Miners dominate Layton

TAYLORSVILLE — Erica Newbold knows what the Layton Lancers were up against in the paint. And it wasn't just Newbold and fellow 6-foot-3 forward Megan Marks.

"Cami (Hymas) is everywhere," said the junior, who has to play against Hymas in practice. "She really commits to rebounding."

Adds sophomore point guard Nicole Yazzie: "She's amazing, and it really helps our team a lot."

Hymas grabbed 14 rebounds in second-ranked Bingham's quarterfinal rout of third-ranked Layton. Newbold had six rebounds to go with her 10 points, while Yazzie led her team with 15 points and two steals.

The Miners led the entire game, but they absolutely dominated the second half, holding Layton to just two points in the third quarter and two field goals in the second half. Despite having a 20-point lead, Newbold said the Miners didn't know the game was a blowout.

"I had no idea," she said. "We just go out there and play our game."

The difference, said Miners coach Rand Rasmussen, was in the way Bingham started the quarterfinal game.

"We got off to a good start tonight," he said. "It's hard for me to play Layton. I really like Van (Price, former coach) and Rob (Reisbeck, the current coach). I really like it better when I don't like the other (coach) because it's easier to motivate."

Asked if his veteran team needed much motivation at this point in the season, he replied, "I don't leave anything to chance, but with the leadership provided by my four captains, it's incredible how easy they make it."

The Lancers were led by Sheila Adams, who finished with 12 points, two steals and two assists. The biggest difference in the game, however, was on the boards. Bingham outrebounded Layton 38-29, including 17 offensive boards.

The win means Bingham will play Fremont, Region 1's fourth seed, Friday at 4:10 p.m. in the 5A semifinals.

"I wish we played tomorrow night so I don't have to have nightmares for two nights," Rasmussen said. "Fremont is a tremendous team, and I'm not looking forward to it."

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