5A girls high school basketball: Riverton runs away from Davis — eventually

TAYLORSVILLE — The second-ranked Silverwolves are enjoying an undefeated season thanks to their ability to out-sprint, out-score and out-run opponents in transition basketball.

But Monday afternoon in the first-round of the 5A state girls basketball tournament, Riverton met its match in fast-paced hoops.

"Davis was beating us at our own game," said Riverton coach Ron Ence after the Silverwolves earned a 66-43 win Monday.

The unranked Darts gave Riverton all it could handle early on, which earned the Darts a 29-28 lead at halftime.

"I was getting so tired," said Riverton senior Dani Lockhart, who led the squad both offensively and defensively, scoring 24 points and grabbing 13 rebounds and three steals. "I was nervous…But I'm always nervous — nervous and excited. They are a great team."

Ence said he was proud of how his team not only battled back, but did so with contributions from nearly every player.

"This team continues to amaze me," said Ence. "They've had some bad quarters, but they've never had a bad game. We got some good minutes off the bench."

He said the difference in the second half may have been some subtle changes, like the intensity of the defense.

"I thought we contested their shots a little better down in the lane," Ence said.

Davis was led by Allison Blake, who scored 12 points. Annie Peterson scored eight points,while Baylee Day scored six points, grabbed seven rebounds and had six steals. Aly Gates was also key for Davis with six points and six rebounds.

In addition to Lockhart, Riverton's Shelby Ostler had a great second-half with 12 points, two steals and two assists, while Alle Finch added 10 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. Chelsea Sorensen scored seven points and grabbed eight rebounds.

Riverton struggled with turnovers, finishing with 20, while Davis had just 15 turnovers.

Ence was proud of his team for battling back into the game.

"I am just really happy, really happy to get the win," he said. "I was so happy that we responded to the challenge."

E-MAIL: adonaldson@desnews.com