KAYSVILLE -- This was one "Dream Team" that won a championship.
Unlike the NBA's Miami Heat or the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, the Darts didn't disappear in their run to glory.
For the first time since 1975, Davis High swept the state volleyball title with a decisive three-game sweep of Lehi in the 5-A championship match on Nov. 5 at Utah Valley University.
"It wasn't that day. It didn't sink in until that Monday (Nov. 7) when we went back to school. I was excited," Davis' Candace Richins said.
Following the Darts' 25-17, 25-17, 25-19 romp in the Utah Community Credit Union Center, most of the Davis team continued the celebration at Layton's IHOP.
"I got home at 1 or 2 in the morning," the 17-year-old Richins said. "I slept great; it felt good and peaceful.
"It was a goal to beat Lehi," she said. "We watched the 4-A match (Timpview-Salem Hills) and I told my teammates there was no way it was going five (games). That match was too close for comfort."
In Richins' three years as a starting outside hitter, Davis went 84-18 overall and finished fifth, third and first, respectively, at the state 5-A tournament. The Darts were 32-6 in Region 1 with consecutive league titles in 2010 and 2011.
"Candace was our team's most valuable player with all the honors she received," Davis coach Lori Salvo said. "Candace had the most state experience on our team. She was vital to our success with her overall ability and work ethic."
To that end, Richins is the 2011 Standard-Examiner All-Area Volleyball Team's Most Valuable Player.
"Last year, Candace wasn't sure what to think when I came in," Salvo said. "It wasn't about Candace this year, it was about the team. She was such a great team player this year; Candace was so positive this year. She totally matured into an outstanding young lady.
"For sure, Candace's passing and defense improved this year," she said. "Candace became more confident in her abilities and was good at not letting mistakes bother her. She wasn't a team captain, but Candace was still one of the team leaders."
Richins, who has signed with Utah State, had 265 kills (.297 hitting percentage), seven solo blocks, 39 block assists, 27 assists, 137 digs and 51 aces for the Darts (30-4), who ended the season on a 13-match winning streak.
"Candace has all the physical and mental tools to be successful in college, but it will be tough," Salvo said. "Everybody needs to toughen up when they go to college. I really loved the team player that Candace became this year.
"She was a sweetheart, and I am grateful for the opportunity to coach Candace," she said. "It was fun to see her grow up and mature the last two years."
With a plethora of hitters on the team, Richins had to assume other roles during 2011.
"I tried to be vocal on the court and help everybody stay positive, especially after losing to Fremont. That was a tough blow," she said. "I needed to step up and be even a stronger leader."
The Silver Wolves whipped Davis 25-15, 25-22, 25-23 in the Sept. 13 league opener at Kaysville.
"Losing to Fremont humbled us. We worked harder in practice after that," Richins said. "We realized we couldn't win state just by getting by. We had to work our hardest and play as a team."
Salvo switched Camille Walker to setter and Baylie Henrie to libero after that disheartening setback. The Darts never lost again the remainder of the season.
"We needed more defense, and it was a really smart move on her part. It made us a stronger team," Richins said. "Camille touched more balls and Baylie was there for defense.
"When our practices became more intense, the team played better," she said. "Our confidence went down after we lost to Fremont and we thought maybe we can't win state. We knew teams wouldn't hand it to us and we beat some good teams."
Davis dropped Jordan, Pleasant Grove, Lone Peak and Lehi en route to the 5-A championship while dropping only two games in two days.
"It was fun to beat those great teams on the way to winning state," Richins said. "It's intense playing five games, and it's really fun because it's the last game and there is a lot at stake.
"I think we handled the pressure well, and after losing to Fremont we had nothing to lose. We played to have fun and we did," she said. "I think we learned a lot from that match. We learned more from our mistakes than anything else by turning them into a positive."
The best part of the 2011 season for Richins was spanking the Pioneers.
"I like the fact that we beat all the good teams, which showed we truly earned it," she said. "We played as a team this year and the six seniors became very close this year. The only thing I would change would be to beat (defending champion) Lone Peak in three (games) rather than four, but it was still an excellent season."
To make it meaningful, Richins signed her national letter of intent on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.
"You couldn't sign until Nov. 9, and I wanted to make it special so I'll remember it always," she said. "I wanted to stay in-state, so it came down to Utah State, Utah and BYU. I made an official visit to Utah State, and after they made an offer when I was a sophomore I waited until I was a junior to give a verbal commitment. Everything looked good, and I want to be an elementary school teacher. They have a good teaching program."
Richins, who has two older sisters, started playing club volleyball in sixth grade.
"I made the junior high team in seventh grade, but I was an alternate," she said. "It made me mad I was an alternate, so I worked my hardest to become a two-year starter at Kaysville Junior High."
Richins somehow found time to be in the school musical, "Fiddler on the Roof," this year.
"We've always been a singing family. I just do it for fun; it's something I enjoy," she said. "I like to go hiking and being outside. I like to do things with music and be around people."
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