The Bingham Miners have started their season with a trip across Region 3 in their preseason schedule.
It started rough, with a 49-35 loss to Westlake at home. The Miners got closer with a 42-40 loss to Skyridge, and since then, they’ve gone on a three-game win streak, the latest a 46-32 victory over Pleasant Grove on Tuesday.
“I think that our schedule is one of the tougher ones in 6A and the girls are really up for the challenge,” said first-year Bingham head coach Hector Marquez. “They’ve been improving each game, from Skyridge, to Lehi to Pleasant Grove.”
Tuesday started off tight with a 10-9 score after the first quarter, but Bingham set its defensive tone early. The Miners got their hands in passing lanes and fought for rebounds, and an early forced shot clock violation hyped up the Bingham sideline.
Senior Iman Finau was the defensive backbone for the Miners. Finau only scored six points, but her ability to block shots and anticipate passes was tough for the Vikings to deal with.
“It’s one of those things where we really focus on defense and the girls know that if they’re not up for it on defense, then they’re going to come sit with me,” Marquez said.
“(Finau’s) kind of like our Dennis Rodman out there. She can average two points a game, but she’ll get like 15 deflections and 10 rebounds. She impacts the game a lot.”
The defense finally turned into offense in the third quarter, as Bingham outscored the Vikings 15-6 and took a 34-22 lead. Addy Horsley and Evy Roberts led the scoring effort, combining for 14 points in the quarter.
On the night, Horsley led Bingham in scoring with 13 points and has been the top scorer in all games but one so far this season.
“I think we’re doing great,” Horsley said. “I think we move the ball very well and we take the right shots. I think we’re a very unselfish team and we really look for the better, open shot.
“We have Iman and great players that help us get more possessions. We need to value those possessions, and when we do that, we play great. That’s what happened in the third quarter.”
Pleasant Grove made a small run in the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer from Ellie Adams and Cash Connors getting to the free throw line, but Bingham managed to hold it off for the nonregion win.
This week, Bingham will play at Layton and at home against Timpview before traveling to Phoenix for the Tournament of Champions next week alongside Morgan, Lone Peak, Ridgeline and Skyridge.
“The girls are starting to understand the right concepts and why we’re doing what we’re doing,” Marquez said. “They’re buying in and they’re playing at a high level right now.”