5A high school basketball: Skyline outlasts Layton

SALT LAKE CITY — Sophomore Jaden Jackson knocked down 25 points, seven in overtime, and Skyline beat Layton 66-62 in overtime to advance in the 5A playoffs.

Jackson was a killer behind the arc, knocking down five 3 pointers for Skyline. The most important one found the bottom of the net with 2:28 left in overtime.

"I just told myself to pop the 3, and it went in," said Jackson.

Skyline trailed 26-23 at halftime, and the third quarter started with a 3 point shootout between the two teams. Chase Dunford knocked down a three for the Eagles to start the quarter, but Layton's Brandon Kida answered with a three of his own. Jackson then took the ball and knocked down a 3 pointer, and after a Layton turnover Dunford was able to hit a jump shot to put the Eagles up 33-32.

The Eagles were able to outscore Layton 20-12 in the third quarter to put themselves in great position for a fourth quarter showdown, leading 43-38...

In the fourth quarter, Skyline had a bit of trouble from the free throw line by going 4-for-9.

Jake Osterloh was sent to the line with 1:03 left, but was unable to hit his free throws with his team leading 55-50.

On the other end of the court, Layton's Mitch McGarry was able to keep their playoff hopes alive by simply grabbing rebounds and putting back shots. The senior did just that and was able to bring the game to 55-52 with 52 seconds left.

Skyline's Brain Orr and Layton's Erik Price both went 1-for-2 respectively for their teams, and the Eagles held onto a 56-53 lead with 40.8 seconds remaining.

Orr missed the front end of a 1-and-1 situation with 31 seconds left, and Layton capitalized when McGarry put back a Taylor Butler missed basket to pull the game to 56-55 with 23.7 seconds left.

Skyline then brought the ball down court, and with 16.1 seconds left Layton fouled senior James Tingey, who went 1-for-2 from the line.

After two missed shots by the Lancers, McGarry did what he does best and put back Layton's third shot to send the game to overtime.

"Oh, those missed free throws gave them (Layton) all the momentum going into overtime," said Skyline head coach Bernie Graziano.

"I just told my guys to bounce back, and be positive."

In overtime, Jackson was able to lead the Eagles with seven points and a crucial steal that led to a breakaway basket to put Skyline up 63-62.

Skyline stole the ball on the next Layton possession, and after James Tingey went 1-for-2 from the line, Joey Day missed the game-tying basket for Layton.

"My kids showed a lot of heart," said Graziano. "I'm so proud, so happy and glad to be a part of this team."

Skyline will have its skills tested Wednesday, when it matches up with the Alta Hawks in quarterfinal action. This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season.

e-mail: cjohnson@desnews.com