The Emery Spartans suffered a season ending loss to the South Summit Wildcats, falling 80-74 in the opening round of the 3A State Championship Tournament Saturday afternoon at Wasatch High School in Heber.

Junior Kyson Stilson scored 29 points and collected four rebounds to lead the Spartans in the setback. Brax Jensen added 16, Easton Gordon scored 14 and Cade Brazier contributed 10.

Meeting for the second time this season, the Wildcats avenged an earlier loss in a non-region tilt back on Dec. 15. The Emery loss snaps a streak of three consecutive wins over South Summit, two of which came in tournament play.

Trailing by nine points in the fourth quarter, the Spartans rallied to take a one point lead. Multiple empty Emery possessions and key free throws from South Summit’s Jared Dansie down the stretch proved to be the difference.

Bruce Mitchell scored 12 of his team best 23 points in the third quarter to pace the Wildcat offense. Ryan Griffin finished with 15 and Justin Worthen contributed 14.

After hitting 215 three-point shots in the first 21 games of the season, the Spartans were held to just three makes from deep in the season ending loss. South Summit finished with five makes from the three-point, accounting for the six point differential.

Stay tuned to Castle Country Radio for a complete season recap of the 2017-18 Emery boy’s basketball season in the coming days.

**Photo courtesy of ETV 10 News**