Playing a solid basketball game requires players -- individually and collectively -- to perform well in a variety of areas. Failure to be solid in any one particular aspect of the game can be the difference between victory or defeat.

The Red Devils played strong defense, shot the basketball fairly well from the field, didn't turn the ball over all that much, got good contributions from the bench and did just about everything needed to defeat the defending 4A state champs.

Except make free throws.

Springville made just 6-of-20 foul shots while the Thunderbirds were solid in all areas, including hitting 6-of-7 attempts from the line on their way to a tough 42-39 win.

"We just about reached all of the goals we set for the game," said Timpview head coach Kawika Akina. "We wanted to keep them under 40 points, have less than 14 turnovers and we had 12, out-rebound them and hold (junior forward) Ashley Kroneberger to single digits and she had 11 points."

Even with all of those T'Bird successes, the Red Devils still had chances in the final minutes to either take the lead or force overtime.

Leading 40-39 with just over a minute to play, the Timpview defense made a huge stop by forcing a five-second call to get the ball back.

After a Springville foul and a pair of Thunderbird free throws, the visitors had one more chance to tie things up in the final five seconds. Red Devil junior guard Genna Brown came off a screen for an open 3-point attempt that bounced on the rim twice before falling out.

"I wouldn't have been surprised if it had gone in," Akina said. "I told them no open 3s, but she got a good look. The bounce went our way."

Springville head coach Nancy Warner was quick to point out that the game was decided on a number of different plays -- not just the last ones -- but also admitted that the poor free throw shooting was frustrating.

"It's been this way all year," she said. "It's like missing open layups. It's a shot with no one guarding you. We've put emphasis on it all year but when it costs you games, it's hard to swallow."

Other than that, however, Warner couldn't help but be happy with her team's performance.

"They played great," she said. "Timpview is a great team and the biggest positive we can take is holding them to just 42 points. It was a good, close game."

Kroneberger's 11 points led the way for the Red Devils while senior center Alexis Kaufusi paced Timpview with 13 points and senior guard Gabrielle Pinegar added 10.

The victory means that the Thunderbirds (10-4, 6-0) have completed the first half of region play without a defeat while Springville (11-3, 5-1) is now a game off the pace.

"This win means we're in sole possession of first place," Akina said. "Our goal is to win region and now we're one step closer."

Timpview will try to remain undefeated in league play when it heads to Payson on Friday, while Springville will be on the road at Provo. Both games will tip off at 5:15 p.m.

• Jared Lloyd can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

SPRINGVILLE (39)

Kroneberger 11, Averett 9, Brown 8, Clements 3, Allred 2, Steed 2, Eaton 2, Nielson 2. Totals 15 6-20 39.

TIMPVIEW (42)

Kaufusi 13, Pinegar 10, Bridgewater 9, Greehalgh 6, Woodfield 4. Totals 16 6-7 42.

Springville 7 15 4 13 -- 39

Timpview 7 14 9 12 -- 42

3-point goals: Springville 3 (Brown 2, Averett); Timpview 4 (Pinegar 2, Greehalgh 2).