Junior Spencer Steadman goes for a jump shot over the Stansbury defense in the first round of the 3A playoffs. North Sanpete lost to the Stallions on a game-winning three-pointer, 44-43. – Kyler Daybell / Messenger photo
North Sanpete falls just short in first round, losing, 44-43
Matt Harris
Staff writer
2-23-2017
MT. PLEASANT—Ever so close, the North Sanpete boys basketball team fell just short of a playoff victory against Stansbury in the first round of the playoffs, 44-43, last Friday.
The playoff loss came as a result of a game-winning three-pointer by Stansbury with 20 seconds remaining in the game, extending the streak for the Hawks without a playoff win to six years.
The game was neck-and-neck from start to finish. After falling behind early, the Hawks took a lead into halftime, 16-14, following a low-scoring second quarter. The teams continued to trade baskets all the way through before the fateful shot by the Stallions’ Jake Wanlass sealed the Hawks’ fate.
The Hawks were led by junior Shawn Taylor, who scored 13 points, while junior Spencer Steadman added 10. Taylor also had seven assists. For the season, Steadman and Taylor each averaged about 12 points per game to lead the Hawks.
Though Steadman and Taylor will likely return next year, North Sanpete will lose starters Kaleb Bailey, Tanner Morley, and Justice Green to graduation. Green led the team in threes with 21.
