On Friday, Emery welcomed the Grantsville Cowboys into the Spartan Center. Emery jumped out to a lead in the opening minutes but Grantsville gained their composure and answered back. For much of the game, it continued this way, with the Spartans building a lead only to have the Cowboys cut it with a little run. It wasn’t until midway through the third quarter that Emery was able to gain substantial breathing room and begin to put the game away.
Their high-intensity defense smothered the Cowboys and lead to many turnovers including eight steals by the Spartans. Emery was able to moved the ball well throughout the game to find open looks which contributed to their 46% shooting from the floor on the night. The Spartans had a good game on the boards as they limited the Cowboys’ chances by pulling down 36 rebounds as a team. Grantsville was able to stay in the game throughout the first half due to Emery’s 16 turnovers. The real difference maker in the game was the Spartans’ ability to get to the foul line and convert on free throw opportunities. They shot 26-33 or 79% from the free-throw line which provided the separation Emery needed. The Spartans won their sixth game of the preseason, 74-58.
Kyson Stilson lead the Spartans with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Brax Jensen had a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists while Kyler Wilstead recorded 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks.
Emery (6-1,0-0 Region 15) will be on the road this week, with their first stop against South Summit (6-2, 0-0 Region 13) on Monday. They will then have their first league game against an undefeated South Sevier team (6-0, 0-0 Region 15) on Friday.
Photos by Dusty Butler
