If you like a run-and-gun offense, the Beaver girls basketball team has the game for you.
Friday at the 2A state championship, the top-ranked Beavers connected on seven 3-pointers en route to a 64-42 victory over third-ranked South Summit. The win was the second-straight blowout for Beaver, which advanced into today's title game against second-ranked Millard in Burns Arena at the Dixie Center.The Beavers hit their first three shots of the game and were never seriously threatened in the second half of the game.
"We've got great shooters," explained Beaver head coach Bryan Wood. "Our rule is if you've got an open shot you take it."
The Beavers did plenty of shooting against the Wildcats with seniors Sunny Myers, Kristen Marchant and junior Makenzie Gillins doing most of the damage.
Gillins led all scorers with 18 points, while Myers added 15 and Marchant hit four 3-pointers for her 12 points.
But the Beavers showed they aren't just a one dimensional team. The pressure defense and the quick hands created a number of turnovers that proved costly to South Summit early in the game.
"We're an in-your-face from the start basketball team," Wood added. "We play as a team and that's why we're successful."
The Beavers also opened the second period by hitting their first three shots for a 24-10 lead that the Wildcats would never be able to cut back down to single digits.
South Summit moved to within 11 at 43-32 with three minutes left in the third quarter. But Marchant hit two 3-pointers during a 13-2 run that boosted the Beavers out to an insurmountable 56-34 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Julie Blazzard paced South Summit with 11 points, while Tanya Woolstenhulme added 10. The Wildcats will play San Juan for third place.
In other tournament action:
Winners' bracket
Millard 52, San Juan 44
The second-ranked Lady Eagles moved into the title game by using their height advantage to dominate the boards and take care of the smaller Broncos. Millard saw an 18-point lead cut to five in the fourth quarter but held on to win. Center Cynthia Olson netted 25 points for the Lady Eagles while Alycia Adams had 19 for San Juan.
Consolation bracket
Juab 49, Kanab 29
The Wasps used a 30-11 edge in the middle quarters to take care of the Cowboys. Robyn Jensen led all scorers with 16 points for Juab, which will meet Morgan for fifth and sixth place.
Morgan 46, North Sevier 37
The Trojans moved on to the consolation championship by pulling away down the stretch to knock off the Wolves. Dallaas Bice led a balanced scoring attack with 13 points for Morgan. Shadoe Shaheen led North Sevier with 12.