While every game carries weight, especially in the RPI age, Thursday night’s contest was especially important. For the second time this season, the #1 ranked team, this time Richfield, found its way to the Spartan Center. The Lady Spartans certainly wanted to protect their home court, but they also wanted to send the message that they were not intimidated by the Wildcats.
That memo was immediately delivered as the Spartans sprinted out to a 10-0 run. The Wildcats began clawing at the lead and pulled within three by halftime, 25-22. Once more, Emery started off the half hot and ripped off another 10-3 run to go up by double-digits.
The third quarter was owned by Emery as the Spartans held Richfield in check. Baylee Jacobson took the drama out of the game when she made three straight three-point baskets in the final minute and 15 seconds of the quarter. Emery scored 21 points in the period and led by 16 going into the fourth. The Spartans kept up their defensive intensity and held the Wildcats to single digits for the third time in the game to take it 52-38.
Tambrie Tuttle led all scorers with her 17 points by going 4-5 from the field (80%). Jacobson finished with 15 points, all coming via the deep ball, and six rebounds to lead the team. The Tram Electric Player of the Game went to Tatum Tanner, who played one of her most complete games in a Spartan uniform. She completely changed the game as a rim protector and played excellent defense on the talented Nicole Willardson. Tanner frustrated Willardson all night; in fact, two of her three blocks came against the opposing star. She also tallied seven points on the offensive end.
As a team, Emery was efficient, shooting 53 percent from the field and 47 percent from beyond the arc. The Spartans held Richfield to its second lowest scoring total on the year. It takes an entire team to be successful and the Lady Spartans embodied that sentiment on Thursday night.
Emery will wrap up the season with senior night and round two of the rivalry showdown. The first contest will be a home game on Tuesday night against RSL Academy at 6 p.m. The Spartans will then take on the Dinos in Price on Thursday. Catch both games live on ETV Channel 10 and online at etvnews.com/livesports.
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- Photos by Dusty Butler
