-Salt Lake City, Utah-
The Emery Spartans fought through a slow start in a physical contest to top the South Sevier Rams 65-51 Thursday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the 3A State Championship Tournament at Salt Lake Community College.
“I thought we played well,” said head coach Todd Jeffs. “All year long I’ve been preaching to my guys that our success will be determined by how well we play defense, and how well we rebound. Our defensive rebounding kept us in it, then we figured it out offensively.”
Trailing 12-10 at the end of the first quarter, the Spartans outscored the Rams 17-6 in the second to carry a nine point lead into the break. The third quarter again worked in Emery’s favor as they scored 26 points to increase the advantage to 20.
The Spartans seized control early in the second half as Seth Justice connected on back-to-back three point makes. Jordan Ekker capped a 9-0 run with a three-point make on the following possession.
Justice scored a game-high 18 points, all of which came from behind the three-point line, to lead Emery in the win. Brax Jensen logged a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists, while Ekker contributed 13.
“I saw the defense they were playing. They were double-teaming Brax (Jensen) all game long,” said Justice. “I knew I had to step up, hit some three-point shots and that’s exactly what I did.”
As a team the Spartans shot 44-percent from the field and 47-percent from the three-point line. Defensively Emery rolled, forcing 16 South Sevier turnovers, while logging 12 steals.
South Sevier standout Brandt Williams posted a team best 14 points and also grabbed 10 rebounds. Brennen Hunt was also effective for the Rams as he poured in 12 points and nabbed seven boards.
Thursday’s meeting marked the third of the season between Emery and South Sevier. The State Tournament win gives the Spartans a clean sweep of the season series, while running their winning streak to 13.
Emery will now turn their focus to the semifinals Friday night against either the Richfield Wildcats or the Morgan Trojans at 9:10 p.m.. The winner of that game will advance to play either Judge Memorial or Manti in the 3A State Championship Saturday night.
Live coverage of Friday’s semifinals matchup will begin at 8:40 p.m. On KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM. The audio stream will also be available at castlecountryradio.com.