Gavin Lowe scores 35 as Olympus rolls to 5A title

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) – The first two times Olympus and Highland met this season, both games were decided by a total of four points. But in Friday’s 5A championship, it wasn’t close at all.

Gavin Lowe exploded for 35 points as the Titans won their second straight state championship, and third state title in the last four years, 69-40.

Lowe scored 17 in the first half and 18 in the second half, making 13 of 21 shots from the field, to go along with six rebounds and six assists.

“35 is crazy,” Lowe said. “But I just wanted to win. These guys work so hard, and we’ve been together for so long. This is my last year, and I just wanted to go out on top.”

“Gavin is so special,” said Olympus head coach Matt Barnes. “He’s not the biggest kid, but he’s got the heart of a champion.”

Olympus took a 34-25 lead into the half, and dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Rams, 16-4. Lowe he one of his two three-pointers at the end of the third quarter to give the Titans a 21-point lead.

Caden Jackson and Davian Lazerus each scored 11 points for Olympus, who shot a blistering hot 62. 8 percent from the field. Lazerus made all four of his shots, including going 3-for-3 from three-point range.

The Titans defense forced 13 Highland turnovers and held the Rams to just 38.1 percent shooting from the field.

“I cherish all these moments,” said Barnes, who won his fifth state title in 28 years as the head coach of Olympus. “I told the kids you’ll never get these days back, so enjoy and love it. But we were terrific tonight.”

Isaiah Drisdom led Highland with nine points, while Jack Anderton added eight. The Rams attempted just two free throws the entire game.

Olympus finishes the season with a record of 24-3, while Highland ends up at 23-4.