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SALT LAKE CITY — A rematch of the 2023-24 5A state final saw the same result as Bountiful cruised to a 62-43 victory to clinch their spot in the state championship, in hopes to win its third straight title.
Despite getting its deficit to 11 points with just under five points to play, Wasatch was unable to make any comeback due to Bountiful's resilience.
Taylor Harvey was dominant for the Redhawks, pouring in 23 points, eight rebounds while blocking six shots on the defensive end. Upon Harvey getting substituted out at the end of the game, the Huntsman Center crowd gave her a well deserved standing ovation for her performance.
Milika Satuala provided 16 points, six rebounds, five assists while securing three steals in the effort, helping Bountiful secure a team total of 13 steals.
For Wasatch, Filifaiesea Liava'a had a team-high nine points and four rebounds while dishing six assists. Despite holding the Redhawks to 23-of-53 shooting, the Wasps shot a blistering 13-of-51 from the floor which proved to be the difference maker.
Bountiful used a key 17-7 third quarter to take a 43-27 lead heading into the fourth quarter, giving them an edge over Wasatch.
Harvey and the Redhawks will take on West on Friday in hopes for a three-peat and ensure its dynasty.
Late 3-pointer by Kaydence Falatea seals win for West over Salem Hills
A 3-pointer with eight seconds left by senior Kaydence Falatea propelled West to a 52-51 victory over Salem Hills to advance to the 5A state final.
Kylee Falatea led all scorers with 24 points while also providing five assists and six steals while her older sister, Kaydence, hit the game winning 3-pointer.
"We knew it was going to be a tight game. I knew we were going to go to Kaydence for the three and she has been working all year long," West coach Junior Solovi said. "It was our role players who stood up, made crucial stops and big shots."
What looked like a dominant first quarter by Salem Hills, West would spark a 7-0 run in the final 35 seconds to take a 14-11 lead after the first eight minutes of play. A 3-pointer by Kylee Falatea and crucial steals by Fina Tuha gave the Panthers the boost they needed to lead early.
The Panthers hot hand from beyond the arc continued with Kylee Falatea netting another 3-pointer to take a 24-18 lead with 3:30 left in the half.
West continued to pester the Skyhawk offense, forcing multiple turnovers and leading to easy transition buckets. Salem Hills was able to close the gap a little, heading into the second half trailing 25-22.
While Salem Hills seemed to find its offensive scoring, the turnovers still remained the issue due to the Panthers full court press off of a rebound, inbound, or anything of the sort. The stifling Panthers defense continued to give the Skyhawks problems by forcing three straight turnovers.
Through all the defensive efforts, West held a slim 38-36 lead over Salem Hills with eight minutes to play and a chance at a championship.
Trailing by 2, sophomore Alexa Vance got by the Panther defense and laid it in to tie it up with six minutes left, with Reagan Beck breaking the tie on the next possession for the Sky Hawks. A 3-pointer by Kylee Falatea trimmed the Panthers lead to one before Vance yet again got by the Panthers defense to push the lead back to three.
West was able to tie it at 46 apiece before, you guessed it, Vance hit a corner 3-pointer to keep Salem Hills ahead.
As it seemed hope was dwindling for West, its role players stepped up. After forcing a jump ball with 19 seconds, senior Kaydence Falatea hit a corner 3-pointer that would put them up 52-51 and for good and advance to the final.
