An 18-6 run in the middle quarters was enough to lift the Emery Lady Spartans past the Richfield Wildcats 54-45 Tuesday night at the Spartan in Castle Dale.

Falling behind 18-8 at the end of the first quarter, Emery quickly worked out of the double-digit deficit by holding Richfield to just two points in the second quarter. Entering the third down one, Emery outscored the Wildcats 20-11 in the next eight minutes to take the lead for good.

Megan Jensen carried Emery during the first half dominating both the paint and the glass as she finished with 19 points and nine rebounds. Lainee Jensen ended with 12 points, all of which came from the three point line, while Kinlee Toomer contributed 11.

“This game we knew was important,” said Lainee Jensen “The other regular season games we haven’t really got to play the whole game, and this game we had to be in shape and get up and down the court and play together.”

Emma Jones finished with a team best 14 points as Richfield suffered their first loss in Region 15 play. Alexa Lord chipped in with 12 and Madison Roberts ended with 10. The two point second quarter was the lowest scoring output Richfield has posted in a period this season.

Now 6-1 in Region 15, and 16-1 overall, the Lady Spartans have entered a tie with Richfield at the top of the division standings. The two teams split the season series, as both protected home court.

Emery will continue the season with a return to the home floor on Thursday against the South Sevier Rams. The first meeting worked in favor of Emery 61-46 back on Jan. 4 in Monroe.

**Photo Courtesy of ETV 10 News**

Listen to Lainee Jensen’s post game interview here: