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OREM — The Layton Lancers sailed to a 69-51 win over the Cyprus Pirates in the first round of the 6A state tournament.
The Lancers used their rebounding, defense and ability to get to the rim to triumph over the Pirates.
“Offensively, I feel like we’re a team that can score, so as long as we can defend and rebound, the offense will come around,” said Layton head coach Kelby Miller. “And I thought that’s what happened in the second half.”
A defensive adjustment at halftime helped slow star Pirate senior Josh Amasio, who had 8 points on 5-8 shooting in the first half.
"I don't feel like we had the right guy on him in the first half," Miller said. "We switched that up in the second half and stopped the dribble penetration a little bit better."
The Lancers were led by Chase Potter and Truman Brown. Brown had 24 points and seven rebounds, while Potter had 15 and six rebounds.
"They're (Brown and Potter) so good at getting into the paint and finishing," Miller said. "Also their mid-range game is really strong, so even if guys cut off drives, they do a great job of hitting that mid-range jumpshot."
Despite shooting a better field goal and 3-point percentage in the first half, Cyprus found itself down by eight at halftime. This was largely due to being outrebounded by the Lancers 20-14 at the half. Layton had 10 offensive rebounds in the first half, compared to Cyprus’ three.
Cyprus senior Skyler Case crossed over Layton defenders and finished a layup at the rim in a play that looked like it would give Cyprus some momentum to start the second half. But Layton locked down its defense to build on its lead.
"We just had to step up our defense, and that's just kind of where it starts — the defensive end," Potter said.
"I think we were settled in, we took better shots, moved the ball better, played good defense and we finished shots," Brown said, speaking of a better efficiency in the second half.
Case, who finished with 10 points and five rebounds, and Amasio, who finished with 12 points, led the Pirates.
