High school girls basketball: Notes and highlights from Friday’s slate of games

2nd-ranked Lone Peak edges past Pleasant Grove

The Knights edged past the Vikings 34-28 in a typical Region 4 game, a defensive slugfest where every single point was vital for all 32 minutes.

A few key defensive stops and a huge 3-pointer from Makeili Ika proved to be the difference-maker for Lone Peak. Ika, Eva Chenn, and Kailey Woolston each added clutch free throws late to put the game away.

With the win, Lone Peak moves to 12-1 and remains the only undefeated team in its region. Coach Nancy Warner commented on the difficult Region 4 schedule by saying, “Every opponent in our region is tough, making a win in our region a good win no matter how you get it.”

Lone Peak visits Corner Canyon on Tuesday before hosting Skyridge next Friday night.

The Warriors picked up their first region win of the season on the road at Roy in a tough defensive game that ended with a score of 35-29.

After being tied at halftime, there were several lead changes in the third period, but down the stretch it was Weber that was able to finish with some huge shots to close the game.

Coach Clay Jackson told his girls that it was a total team effort.

“Every one of them gave our team something we needed to pull out a tough win against a great team in Roy,” he said.

AnaLyn Capener knocked down two 3-pointers and Lexy Shaw led Weber in scoring with nine points. Loryn Brimhall had 16 points for the Royals, the most among all scorers.

Clearfield takes down Northridge behind big first half

Clearfield jumped out to a four point lead after the first quarter, but a 16-5 run to close the half led to a 28-13 halftime lead and an eventual 50-37 win. Some foul trouble in the third period led to Northridge getting back in the game a little bit, but great intensity by the Falcons bench helped withhold the run.

Miranda Mansfield scored 23 points while Tesla Sexson had a big defensive game, grabbing 10 boards and picking up three steals. Clearfield will look to take this momentum into Weber on Tuesday and the second half of their season.

Spanish Fork edge out Provo in overtime

The Dons and Bulldogs found themselves tied both after one quarter and four quarters in a game that was hard fought from the very opening tip all the way through. In the end, Spanish Fork’s trust in the coaching staff and each other led to a 54-49 victory.

Coach Alyssa Anderson commented after the game, “Our team is starting to click, and has truly developed a “WE not ME” mentality. It’s something as a coach I couldn’t be more proud of. They did everything we asked and executed to the very end.”

Staci Lomenick led the way with 16 points and five other players added five points or more. After a rough start to its season, Spanish Fork has now won its last two games and will have a chance to keep the momentum moving forward when it hosts Park City and Springville in games three and four of their seven-game homestand.

Herriman takes down Bingham in battle of top 5 teams

Herriman came in with a defensive plan to slow down the Miner offense, deciding to switch everything and swarm the ball. In doing so the Mustangs caused 15 first-half turnovers and led by 31 after three quarters.

Lealani Falatea and Lexi Jensen each had 13 points while Kenlee Enger and Kylee Cheesman added eight points a piece. Overall it was a good balanced attack from the Mustangs, who have their eyes on a region title and entering the state tournament with one of the top seeds.

Riverton picks up big win over visiting Copper Hills

Riverton dominated its way to a 69-38 win behind a massive performance from junior Morganne McCleary. She finished with 17 points and a trio of triples while Annabelle Christensen, Abigail McDougal and Zariah Jenkins all finished in double-figures as well.

Coach Jodi Lee commented, “As a young team, this is a huge win against a big region rival and it gives us confidence moving forward in region play.”

The Silverwolves entered the game at 10-3 and ranked 11th in the latest RPI rankings. This win will boost them up and they have great chances to improve their standings next week when they go to West and then host Herriman in a big rivalry game next Thursday.