Bulldog basketball: Allen, Tollestrup lead Provo to 15th straight win | News, Sports, Jobs

After Provo gained its 15th consecutive sport on Tuesday, Bulldogs head coach Chris Collinsworth tried to maintain issues in perspective.

“We’re not patting ourselves on the back because tomorrow we’ve won zero games,” he stated.

That reset angle is clearly working properly. Provo led by as many as 32 factors in a 74-60 Region 8 victory in opposition to Mountain View.

“We came out, played well and got the job done,” Collinsworth stated. “There are all the time issues you may be taught from video games, and that’s the objective, is to be taught and get higher. We needed to win this one and we would like to win the subsequent one, however we’re making an attempt to win a state championship.

“We started 1-3 but two of those three losses were on go-ahead shots in the last three seconds, and it was good to learn those lessons. We’d love to have those games back but credit to our team, we didn’t get off course. We just kept working on our principles we believe in and kept getting better. We’re trying to build a culture and get back to our Provo basketball roots. It’s nice when you’re at a school that’s won 17 state titles and those alumni and coaches are still around talking to the guys and permeating that winning culture.”

One of the state’s finest scorers, senior guard Makai Allen (23.7 factors per sport), poured in 25 factors on an assortment of drives and pull-ups in opposition to Mountain View because the Bulldogs maintained the No. 1 spot in Class 4A RPI.

This season, Provo added Timpview switch Callen Tollestrup, a 6-foot-8 shooter who has discovered a great place to develop his sport.

“Callen’s brought a lot to us,” Collinsworth stated. “First of all, he’s a great kid and a really, really good basketball player. Credit to him and credit to our team because when he came over, he fit right in and complimented Makai and the rest of the guys. We couldn’t be more grateful, honestly.”

Tollestrup was a part of a proficient group at Timpview, together with the state’s No. 1-rated participant in Dean Rueckert. Tollestrup was third on the crew in scoring (9.5 factors per sport) and second in 3-pointers (53) final season.

This spring, T-Birds head coach Israel Ingle left for Lone Peak and Tollestrup determined it was time for a change for him as properly.

“It was a real thinking point,” Tollestrup stated. “I performed for Izzy for 3 years after which he left to profit him, and I respect him for that. I used to be simply searching for one of the simplest ways to slot in with a program and work on getting beauty for my future. I used to be searching for a spot I might make an influence, assist my crew win and helps us make it far.

“The guys are Timpview are my boys. I still hang out with them, keep in touch with them and play with them. But I was looking for a coach and a situation where I could be used in the right ways, to get better every day and be determined so I could play at the next level.”

Tollestrup stated the transition was arduous at first however doesn’t remorse his transfer.

“It was a new environment and I came in not knowing anyone,” he stated. “But I got with the guys, built chemistry and friendships and that helped us get to where we are today.”

Tollestrup, who scored 15 factors in opposition to Mountain View, is averaging 19.8 factors per sport and has develop into a terrific praise to Allen. Senior Lucas Castagnetto leads the crew with 39 3-pointers. Senior guard Gehrig Orchard, the quarterback on the Provo soccer crew, and senior ahead Griffin DiMartini are versatile athletes who assist create one the 4A’s finest beginning fives.

“Our chemistry is getting better and better every game,” Tollestrup stated. “Our continuity in practice is really good. I joined in later but the guys have really been welcoming. It’s been really good to come in and play with these guys.”

On Wednesday, Provo trailed 11-8 halfway by the primary quarter however completed on a 14-0 run. Tollestrup scored 5 factors and Allen scored 4 because the Bulldogs surged to a 22-11 lead. Provo scored the primary seven factors of the second quarter to make it a 21-0 burst and a 29-11 benefit.

The Bulldogs had been up 43-21 at halftime and saved rising the lead within the third quarter. DeMartini, who impacted the sport together with his rebounding and hustle, scored six factors in a 15-2 run, the place Allen scored six factors and Tollestrup threw down a dunk for a 61-29 lead with 1:36 to play within the third.

Mountain View placed on a fourth-quarter surge, outscoring the Bulldogs 26-11 behind 12 factors from  Tanner Vlaardingerbroek, but it surely was far too late to make up the deficit.

“It was really time and ball management there at the end of the game,” Collinsworth stated. “Then you could tell we just got tired, which is on me. I probably should have made some subs. We got a little bit lax, and they got desperate. And that’s usually not a good combo for stops. But I’m really proud of the guys for the way they played and how they competed. I love there guys. We’ve got a great group of kids and that makes my job really easy.”

Provo (16-3 total, 4-0 Region 8) will journey to Summit Academy on Friday and Mountain View (11-8, 2-2) can be at Timpanogos.