They just kept coming and coming and finally Riley was able to finish it out strong for us. That’s the type of team Springville is and it’s why I like to play them. They’re always a great test for us. – Pleasant Grove coach Randy McAllister
PLEASANT GROVE — Pleasant Grove was able to finally shake off Springville and secure a 57-48 win Tuesday night on its home court.
Senior guard Riley Court led the way for the Vikings with a game-high 27 points, including the game’s final eight.
“They just kept coming and coming and finally Riley was able to finish it out strong for us,” said Pleasant Grove coach Randy McAllister. “That’s the type of team Springville is and it’s why I like to play them. They’re always a great test for us.”
Pleasant Grove led throughout, but found its lead cut to 49-48 with just over three minutes remaining after Springville’s Kaden Hillstead connected on his fifth 3-pointer of the night.
From there, the Vikings leaned heavily on Court to keep the Red Devils at bay and close things out.
The 6-foot-4 senior responded with a driving layup right out of a timeout and followed it up with six straight free throws.
“A lot of guys get tense and nervous in those type of situations, but not Riley,” McAllister said. “During the timeout he really took charge, was vocal, and the guys responded. Of course having Riley there vocally and how he can control things like he did, that was big for us.”
Also big for the Vikings was jumping out to a quick 8-0 lead to start the game. They maintained the advantage throughout the first half and went into halftime up 28-19.
In the second half, Springville made run after run until closing to within one point at 43-42 early in the fourth quarter after consecutive Hillstead 3-pointers. From there the teams traded baskets until the final minutes when Court took control.
“Hillstead is a great shooter and he gave us a tough challenge. That’s what Springville always does,” McAllister said. “That’s what every team is going to be like in our region this year, so it’s good for the guys to have a game like this early on and learn to come out of it.”
Hillstead led the way for Springville with a team-high 21 points, with Hunter Davis adding 14.
With the win Pleasant Grove improves to 4-0 on the year and will next travel to take on Alta.
With the loss Springville drops to 2-2 and will next travel south to take part in the Ken Robinson Invitational at Dixie High.
Email: bgurney@desnews.com
Twitter: @BrandonCGurney