Prior to Thursday night’s huge contest between #2 Richfield and #4 Carbon, the Dinos honored their seniors. That group included Tatum Tanner, Jenna Richards, Kennedy Williams, Gracee Vasquez, Beverly Lancaster and Haley Garrish. Then, it was time for the tipoff of the massive game that would have ramifications on both the RPI and Region 12 standings.
The Dinos got off to a hot start, jumping passing lanes and turning steals into fast break points. Richfield then began to make a push and closed it to three, before Carbon leaped back out to go up 16-9 after the first.
The Wildcats’ talented senior, Nicole Willardson, then took over the second quarter. She had 14 points in the eight minutes while Hallie Janes knocked down a couple of threes. Richfield delivered its best shot, but the Dinos never flinched. Carbon maintained its lead with six different scorers in the period. At the break, the Dinos led 34-29.
The Wildcats continued their attack in the second half, though the gap would prove to be like an accordion. Every time Richfield pulled within a couple points, Carbon would respond to extend out the lead. Even in the last minute of the game, the Wildcats were knocking on the door down by one. Amiah Timothy was fouled and went to the line, shooting a one-and-one. She promptly sank both free throws to put Carbon up three.
Richfield took a timeout and drew up a play for Willardson to take the shot for a tie. The Wildcats executed the play to perfection, but Willardson’s shot came up short. Timothy was once more fouled and she iced the game for Carbon, snapping Richfield’s 11-game win streak, 60-56.
It was a complete group effort as the Dinos never trailed in the entire contest. Willardson is difficult to guard and it took Madi Orth, Garrish, Tanner and Kylan Sorenson to keep with her for four quarters. The guards also played extremely well from Timothy to Williams, Vasquesz, Lancaster and Jacee Jensen.
Orth and Timothy stood out with 15 points, six rebounds and five steals apiece. The latter also had two blocks while the former recorded one. Williams added another 10 points to go along with her four steals and three assists. Also with three assists was Lancaster. In addition, Tanner finished the night with six rebounds while Garrish added seven points, four rebounds and four steals.
After the win, Carbon moved up to the #3 spot in the RPI rankings, closing the gap with Richfield. The Dinos (13-4, 3-1) will next head to play #7 Judge Memorial (15-7) on Tuesday.
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- Photos Courtesy of Dusty Butler
