Bingham (21-3) learned this the hard way Friday night as Peterson controlled the key on both ends and helped the Eagles knock Bingham out of the Class 5-A state tournament with a 36-31 semifinal win.

"It feels great, so great, to be ranked and then be the underdogs coming back to the state championship," said Peterson, who finished with 16 points, six rebounds and six blocks. "During the second half, I took it to them. Those [blocks] felt so great. They help me so much. When I do something like that, I have more confidence."

Sophomore Jenteal Jackson thought Peterson's defensive energy helped Skyline (20-3) keep their momentum during some tense moments down the stretch.

"[Dani Peterson] gets us pumped up so much," said Jackson, who contributed 8 points. "She gives our team a lot of momentum."

Skyline plays Mountain View tonight at 8 p.m. at Salt Lake Community College in the 5-A title game.

The Eagles were bounced in the quarterfinals of the 5-A playoffs a year ago, and redemption was a motivator Friday, according to Jackson.

Because of Skyline's strict defense, Bingham scored only two field goals in the fourth quarter and put in only three field goals in the second half.

Though the Eagles struggled with their free throws late in the fourth quarter,

hitting nine of 20, they managed to pull out the victory. And though coach Deb Bennett called Skyline's free throw shooting unusual for her team, she was proud of the Eagles' effort.

"It was a great matchup tonight; we're both good defensive teams," Bennett said. "But I'm proud of our kids. We've been underdogs all year. After our second loss to Brighton, the team was very committed. Teamwork is what carried us down the stretch."

Skyline senior Jaime Judkins hit two crucial free throws in the final seconds of the game to keep Skyline's lead alive. Coming off the bench, junior Teresa Uipi ignited the Eagles early and posted 8 points and 4 rebounds.