A young Tooele boys basketball team is improving offensively by getting the ball inside the paint for easier shots and shooting a higher percentage overall, but it's the defense that concerns coach Ray Brazier.

"We need to learn how to stop teams in transition. That really hurt us tonight. What's bothering me is our defense," Brazier said after Springville lit up the scoreboard for 92 points Tuesday night in Tooele. The Buffs' offensive output was their second-highest of the season at 66 points, but that was little consolation for Brazier whose team fell to 0-10 in region with two games remaining.

"We're not getting back quick enough on defense and we're out of position. These teams we're facing have great speed," he said.

Speed was not the only weapon Springville used to score a 26-point victory and climb into second place in Region 7. The Red Devils seemed to walk off the bus hitting three-points shots. Springville connected on five three-pointers in the first quarter and 10 in the game compared to Tooele's two three-point baskets in the first quarter and seven for the game.

"We continue to play as a team and the kids are working their tails off," the coach said. "We'll need to work hard in the summer."

As usual the Buffs kept pace early matching the blistering tempo of the game. Down by five, Tanner Stuart scored inside followed by a three-point basket from Boone Baird to tie the game at 11. Springville countered with four three-point baskets in the final 3:30 of the first quarter to lead 26-14.

Springville junior guard Alex Mortensen and senior guard Michael Salazar were particularly lethal from three-point range. Mortensen hit four of his five three-pointers in the first quarter and ended up scoring 27 points. Salazar hit four treys and poured in 19 points.

Tooele had seven of its own three-point bombs connect with Jake Dalton hitting three, Matt Wihongi three and Baird one.

On the bright side for the Buffs, Jordan Clemente made some great offensive moves inside on his way to 20 points to lead his team in scoring. Brazier said part of the plan was to get the ball in the low post to Clemente.

Tanner Stuart scored 12, Wihongi 11, Dalton 11, Baird 8 and Nathan Hyde 2.

Tooele has two more chances to post a region victory this year with a home game Friday at 7 p.m. against Payson and a road game Wednesday at Mountain View. Both teams are battling four fourth place in Region 7 and a berth in the 4A state tournament.

Mark Watson: mwatson@tooeletranscript.com