by Bruce Tippets
BTippets@cherryroad.com

Duchesne heads into the Class 2A state drill tournament ranked No. 1 after winning the region championship.

The state seeds are based on the final Rating Percentage Index standings announced by the Utah High School Activities Association Jan. 22.

The Lady Talons take the floor at Utah Valley University in Orem Jan. 30 in the semifinals.

The top teams then advance to the finals.

Duchesne is the defending champion.

Beaver (No. 2), South Sevier (No. 3), Kanab (No. 4) and Gunnison Valley (No. 5) are all in the title hunt.

“The competition in 2A is probably the highest it’s been in a long time,” Duchesne coach Kellee Grant said. “The top four teams are really close to each other in the RPI rankings. We just have to worry about what we can control and prepare the best we can to perform at our highest level at state.”

Grant said the Lady Talons have improved on their facials and energy in the dances.

“It’s important to peak at just the right time,” she explained. “Not too soon, not too late.”

Duchesne doesn’t have any seniors on the roster this winter.

We have a young team this year,” Grant said. “A lot of our new freshmen have never danced before. They have worked really hard to master the skills necessary to compete with the team.”

In the region competition, Duchesne won first in dance, show and military. Gunnison Valley and Grand were the next teams in line.

Duchesne’s Braydee Rowser, Taylor Crum and Natalie Helms were awarded the all-region award.

Addalyne Clayburn won the team hero award.

Karsyn Grant placed second and Taylor Crum finished fifth in the drill down competition.

3A

Union will compete against a stacked 3A division of drill teams at the state tournaments.

The Cougarettes are ranked No. 5 in the final RPI standings.

Canyon View (No. 1), Morgan (No. 2), Juab (No. 3) and Juan Diego (No. 4) are the teams to beat.

Canyon View heads into state as the three-time state champions.

All the teams will perform in show, military and dance routines in the semifinals.

The final rounds will decide the title winners on Jan. 31.

RPI standings

2A

1. Duchesne; 2. Beaver; 3. South Sevier; 4. Kanab; 5. Gunnison Valley; 6. Grand County; 7. Enterprise; 8. North Summit; 9. Millard; 10. North Sevier; 11. Parowan; 12. San Juan.

3A

1. Canyon View; 2. Morgan; 3. Juab; 4. Juan Diego; 5. Union; 6. Manti; 7. Richfield; 8. Ogden; 9. South Summit; 10. Delta; 11. Grantsville; 12. Carbon; 13. Ben Lomond; 14. Emery; 15. North Sanpete.