The Emery Spartans earned their eighth consecutive win and a season-series sweep over the Carbon Dinos with a 60-49 win Friday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.
Entering the game ranked No. 2 in the state, the Spartans held control of the game for most of the first half. Emery then weathered a fourth quarter Carbon run to secure the region victory.
“We have just really came together after the loss to Richfield and decided we wanted to do this thing,” said senior Brax Jensen. “We knew we needed to tighten up on defense and that’s what we’ve done.”
After scoring just four points in the first half Jensen became a problem for the Dinos as he dropped 22 of this game-high 26 in the final two quarters. Finishing one of three Spartans in double-figures, the balance on offense made it difficult for Carbon to adjust.
Kyler Wilstead delivered one of his best offensive performances of the season as he poured in 17 points to go alone with 10 rebounds. Jordan Ekker knocked down two of the team’s four three-point makes for 13 points.
“Every time I would beat my guy they would double down hard,” said Jensen. “That’s why I was able to find Kyler.”
Friday’s win moves Emery to 7-1 in Region 12 play and 15-3 overall. Locked in a tie with the Richfield Wildcats for first in the division, the Spartans hold a slight edge in the RPI rankings.
Junior Preston Condie paced the Dinos with a season-high 16 points at the varsity level in Friday night’s loss. Kaleb Nelson ended with nine points, while both Brady Gagon and Keenan Hatch contributed eight.
The loss for Carbon comes following an impressive 79-61 win over Grand in Moab on Wednesday night. Now 2-6 in Region 12 play, the Dinos currently hold an overall record of 7-12.
Ranked No. 14 in the latest RPI, Carbon will have a chance to improve their standing with a road trip to Richfield on Wednesday night. The regular season will then come to a close on Friday with a home game against San Juan.
The Spartans will return to the court on Wednesday when they welcome in the South Sevier Rams. The region portion of the schedule will end on Friday on the road against Grand. Emery will then host Green River on Saturday for an early 4:00 start at the Spartan Center.