OREM — Both of Lone Peak's two previous state-tournament appearances ended with overtime losses. And it had been six years since the Knights last won a playoff game.

Both facts were clearly on the minds of Lone Peak players during their 5A first-round tilt with Clearfield Tuesday night, especially after the Knights fell behind big in the first quarter.

But it didn't faze them.

Lone Peak roared to life after the treacherous start, and it held on down the stretch to beat a pesky Clearfield team, 52-51. It was the Knights' first postseason win since 2001.

"It was ugly. We didn't play well, but we got a win and that's the important thing right now," said coach Keith Flood.

Added junior forward Amanda Farish: "We squeaked out a win, but it was a win."

Lone Peak will meet Fremont today at 2:30 p.m. at SLCC.

Nursing a 52-51 lead with two minutes remaining, the Knights missed the front end of three one-and-ones. However, they did just enough to hang on.

Two key plays helped them do so.

First, Clearfield's Abbie Cook had stolen the ball away and was racing toward an uncontested lay-up at the one-minute mark. However, Lone Peak guard Shantel Flanary somehow got back and stripped the ball away.

"That was just an amazing play to get back and steal that back for us," said Flood.

Then, with eight seconds left, Caitlyn Sears missed a free throw but got her own rebound to seal the game.

Farish's bucket with 2:24 proved to be the game-winner. She led all scorers with 16 points.

In addition to that basket, Farish also helped jump start Lone Peak after a lethargic first quarter. Behind DeVree Taylor, Clearfield jumped out to a 21-10 at the end of the first.

However, Farish, Flanary and Ryan Littlefield helped the Knights get back into the game.

"Our three juniors really sparked us," said Flood.

Lone Peak outscored Clearfield 11-3 to begin the second quarter.

Whitney Trimble scored 15 points for Clearfield, and Taylor added 14.

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