The Emery Lady Spartans clinched their second consecutive state championship appearance after defeating the Grantsville Cowgirls 56-36 Friday evening at Dixie State University in St. George.

A quick start on both ends of the floor allowed Emery to open a 19-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. The advantage slipped to 29-21 at the midway point, but the Spartans outscored Grantsville in the next two quarters to advance comfortably.

“It was a knockdown, drag out fight, but expected it to be just that,” said Emery head coach Lynn Tuttle. “They wanted to get physical and make it a physical game. It wasn’t our best offensive output of the year, but we got the win.”

Kacelyn Toomer posted a game-high 17 points and recorded four steals to lead the Lady Spartans in the win. Megan Jensen contributed 12 points and nine boards, while Lainee Jensen chipped in with nine points and three rebounds.

As a team Emery shot a pedestrian 36-percent from the field, converting just 18-of-49 shots. The shooting struggles expanded to the perimeter as the team finished 3-14 from deep.

“When we got our open looks we just couldn’t put the ball in the hoop,” said Tuttle. “We started settling for threes, and then Kacelyn Toomer took the ball to the basket and started getting everyone involved. It was good to see her take charge and take the ball to the hole.”

Grantsville center Madison Fields paced the Cowgirls offensive with 16 points and 11 rebounds, seven of which were on the offensive glass. Ashlee Edwards ended with nine, and Hannah Butler scored five.

Friday’s win sets the stage for an epic third meeting of the season between Emery and Richfield to decide the 3A State Champion. The two teams have met twice this season, splitting the set as both managed to protect home court.

Live coverage of Saturday’s State Championship showdown will begin at 4:30 p.m. on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM, followed by tip-off at 5:00.

Listen to coach Lynn Tuttle’s post game interview below:

**Photo courtesy of ETV 10 News**