The Emery Spartans returned to the court, fresh off the Christmas break, with a 70-51 loss to the Canyon View Falcons.

Both teams entered Friday’s tilt sharing identical 2-1 records in Region 12 play. The pivotal game quickly turned one-sided as the Falcons extended their eight-point lead to 17 heading into half time.

Canyon View senior Felps Sanders was nearly unstoppable as he led all scorers with 32-point performance. Ty Attig added 15 and Trenton Ludlow scored 11 off the bench to propel the Falcons.

Emery showed signs of life early, capturing a slim lead in the first quarter. The Canyon View defense flipped the game on its head with an outstanding full court press, leading to quick buckets in transition. Emery managed to cut a 12-point deficit to five mid-way through the second quarter, but Canyon View was quick to halt momentum and extend the lead.

Jace Frandsen scored a team-high 13 points, 12 of which came in the first half, as the Spartans slipped to 4-8 overall on the season. West Johansen scored 12 points and Porter Hurdsman finished with nine.

Friday’s loss drops Emery in the division standings, placing them in sole possession of fourth place. Juab and Richfield remain unbeaten at the top of standings, while Canyon View sits in third.

The Spartans will have an opportunity to get back in the win column with a quick turn around Saturday afternoon. Taking a break from region play, Emery will welcome in the Uintah Utes for a 5:00 pm tip-off.