With control of Region 13 hanging in the balance, the Emery Lady Spartans suffered a difficult 60-54 loss to the North Sanpete Hawks Thursday night in Mount Pleasant.

Tied at 21 at the end of the first half, North Sanpete carried a one-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Hawks took control late, outscoring Emery by five over the final eight minutes.

Megan Stilson posted a team-high 14 points in the setback. Elly Stilson finished with 11 points, and Aleeyah Cowley scored nine.

The Hawks received a huge boost from Mariah Schlappi, who poured in a game-high 29 points and nine rebounds. Elsie Bailey scored nine points, and Aydree Jacobson scored eight.

Thursday’s loss dips Emery to 9-7 overall and 2-1 in division play. North Sanpete holds the top spot in the region at a perfect 4-0.

Emery will complete the first go-around of Region 13 on Tuesday with a massively important game against the Carbon Dinos at the Spartan Center. The two teams share identical region records, putting second place on the line entering the final four games of the season.

Live coverage of Tuesday’s game will air on KOAL 107.3 FM, 750 AM, KSL Sports, and YouTube, beginning at 6:30, followed by tip-off.