The Grand County High School boys and girls basketball teams both lost to Emery last week, the girls dropping a home game 68-25 on Tuesday, Jan. 15, and the boys dropping an 81-70 contest on the road on Wednesday, Jan. 16.
The Grand County High School (GCHS) and San Juan wrestling teams, both devastated by injuries, combined to form one team and competed against North Sanpete in Blanding on Thursday, Jan. 17.
On Tuesday, the Lady Red Devils hosted the undefeated Emery Lady Spartans in a game which got out of hand quickly, thanks to Emery’s ability to force GCHS to turn the ball over. The Lady Red Devils turned the ball over 33 times and only hit nine field goals in the game.
“We had a lot of turnovers early on, and you can’t do that against a team like Emery,” GCHS girls basketball coach Randy Martin said. “Emery is quick. If you make a bad pass, they’ll steal it easily and make you pay for it on the other end.”
GCHS was led in scoring by senior Mercedes Zunich, who scored 11 points. She shot 6-for-10 from the free-throw line, and was the only Lady Red Devil to attempt a foul shot in the contest.
“Mercedes played a really solid game both offensively and defensively,” Martin said. “She’s a fearless player. We want her to drive because when she does, she’s either going to get a basket or get fouled, and that’s what happened against Emery.”
GCHS senior center Veda Gritts was held to eight points, although she grabbed 19 rebounds.
“Emery had a 6’3” post player who played solid defense and made Veda struggle quite a bit offensively,” Martin said.
Emery improved to 15-0 by beating GCHS, who fell to 5-9 overall, 0-5 in Region 15 play. The Lady Red Devils were scheduled to play at San Juan on Tuesday, Jan. 22, before returning home to host North Sanpete on Friday, Jan. 25, and Manti on Jan. 26.
Martin said that senior Hannah Owen was expected to be back on the court versus San Juan after she was performing well at practice on Monday, Jan. 21. Martin said GCHS’ playoff hopes rest on this weekend’s outcomes.
“The home games this weekend are ‘must-win’ if we want to make the playoffs,” he said. “The girls know that and I expect them to come out and play well.”
The Red Devil boys fell to 1-4 in Region 15 action following an 81-70 loss at Emery on Wednesday, Jan. 16. In the losing effort, senior Cameron Hoppensteadt had arguably the most impressive statistical performance this season for the Red Devils, scoring 30 points on the strength of 14-of-15 shooting from the free-throw line, grabbing 20 rebounds and blocking two shots.
Fellow seniors Teddy Park chipped in with 11 points and Tyson Horton added nine points. The Red Devils were undone by turnovers and poor shooting, especially from beyond the arc, hitting just four three-pointers in 18 attempts.
GCHS was scheduled to host San Juan on Wednesday, Jan. 23, before hitting the road for games at North Sanpete on Friday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m., and at Manti on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 4 p.m.
Wrestling team grapples with injuries
The home games this weekend are ‘must-win’ if we want to make the playoffs.”
What: GCHS wrestling versus Monticello and Carbon
When: Thursday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m.
What: GCHS girls basketball versus North Sanpete
When: Friday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m.
What: GCHS girls basketball versus Manti
When: Saturday, Jan. 26, at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Grand County High School gymnasium, 608 S. 400 East
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