Cedar City "Call of Duty" in Review

These pictures were taken during the first Utah Summer game vs. team Canyon View Falcons from Cedar City. Final score: Tazers 60, Falcons 40

Tazers Invade Cedar City, Conquer Gold

High hopes of a two-pete performance became reality on Wednesday afternoon when the Tazers took to the hard woods one more time in a reunion appearance at the Utah Summer Games. In their first game, the Tazers fought the Canyon View Falcons. The Falcons had a 14-man roster but it did them little good as they caved to the Tazers 66 - 40. In their second game, the Tazers matched up against the Dixie Flyers, a team that the Tazers easily defeated in the President's Day Tournament in February. The game was back and forth for most of the 32 minutes of play. Defense by the Flyers and penetration in the lane cost the Tazers their first ever Summer Games loss (67 - 63).

After some needed rest, good food, and an ice bath and 'Tour of Duty' games, the Tazers opened up Tuesday's matches with a fury. They took on Castle Dale's Pro Rehab team and with a commanding performance by ALL Tazers with a 52 to 26 victory. Next up, a more seasoned Moab Raptors team. However, the Raptors could not get their engines started and despite some early attempts to control the boards, the Tazers dominated every aspect of the game. From the opening tip-off throughout the entire first half, the Tazers showed remarkable talent in every execution! The Raptors struggled to break a man-to-man Tazer defense and at the buzzer, the Raptors could only hear their coach say "we're done!" Final score: 65 - 29.

Early morning b-ball games can be a curse. Especially when its in the championship bracket. The Cache Cats were a worthy opponent. The Tazers jumped out to an early lead, 19 to 10, but the Cats did not back down. Their ability to score underneath caused the Tazers to re-think their strategy. After three quarters, the Tazers focused on their defense, regained the lead and never looked back. The Cats could not sink a basket while the Tazers simply did what they do best, fundamental basketball. The Cats were defeated, 74 to 54. Next up, Dixie Flyers.

There is a certain excitement and nervousness that comes with every championship game. Not withstanding the pressure to perform to their very best, the Tazers knew the Flyers would not bow out of this game without a fight. They were a team poised to do what needed to be done to claim the gold. But the Flyers biggest hurdle was the Tazers' mind set and defensive control. The Tazers' nerves never showed. Their focus and control of the ball would only work against the Flyers. While the score dabbled back and forth between 24 to 22 and 32 to 30, the Tazers broke open half way through the third quarter and then it became a matter of the three D's: defense, domination and determination. Final score: Tazers 52, Flyers 39.

A two-pete? Never a doubt! Congratulations Tazers: Alec, Alex, Andrew, Brayden, Josh, Mitch, RJ and Travis. Mission accomplished.

Tazers # 24 - Mitchell Johnson

Favorite radio station / music group:

96.3 / 97.1 and 3 Doors Down

Favorite television show:

Man vs. Wild / Surviorman

Favorite food:

Anything Italian and some Chinese

Favorite Vacation Spot:

On Top of The Stratus Fear in Las Vegas

My best attribute:

Determination and hard working

Favorite school subject:
Spanish

Who are your favorite sports teams:

Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls

What is your favorite sport, other than basketball?

Football

Who has influenced your basketball career the most?

My dad and coach's for how much they support me

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Deron Williams

Why?

He hustles on both ends of the court and he makes good passes

Favorite place to eat out?

Olive Garden (or anything Italian)

What super league team do you want to beat the most?

Flash or Avalanche

Favorite book:

Among the Hidden series

Coach's comments: The best word that describes Mitch is determination. He is also the strong, silent type. Despite his coach and teammates attempts to encourage Mitch to shoot the ball more often, Mitch remained focused and poised for the right moment. Mitch may not have been the team's highest scorer, but he made up for that in many other areas. He rarely missed a game or practice. His highest scoring this season has come against elite teams such as Inferno, A-train, Metro and Avalanche. Mitch is the teams best free-throw shooter, remaining solid at 100% all season. His cutting underneath to the basket is done with such grace and speed the opposition rarely sees his lay-up until after the fact. Mitch played the two spot without complaint and was vital to the Tazers front line offensive motion success. He is an excellent student and most of all, he has a killer smile!

