Emery basketball goes into break with wins

By GARY ARRINGTON Sports writer

Lady Spartans defeat Juan Diego 51-45
The Emery High Lady Spartans made up their previously weather postponed game at Juan Diego last week and came home the winner in this preseason contest. Emery used a big fourth quarter to secure the win.
After winning the first quarter 14-12 behind the scoring of Jessica Murray, Emery fell behind Juan Diego 33-25 at the half, as the Spartan defense could not contain their opponent. Emery rallied to narrow the gap to 42-37 by winning the third quarter and then won the final period 14-3 to grab the win.
Murray, who has struggled offensively in recent games, scored eight points in that first quarter to get Emery off to a decent lead. Juan Diego’s big girls were allowed to be physical in the first half and kept the usually potent Emery inside game in check. Taylor Mann scored six points in the second quarter but they were not her normal shots, as she constantly had to fight for position. Mann had eight points in the first half while Brooke Jensen, Emery’s other six-footer scored six points.
Things loosened up in the third quarter as the Juan Diego big girls started to pick up fouls and their tactics then had to change. With Murray scoring two more baskets from the outside to open the defense, Mann went to work inside and her teammates got her the ball. Mann scored eight points in the quarter.
Emery won the game at the free throw line in the final period while holding Juan Diego to a single 3-point basket. Mann went five for five at the line, Jeridi Price went three for four at the line, Blayr Jeffs and Murray each went one for two at the line. Emery went 10 for 13 to secure the win. Emery had only shot two previous free throws in the game and had made both of those. Mann was the shooter.
Mann finished the game with 25 points to pace the Spartans again. Murray added 13 points to be the only other Spartan in double figures. Jensen finished with those six first half points while Price and Jewkes each scored three points and Jeffs had that one free throw.
Emery will start up after the holidays with a rematch against the Carbon Dinos on Jan. 4, 2011 in Price.
Emery boys defeat ALA 77-54
The Emery High Spartan boy’s basketball team went to the Christmas break with a win at American Leadership Academy situated between Spanish Fork and Salem in Utah County. Emery started off strong in the first quarter by building a 21-7 lead and then extended that lead throughout the game.
After winning the first period, Emery took the second quarter also by a score of 18-11 to lead at the half 39-18. Emery then blew the home team out in the third quarter as the visitors won the period 28-12. Emery led after three quarters 67-30. Emery was impressive both offensively and defensively to this point as things went well for the Spartans.
ALA won the final period as Emery’s younger players saw lots of action on the floor. ALA took the quarter 24-10.
Kash Jewkes led the Spartans with 18 points with Ty Benson scoring 16 points and Quinn Montgomery scoring 13 points. Montgomery had two 3-pointers in the game while Benson hit one. These three seniors have led the Spartans all year in scoring.
Dalton Cologie scored eight points, Kashe Potter scored seven points, Nick Stoddard scored six points, Brendon Jorgenson and Jesse Winn each scored three points and Chance Huntington and Gage Bell each scored two points in the game.
Emery will host Union on Jan. 5, 2011 to start action after the break.