Alta of Utah hit a couple 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter to take the lead, then hit a dozen free throws down the stretch to top Prairie in the opening round of the Gillette Energy Classic in Wyoming.
Greg Bernash scored 16 points to lead Prairie. Palmer Goecke had 11 points as well as a team-high seven rebounds and three steals.
Alta took advantage of 16 offensive rebounds.
Prairie will face Sheridan of Wyoming on Tuesday morning.
GILLETTE (WYO.) ENERGY CLASSIC
ALTA (Utah) 55, PRAIRIE 45
PRAIRIE — Palmer Goecke 11, Kameron Osborn 0, Braiden Broadbent 0, Michael Stockbridge 10, Seth Hall 1, Chase Lund 0, Logan Reed, Dwayne Stewart 0, Greg Bernash 16, Ronnie McPherson 2, Matthew Kogler 5. Totals 16 (5) 8-10 45.
ALTA (Utah) — Fulton 17, Moore 4, Nandar 10, Kirkland 2, Grow 5, Armstrong 18. Totals 16 (9) 14-23 55.
Prairie 11 8 8 18–45
Alta 8 8 11 28–55