Tazers # 23 - Brayden Monsen

Favorite radio state / music group:

92.5 - Artist: Lil Wayne

Favorite television show:

Fresh Prince of Bel Air

Favorite food:

Chips, fries, steak

Favorite vacation spot:

Oceanside, California or Honolulu, Hawaii

My best attribute:

Competitive

Favorite school subject:

Gym

Who are your favorite sports teams:

North Carolina Tar Heels and LA Dodgers

What is your favorite sport, other than basketball?

Football

Who has influenced your basketball career the most?

My Parents, Michael Jordan

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Michael Jordan

Why?

He's good and classy

Favorite place to eat out?

Ruby's, Astro Burger, Spaghetti Mama's

What super league team do you want to beat the most?

Metro

Coach Comments: Brayden has been with the Tazers since they were formed three years ago. He has become one of the team's most consistent shooters, averaging 56.3% from the field and 72.9% from the line. In 45 games, Brayden has amassed 422 points, grabbed 87 rebounds and handed out 102 assists. He shoots 43% from the 3-point line. In last year's AAU State Championship game, Brayden scored in excess of 30 points helping his teammates take their first 'official' championship and gold medal. This year, Brayden has become the Tazers' versatile player dominating a variety of positions from point guard to power forward. He is a unique player in his shooting abilities and can often be seen driving the paint while putting up a fade-away shot that always seems to find the bottom of the net. He brings amazing talents to the Tazers and is this week's "featured player."

Meet Tazers # 10 - Josh Hogan

Favorite radio station / music group:

Three Days Grace / Disturbed

Favorite television show:

ESPN

Favorite food:

Carb / Bajio Shrimp Taco

Favorite Vacation Spot:

Hawaii

My best attribute:

Learning quick

Favorite school subject:

Art

Who are your favorite sports teams?

Duke (Blue Devisls) and BYU

What is your favorite sport other than basketball?

Ping-pong

Who has influenced your basketball career the most?

My Dad

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

LeBron James

Why?

He dominates, has hopes and is a team leader.

Favorite place to eat out?

Bajio

What super league team do you want to beat the most?

Flash

Favorite book:

Pendragon - The Quillan Games

Coach Comments: Josh joined the Tazers at the beginning of last season. Since that time, he has become a dominant and powerful player, both offensively and defensively. His hard work on and off the court has paid tremendous dividends for the Tazers. Josh averages 12-16 points per game, shoots 61% or better and in 45 games has pulled down 214 rebounds. His strength, his positioning and pump fake moves are second to none. Down the stretch, Josh constantly delivers confidence and provides that low post strength that will make any team successful. His work ethic has earned Josh the respect he deserves from teammates, Tazer fans, and his coach!

With True Grit, Tazers Crowned 'Elite'

The commercial says, "Don't leave home without it." Tonight, the Tazers came to play and they brought "it" with them. That is, they played two games in three hours to advance into the finals and once again face team Rebels. Having lost a bitter overtime contest to the Rebels only weeks before, the Tazers were primed for revenge. And revenge it was. Using their overwhelming talents to play team ball, execute the offense and "go red," the Tazers disposed of the Rebels within minutes. They executed play after play and pushed the ball up the floor, hitting the cutter and restricting the Rebels' shot attempts outside the paint.

Fatigue, along with facial and other body strains became apparent. But focused and determined they remained. Out wit, out last, out play. The Tazers did all that and more on Saturday night to become one of the elite teams of the super-sized AAU league. True grit. The Tazers played the value of the game, faced the challenges and came away with the coveted t-shirts. Score: 41 to 27.

