The 4A boys volleyball state tournament kicked off with a bang on Friday, delivering a day packed with high-stakes action, emotional matchups, and a few nail-biting comebacks. When the dust settled, Mountain View, Crimson Cliffs, Pine View, and Ridgeline had punched their tickets to the semifinals, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable championship weekend.
One of the most compelling stories of the day came from the Desert Hills vs. Pine View quarterfinal. For Desert Hills coach Josh James, this wasn't just any playoff game—it was a reunion with familiar faces. "They’re from our region, and they’re a great team," James said. "I coach club for a lot of boys on that team and this team, so there’s a lot of emotion behind it that way."
The Thunder started strong, grinding out a tense 27-25 first-set win before taking the second set more comfortably at 25-16. But Pine View refused to go quietly. The Panthers stormed back to claim the third set 25-21 and built a commanding 22-16 lead in the fourth. Facing the prospect of a decisive fifth set, Desert Hills knew they had to dig deep. "My boys kept saying, 'We’re tired,'" James recalled. "I just kept saying, 'I know you’re tired. I just need a little more.'"
And they delivered. The Thunder mounted a stunning 9-3 run to close out the match, securing a spot in the semifinals against Crimson Cliffs. Brodie Hoag led the charge with 19 kills, while Graham Wintle and Jordan Jenson chipped in nine apiece. It was a gritty performance that showcased the heart of a team unwilling to let their season end.
Over on the other side of the bracket, Ridgeline found themselves in a familiar rivalry showdown against Sky View. The Bobcats had won three straight meetings before the Riverhawks finally broke through with a 3-2 win in late April. Friday's quarterfinal was no less tense, but Ridgeline once again rose to the occasion, pulling out a 3-1 victory to advance.
With the semifinals now set, the intensity is only going to ramp up. Mountain View and Crimson Cliffs will look to continue their dominant runs, while Pine View and Ridgeline aim to keep their Cinderella stories alive. One thing is certain: the 4A tournament is wide open, and every point from here on out will be fought for with everything these athletes have.