The Emery Spartans wrapped up the regular season with an 88-67 loss to the Grand Red Devils Friday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.
Meeting for the second time this season, the Spartans matched the fast pace set by the Red Devils throughout the first half. Down 43-36 at the end of the first half, Emery was unable to keep up with the up and down temp in the final 16 minutes.
Riggs Griffin delivered perhaps his most efficient game offensively despite the loss as he finished with 19 points. Playing two-way basketball, Griffin left his mark on the defensive end as well and finished with three rebounds and two assists.
Treven Brazier contributed 13 points, nine of which came from beyond the three-point line. Brett Rasmussen finished with 10 points and five rebounds off of the bench. Jax Madsen also made a contribution offensively as he ended with three makes from deep for nine points.
Grand remained exclusively in a full court defense throughout the game, mixing in a 2-2-1 and 1-2-2 scheme to speed the game up. The game plan proved to be effective as the Red Devils took advantage of several Emery turnovers.
Moroni Seely-Roberts posted a game-best 28 points, doing most of his damage inside 15-feet. Malachi Seely-Roberts ended with 16 points as he converted three attempts from deep. Rafe Saunders ended with 14 and Chance Arbon scored 11.
Friday’s win clinches the Region 12 Championship for Grand, who finished the league season with a record of 8-2. The Red Devils finished No. 4 in the RPI, placing them in a second round matchup with No. 13 Union Friday evening.
The loss for Emery dips the team’s region record to 1-9. The loss comes following the lone division win on Wednesday against South Sevier.
The Spartans will now shift their focus to the opening round of the 3A State Tournament. Ending No. 16 in the RPI, Emery has earned the right to host Delta in the opening round on Tuesday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.
Live coverage of Tuesday’s game will air on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning at 6:30 p.m..