A back-and-forth battle throughout ended in favor of the South Sevier Rams as they defeated the Emery Spartans 60-56 Wednesday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.
Playing in the final game of the first go-around of Region 12 play, the Spartans and the Rams had a difficult time creating space from one another. Exchanging leads in the fourth quarter, it was timely shooting at the free throw line that gave the Rams the final push in the end.
“We’re playing just good enough to be there, instead of playing where we should be,” said Emery head coach Jeff Cisneros. “We played to their level and when you do that and you’re a step or two slower, you lose by four points, and that’s what happened tonight.”
The Spartans struggled from the foul line finishing 1-8 overall at the stripe, including multiple misses late in the game. South Sevier on the other hand converted 7-8, sinking four straight in the final minute to secure the win.
Senior Jax Madsen led the way for the Spartans as he finished with 12 points to go along with seven rebounds and six assists. Treven Brazier also reached double-figures as he ended with 11 points, including two of the team’s three makes from deep.
Emilio Miramontes posted a game-high 20 points to lead South Sevier to their first region win of the season. Ridge Tebbs and Brayden Staples both scored 11, while Carter Peterson ended with 10.
Wednesday’s loss marks the 10th straight for Emery, dropping their overall record to 2-11. Five of those losses have come in Region 12 play, where four of the six teams are currently ranked inside the classification’s top 10.
“We knew coming in this was region was going to be super tough and it hasn’t disappointed,” said Cisneros. “This second go around we have to give ourselves a chance to win at the end to pull out a few victories.”
The Spartans will have an opportunity to secure their first league win on Friday with a road trip to Richfield to meet the Wildcats. The meeting will mark the second of the season, the first ending in Richfield’s favor 72-55 back on Jan. 8.
Following a loss to the Carbon Dinos on Wednesday, Richfield holds a 3-2 record in region play, placing them third overall. While averaging the fewest amount of points in the division, the Wildcats also possess one the of the state’s top defensive units.
“We better take care of the basketball on Friday because Richfield is the best defensive team in this region,” Cisneros said when asked about the upcoming tilt. “They get after you with pressure and you have take advantage of what they give you. We’re going to have to get out and push our offense, because if we get in the half court set they’ll make it tough on you.”
Live coverage of Friday’s game will air live on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning at 6:30 p.m.. Tip-off will follow shortly after at 7:00.