The Emery High boys’ basketball team opened up 2016 2-A state play Saturday night in Orem with a convincing victory over a determined Providence Hall team that hails from Herriman, Utah. Final score in the first round game was 69-53. Emery was the lone region 15 team to advance in the tournament as San Juan, Manti and North Sevier all lost contests to region 16 teams.
Emery will now face Delta in the second round this Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield. Emery defeated Delta earlier this season by the score of 49-37 in a game played at Delta back on December 16.
After falling behind 8-4 in the first quarter the Spartans then scored on five of seven possessions while holding Providence Hall to a single basket and Emery led 19-11 at the end of the quarter. Zac Jorgensen hit two three-pointers in the quarter as his arching shot was on during this game. Zac made six three-pointers in the game with five coming in a row as he went six for eight behind the arc in the game on the way to leading the team in scoring with 22 points. The Butler boys also had a solid first quarter as Kolton scored three baskets including a three-pointer and Koby also scored three baskets. Emery made eight of 17 shots in the period.
Emery continued building their lead until the final minutes of the third quarter. Emery won the second period 21-17 as Koby made four shots and Zach added three more three-point shots. In the third quarter Emery scored on their first four possessions and led 53-29 midway through the quarter. Providence Hall closed the quarter by going on a 12-3 run and then started the fourth quarter on a 6-2 run to change the Spartans lead from 24 points to 9 points and the faithful became just a little apprehensive.
Emery closed out the game on an 11-6 run including making their final six free throws and won the game by 16 points. Emery had missed the front end of two separate one and ones before settling down and winning the game.
Jorgensen led the team with 22 points as he made eight of 10 shots in the game. Zac also had a really good day rebounding as he pulled down 10, tying him with Koby. Koby made nine of 13 shots and finished with 20 points. Bowdie Jacobsen scored 10 points and had 5 assists and 5 rebounds. Kolton Butler scored just those 7 points in the first period but he had 7 rebounds and 5 steals. Beau Roundy scored 5 points and Easton Gordon scored 3 points.
Spartans/Lady Spartans win in first round
"Emery boys basketball advances in the state tournament. They will play Thursday at 2:30 in Richfield against Delta. Emery is coached by Todd Jeffs, Jared Butler and Kris Abegglen."