Red Devils in driver’s seat for conference crown

Mark Madia, Herald Sports Editor
Posted 2/19/19

Devils in good spot as postseason nears

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Red Devils in driver’s seat for conference crown

Posted

EVANSTON — With a 75-70 road victory over the Green River Wolves on Feb. 14, and a 53-40 home win against the Star Valley Braves on Saturday, Feb. 16, the Red Devils now have the inside track for the 4A Southwest Conference/quadrant title. Evanston is now 11-9 on the season and 4-1 in conference play, while riding a five-game win streak. The team has split with Star Valley and swept Green River in two tight ballgames down the stretch. They have an opportunity to also go 2-0 against the Jackson Broncs to close out the regular season this Saturday, Feb. 23, in Jackson. The 3-1 Braves still have a home affair with Jackson on Feb. 20 and must travel to Green River on Feb. 23.

The game in Green River started tight with a 13-12 Evanston lead in the first quarter. The Red Devils began to pull away in the second and third quarters only to witness the Wolves storm back to make it a one-possession game in the fourth, just as they had done in the first meeting in Evanston. All five Red Devil starters reached double-digits in scoring, led by Lance Evans, who netted 20 and Garrett Berger with a career-high 19 points. Seth Lloyd chipped in a dozen, while Brady Hurd and Mason Ellingford added 11 and 10, respectively. Dawson Crofts contributed a bucket and Chris Moeller added a point before twisting an ankle that forced the senior to sit out for the Star Valley game. Moeller did start in ceremonious fashion since it was “Senior Night,” but immediately went to the bench following the opening tap.

Chase Stoeger poured in a game-high 23 for the Wolves in the loss, with Haden Counts and Matthew Seymour adding 16 and 12 points, respectively.

Against Star Valley on Saturday, the Red Devils jumped out to an 18-7 first quarter advantage and the outcome never seemed in doubt. Evanston led 30-17 at the half and 38-28 with three quarters complete. Lloyd paced the Red Devils with 21 points while Evans added 16. Ellingford finished with eight, Berger had four points, Hurd added three and Crofts chipped in a point.

Star Valley did not have anyone reach double-digits in scoring, with Mason Erickson showing the way with nine points.