If you can't hold on to the ball you can't expect to win the game.
Duchesne girl's basketball coach Dixie Brown watched that phrase come to fruition for her fourth-ranked Eagles as they dropped a 42-35 decision to Intermountain Christian in a non-region game Thursday.It was a sweet victory for the Lions, who picked up their first win over the Eagles after losing to them in the state tournament each of the past two years.
Junior Katie Hill led the offensive charge for ICS (10-1) with 15 points, while Amy Shogren added 11 and sophomore Melissa Abee 10. But it was the defensive play of the Lions, especially from Shogren and Abee, that keyed the victory.
ICS opened the game with an effective press, spearheaded by the small but quick Shogren, that seemed to rattle Duchesne (7-3) and set a tone for the rest of the game. Meanwhile, the 6-foot Abee got her hand on a number of Eagle shots and played a more effective post game than Duchesne's big center Codie Farley.
"Melissa came out tonight and played awesome despite hurting her ankle in the first quarter," ICS head coach Lynn Van Heyst said.
Leading 22-17 at halftime, the Lions watched Duchesne come out of the intermission quickly to tie the game and eventually trail by just one at the end of the third period 32-31.
It took over three minutes before anybody could score in the fourth quarter. It was then that Hill's offense proved big as she scored five points on two consecutive ICS possessions that went on to be the game winning points.
Abee then shut the door on Duchesne as she scored on a rebound putback and blocked two Duchesne shots in the final minutes.
"It was surprising how well (Abee) played," Brown said. "She played a lot better defense than we thought we'd get from her."
Farley ended the night as the top scorer for Duchesne with 11 points.
Elsewhere in the state:
American Fork 57, Skyline 40
At Skyline, Rosie Shelley hit for 20 points, including four 3-point shots to sink the fifth-ranked Eagles. Jaycee Webster added more fuel for the third-ranked Cavewomen with 17 points. Heidi Kennersley and Janna Whitman both led Skyline with 12 each.
West Jordan 62, Cyprus 26
At West Jordan, the Jaguars used a full rotation with all ten players scoring to finish with 62 points against the Pirates. Stacy Jensen led all scorers with 12 points, including one trey, for West Jordan.
Northridge 60, Ogden 33
At Northridge, four Knight players ended in double figures to beat fourth-ranked Ogden of 4A. Amber Bailey and Melanie Hewitt both led Northridge with 16 points apiece. Amber Whiteker paced Ogden with 14 of the Tigers 33 points.
Jordan 49, Hunter 30
At Jordan, Tawni Epperson led all scorers with 14 points for the 4-2 Beetdiggers. Karen Deem scored 11 and Shelly Whitehead snagged nine boards for Jordan. Jiselle Jones had a team-high 12 for Hunter.
Payson 64, Orem 59
At Orem, third-ranked Payson picked up more steam by holding off the Tigers of 5A. Payson's Julie Hansen canned 16 points for game high honors and teammate Melissa Tervort chipped in 15. Lindsey Tate and Carrie Taylor both finished with 10 for Orem.
Pine View 61, Enterprise 42
At Enterprise, the host Panthers used 17 points and 10 rebounds from Brittany Esplin to beat up third-ranked Enterprise of 1A. Jamie Phelps of Enterprise led all scorers with 21 points.
Emery 41, Springville 37
At Springville, the Spartans came away with a road win with a team high 14 points from Natalie Swasey. Adrianne Bradley added 12 points for Emery, who had three players in double figures.
West 61, Lehi 37
At West, Camille Cowley fired 14 points with three 3-point shots for a Panther victory. Kristy Flindt added 12 points for West, while Cyd Revill's 10 points paced the Pioneers.
Cottonwood 49, Judge 39
At Judge, Amanda Bigelow geared the Colts with 15 points en route to a fourth quarter comeback win. Judge was unable to keep a six-point lead, despite a team-high 15 points from Stephanie Blum.
Beaver 82, South Sevier 44
At Beaver, Sunny Myers connected for 17 points to keep top-ranked Beaver atop in class 2A. Tiffany Okerlund led South Sevier with 13 points.
North Sevier 57, Kanab 39
At North Sevier, Shadoe Shaheen hit 18 points for the fifth-ranked Wolves as they remain perfect in region 13. Leading Kanab offensively was Carie Crosby's 15 points. Wendy Sperry added 10 for North Sevier.
Valley 68, Piute 31
At Valley, the Buffaloes continue roam Region 15 with a No. 1 ranking as Chary Young scored 21 points in a win over Piute. Tiana Heaton followed the scoring lead with 14 points for 10-1 Valley.
Green River 66, East Carbon 39
At East Carbon, Galene Ekker went wild on the Vikings with a 27-point performance for Green River. Arrin Abeyta scored 15 to lead East Carbon, now 3-7 overall.