Despite holding multiple second half leads, the Emery Spartans suffered a 90-86 loss to the Grand Red Devils in a Region 15 thriller Wednesday evening in Moab.

Trailing by five at the end of the first half the Spartans rallied to capture a five-point lead in the third quarter. Both teams exchanged blows throughout the fourth as the lead changed hands multiple times. In the end it was Grand coming up with key defensive stops late to record the win.

Kyson Stilson led a well balanced Emery offensive performance with a game-high 18 points. Easton Gordon, Cade Brazier and Brax Jensen finished with 16 points a piece. Tyler Butler ended with eight and Alex Orozco scored six off of the bench.

Grand’s Kevin Park proved to be the difference maker in the first half, connecting on five straight three-point shots in a reserve effort. Park joined center Cameron Hoppensteadt with 17 points each to lead the Red Devils. Josh Jones converted multiple three-point plays to finish with 16 points, and Alex Williams contributed 15.

Wednesday’s loss dips Emery to 2-3 in Region 15 play, placing them fifth in the highly competitive division. The win for Grand marks the fourth straight, moving them just a half game behind South Sevier for first.

Holding a one-game lead over San Juan and Richfield for one of the final two playoff spots awarded to the region, the Spartans will enter a key contest Friday night.

Playing host to San Juan, Emery will have an opportunity to finish .500 in the first of two rounds of region play. Friday’s contest is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m..

Loading...