck (6-4).
Lone Peak had hoped to have Eric Mika, a 6-7, junior, eligible. He lives in Lone Peak boundary, but had been playing at Waterford. His appeal to transfer to Lone Peak was shot down so he will have to spend the season being groomed for next year at the junior varsity level.
As for this season, when Lone Peak does play in Utah, the Knights will be worth the price of admission. Lone Peak had a 26-4 record in the summer, but didn't lose a game to a Utah team. The Knights open the season on Dec. 9 against Cottonwood and begin the season ranked No. 25 in the nation by ESPN.
"The level of play to win the 5A title this year have to be better than it was last year," Lewis said. "American Fork and West Jordan and us are all better teams," Lewis said. "I think we're definitely motivated to do well. This is a close-knit group. I can honestly say they're not concerted with who gets the credit.
They just want to win."

Shooting With Uncle Cole - The highlight of Christmas Break!

The kids out at Cole pit, ready to shoot.

Cole giving lessons on how to use their guns, with Cam and Jade.

Cole helping Hollie, Cole making her feel silly.

Braxton enjoying the moment with Cole

Jade and Cam getting the target ready for the little ones.

Beautiful Jade is all smiles, we love her so muich

Bronson is a pretty good shot!

Jade helping Miriah load the Bebe Gun

Todd Helping Britton get the hang of it, pretty big gun for a little man.

Cam helping Hollie get the angle just right

2011 Utah Valley Preps Year in Review

Lone Peak made 2 of the top 10 Utah County high school sports stories of 2011.

1. Lone Peak earns perfect season on way to 5A football title
The Knights found a way to meet every challenge with a deep, athletic team which loved to play together, and it showed. They tied the state record for most wins in a season with a 14-0 performance by rallying around their quarterback, University of Utah commit Chase Hansen, who was later named Mr. Football and the Gatorade Utah Player of the Year. It was not only the school's first title in this sport, but also the first 5A football championship for a Valley program since 1994 and only the second ever in the classification.

4. Knights earn 5A boys basketball championship
Lone Peak earned its fourth gold trophy in seven seasons under coach Quincy Lewis with an epic victory over Fremont in the state tournament semifinals, along with having to top a very talented American Fork squad three times, including in the title contest. The Knights did it with just one senior starter.