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When Highland fell behind by nine points with 4:31 to play against arch-rival East Tuesday night in boys basketball, it looked as though it would be one of those nights when the up-and-down Rams would settle for a good effort.

But, as Ram coach Jim Boyce said after his team's 71-65 double overtime victory, Highland simply never quit.

"It doesn't get any better than this. Our kids battled and fought and found a way to win," said Boyce. "These kids never give up. I am so proud of them. They just fight and fight and fight, no matter the situation."

This is as intense of a rivalry as any in the state. The venerable Highland gym was nearly packed on "Freak East" night with the Ram side dressed in all sorts of costumes and the Leopard cheering section wearing mostly suits and ties.

Yet, on the floor and the sidelines with Boyce and East coach Skip Lowe, there was nothing but respect and sportsmanship during an intense, physical contest where both teams showed moments of brilliance and made key mistakes.

In the end, Highland finally imposed its will.

Jayden Palauni, Will Tice and Rick Schmidt, who led the Rams with 23, 20 and 16 points, led Highland back from the nine point deficit to tie the game at 55, were the obvious heroes.

But the Rams had many.

Ryan Lambson, in his first game back from an injury, hit the two free throws with 46.1 seconds left in regulation, to tie it at 57 and send the game into overtime. Brevin Elsholz's steal late in the second overtime and subsequent pair of free throws ended all doubt as to which team would win.

In the decisive second overtime, Schmidt got the Rams started by hitting four free throws before Lambson scored on a big layup.

"We hit some big free throws in the end and Jaden stepped up and played big," said Schmidt. "It feels great. I love this game. I love playing East. It's awesome."

It seemed as though every time Highland made a run, East star Dacian Spoitted Elk replied with a key basket, free throw or an assist setting up a teammate with an easy basket.The final two points of a 29-point night brought the Leopards to within 66-65 with 1:20 to play. But the teams traded steals and turnovers at that point with Elsholz getting the final big steal and subsequent free throws to finally seal the win.

The Rams improved to 7-6 on the season and 2-0 in league play after ending Bountiful's 50-game league winning streak on the road Friday. They are getting key players back and could end up being a surprise in 4A as they round into shape.

On this night, though, all that mattered to the Rams was they earned a come from behind victory over their arch nemesis.

"East was playing us well and were physical," he said.

"We just kept chipping away," said Boyce. "Coach Lowe is great. One of my friends. Like to have a good rivalry, but you want to be friends outside the game."

Twitter @tribtomwharton —

Storylines

R Jayden Palauni erupts for 23 points to lead Highland to a double overtime victory over arch rival East.

• Dacian Spotted Elk scores 29 for East as well as adding key rebounds and assists.

• Highland's Brevin Elsholz gets a steal late in double overtime and hits two free throws to seal the win.