by James Tate
Semifinal games
(1) Lone Peak Knights 67
(5) Fremont Silverwolves 45
photo of Silverwolve’s Kaidance King and Knight’s Sarah Bartholomew
First half
Knights senior forward Kailey Woolston put on an offensive display with 23 first-half points. The Knights made six three-point baskets in the first half and took a 46-27 lead. Senior Aly Coombs’ eight points led the Silverwolves, and Kale Brian scored seven.
The Silverwolves drove into the paint and tried to make the Knights defend their quickness, resulting in nine Lone Peak fouls. 12 Silverwolf turnovers in the first half led to seven fast break points for the Knights.
Second half
The Knights quickly stretched their lead to 19 points with a three-point basket by junior guard Shawnee Nordstrom. The Silverwolves continued to drive inside, with senior Sierra Eddie making a layup and drawing a foul. Eddie made the free throw for a 49-30 score, Knight’s advantage. The third quarter ended with the Knights ahead 58-38.
The fourth quarter saw the Silverwolves continue to battle but could not cut into the Knight’s lead. The Knight’s three-point shooting was the difference, as they knocked down nine three-point shots in the game. The Knights prevailed and moved on to the championship game against the Skyridge Falcons.
Outstanding performances
Kailey Woolston led the Knight with 25 points. Also scoring in double figures was Nordstrom with 13 and junior forward Naia Tanuvasa with 10 points.
Senior Charli Hunt led the Silverwolves with 10 points. Eddie scored nine points, and Aly Coombs and Kale Brian chipped eight.
(2) Skyridge Falcons 49
(3) Davis Darts 36
photo of Dart’s T’Maea Eteuati, Falcon’s Shae Toole, Ellah Oeser, and Abby Hymas
First half
The Falcons opened the game with junior guard Cambree Blackham and freshman Ellah Oeser making three-point shots for a quick 6-0 lead. Dart’s senior Aryanna Bull would answer by scoring five straight points to cut the Knight’s lead to one point, 6-5. The first quarter ended all tied at 14.
The Falcon’s defense would apply pressure and force the Darts into turnovers. The Darts committed 14 turnovers in the first half. Blackham led the Falcons in scoring in the first half with seven points. Dart’s junior forward Kendra Kitchen was the game’s leading scorer in the first half with 13 points. At the half, the Falcons held a 26-22 lead.
Second half
The Falcons continued the pressure defense, making it difficult for the Darts to score inside. Holding the Darts to six third-quarter points, Skyridge led 43-28 at the end of the third period.
The fourth quarter saw the Falcons force the Darts into tough shots. The Darts shot 32% from the field and only made one three-point shot in the game. The Falcons forced 23 turnovers in the contest and won by a final score of 49-36.
Outstanding performances
The Falcon’s overall team defense was the key to winning the game.
Kitchen led the Darts in scoring with a game-high 17 points. Bull chipped in nine points, and freshman guard T’Maea Eteuati scored eight.
photos courtesy James Tate