It was a clash of titans on Tuesday, Dec. 2, as the Emery Lady Spartans took to their home floor for a rematch of last year’s state semifinals against the Grantsville Cowboys. A strong defensive effort and clutch free throw shooting down the stretch propelled Emery to a 62-57 win.
The first quarter was defined by defense, with neither team able to get offense going. The Spartans gained an edge, outpacing the Cowboys in the back half of the quarter and winning the frame 16-12.
The second quarter would feature much of the same, with both teams struggling to put the ball in the basket. For Emery, it was sharp free throw shooting that helped them elevate their lead throughout the quarter. But a frantic 10-0 run from Grantsville would give the Cowboys a lead late in the frame and send the two teams into the halftime break with the Spartans down 30-27.
A bounce-back third quarter was the story for the Spartans, cleaning up turnover troubles which plagued them in the first half and putting together solid offensive possessions. Outscoring the Cowboys 14-11 in the frame, Emery was able to knot the game at 41 apiece heading into the fourth quarter.
Sharp free throw shooting in the fourth propelled the Spartans in the frame, putting Grantsville in foul trouble early and burying their shots from the charity stripe. Despite a spirited effort from Grantsville’s Emmy Butler, who poured in 33 points in the contest, the Cowboys were unable to overcome Emery’s hot hand and fell to the Spartans 62-57.
As a team, Emery shot 24 for 32 from the free-throw line. Leading the way was senior guard Megan Stilson, who dropped 21 points in the contest. Also in double digits for the Spartans were KaBree Gordon with 14 points and Addie Hurst with 10.
“They definitely wanted revenge from the state tournament,” said Stilson following the contest. “But we all just really came together. We did a good job and put them down.”
The win moves Emery above the .500 mark in the early season with a 3-2 record. Up next, the Spartans stay at home on Thursday, Dec. 4, as they face the South Sevier Rams at 7 p.m.
Watch the full game here: