By Dillon Smith
Emery boys’ basketball began the season with a thriller against Delta on Tuesday night. After a slow start offensively, the Spartans were able to stay in the game with their high-intensity defense. They had several blocks and deflected balls in the first quarter but could not get the offense going and trailed 17-9 at the end of the quarter.
Emery kept up their intensity throughout the game on both sides of the ball. They moved the ball well offensively all night to get open looks. They did not shoot a high percentage beyond the arc, however, going six for 32 or 19%. One big moment in the game was halfway through the second quarter. After a scramble for the ball, Emery was able to corral it and kick it out for a huge three pointer. It was a big momentum turner as the Spartans were then able to cut the deficit to one at the half, 29-28.
With under seven minutes to play in the third quarter, Emery took the lead with Kyson Stilson’s coast-to-coast layup. The lead went back and forth for the rest of the game as Delta would not go away. Emery hit a couple of threes and Brodie Tuttle took a nice charge at the end of the third to finish the quarter with a lead of 41-40.
With six minutes left, Brax Jensen penetrated to the basket with a nice spin move and then dished it to Kyler Wilstead for an easy lay in. Emery dominated the boards with 40 on the night, including 10 offensive rebounds, which created second or third opportunities at the basket. With the score tied at 52 with just more than a minute left, Tuttle hit a big three. Delta pushed it up the court quickly for an easy two before the Spartans could get set defensively. After some clutch free throws, the Spartans were able to put the game away and pull off the hard fought victory, 61-57.
The Spartans take the court again on Nov. 27 against Union at The Spartan Center.
