Hawks come from behind,

but can’t catch Spartans

By James Tilson

Staff writer

Feb. 8, 2018

MT. PLEASANT—With two games left in the regular season, the North Sanpete boys basketball team dropped a home game to the Emery Spartans last Wednesday, Jan. 31, 81-76.

Down by only one point at the end of the first quarter, 24-23, the Hawks tried to catch up to the Spartans several times throughout the game.

In the final quarter, North Sanpete outperformed Emery by six points, 31-25, yet it wasn’t enough for a win.

In addition, the Hawks could not get a crucial stop when they needed one. “Emery shot the ball very well during the whole game. We couldn’t make a run without them hitting a key shot,” according to Cris Hoopes, North Sanpete’s coach.

Emery had only four players score all 81 of their points, making 13 three-pointers.

The Hawks were led by Shawn Taylor with 20 points, including three threes. North Sanpete put in eight threes altogether.

With an identical 3-7 Region 15 record, yesterday’s game at Richfield is crucial (score unavailable). Both teams are fighting for the final spot in the Utah 3A playoffs, and the head-to-head record could determine that spot.

The Hawks’ regular season finale will once again be against Manti High School on Friday starting at 7 p.m.