South Sevier Lady Rams Crowned 2A State Champions: A Season of Growth, Grit, and Glory
In a season defined by heart, hustle, and an unshakable belief in one another, the South Sevier Lady Rams delivered one of the most memorable campaigns in school history. Under the guidance of Head Coach Tracy Johnson, the team battled through challenges, grew stronger together, and ultimately stood tall as the 2025 2A State Champions, finishing the year with a remarkable 24-3 record.
The Lady Rams’ road to glory wasn’t without its hurdles, but their response to adversity—and the way the team gelled into a well-rounded, cohesive unit—set them apart from their competition. Coach Johnson graciously took the time to reflect on the incredible season as part of our 2025 Winter Season Recap Series.
A Cast of Champions: Key Contributors Step Up
When a team finishes as state champions, it’s rarely due to the effort of just a few individuals, and South Sevier was no exception. Coach Johnson credited a balanced and talented roster for the Lady Rams’ success, highlighting Sydnee Patterson, Bailee Buchmiller, Caitlin Nielson, Kinley Jenson, Laiken Bigelow, Whitley Goble, and CooperLynn Green as the team’s key contributors.
Each player brought a unique skillset and embraced their roles with commitment and pride
Sydnee Patterson, named 2A Most Valuable Player and State Tournament MVP, added a new weapon to her already impressive game—three-point shooting—leading the team with a 40% clip from beyond the arc and setting the single-season scoring record at South Sevier.
Caitlin Nielson became the floor general the team needed. With over 100 assists, she also led in steals and deflections, and it was her clutch free throws that sealed the championship victory.
Kinley Jenson, the team’s leading scorer in recent seasons, continued to shine as a top offensive threat while anchoring the interior with her athleticism and defensive presence
Laiken Bigelow, returning after missing the previous season, was described by Coach Johnson as "the glue" of the team. Her leadership and chemistry elevated the squad’s energy and unity.
Whitley Goble embraced the role of defensive specialist and made her presence felt on both ends, including a crucial scoring stretch in the championship game.
Freshman CooperLynn Green, the team’s lone underclassman, played beyond her years. Her breakout performance in a pivotal early-season comeback win over Beaver hinted at her future star potential.
Turning the Corner: From Lessons to Leadership
Although the Lady Rams finished with an impressive record, their success was forged early through adversity. Coach Johnson pointed to a December game against Beaver—a home contest where South Sevier found themselves trailing big heading into the fourth quarter.
That night marked a shift—not just in strategy, but in mindset.
“At that point, we solidified our defense and began to work our offense more deliberately,” said Johnson. “Not settling for quick shots but working for the best shot. That game wasn’t just a turning point—it was the 'turn-on' point for the rest of the season.”
From that moment forward, the Lady Rams played with newfound poise and confidence. Even their few losses were competitive battles that reinforced their belief in one another.
Resilience in the Face of Pressure
The Lady Rams’ mental toughness was another defining trait of the 2025 squad. While past teams may have struggled against full-court pressure or intense defensive schemes, this year’s group was unshakable.
“They were ‘unpressable,’” Coach Johnson explained. “Any team that pressed us found it fruitless.”
Their composure in pressure situations, whether breaking a press, hitting clutch shots, or closing out tight games, became a signature trait—one that paid massive dividends in postseason play.
Senior Leadership: The Foundation of a Championship
The backbone of the Lady Rams’ championship run was their senior class. Their leadership, energy, and unrelenting drive set the tone for every practice, every film session, and every game.
“The senior class was everything this year,” said Johnson. “My hope is that the underclassmen saw that energy and love for the game and will hunger for it in the years to come.”
The team’s chemistry—evident in their unselfish play and balanced scoring—reflected the kind of culture that winning programs are built on.
Building the Future: Challenges and Opportunities
With a handful of graduating seniors moving on, the spotlight now shifts to the returning players. While Coach Johnson acknowledges that filling the leadership void will be a challenge, she’s energized by what lies ahead.
“I’m excited to see them rise to the challenge and grow their games,” she said. “Grow each into a team—it’s going to be fun!”
While individual stars will undoubtedly emerge, the strength of this program continues to be its depth, defense, and dedication to team-first basketball.
Eyes on Improvement
As they prepare for the next chapter, South Sevier’s offseason focus will center around developing all aspects of their game, particularly sharpening their offense and maintaining the defensive intensity that defined their championship run. Coach Johnson is committed to seeing her players improve not just as athletes, but as teammates and leaders.
By the Numbers
The Lady Rams’ stats underscore their dominance:
Record: 24-3 overall
State Title: 2025 2A Champions
Sydnee Patterson: 40% from three-point range, single-season scoring record
Caitlin Nielson & Sydnee Patterson: 100+ assists each
Team Strengths: Defense, balanced scoring, resilience under pressure
For fans looking to dive deeper into the numbers, full stats can be found on the Deseret News Sports site.
A Championship to Remember
The 2025 season was more than a banner-raising year—it was a story of teamwork, transformation, and triumph. The Lady Rams didn’t just win games—they grew together, adapted to challenges, and brought pride to their community.
With Coach Tracy Johnson at the helm and a talented group ready to rise, South Sevier girls basketball isn’t just celebrating what they’ve achieved—they’re preparing for what’s next.
And if this season was any indication, the Lady Rams are far from finished.
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