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Taylorsville • Viewmont's Katie Toole looked as if she saw a ghost. The state's leading scorer had posted a goose egg in the scoring column in the first 16 minutes, and her expression indicated her frustration.

But like all great scorers, Toole's memory is short. The Utah State commit opened the third quarter cocked and loaded, scoring 11 points to initiate a 17-0 burst in the Vikings' 43-18 victory over Granger in the first round of the Class 5A girls' basketball tournament at Salt Lake Community College on Monday afternoon.

"I'm not really sure what changed in the third quarter," said Toole, who poured in a game-high 17 points. "I think I gained a little bit more confidence after I made a couple of shots. It just kept going after that."

Added Viewmont coach Clint Straatman on Toole, whose uncontested 3-pointer early in the third quarter ignited her night: "If she doesn't get Player of the Year, there's something wrong. She had a bad night there, and still had 15. She's averaging 24, and she comes to give you 24 every night."

Viewmont (14-8), the third seed from Region 1, limited Granger (14-8), the second seed from Region 2, to three field goals through three quarters. The 18 points allowed is the fewest in the Class 5A playoffs since Skyline topped Weber 38-18 in 2010.

"We didn't play like we'd normally play, but we did what we had to do to win," said Straatman. "The energy in the first game of the state tournament is really why it actually turned out the way it did. I think [it was] nerves."

Mercedes Staples broke a scoreless tie with 4:16 in the first quarter with a single free throw before Megan Carr knocked down the first field goal moments later. Viewmont led 17-6 at halftime, and 35-8 after three.

The Vikings' extended 1-2-2 defense flustered Granger — which did not convert a field goal until 6:19 in the second quarter — into committing numerous turnovers and preventing any offensive rhythm.

"It was kind of weird, but we just played strong together," said Staples, who finished with 15 points, including 11 in the first half.

It was another tough outing for Region 2, which fell to 0-3 on the opening day, with only Taylorsville remaining on the schedule. Melisa Kadic led Granger, which was attempting to win its first playoff game in 35 years, with seven points.

The Vikings will play the winner of Riverton and Bingham in the quarterfinals.

Twitter: @trevorphibbs —

Viewmont 43, Granger 18

• After going scoreless in the first half, Viewmont's Katie Toole, the state's leading scorer, drops a game-high 17 points after the break.

• The Vikings' 1-2-2 zone limits Granger to just six points by halftime, and eight through three quarters.

• Mercedes Staples adds 15 points for Viewmont.