by James Tate
Lancer’s first quarter 12-0 run
The Layton Lancers used a 12-0 run to start the game and never trailed in the region 1 win over the Clearfield Falcons. The win ended the Lancers ‘nine-game skid. The game also marked the return of Hailey Bassett-Shaw, a former Layton High star and now an assistant coach for the Falcons. Bassett-Shaw was a 2016 high school All-American and led the Lancers to the 5A state title. She then went on to star for the Utah State Aggies and became the school’s career leader in games played and fifth all-time in scoring.
The star of this game was Lancers’ senior Brenley Boydston, who scored a career-high 20 points. Boydston made her first of three made three-point shots with 5:29 left in the first quarter to give the Lancers an early 7-0 lead. The Lancer’s defense was tough from the start and gave up the Falcon’s first point at 2:15 left in the first quarter. The quarter ended with Boydston making a layup and giving the Lancers a 16-4 advantage.
Falcons’ cold shooting in the second quarter
Falcons senior Brooklyn Hawks was vital in the second quarter with her inside play and getting to the free-throw line. Hawks made three of four free throws and scored five points in the quarter. The Lancers kept the Falcons off balance with their offensive rebounding and second-chance opportunities. With 5:00 left in the second quarter Lancer’s senior Andalynn Lilly made a layup to give the Lancers a 14-point lead, 22-8.
With 2:01 left on the clock, Boyston drove inside and got Hawks to commit her third foul. Boyston made two free throws and gave the Lancers a 25-13 lead. Both teams traded fouls and free throws for a halftime score of 26-17 and a Lancers lead.
The Falcons were missing team-leading rebounder and shot blocker freshman Amoree Scholer as an inside presence. With Scholer out and the Hawks in foul trouble, the Lancers got second-chance opportunities and made it difficult for the Falcons to make shots.
Lancers handle Falcons’ pressure
The Falcons made halftime adjustments and came out with more intensity. Falcon’s freshman guard Izzy Wyaskett made two straight layups and a free throw to cut the lead down to four, 26-22. Boydston ended the Falcons run by making a free throw and forcing Hawks to commit her fourth foul with 5:54 left in the third quarter. The hawks would not score a point in the second half. The third period ended with a 35-25 score in favor of the Lancers.
The Falcons started the fourth quarter with a full-court press and used their quickness to create turnovers. Wyaskett and sophomore Xiyah Yarbrough are two of the regional leaders in steals. Layton controlled the tempo and did not let the Falcons get close. Wyaskett and Yarbrough was the Falcon’s only offense in the second half scoring all 16 points. Wyaskett scored 14 and Yarborough two points.
With 2:22 left in the game, the score was 47-33 in favor of the Lancers. The Lancers then went on a six-point run to end the game. Scoring the final Lancer points was senior Kate Strong making two free throws, senior Quincie Knudson making a layup, and Strong with a layup. The game ended with a 53-33 Lancer victory and snapping a nine-game losing streak. The game was a physical contest, and both teams were called for a total of 45 fouls, 24 for Layton and 21 for Clearfield. “It was intense; people were getting physical,” said Boydston. “And it can be frustrating but having good teammates to keep each other calm so we can win.
Team rebounding
The Lancer’s victory avenges an earlier loss this season to the Falcons. In the first matchup, the Falcons outrebounded the Lancers 41-26; in this game, the totals were reversed, 41-26 in favor of the Lancers. “We were really trusting each other and playing as a team,” said Boydston. “We had good energy the whole game.” Leading the way in rebounding for Layton was Ebony Davis with eight, Avery Potter’s seven, and Strong had six. The rebounding and energy on defense were key for the Lancers and it will take another great effort on the road at Fremont in their next game. “Having this win, everyone is pumped up and our confidence is up and will help us in our next game against Fremont.
Outstanding performances
Boydston’s 20 points included making seven of 13 free throws, having five rebounds, and four steals. Knudson and Strong scored nine points each. Senior Olivia Hodapp scored seven points. Davis controlled the tempo and was able to break the press of the Falcons from her point guard position.
Wyaskett and Yarbrough combined to shoot 20 free throws and made 10. They both played relentlessly on offense and defense to keep the Falcons in the game. Wyaskett led the Falcons in scoring with 17 points.
photo courtesy James Tate of Layton’s Ebony Davis and Kate Strong