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OREM — Cedar’s girls basketball team was working to deny whoever they could during its Class 4A state quarterfinal Thursday evening.
Salem Hills’ Lauren Gustin would not be denied, though.
Gustin scored a game-high 32 points with 14 rebounds and three steals to lift the Skyhawks to a 58-48 win over the Redmen at Utah Valley University.
“That’s just my teammates getting me the ball. Whenever I have the open shot, I’m going to take it,” Gustin said. “I work around the court, and whenever I have the chance in a certain area, I’m going to go for it.”
The senior made 10 of Salem Hills’ 18 field goals, shot 11-of-16 from the free-throw line, and made a first-half 3-pointer for good measure as she scored in a variety of ways.
“She’s just a competitor, and whatever she’s got to do to win she will to do it,” Salem Hills coach Kyle Francom said.
The younger sister of USC linebacker Porter Gustin had 15 points and eight rebounds in the first half, making five of the Skyhawks’ nine shots from the field to carry the team to a halftime advantage despite nine first-half turnovers.
“At halftime, we talked about being more patient and came out warmer,” Gustin said. “We pulled through in the second half, and I guess that’s all that matters.”
After Cedar tied the game at 25-25 on the first play of the second half, the Skyhawks responded with a 12-3 run to go up 36-28 on Gustin’s 3-point play with 2:09 left in the third.
Salem Hills held on during a rough first half, but pulled away for a 42-32 advantage after three quarters against the Region 9 champions.
Even with Cedar trying to deny her, Gustin fought through double teams and went to the line to help secure the victory. She made 4-of-6 free throws in the final three minutes to hold on to the win.
Logan Laws had 11 points and four steals to lead Cedar (19-4), and Dream Weaver supplied 10 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Salem Hills advanced to the 4A semifinals Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the UCCU Center.
“You can’t take anything for granted,” Francom said. “We’ve got to be vigilant and take care of business. That’s what makes the state tournament so great, anything can and often does happen.”
