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Taylorsville • Third-ranked Copper Hills came into the tough environment of the Taylorsville gym expecting a rough, physical game from the upstart Warriors.

The Grizzlies weren't disappointed.

They got 19 points from senior star Kate Sisler to earn a 50-43 victory over the fifth-ranked Warriors in a game that helped them maintain a one-game lead over rival Bingham in Region 3.

"That's what we prepared for," said Sisler. "They are a good, strong team."

But, though Taylorsville guard Katie Burgess hit a few big 3-pointers, the Warriors lacked the ability to consistently hit baskets.

And every time the Warriors got close, it seemed as though Sisler had an answer.

"It just happens," she said of her scoring ability. "My team does it for me. They give me the open shots."

Copper Hills coach Ben Morley, whose team lost a memorable 5A semifinal game to eventual champion Layton a year ago, said he is happy that Sisler has a short-term memory.

"She doesn't let a bad game bother her," he said. "She didn't shoot the ball well against West Jordan last Thursday, but she led us and made the plays we needed down the stretch."

Morley said that his game MVP, though, was Taela Laufiso, who had to match up all night with Taylorsville's strong post players, including Finau Tonga, who led the Warriors with 12 points. He praised Laufiso for contesting shots and getting deflections.

One thing is certain. Though Taylorsville has dropped its last two games, the Warriors might be the state's most improved girls' team. They are physical, play rugged defense and rebound with a vengeance.

"The thing that is different about this Taylorsville team is that they have size, but they also have athleticism, which makes them tough to guard," said Morley. "They've got some players that can make a three-pointer."

The tone was set early as Taylorsville missed some shots despite multiple offensive rebounds and Copper Hills hit its first four shots. The Grizzlies never led by more than the final seven-point margin and Taylorsville battled back to within two early in the fourth quarter.

In the end, Copper Hills had a little too much experience in tight games and a little too much of Kate Sisler as the Grizzlies stayed unbeaten in league play.

wharton@sltrib.com Twitter @tribtomwharton —

Copper Hills 50, Taylorsville 43

R Kate Sisler scores 19 points to lead third-ranked Copper Hills to a key Region 3 road win.

• Physical Taylorsville drops its second straight league game despite 12 points from Final Tonga and 11 from Katie Burgess.

More online

Boys

Timpanogos 71, Corner Canyon 66 • Tyler Walker scored a game-high 20 points to lead the Tumberwolves over the Chargers in a Region 7 tilt.

Girls

Skyline 57, Judge Memorial • Madison Grange hit a buzzer-beater from half court at the end of the first quarter, and the Eagles rolled to the Region 6 victory. Skyline improved to 13-3 overall and 5-0 in Region 6 play.

• Read more about it at http://www.tribpreps.com