The Emery Spartans opened the 2020-21 basketball season with a bang in a near wire-to-wire 68-54 win over the American Heritage Patriots Thursday night in American Fork.

Playing in their first game under head coach Jeff Cisneros, the Spartans showed flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball. Weathering several comeback efforts from the pesky Patriots, the Spartans pulled away late for a comfortable double-digit win.

“I’m extremely happy with the performance tonight,” said Cisneros. “At times we were really good and at other times we were awful. But, the good thing about having pre-season games is working on things before you get to region.”

Seniors Treven Brazier and Riggs Griffin led the charge for Emery as both players finished with 20 points. Jaxton Madsen contributed eight points, while Luke Stilson and Ryker Jensen each added six.

Brazier set a blistering pace in the first quarter, nearly outscoring American Heritage through the first eight minutes with 14 points.

Griffin, the most experienced returning varsity player from last season, took advantage of the mid-range game by doing most of his damage in the second half.

While the offense pushed the pace of the game, the Spartans were also effective on the glass and on loose balls.

“I thought we battled extremely hard, especially since we were undersized on the low block,” said Cisneros. “Our guys will find their role and once they do I feel good about where we are going to be.”

With the season finally underway Emery will have just one day of rest before returning to the court on Saturday at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.

The home opener will feature an opponent one classification higher in Juan Diego. Returning four starters from last year’s team, the Soarin’ Eagles advanced to the semifinals of the 4-A State Tournament before losing a two-point thriller to Dixie.

Live coverage of Friday’s contest will air live on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning with pre-game coverage at 6:30 p.m.. Tip-off will follow shortly after at 7:00.

Listen to Coach Cisneros’ complete post game interview below: