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Taylorsville • Copper Hills' first-round victory over Clearfield was equal parts track meet and slugfest.

The Grizzlies won the foot race, and the brawl, 55-47 in the final game of Monday's opening day at the Class 5A girls' basketball state tournament.

Both teams came out of the gate fighting for every possession. The game was played at a frantic pace with both teams attacking the rim and applying relentless defensive pressure.

But in the end, it was Copper Hills' ability to disrupt Clearfield that proved the difference.

"We created a lot of turnovers, that really helped set the tone in the first half," Copper Hills coach Ben Morley said. "Once we found our rhythm, we were able to settle in."

Sophomore Emily Larsen led the Grizzlies with 11 points. The 5-foot-11 center established her presence under the rim and added a threat from outside too, finishing with three 3-pointers.

"We have a deep bench, and we never know who is going to step up," Morley said. "Tonight Emily was ready when her number was called. Her rebounding and defense was really good."

The difference for the Grizzlies was when they were able to establish a half-court game. With effective passing from Kate Sisler and Eleyana Tafisi, Copper Hills made upwards of 10 passes before finding the open shooter.

"Everybody did their job tonight," Larsen said. "We had the scouting report on Clearfield, and we knew what to expect."

The Falcons made a second-half push and closed the gap to four points, thanks to Haylie Anderson's 20 points and Rachel Watson's 10. But the Grizzlies went 7 of 12 from the line in the fourth quarter to seal it.

Copper Hills advanced to face Lone Peak in the quarterfinals.

"It's the state playoffs — it's survive and advance," Morley. "We can't wait to take another crack at it on Wednesday." —

Copper Hills 55, Clearfield 47

• Clearfield's Haylie Anderson leads all scorers with 20 points, dropping three 3-pointers and going 5 of 7 from the line.

• Copper Hills Kate Sisler was perfect from the line going 2-for-2.

• Wednesday's quarterfinal against Lone Peak is a rematch of a game Dec. 6. The Grizzlies won that game 64-54.