Fresh off an extended break, the Carbon Dinos returned to the hardwood on Wednesday, Jan. 14, as they traveled to Mt. Pleasant, Utah, for a showdown with the North Sanpete Hawks. The Dinos controlled the game throughout all four quarters, never losing a frame, and built in the fourth quarter to a 77-59 region victory.
Ty Mortensen got things going for the Dinos, going to work on the low block and bullying his way to a pair of early baskets. However, Mortensen’s effort was matched by Hawks freshman Gunner Pollock, who hit two threes early on. This back-and-forth affair split near the end of the first when Carbon snagged a 4-point lead to close the frame up 21-17.
The second quarter saw much of the same action, with the Dinos narrowly outscoring North Sanpete by a single basket, aided by a buzzer-beating layin by Cash Withers to head into the locker with a 44-38 advantage.
Carbon came out of the intermission and exploded onto the scene, winning the frame by five, outscoring the Hawks 18-13. This effort was bolstered by a strong defense, employing multiple formations that caused confusion and discomfort for North Sanpete. Entering the final frame, Carbon held a 62-51 advantage.
The strong defense continued into the fourth quarter, with Carbon keeping the Hawks in single digits – only allowing eight points. Meanwhile, the offense kept humming, tacking on 15 more points and elevating the Dinos to their first region victory, 77-59.
Five Dinos scored in double digits, led by Carter Warburton with 14. Mortensen and Logan Bennett added 12 apiece, Jackson Basone had 11 off the bench and Kyler Orth ended with 10 points.
“The defense is where we really win games,” said Orth following the contest. “If we don’t have good defense, we kind of struggle, but defense wins games, and that’s what our cup of tea is.”
The win bumps the Dinos to an even 1-1 in region play and 6-10 overall on the season. Carbon now returns home to Jurassic Park for a four-game homestand, which kicks off on Friday, Jan. 16, as they welcome the Manti Templars to town. Live pregame coverage for that contest at 6:30 p.m., with tipoff to follow at 7 p.m. on KRPX 95.3 the Peak and on YouTube at Castle Country Radio – Carbon.
Watch the full game here: