The Hillcrest boy’s basketball team played in the state tournament recently, which ended the official season for their team. Hillcrest played against Murray High on Feb. 23, 2022. Unfortunately, the Huskies lost, with a final score of 72 – 57. However, the team feels it was a successful season, with coach Brandon Sluga saying “progress” was the best word to describe the season.

“When our seniors were sophomores, they won no games, last year they won five JV games, and this year we exceeded both of those totals,” Sluga explained. “More importantly, we established core principles that players learned and will benefit them throughout life.”

The Hillcrest varsity team won six games this season, beating Herriman High, East High, Park City High, Highland High School, Tooele High, and Cedar Valley High.

As Sluga mentioned, the team began the season by coming up with a list of principles they wanted to follow throughout the season.

Sluga shared the list: “Look each other in the eyes. Tell the truth – be honest with everyone. Be on time. Give your best [and your] 100%. Be positive [and] a great teammate. [Be] goal-oriented [and have a] championship mindset… [Have pride in your team], Be a student of the game… Go to… every class, every school day. Don’t take anything for granted. Manage adversity as a team. Compete in a way that makes our experience fun.”

Sluga’s desire to teach life values outside of basketball is why he likes coaching.

“The reason that I love coaching at Hillcrest is my administration has empowered me to make a difference in my players’ lives daily,” Sluga said. “With each lesson learned, our student-athletes can build a better future as they move on to college, career, and family.”

Sluga feels that his role as a coach should be more than only helping his players win games.

“The best part about [the list items]  is that they translate beyond high school and can help improve the quality of each players’ life today and many years in the future,” Sluga said.