ST. GEORGE — Dixie High School’s girls basketball team got the rare chance to play a game on an NBA court Tuesday.
The Lady Flyers were matched up with Layton’s Northridge High School in an early afternoon contest played on the home court of the Utah Jazz, the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.
In a game that was close the whole way, Northridge was able to pull out a 42-41 victory. The Lady Knights led by just one point at the end of each of the four quarters.
Dixie head coach Ryan Forsey said the Lady Flyers had fallen behind by seven points with about two minutes left to play, but rallied to take the lead on a layup by Abi Finlinson with 22 seconds remaining.
“They got behind our defense and made a shot to regain the lead,” Forsey said. “We then got the ball to Mel Alo, who had an open 12-foot jump shot just fall short as time expired.”
Sina Tapasa, playing in her first game since recovering from bronchitis, scored 15 points to lead Dixie, while Sina Schwalger and Alo each added 8 points. Northridge was led by Jalyne Stott’s 19 points.
Forsey said it was an unforgettable day for all involved.
“It was pretty incredible and honestly a little difficult to not be intimidated by the whole environment,” he said. “The Jazz do a great job of providing an awesome experience for all the players and coaches.”
In addition to getting to watch the Jazz’s pregame shootaround and visit with TV broadcast personalities such as Thurl Bailey and Alema Harrington, the Dixie contingent also got to watch the Utah Jazz’s high-scoring win over the San Antonio Spurs Tuesday evening. The Jazz made a franchise record 20 3-pointers en route to a 139-105 victory.
Adding to the already long day at the arena was the five additional hours of driving time getting back home from Salt Lake, but Forsey said, “It was well worth the experience for the girls.”
The Lady Flyers, now 1-3 in preseason action, take to the road later this week for a three-day invitational tournament starting Thursday at Virgin Valley High School in Mesquite, Nevada.
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Dixie High School players and coaches at center court of the Utah Jazz home floor at the Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Dec. 4, 2018 | Photo courtesy of Dixie High Athletics, St. George News Dixie High School players and coaches at the Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Dec. 4, 2018 | Photo courtesy of Dixie High Athletics, St. George News Dixie High's Joslyn Bundy takes a shot during a game against Northridge at the Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Dec. 4, 2018 | Photo courtesy of Dixie High Athletics, St. George News Dixie High's Mel Alo drives inside with the ball against Northridge at the Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Dec. 4, 2018 | Photo courtesy of Dixie High Athletics, St. George News Dixie High's Daisy Owens guards a Northridge player during a game played at the Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Dec. 4, 2018 | Photo courtesy of Dixie High Athletics, St. George News Dixie High School players and coaches visit with TV personalities Thurl Bailey and Alema Harrington at the Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Dec. 4, 2018 | Photo courtesy of Dixie High Athletics, St. George News
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