The No. 4-seeded Emery Spartans ended on the wrong side of an overtime thriller, falling to No. 12 Grantsville 79-75 Thursday morning in the quarterfinals of the 3A State Championship Tournament in Cedar City.
Emery exploded out of the gate, racing to an 11-0 lead in the opening quarter. Following a timeout, the Cowboys erased the double-digit deficit with a 7-0 run. The game remained a back-and-forth tilt the rest of the way.
Exchanging big moments throughout the latter part of the fourth quarter, Grantsville had an opportunity to win at the buzzer, but Cole Sparks’ jump shot misfired, sending the game to an extra quarter.
Once the extra period started, Emery again captured an early advantage. Brek Griffin continued to push the Emery offense as he scored eight, while Maddex Taney contributed five in overtime. Despite the big offensive jolt, the Spartans were outscored 18-14 as Grantsville’s Brigham Mouritsen knocked down two crucial perimeter jumpers to secure the win for the Cowboys.
Griffin delivered a stellar performance in Thursday’s setback, scoring a game-high 30 points, including a perfect 9-9 mark at the free-throw line. Senior Porter Sitterud was efficient, shooting 50% from the field on his way to a 20-point performance. Tanney also reached double-figures, scoring all 13 of his points in the second half and overtime.
All five Grantsville starters reached double figures as they advanced to the semifinals with their second straight upset win. The Cowboys defeated No. 5 Juab in the opening round, setting the stage for Thursday’s dramatic win.
Dresden Jensen finished with 23 points and seven rebounds to lead the Cowboys. Jaxxon Jensen recorded the game’s lone double-double as he finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
While Thursday’s loss ends the championship hopes for the Spartans, it does not end the season. Falling into the consolation bracket, Emery will have an opportunity to rebound with a win on Friday afternoon against No. 8 Canyon View, which lost Thursday afternoon to the No. 1 seed and defending champion Morgan Trojans.
Friday’s game between Emery and Canyon View is scheduled to tip off at 12:50 p.m., with live pregame coverage beginning on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM at 12:30. The radio coverage will also be available on YouTube at Castle Country Radio Emery.