A slow first half start doomed the Carbon Dinos in a 69-40 loss to the Canyon View Falcons in their return to the basketball court after an eight-day layoff Thursday night at the Steve Hodson Classic in Cedar City.

Dealing with a late 8:30 start time, both teams were patient offensively as the first quarter ended in favor of Canyon View 8-6. The slow tempo picked up heavily in the second quarter as Canyon View outscored Carbon 20-6, taking a 16-point advantage into the break.

Brantzen Blackner helped the Falcons managed to keep a steady pace in the second half, outscoring Carbon in both the third and fourth quarters. Blackner recorded a monstrous game-high 35 points, while connecting on four of the team’s eight three point makes.

Ryan Gagon was one of three Dinos to reach double-figures after posting a team best 13 points in the loss. Senior Jordan Vasquez and junior Derek Hillam both scored 11, while Ty Anderson contributed four.

Thursday’s loss drops Carbon to 3-8 on the season, and 1-7 in non-region play. The team will continue at the Steve Hodson Classic with a meeting Friday against South Sevier, before ending the weekend against Panguitch on Saturday.

**Stock photo courtesy of ETV10 News