The Emery Spartans opened Region 15 play with a gritty 47-33 win over the Richfield Wildcats Wednesday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.

Locked in a physical, defensive battle for most of the game, the Spartans managed to distance themselves from the pesky Wildcats midway through the fourth quarter. Both teams struggled to find consistency from the field as Emery finished 13-44, while Richfield ended 10-37.

Cade Brazier knocked down back-to-back three-point shots to extend Emery’s lead from five to 11 in the fourth quarter. Emery’s multiple defensive sets continued to confuse Richfield the rest of the way in the double-digit win.

Easton Gordon posted a game-high 12 points as Emery improved to 7-3 overall. Brazier contributed 11 points and Tyler Butler just missed a double-double with 9 points and 9 rebounds. As a team the Spartans converted a season low seven makes from beyond the perimeter.

Richfield junior Emmitt Hafen was held below his season average as he finished with nine points, all of which came in the first half. Payton Thompson scored eight points and Keldon Anderson chipped in with six.

Wednesday’s win puts Emery in a first place tie with Grand and South Sevier at the top of the standings. All three teams won their region opener by double-digits in fairly dominating fashion. The Spartans will play host to South Sevier on Friday in a highly important region tilt, set to begin at 7:00 p.m..

**Photo Courtesy of ETV10 News