Written by Hayden Johnson
Emery High’s boy’s basketball team played in another exciting game Wednesday night, this time against a tough Beaver team led by Michael Roberts.
The game started out in Emery’s favor as they attacked the basket and were able to penetrate the Beaver’s defense. However, it was a tight game through the first quarter with the Spartans only leading by four.
At the start of the second quarter, Emery began to build a ten point lead, largely thanks to suffocating defense by Bailey Faimalo and Dillon Wilstead. They were able to force turnovers and get out on the break for easy buckets. In the third, the Beavers came storming back with three-point baskets and were down only 42-38 at the end of the third quarter. The Spartans responded, getting their lead back up to nine but that wouldn’t last as Beaver once again rallied and got within one on a three by Roberts. Emery was able to break a Beaver press and got the ball into the front court where Faimalo put in the layup to increase the lead to three with 4 seconds left. Roberts caught the ball at half court, took a few dribbles and nailed the buzzer beater off-balanced three to tie the game as time expired. The game then headed to overtime.
Emery was able to penetrate in the OT and Wilstead also got to the line and hit some clutch free throws going 3-4 after a technical foul on Beaver. The Beavers had one last chance to win the game but the three pointer rimmed out as time expired, propelling the Spartans to a hard-fought victory.
“We played hard but made some mistakes giving away a 13-point lead,” explained head coach Todd Jeffs. “It was a great preseason game where we learned a lot.”
Faimalo once gain played great, putting up 15 points, nine assists and five steals. Gavin McDermott was big with six points, seven rebounds and outstanding plays that didn’t necessarily show up in the stat sheet. McDermott explained that he is excited to play with this team.
“I’m excited for this season. I think we’re starting to mesh and play better together.”
Dillon Wilstead was huge in the win scoring 30 points on 5-6 shooting from three.
“We knew that Beaver was pretty good so we had to come out with a lot of energy of toughness. I feel like Bailey and I find each other really well on the court. I’m thankful for my team and it was good win,” he said.
The Spartans will take on Parowan at the Sevier Valley Center Friday.
