By Rich Winter

| Special to The Tribune

Taylorsville • American Fork’s girls’ basketball team showed some early nerves Tuesday against Hunter, but the Cavemen made the correct adjustments and won 55-44, advancing to play Alta in the quarterfinals of the 5A tournament Thursday.

Cassidy Fraughton led American Fork with 18 points, while senior Sadie Williams added 14 and Ashley Baugh totaled 12.

At a glance

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American Fork 55, Hunter 44

» The Cavemen knock down six 3-pointers to break the game open.

» After Hunter’s Dezz Ramos scores 14 first-half points, American Fork uses a “junk defense” to hold her to six points after halftime.

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"I think we were a little nervous early and settled for jump shots," said Williams.

Hunter’s Dezz Ramos showed little fear in the early going, but her 14-point outburst by halftime drew the attention of the Cavemen defenders, said coach Corey Clayton.

"Dezz is just so athletic, and such a great scorer," said Clemons. "We threw a junk defense at them in the second half, and I don’t think they were ready for it."

Tied at 23 at the half, and with too many jumpers not finding the mark, Cassidy Fraughton took over. The 5-foot-10 junior scored just six after intermission, but her ability to get in the lane completely changed the complexion of the game.

"When things started to get fast, coach just told us to run the offense, be patient, to get open and for everyone to run on the break," said Fraughton.

Junior Ashley Baugh, scoreless at the half, scored 14 points after the break, including a pair of fourth-quarter treys that broke the game open.

"I thought everyone shot the ball well for a first round game," said Clayton.

Alta and American Fork played on Jan. 4, with the Caveman earning a 63-60 win.