The Emery Spartans punched their ticket to the 2A semifinals as they defeated the Delta Rabbits 48-32 in the 2A quarterfinals Thursday night at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield.

Delivering a defensive clinic during the first quarter, the Spartans allowed only one field goal and carried a 10-3 lead into the second quarter. Gaining a 2-1 lead with just over 6:00 minutes to play, Emery never relinquished the lead as they grabbed the eventual win.

Junior Bowdie Jacobson led a balanced offensive attack with 15 points to go along with five rebounds and three assists. Both Kolton and Koby Butler scored nine points and sophomore Easton Gordon chipped in with eight off of the bench.

Emery's stiff zone contributed to a poor shooting performance for Delta as they connected on just 11 of 34 shots from the field. Dakota Dutson was the lone Rabbit to reach double-figures scoring 10 points. Brennen Nielsen chipped in with eight and both Peyton Smith and Daycen Fowles finished with five.

Up 19-12 at the end of the first half, Emery outscored Delta 29-20 over the final two quarters. Winning every statistical category, the Spartans capitalized off of 18 Delta turnovers. As a team, the Spartans accumulated seven steals.

Inching one step closer to a second consecutive championship appearance, the Spartans will meet the highly talented Summit Academy Bears Friday night. A win would place Emery in the state championship contest Saturday evening against either Layton Christian or Beaver.

Friday's contest is scheduled to begin at 9:10 pm, marking the final game of the day's busy slate of games. Live coverage will begin on KOAL 103.9 FM and 750 AM at 8:45. Live audio will also be available at castlecountryradio.com.