FINAL: Payson 61, Morgan 63

By Spencer Durrant

Payson High Student Writer

ST. GEORGE – Four quarters weren’t enough for Payson and Morgan, who had to take their game to overtime to determine the victor.

Morgan junior forward Jake Miles hit a running jumper in the paint with only 3.2 seconds left in overtime leaving the Lions with virtually no time to make a shot or call a timeout. The shot gave the Trojans the 63-61 win.

The game was a consolation game after Payson and Morgan’s losses yesterday in the state quarterfinals. In the first quarter, both teams got out and pushed the ball, turning the game into a track meet early on. The intensity and level of competitive fire was felt from the get go between the two very evenly matched teams. Payson ended the first quarter up 19-13 behind two three pointers from senior guard Brett Rowley.

The second quarter followed the same pattern as the first with both teams getting out in transition and scoring in the paint. The defensive intensity picked up and the Lions ended the half on top 29-22.

Out of halftime the Trojans outscored the Lions 15-9, but Payson still held a 38-37 lead at the end of the period. Players from both teams stepped up and made big shots to either tie or give their team a lead. Defense was tighter; the in your face, gritty style of defensive play Lions fans are used to seeing from their team.