Don't overlook Spartans

For a team that won the state championship last year, the Emery Spartans seem to be flying under the radar.

Emery is 16-5 and ranked No. 2, but hasn't received as much attention as undefeated Wasatch or the remarkable turnaround season of 21-1 Grantsville. It's time to start paying attention to the Spartans, because they have the experience of winning a state title under their belts, and they've been victorious in 10 of their last 11 games.

"I think everybody is after Wasatch to tell you the truth," said Emery coach Steven Gordon. "We're just kind of laying low."

The Spartans, who play Judge Memorial at the E Center in the Class 3A quarterfinals on Thursday, started the season somewhat slowly, and partly because of the absence of ShiAnne Allred. She blew out an ACL last summer and missed the first month of the season.

Allred was a starter on Emery's state championship team last season, and is just now getting back to full strength.

Jodi Robertson and Meagan Pearson have led Emery's offense, as both players average double figures in scoring. They have helped the Spartans become a more balanced team, following the graduation of 3A MVP Camille Fehlberg.

"This year, we're a little different," Gordon said. "We move the ball around a little more. We play more team ball."

The Spartans are one of just three of Wasatch's opponents to lose by single-digit margins to the Wasps. Emery led Wasatch at halftime of a nonregion game played last Tuesday before falling short in the second half.

The Wasps' victory confirmed that they are the state-title favorites, and that the Spartans may be their most serious challenger this week.

"I think Wasatch is probably the clear favorite," said Canyon View coach Brad Lambeth. "They appear to be really good."

The remaining eight 3A teams are all fairly solid, and there's strong star power left in the state tournament.

Canyon View is led by Cassie Platt, a former 3A MVP who has signed with Southern Utah. Morgan's top player is Chelsey Garfield, the reigning 3A volleyball MVP. Hurricane has 3A's leading scorer in Megan Clyde, while Judge is led by an exciting player in Erica Martinez.

"I think it's going to be fun," Lambeth said. "I just hope we have three really good days up there."

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E-mail: aaragon@desnews.com