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Richfield • It wasn't easy for Duchesne girls' basketball coach Eric Jessen to coach against Bryce Valley in Friday night's Class 1A girls' basketball semifinals at the Sevier Valley Center.
Jessen coached the Mustang boys to the 2013 title against the Duchesne boys before moving to Duchesne. He counts Bryce Valley coach Tyson Brinkerhoff as one of his best friends. His daughter Emily, a junior for the Eagles, grew up with most of the girls at the Tropic school.
That said, one of Utah's most animated sideline coaches could not hide his joy after the Eagles knocked off the second-ranked Mustangs 36-29 to advance to Saturday's 5 p.m. finals.
"To be honest, it's tough coaching against them," said Jessen. "Tyson is one of my best friends. We call each other two or three times a week and text a lot. I know every one of the girls. ... It was nerve-racking to play against them."
Duchesne got a huge game from Mayshaylee Giles, who scored 23 of her team's 36 points and came up with some big rebounds.
"This is the first time in a long time we've made it to the championship," she said. "The girls have never won state."
Jessen opened the game in an unfamiliar triangle and two defense to counteract Bryce Valley's long-range shooters. The strategy didn't work as the Mustangs dominated the offensive glass.
That resulted in a close first half in which there were three ties and neither team led by more than three points. Duchesne took a 17-16 lead into the locker room.
In the second half, the Eagles clamped down on defense, frustrating Bryce Valley possession after possession. The Mustangs managed just three points in the decisive third quarter.
Jessen is a colorful character on the sidelines, constantly screaming instructions at his players, running up and down and having animated conversations.
"I don't know if they hear me sometimes, but at least it releases energy for me," he laughed.
Giles said the coach keeps the team focused and determined.
"He tells you to do a lot," she said. "He's screaming so you can hear him. He is so much fun."
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