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Sandy • The Alta girls' basketball team may have graduated a lot of key players from last year's championship run, but the Hawks cannot be counted out to win another title.
They showed why in their second victory of the season over Fremont, a team they beat in last year's semifinals. The faces were different, but the result was the same as Alta beat the Silver Wolves 69-57 at home.
BYU commit McKenzie Morrison led the Hawks with 18 points, and three of her teammates also scored in double digits and rose to the occasion after she hurt her ankle during the game.
"I knew I was going to be a little slower on defense, but my teammates really came through," Morrison said. "It's a young team, and we've still got some learning to do, but that's what the preseason is for."
Fremont is one of the tougher opponents on Alta's preseason schedule, so it was surprising that the Hawks, with Morrison as the only returning starter, took off in the first half. After an initial back-and-forth, Alta surged to a 34-23 halftime lead as the Silverwolves struggled from the field.
Part of the Hawks' success was its newfound post game, led by juniors Lauren Garland and Brooke Miller. The two combined for 20 points and helped the team outrebound Fremont, something Alta didn't do particularly well last season.
"It's nice to be able to defend when Fremont puts two posts on the floor," coach Kristi Jensen said. "We definitely think we'll be able to play inside better this year if we get some experience."
Alta's youth showed in the fourth quarter as the Silver Wolves rallied. Keely Swander hit three second-half 3-pointers, and Mikkell Minnoch had a consistent game to lead the team with 16 points. Fremont started winning rebounds and loose balls as they narrowed a 16-point lead to within 10.
Eventually, the Hawks closed out, going 9-for-14 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter. Garland and Abbie Simmons hit several late baskets to secure the win.
Twitter: @kylegoon —
Alta 69, Fremont 57
R Alta stays undefeated in a playoff rematch from last season.
• McKenzie Morrison has a game-high 18 points for the Hawks.