Despite playing a solid first half of basketball the Emery Spartans suffered their first loss of the season, falling to 5A Maple Mountain 81-65 Friday evening at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.

Trailing 20-16 at the end of the first quarter, the Spartans rallied to take a 37-36 lead into half time. Unable to keep pace over the final two quarters Emery 45-28 in the final 16 minutes of action.

Senior Kyson Stilson posted a team-high 20 points to lead the Spartans in the loss. Brax Jensen finished with 12 points, all of which came from the three-point line. Brodie Tuttle also reached double-figures finishing with 11.

While Emery had a balanced attack offensively, the Spartans struggled to stop Maple Mountain’s Braxton Tanner, who finished 50 points. The 6’3” junior connected on 18-of-24 shots from the field to record his career best.

Friday’s loss sends Emery to 2-1 on the season after starting the new campaign with three straight home games. The Spartans will now travel for three straight road games, beginning Wednesday with Maeser Prep.

The second game this week will place the Spartans on the road against the Carbon Dinos Friday night. The two schools will meet again on January 5 in Castle Dale.

**Stock photo courtesy of ETV 10 News**