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OREM — Lauren Gustin could not be stopped in the 60-40 victory over Logan Friday afternoon.
The senior forward dominated on both ends of the court. Adding to her game high 36 points, she also picked up 14 rebounds and three assists.
“She is the most unbelievable player I’ve ever coached 14 years coaching I've never coached a player like her she has a tenacious work ethic she is hyper competitive in my opinion she is the greatest there is, she is the best we’ve ever had,” Salem Hills head coach Kyle Francom said.
The Skyhawks dominated this semifinal matchup within the first few minutes. Salem Hills went on an early 12-0 lead and took a commanding 30-11 lead by halftime. The Grizzlies, though, couldn’t make a shot, going 5-of-22 from the field.
The Skyhawks didn’t have much time to prepare for the game but Francom credits his team's defensive game plan for this win.
“They just executed our game plan to a high level it’s a situation where you don’t have time to prepare in terms of practice on the court. So we had a meeting at lunch at went over our game plan and without having practicing it they executed it incredibly well,” Francom said. “I couldn't be more proud. Holding a really good team to only 11 points in the first quarter was a good effort.”
Logan freshman Amber Kartchner, who scored 27 points in Thursday's quarterfinal game, was held to just 10 points. The Skyhawks defense shut her down early and knew she could be a threat in this matchup.
“We knew our defense was going to win us this game, we knew Kartchner is a great shooter so we had to shut her down early and we would be in good shape,” Gustin said.
Salem Hills advances to the 4A state title game against Hurricane at 11 a.m. MST Saturday at Utah Valley University.
Lexi Lewis is studying public relations at Utah Valley University. You can follow her on twitter @lex_lew1018.
