There was a lot going on inside the Spartan Center on Tuesday night when South Sevier and Emery faced off. Before the game started, the Spartans recognized their lone senior, Bethany Justice. The team then turned its attention to the pivotal game. Not only were the top two teams in 3A both represented in the building, but the winner would also clinch the Region 12 title.
Emery started off firing on all cylinders and the duo of Tatum Tanner and Tambrie Tuttle could not be stopped. They each scored six points in the opening two quarters to help the Spartans to a 33-22 lead by halftime. Tanner was excellent guarding Ram center, Presley Chappell, who only managed eight points in the game. Emery’s defense sunk in even deeper in the third quarter, surrendering only six points. The Spartans went up by as many as 22 and looked to be in control.
The Lady Rams showed heart and spirit in the fourth quarter, however, by going into a half-court press. The strategy immediately paid dividends as South Sevier began forcing turnovers and capitalizing on offense. The Lady Rams opened the period on a 16-4 run to make it 54-44. Coming out of a timeout, the Spartans regrouped and went on to win contest 58-46, and claim the region title.
Tanner had a game-high 22 points followed by Tuttle with 14 and Addie Lester with 13. Emery (11-4, 8-1) recently added a game to its schedule and will host Cedar Valley (10-7) on Wednesday night at 6 p.m.
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- Photos by Dusty Butler
