The Emery Lady Spartans delivered a defensive gem as they topped the Carbon Lady Dinos 57-36 in a highly anticipated Region 12 showdown Thursday evening at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.
Meeting for the second time this season both teams battled throughout an evenly matched first quarter. Trailing 13-11 entering the second period, Emery outscored Carbon 16-4 to take a double digit lead into the break. From that point the Lady Spartans controlled the pace in the eventual win.
“They are a team that starts quick and that happened when we were over there too,” said Emery head coach Lynn Tuttle. “We came in tonight and matched their intensity and stayed even with them. The defensive pressure that we were able apply helped turned the game.”
Emery junior Tambrie Tuttle recorded a double-double as she finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead the solid two-way performance for Emery. Baylee Jacobson contributed 12, while Addie Lester chipped in with 11.
While three of the five Emery starters reached double-figures, Tatum Tanner scored all eight bench points. She also finished with seven rebounds in limited minutes throughout the second half.
Carbon junior guard Janzie Jensen scored seven points, including one make from the three-point line. Freshman guard Amiah Timothy also scored seven points in a reserve role.
The Lady Dinos were plagued by foul trouble early as senior Makenna Blanc was sent to the bench after picking up three first half fouls. Despite being limited because of the situation, Blanc still ended with six points. Sydney and Madi Orth each scored five.
Thursday’s win places Emery at the top of the Region 12 standings with the South Sevier Rams, setting up a league championship contest on Tuesday in Castle Dale. Both teams are 7-1 in league play. South Sevier is currently ranked No. 1 and Emery No. 2.
“We’ve got an opportunity to be the top team if we can take care of business Tuesday night against South Sevier,” said Tuttle. “We are sitting in the drivers seat to be region champs, and that was the first big goal we set for ourselves at the start of the season.”
The setback for Carbon eliminates the Lady Dinos from Region 12 title contention, but did not drastically change their standing in the RPI rankings. Entering the No. 2 ranked team, Carbon slipped to No. 3 as Emery climbed one spot.
Both teams will wrap up the regular season next week. Emery will meet South Sevier at home Tuesday before traveling to Moab to face the Grand Red Devils on Thursday. Carbon will meet Richfield on Tuesday, then end the regular season slate with back-to-back games against San Juan and Grand Thursday and Friday.