The Emery Lady Spartans fell just short of claiming the 3A State Championship as they suffered a heartbreaking 51-47 loss to the Morgan Trojans in the title game Saturday night at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield.
Holding a lead at the end of each of the first three quarters, the Spartans controlled tempo until midway through the third. Once the Trojans captured their first advantage, the two teams exchanged blows until the final buzzer.
Starting the game on a blistering pace, the Lady Spartans jumped out to a 13-1 lead in the first. Morgan would settle in and chip away to make it 15-7 at the end of the first. Emery continued to maintain momentum as they carried a 29-20 lead into the break.
The Trojans fought to remain in striking distance and changed the pace of play by outscoring Emery 31-18 in the final two periods.
Despite the loss Emery received an outstanding performance from Baylee Jacobson who scored a game-high 20 points to go along with six rebounds and two assists. Tambrie Tuttle provided a second option for Emery as she finished with 14 points and seven boards.
Emery shot an efficient 40-percent from the field in the opening half, but cooled in the second as they converted just 4-of-27 shots to end the game. The free throw line was also unkind to the Spartans as they ended 10-19.
Morgan’s first half scoring nearly came exclusively from the free throw line as they shot 8-of-13 in the first 16 minutes. After shooting a pedestrian 18-percent from the field in the first half, the Trojans shot 48-percent in the third and fourth quarters.
Alexandria Trussell registered a double-double for Morgan, finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Elena Birkeland and Janel Blazzard combined for 21 as both scored in double-figures.
The championship loss ends a highly successful season for the Lady Spartans. Ending the league portion of the schedule 9-1, Emery secured the Region 12 Championship. Wins over Providence Hall, Delta and Grantsville placed the Spartans in the state championship game.
Stay tuned to Castle Country Radio for a complete season recap in the coming days.