Emery High School boys basketball coach Todd Jeffs reached a career milestone on Friday, picking up win No. 500 as the Spartans defeated the South Summit Wildcats 78-60 at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.
The Spartans wasted no time developing a monumental advantage after outscoring South Summit 20-5 in the opening quarter. Emery remained in control throughout the final three quarters, coasting to its sixth win of the season.
Senior Justin Rasmussen finished with a season best 18 points to lead the Spartans in the lopsided win. Rasmussen shot an efficient 7-10 from the field including 3-5 from deep, while also grabbing six rebounds and handing out two assists.
Fellow seniors Brax Jensen, Jordan Ekker and Seth Justice all reached double-figures in the well rounded performance. Jensen ended with 15 points, 10 assists and two rebounds. Both Ekker and Justice finished with 14 points.
Friday’s win comes following a Tuesday road loss to the Grantsville Cowboys. Now 6-2 on the season the Spartans are currently ranked No. 6 in the latest RPI rankings.
South Summit senior Payton Sanderson finished with a game-high 21 points to lead the Wildcats as they dropped to 3-8 on the season. Brigham Skinner ended with 15 points and Ricky Perez chipped in with 14.
Friday’s win places head coach Todd Jeffs in elite company as he becomes just the sixth coach in Utah High School Basketball history to win 500 or more games with one school. Holding the head coaching position since 1989, Jeffs achieved the 500 win mark in less than 750 games.
“This just means I’ve been doing this a whole long time,” said Jeffs following the win. “It’s been really fun. It’s been a huge part of my life.”
Already named the 3A Coach of the Year for 2019-20, Jeffs has a lengthy resume’ that includes two state championships, two second place finishes and 12 final four appearances. Jeffs announced earlier this year that this season would be his final at the helm.
“My kids don’t know me as anything but a coach. That’s all they’ve known their whole lives. It’s going to be a big change, but it’s time.” said Jeffs.
The Spartans will now take a lengthy break before returning to the court on Friday, Jan. 3 with a road game against Gunnison. The return from the break will feature a three-game road trip, before playing host to North Sanpete on Jan. 11.