Making a return to Jurassic Park following a 1-3 showing at the Battle in the Basin, the Lady Dinos turned their attention to the Richfield Wildcats for a non-region showdown. Junior Kayla Jones poured in 14 points in the second half to keep Carbon in the contest, but clutch shooting down the stretch from Richfield helped the Wildcats to a 56-41 victory.
Defense defined the opening quarter, with neither side able to get off an uncontested shot. A majority of offensive opportunities came from steals in the open court, setting up fast-break opportunities. This style of play played right into Carbon’s hand, as the Dinos won the frame 13-10.
The Wildcats were able to bring the tempo down in the second, working the ball around methodically on offense while maintaining the same defensive intensity from the opening stanza. Because of this dual effort, Richfield claimed a 23-15 lead heading into the half.
Entering the third quarter, the Dinos found magic in the hands of Kayla Jones, who, after going scoreless in the first half, exploded for 14 in the second half of action. Hitting a trio of threes, Jones helped Carbon back into the contest. However, every shot made by Jones was seemingly matched by the Wildcat duo of Lilly Crane and Kinlee Barney. Heading into the final frame, the Dinos were down 38-28.
Crane and Barney continued their offensive burst in the fourth, helping win the frame 18-13, and leading Richfield to a 56-41 victory.
Speaking of her hot shooting performance, Jones stated,” I play every game for my Uncle Tyson, I’m wearing his number (23), so shooting well reminds me that he’s with me.”
The junior also shared what the message to her teammates was when her shots started falling,” I tell them I’m ready, I’m locked and loaded, they need to pass it to me, I’ll take care of the rest.”
Other major contributors for the Dinos included Elsie Morley with nine points, Malia Smith who added five and Blythe Bradford and Emma Bowman who contributed four apiece.
The loss moves the Dinos to 2-4 on the season, with their next opportunity on the hardwood coming up on Dec. 2, as Carbon hits the road to face Draper APA.
Watch the full game here: