The Emery Spartans extended its winning streak to three with a 74-50 victory over the Juab Wasps Friday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.

Senior Brax Jensen scored 20 of his game-high 22 points in the second half and handed out eight assists as the Spartans improved to 5-1 on the season. The win marks the third this week, all three coming by a margin greater than 20.

“They came out fired up and got scrappy with us,” said senior Jordan Ekker. “In the second half we decided to get fired up as well and get on the ground for the loose balls.”

Holding a slim 15-11 lead at the end of the first quarter, Emery extended their advantage to double-digits after outscoring Juab 20-8 in the second. The lead continued to grow as Emery outscored the Wasps in the final two periods.

Ekker complimented Jensen offensively with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. In the opening quarter Ekker recorded 10 of the team’s 15 points and also assisted the other two baskets.

While Emery’s offense fired on all cylinders throughout the contest, the rhythm was established by the duo of Ekker and Jensen. In the three wins this past week the two combined for 121 points.

“We’ve played so long together as kids that we just have that connection to get each other the ball,” said Ekker. “When we move the ball around we know it makes it difficult for other teams to guard us. We all trust each other.”

Fellow senior Kyle Wilstead ended with 12 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. Justin Rasmussen helped create balance with an additional 10 points.

Juab’s Jake Bailey paced the Wasps with 12 points, all of which came from beyond the three-point line. Zachary Cowan added 10 as Juab slips to 2-5 on the season.

Emery will have a small break before returning to the court on Tuesday with a road trip to Grantsville. The final game before the Christmas break will follow Friday at home against South Summit.