High school girls basketball 5A semifinals: Riverton doubles up Syracuse

TAYLORSVILLE — The strength of the undefeated Riverton Silverwolves isn't in their superstars. It's that the squad has no stars.

That does not mean, however, that certain players didn't shine in the team's 66-33 semifinal win over Syracuse for the school's first berth into the 5A state championship game.

Some of the joy in watching the squad is in discovering just who will spark the team, lead the scoring or inspire the defense. Four players reached double digits in scoring, but it was Shelby Ostler and Shaye Murphy who sparked the team off the bench in the first half Friday night. Ostler finished with 10 points and four assists, while Murphy added 11 points, two blocked shots and a steal.

"We were really focused tonight," said Riverton coach Ron Ence. "They were a little bit looser tonight ... They were focused to go out and earn a spot in the finals."

Starting center Chelsea Sorensen had a breakout game offensively with 11 points and four rebounds. Ence said she'd been a little frustrated because her shots weren't falling, but she said she's dealt with it by trying to do other things to help the squad.

"Last game I didn't have a very good offensive game," said the senior. "I just tried to get some rebounds and do other things. Of course, I always want to score, but I just want to help my team."

Seniors Dani Lockhart added 10 points and five rebounds, while Alle Finch scored nine points, eight rebounds and four assists in just 13 minutes of play.

The Titans were led by freshman Brittany Martin, who finished with 13 points and six rebounds. Jen Hazlett scored eight points and Megan Butler added eight points and three steals.

Ence said part of what the Silverwolves hoped to do was contain Hazlett.

"That's no easy feat," he said. "We played good man defense and helped each other."

The Titans never could get into an offensive rhythm, but the Silverwolves shot 55 percent from the field.

The second-ranked team celebrated its first trip to the 5A state title game where it will face the top-ranked Cavemen at 7:30 Saturday.

"I am very excited for them," Ence said of his players, seven of whom are seniors. "We're happy to be there. I think they'll play had, hopefully we play well."

adonaldson@desnews.com