OGDEN — Desert Hills is rolling on to the semifinals.
The Thunder beat Snow Canyon 56-45 on Thursday night to advance in the 4A classification.
Sydney Peisley led all scorers with 19 points, including five 3-pointers.
“No one really knew what she could do outside. I’ve been keeping her inside the whole year and I always knew we could come out with her here. I have complete confidence with her out there,” Desert Hills head coach Ron Denos said.
The Thunder had 14 assists, which was a point of emphasis for Denos coming into the game.
“That’s something we talked about because we knew they had to help a lot on (Kamryn Bliss) and we could get that back side,” Denos said.
Maggie Westhoff scored nine points, seven of which came from the free-throw line. She was instrumental in putting the game away late as Snow Canyon made a push. Rachel Durante was the leading scorer for the Warriors with 12 points.
“Our last practice, we played seven on the line. (Westhoff) was right at the end and so I had complete confidence in her. It’s something that she’s worked on because she can really help us, so I was happy for her. It’s always easier when you make those first two and it comes easier and easier. That’s something that she’s worked on, and it’s paid off,” Denos said.
Despite the win, Denos still sees room for improvement from his team.
“I think our girls kind of got passive. They played on their heels a little bit. They played a little more not to lose instead of win, they kind of got that tonight and that’s what happens when you play to not lose, you lose your aggression and attacking the basket, things that we normally do, we just did not have it tonight. Hopefully we get it out of our system and be ready to go for tomorrow,” Denos said.
The Thunder win sets up a semifinal matchup against Pine View at 4:10 p.m. Friday. Desert Hills has played Pine View twice this season, winning both contests in close fashion.
“If they want us, then here we are. That’s what we want. If someone wants to play us, then guess what, they’re just another team in our way,” Denos said. “I think it’s going to be a good battle tomorrow and I’m excited about it. It’s going to be one of those games, you’ve seen them, it’s going to be a good game and it’s going to be a fun game. We’ve just got to come ready to play.”