Tazers Upset Pump N' Run, Advance On

Picture this, twenty of the top 8th grade super league teams competing for the position of first place in the best of the best elite league. Seven guaranteed games, and single elimination playoffs. Saturday in the gym with the motto: "Win or go home". After a commanding defeat of team Newman Shooters on Friday night, the Tazers returned Saturday to faced their ole' foe Pump N' Run in what was one of the strongest defensive games in recent weeks. The score was tied several times. Pump N' Run rarely took the lead and the point spread never passed three. That is until 8 minutes into the second half when the Tazers took control. They relied on mixing up their offensive and defensive strategies frequently to pull ahead and maneuver the game away from the clutches of Pump N' Run. Final score: 52 - 46

Tazers # 22: Dayon "Big D" Goodman

Favorite radio station / music group:

92.5 Common

Favorite television show:

ESPN

Favorite food:

PB & J

Favorite vacation spot:

Indiana

My best attribute:

Fun person

Favorite school subject:

History

Who are your favorite sports teams:

Pacers and Magic

Whis is your favorite sport, other than b-ball?

Football

Who has influenced your basketball career the most?

My brother, Javon

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Dwight Howard

Why?

His dunks and blocks

Favorite place to eat out?

Cafe Rio

What super league team do you want to beat the most?

None

Favorite book?

Cat in the Hat

Coach Comments: Dayon has been with the Tazers for three years. He is a giant among his teammates and a deadly weapon against any opponent. Dayon has the explosive talent to block shots, grab rebounds and at times, make the short jump shot. His reach is beyond that of most super league players. Coupled with his athleticism and desire to compete, Big D is a force to be reckoned with. In a recent game against team Flash, "D" took down 12 rebounds, shot 7 for 11 from the field and handed out 3 assists. He averages 6.7 ppg and has accumulated over 250 points in 47 games. On the season, Dayon has amassed 224 rebounds and continues to be a dominant high post and low post player. His like ability is further strengthened by his quick wit, his sense of humor, and his easy going attitude.

Tazers Jersey # 5 - Meet Enoch Lotulelei

Favorite radio station / music group:
97.1
Favorite television show:
George Lopez
Favorite food:
Pizza
Favorite vacation spot:
Hawaii
My best attribute:
Smart and athletic
Favorite school subject:
Woodshop
Who are your favorite sports teams?
BYU and Charges
What is your favorite sport, other than basketball?
Football
Who has influenced your basketball career the most?
My parents.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Adrian Peterson
Why?
"He's amazing".
Favorite place to eat out?
Crazy Buffet
What super league team do you want to beat the most?
Utah Flash
Favorite book?
Alex Rider series
Coach Comments: Enoch is the strong, silent type. He brings amazing strength to the front line. His defense possess a threat to the opposition and he is not afraid to drive to the hoop while zipping past the towering opposition. Although Enoch joined the Tazers late in the season, he has already made a difference with the team. In 20 games, Enoch has averaged 2.7 ppg while shooting at 48.7%. He has grabbed 31 rebounds, handed out 19 assists and taken 25 steals. Enoch is a coach's dream because he is competitive and determined. I like to think of Enoch as one of the Tazers' secret weapons. Once on the floor, he plays aggressive and does not back down to the competition.

Wednesdays Prove Bountiful for Tazers

Call it a "two-pete" but for some reason, Wednesday nights have been very good to the Tazers this season. Especially when it comes to Salt Lake County Recreation leagues. Last night was no exception as the Tazers finished off the Kaysville Jammers (53-31) and go undefeated to win another league championship. They earned the coveted championship t-shirt, and for some, the traditional coach's milk shake trophy award after the game. The Tazers now move into one of the tougher weeks of the season with six games in seven days including two games in the Murray League and the annual AAU President's Day tournament. Next Thursday sparks a rematch with team Flash that is destined to be a fierce battle between the rival teams.

