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OGDEN — Brighton handled an overmatched American Fork team Monday afternoon, eliminating the Cavemen by a score of 60-44 in the first round of the 5A boys basketball tournament.
The teams looked evenly matched on paper, separated by just three spots in the overall state rankings (American Fork was sixth, Brighton ninth, per the Deseret News). But the Bengals’ size and shooting were too much for American Fork early on, and they built a 25-12 lead by the end of the first half that remained in the teens throughout the remainder of the game.
“This team is a tough team, and we knew that we needed to come out and get a good start because that’s what gets us going,” said Brighton senior Brock Miller. “Our defense led to offense, and it got us going.”
Miller led Brighton with 24 points, including an 8-8 mark from the line as the Cavemen began fouling early in the fourth quarter to try to close the deficit. The Utah State commit also made a couple threes early in the game to set the tone.
American Fork eliminated Brighton in last year’s tournament and also held a victory over the Bengals earlier this season, so there was some extra fire coming from Brighton players.
“These guys got us early in the year, American Fork,” said Brighton’s Osa Masina. “So, you know, we’ve been looking forward to this one.”
The Bengals move on to face Hunter in the quarterfinals after the Wolverines’ come-from-behind victory earlier Monday. The game will be Wednesday evening at 5:50 at the Dee Events Center in Ogden.
