1A REGIONALS: Brandon dominates as Spring Mountain rolls

Roemello Brandon brings an old-school approach to patrolling the post for Spring Mountain’s boys basketball team.

“Play strong and be big,” said Brandon, a junior center. “I know if I play good, (teammates) are going to play good.”

Brandon certainly was strong Friday, coming up with 12 points, 22 rebounds and six blocks to power the Eagles to a 45-32 win over Round Mountain in a Class 1A Southern League semifinal at Sunrise Mountain High.

Spring Mountain (22-6) advanced to meet Pahranagat Valley (18-8) in the league title game at 1:40 p.m. Saturday at Durango. More important, Friday’s victory clinched the Eagles their first berth in the 1A state tournament in Ed Cheltenham’s eight years as coach.

“It’s a very special moment,” Cheltenham said. “We’ve never been this far before. I think the kids in the first quarter felt it, and they were a little bit nervous, a little too hyped up. But we settled down and started making some baskets and were able to get a lead.”

Round Mountain (18-5) opened the second half on an 8-0 run to pull within 20-15, but the Eagles answered with a 16-6 spurt to pull away.

Tomoshea Edwards had 13 points, six rebounds and five assists for Spring Mountain.

Tyrice Hall supplied 12 points and nine rebounds for the Eagles, and Marquion White added six points and five steals.

“It’s probably the best group of kids that I’ve had in my eight years of coaching,” Cheltenham said. “This may not be the best talent I’ve ever had, but it’s the best teamwork I’ve ever had.”

Hall limped off with an apparent right knee injury in the final minute, but Cheltenham hopes the sophomore forward can play today.

Serjio Chavez led Round Mountain with 16 points, seven rebounds, four steals and two blocks.

Pahranagat Valley 63, Sandy Valley 28 — The Panthers scored the first 18 points and cruised by the Sidewinders (13-7).

Tyler Higbee had 14 points and Kade Wadsworth 10 for Pahranagat Valley, which had 11 players score.

Randal Spencer had 13 points and eight rebounds for Sandy Valley, which improved from three to 13 wins and earned the program’s first playoff win.

GIRLS

Beatty 53, Tonopah 40 — Melynda Gross had 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Hornets (11-3) by the Muckers (7-7) and clinch a state bid.

Beatty will play Pahranagat Valley (23-4) in the league final at noon Saturday at Durango.

Amber Ibarra had 12 points, six rebounds and four steals for Beatty, which got nine points from Ginny Cathcart.

The Hornets, who had only six active players, used a 24-10 run to build a 36-17 lead in the third quarter.

Alli Friel paced Tonopah with 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals.

Pahranagat Valley 47, Lund 26 — Kimberly Lewis had 12 points and Halie Lewis and Bailee Hosier 10 each as the Panthers beat the Mustangs (12-8).

Melynda Boren paced Lund with 13 points.