Tazers Jersey # 35 - Big T Devashrayee

Favorite radio station / music group:
97.1 and 94.1
Favorite television show:
ESPN
Favorite food:
Enchilada
Favorite vacation spot:
Hawaii
My best attribute:
Leadership
Favorite school subject:
P.E.
Who are your favorite sports teams?:
Utes/BYU and Chargers
What is your favorite sport, other than basketball?
Football / Golf
Who has influenced your basketball career the most?:
Mom and Dad; current and past coaches
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Deron Williams
Why?
He can dribble, pass and shoot. Gives 90 to 100%
Favorite place to eat out?
Mexican or Italian
What super league team do you want to beat the most?
Swat, Metro, Pump N' Run, A-team
Favorite book?
Hardy Boys series, Eragon and Sports Illustrated
Coach Comments: Travis brings many talents to the Tazers. He is recognized for his speed, his focus and shooting. He is an awesome low post player while having the ability to adjust and play other positions. He is respected by his teammates and rarely does a timeout go by when Travis is not heard encouraging, supporting and rallying his Tazer teammates in a huddle. He understands the game well and executes the offense with precision. Every coach looks for a player that is so athletic and offers so much. Travis is remarkable in all that he sets out to do. Emotion is rarely seen in "T" but he is competitive, plays hard without complaining, and he has a killer smile. In 23 games with the Tazers, Travis averages 6.7 ppg, grabbed 81 rebounds overall, had 8 blocks, 15 steals and 22 assists.

Meet Tazers Jersey # 1 - Alex Proctor

Favorite radio station/music group:

Guns 'N' Roses

Favorite television show:

ESPN or Family Guy

Favorite food:

Lasagna

Favorite vacation spot: Washington, DC

My best attribute:

Athletic skills, quickness

Favorite school subject:

History

Favorite sports teams:

Chicago Bulls, Judge HS

What is your favorite sport, other than basketball?

Football

Who has influenced your basketball career:

My parents

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

OJ Mayo

Why?

"He's an amazing shooter!"
Favorite place to eat out:

LaCaille (Really? Its Wendy's)

What super league team do you want to beat the most?

South Valley Flash

Favorite book:

Alex Rider

Coach comments: Alex brings a great talent to the game of basketball. He sees the floor well and is quick on the dribble. He averages 4.7 ppg while shooting 48% from the field. He is one of the Tazers' leading assists leaders and in 35 games, Alex has amassed 50 steals. Alex's passion for the game is fueled by his competitive spirit, his professionalism and sportsmanlike conduct. In a recent game against team Rebels, Alex scored 11 points while shooting 5 for 7 from the field and hit a 3 point shot in the opening minutes of the first quarter.

Streak Ends With Overtime Humble Pie

Coming off the opening tip, it appeared to be another game for the taking. And the winner of the two minute overtime would go to the underdog this time around. The Tazers pushed the ball up court with precision and maintained their deadly man-to-man defense for 34 minutes. Their press caused team Rebels Red to turn the ball over on several key plays down the stretch. Early in the second half, the Tazers stretched the lead to 11 points and appeared to be in the driver's seat. But the Rebels lived up to their name. Tazer Nick Schindler hit a key three pointer with under two minutes in regulation only to have the Rebels return the favor at their end. The Rebels took a three point lead with under 30 seconds left. Tazer Brayden Monsen drove the floor, posted for a three point shot and drew the foul. He made every line shot and tied the game with less than five seconds on the clock. Overtime. This would be something the Tazers have faced only once in their young careers. The Rebels took an early two point lead. It stretched to five at one time, but the Tazers fought back. Eventually, fouls and outside shooting left the Tazers wondering when this one would end. It eventually did and history recorded this game as Rebels 52, Tazers 49.

Meet Jersey # 3 - Nick Schindler

Favorite radio station or music group: 107.9

Favorite television show: That 70's Show

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite vacation spot: California

My best attribute: Athletic

Favorite school subject: Gym

Who are your favorite sports teams: Jazz and BYU Cougars

What is your favorite sport other than basketball? Football

Who has influenced your basketball career the most? My Dad

Who is your favorite professional athlete? Ray Allen

Why? "He can shoot very well"

Favorite place to eat out? La Causta

What super league team do want to beat the most? Bingham

Favorite book: Sports Illustrated

Coach comments: When Nickel is on the floor, we can count on three things: intensity, defense and hard work. Nick is 100% competitive and determined. He has amassed over 170 points this season, shoots 48.4% from the line and is our solid line of defense. He has a deadly 3 point shot and drives hard to the hoop. Nick had a season high 23 points on January 7, 2009. In this particular game he went 4-6 from the 3 point line and 9 for 13 from the field. He grabbed 7 boards and after the game, walked off the court with a rare 'smile' for a job well done.

