OGDEN — Scoring points hasn't been a problem for Layton Christian Academy the past couple years, rather it's been the Eagles' defense holding them back.
That doesn't seem to be a problem any longer.
By limiting Waterford to nine second half points, Layton Christian pulled off a 50-39 victory in Wednesday's Region 17 showdown at the Swensen Gymnasium on the campus of Weber State.
"For years we've been able to score, but we haven't been able to stop anybody," said Layton Christian coach Bobby Porter. "But coming into this year, we were going to play defense."
With both teams owning 3-0 league records entering the game, Porter knew defense would be particularly important. He never could've envisioned the impact his team's zone defense would have on Waterford in the second half.
Leading 30-26 at the break, Waterford shot a miserable 3 of 21 from the field in the second half as Layton Christian's zone defense gave the Ravens all sorts of fits.
"We're taking pride in our defense this year," said Porter.
That dedication was never more evident than on Jerrell Stewart's steal with 2:16 remaining in the game. With Layton Christian leading 42-37, Stewart went diving after the loose ball, and had the poise to call a time-out before Waterford had a chance to tie him up.
"That's something you just can't teach," said Porter. "You just have to have that natural instinct to do that."
Despite losing that particular possession, Waterford still managed to whittle Layton Christian's lead down to 42-39 with 59 seconds remaining in the game. After that, however, the Eagles made 8-of-10 free throws to ice the game — with E.L. Landers converting on 5 of 6 from the charity stripe.
"Those were five key free throws down the stretch," said Porter.
As good as Layton Christian's defense was, there's no denying that Waterford was struggling through an off night shooting. After making five second-quarter 3-pointers, the Ravens missed countless open shots in the second half — including five from downtown in the final two minutes.
Despite the loss, Waterford's Cliff Snyder still finished with a game-high 19 points.
Layton Christian's Manny Hendrix, the son of former University of Utah star Manny Hendrix, led his team with 15 points which included two powerful dunks.
After the game, Porter joked with Waterford coach Reid Monson that this would be the first of three meetings between the two teams. There's a good chance the teams might meet again in the Region 17 Tournament and then the 1A state tournament.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com