Carbon participated in a three-day tournament in Cedar City beginning on Thursday. After a 62-47 loss to hosts Canyon View on opening day, the Dinos found themselves in a couple close games.
On Friday, they competed against the Parowan Rams, who jumped out to a quick 20-15 lead over Carbon. The Rams controlled the first half to go into the break with a 34-27 edge. The third quarter has been a problem for Carbon all year but it was not in this game. The Dinos came out strong and scored 21 points to the Rams’ 15 in the third quarter. With one quarter to play, down 49-48, Carbon did enough to pull out the 64-62 victory behind Derek Hillam’s 35 points.
In the last game of the tournament, Carbon was matched up against the Panguitch Bobcats and it was all Bobcats in the first half. Going into the second half with a nine-point disadvantage, the Dinos were able to keep pace in the third quarter but could not cut the deficit. Down 35-26, Carbon came storming back in the final quarter and scored 20 points to tie the game and force overtime. The Dinos finished off the epic comeback to win the game 52-48. Hillam led the team for the third straight day with 24 points.
Next, Carbon (3-9, 0-3 Region 14) will host region opponent Maeser Prep (4-7, 0-2 Region 14) on Friday, Jan 4. They will then have an opportunity to exact revenge against rival Emery (7-1, 0-1 Region 15) the following day in the Spartan Center. Both games can be viewed on ETV Channel 10 and online.