Tazers' Super League Streak

Ask any basketball coach, especially the great Jerry Sloan. He'll tell you, hard work in basketball pays off. And right now, the Tazers have been working hard. While playing in three different leagues, they have amassed first place settings in each league with undefeated records. For Wednesday night's league, the Tazers have secured an impressive 5-0 standing while beating team Fury, Bingham, Shock, Fire and Rebels 2.

For the Thursday Murray league, the Tazers are 2-0 beating Soaring Eagles and Fire. The streak continues in the AAU Elite Saturday league with a 3-0 record. This includes victories over Shock, A-Train and Saturday's amazing game against Pump n' Run (59-49). The Tazers are facing some good teams in the coming weeks. They will likely continue their defensive dominance and stamina.

Upcoming activities for the Tazers include games against long-time nemesis Avalanche, Flash and new team, Jordan Maroon. In addition, the Tazers will make guest appearances at the much anticipated February 3rd Jordan vs. Alta game.

Tazers Juggle Basketball Leagues

Super league basketball, for all intense purposes, could be compared to a season of "24". The clock is ticking and the story lines tend to overlap each other building to a season finale that will leave you stunned and grasping for breath, and perhaps, wanting more.

As of this writing, the Tazers are knee deep into another Wednesday night league. They currently remain undefeated in this league with wins against: Fury (49-8); Bingham Dodgers (37-24); Shock (45-34), and SL Fire (54-20). In Saturday's AAU Elite League, the Tazers are off to a great start with wins against Shock (45-36) and A-Train (44-25).

More games are scheduled with the beginning of the Murray Recreation league on Thursday nights starting January 15th. The Tazers played in this league last year for the first time and showed an impressive 3rd place standing. Overall, the Tazers are currently 23 - 9 on the season. Hard work, determination and key offensive and defensive plays have proven to be the keys to success.

A Close Call - AAU Holiday Tournament

The Tazers entered the annual Holiday AAU Tournament on Friday, December 26th. The tournament was held at Jordan High HS were their opponents included Flash, Bull Hawgs and Newman Shooters. The Tazers went 3-0 in the first three games but lost the tournament championship to Bear River on Monday, December 29th (Final: 59-40).

Fall League Champions 2008

True to Form, League Champions

Associated Press - CNN Newsline

It was only a make up game, postponed from earlier in the league. But it was a game that would determine overall first place and league champions. It was a game where the underdog was not going to go away easy and in fact put up an admirable fight for the first six minutes of the first quarter. It was a game were dominance of the boards and defensive tactics would prove to be the unraveling of one team and victory for the other. Composure and player skills would be key ingredients, and the Tazers took command of both. The first six minutes left little to the imagination as A-train took the opening tip-off, scored a direct three point shot and continued to push under the basket. With repetitive substitutions and another three point shot, A-train was not going down without a fight. But the Tazers did not back down and with two key three point shots by Nick Schindler and Mitchell Johnson, the Tazers were back in the game. And it was only 5:35 into the first quarter.

Key man to man defense from Travis Devashrayee, Alex Proctor and Brayden Monsen on the front line left A-train flustered. Post play by Dayon Goodman, Jaren Jones and Josh Hogan could not be stopped. Enoch Lotuleulei joined the team after a successful football season just in time to add to the Tazers tough defensive line. His drives up the lane were unstoppable by A-train. After a come from behind first quarter, including some nail biting on the bench, the Tazers took the lead, retained their composure and began to penetrate. A-train could not match the experience of the Tazers and when it was all said and done, the Tazers kept their form. Undefeated championship form, that is, and a 51 to 25 victory. (Coach's note: Thanks to Kelsey for joining us on the bench in this important game and cheering the team on. We appreciated her 'high-fives' and most of all her smile.)