Jason Carter leads Provo boys basketball to thrilling OT rivalry win over Timpview
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- Provo players celebrate after winning the non-region game against Timpview at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Provo senior Jason Carter dunks the ball during the non-region game against Timpview at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Provo senior Aaron Castagnetto shoots a shot during the non-region game against Timpview at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview sophomore Callen Tollestrup goes up for a layup during the non-region game at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview sophomore Dean Reuckert and Provo senior Jason Carter go up for the jump ball during the non-region game at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview players watch the final seconds during the non-region game at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Provo senior Jason Carter shoots over a pair of Timpview defenders during the non-region game at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview senior Nathaniel Davis gets fouled going up for a shot during the non-region game at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Provo fans celebrate a good play during the non-region game against Timpview at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview junior Corbyn Hansen dribbles the ball during the non-region game at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Provo players celebrate a good play during the non-region game against Timpview at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview head coach Izzy Ingle talks to an official during the non-region game at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Provo head coach Chris Collinsworth directs his team during the non-region game against Timpview at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview sophomore Aisa Galea’i takes the court before the non-region game at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Provo senior Trey Johnson dribbles up the court during the non-region game against Timpview at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
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- Timpview sophomore Aisa Galea’i goes up for a layup during the non-region game at Provo on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
A split-second decision in the final seconds of a tight rivalry high-school basketball game can feel like it has the fate of the world resting on it.
That’s how Provo senior center Jason Carter felt late in overtime of Friday night’s nail-biter against Timpview at Provo.
With the Bulldogs clinging to a two-point lead and the Thunderbirds desperately trapping, attempting to get the ball back. Provo passed the ball around as Timpview swarmed after it, eventually finding Carter alone on the baseline.
With a Thunderbird defender guarding the rim, the Bulldog senior had to decide what to do: Attack the rim, try to pass the ball out or take the shot.
He didn’t hesitate. He set his feet and let it fly from 12 feet out.
“I was just thinking I’ve got to hit this shot,” Carter said. “Otherwise we’re going to lose. I just got space and I just stroked it like I’ve been taught.”
But as it went up, the potential ramifications if the ball didn’t go in flashed through his mind.
“I was thinking, man, if I didn’t hit that, I was going to get so chewed out,” Carter said. “If we lost because of that shot, it was over. I would have to leave the state, you know?”
On the Provo bench, Bulldog head coach Chris Collinsworth had his own moment of doubt.
“You feel all the emotions as a coach,” Collinsworth said. “You’re like, dude, just go to the rim, get fouled. You’ve got to score the ball. You can’t just shoot it but then hey, he scored it. When he hit that, it was over. I knew we were gonna win.”
Carter’s shot nestled into the basket and Provo made just enough free throws to earn the 63-59 overtime victory over Timpview, the first win for the Bulldogs in the rivalry since January of 2015.
“It’s a dream come true,” Carter said. “Ever since I was a kid, watching my brother play here at Provo high, I’ve dreamed of this moment. To finally be here and have won, it’s more than I can describe. We lost last year and I spent a whole year resenting that loss. Now we’re back.”
Collinsworth felt an enormous sense of pride for his players to be able to finally come out on top in the rivalry matchup.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Collinsworth said. “Their sophomore year these guys won one game and last year had a losing record. To come in and win this game this year on their home floor as seniors, you can look around and see it means a lot to these kids and to the fans and to me. I couldn’t be happier.”
Despite all the angst and nerves as Carter’s shot soared toward the basket, there was something fitting about the senior being the player to step up in that moment.
Just a few minutes earlier, the Bulldogs found themselves down by two after Timpview scored to go in front with 11 seconds left in regulation.
Provo called timeout and drew up a play to get the ball to Carter.
“The coaches said they wanted (senior guard) Aaron Castagnetto to run a pick-and-roll,” Carter said. “I knew that they were going to double team Aaron, so I knew I was going get that ball. I had one thought and it was just flush it. I only had a couple of seconds to go but the rest is history.”
Collinsworth gave all the credit to his assistant coaches for drawing up the perfect play in such a key moment.
“It was an awesome play, exactly what we needed to get the game to overtime,” Collinsworth said.
Carter’s two-handed jam with less than a second to go ignited a massive roar from the Provo crowd and sent the game to the extra period.
The Bulldogs seized the early momentum but the Thunderbirds fought back and put themselves in position to make a play at the end.
But Carter was just too much.
The senior finished with 30 points, while Castagnetto added 19 points to provide most of the scoring for Provo.
“Carter’s last two games have been absolutely incredible,” Collinsworth said. “In our last game (an overtime win over Northridge), he went for 31 points and 14 rebounds. He’s learning how to win and these guys are learning how to win. That’s what we need.”
Collinsworth felt like the victory over Northridge helped his Bulldogs stay focused when Timpview started the game hot and built a 12-2 lead right out of the gate.
“We got down against Northridge but came back,” Collinsworth said. “They hit a 3-pointer from half court to send the game to overtime but then we won by six. This game was no different. We played Timpview in the summer and beat them by 20, so our mindset was that we were going to win. They were ready to play.”
Sophomore Dean Reuckert led Timpview with 26 points with four other Thunderbirds scoring seven or eight points apiece.
Provo (4-2) hopes to build off the win when it welcomes Springville to town on Dec. 13, while Timpview (1-2) will look to get back on track when it hosts Bountiful on Dec. 12. Both games are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Friday night, however, was a night for the team in green to savor.
“There was a lot of emotion that’s been building up for a long time for these kids,” Collinsworth said. “Honestly, it’s a good day to be a Provo High Bulldog.”
