The big game is here -- well almost. First the Scots and then the big game.

If the Grantsville girls basketball team can defeat Region 11 cellar-dweller Ben Lomond tonight, and add a victory against Morgan in Granstville on Thursday night, it would give them a share of the Region 11 championship and a major confidence boost heading into the state tournament.

Newspapers have ranked the Cowgirls and Lady Trojans among the top four teams in 3A basketball. Grantsville would like nothing better than to defeat its rivals in the final regular season game and perhaps earn the region's top seed heading into state tournament action. If the two teams tie for the region crown, the number one seed will be determined by a coin toss.

"We're anxious for Thursday. We've mentioned it a few times," said Grantsville coach Kenzie Newton. "We hope to get a good crowd."

Newton already has passed out a few free passes at Junior Jazz games, and free prizes await one of the students at the game if selected as the "ultimate fan."

"Mostly we just need to play our game. Last time we focused too much on what they do and not enough focus on what we do," Newton said.

Morgan started out terrifically in the first half and built a 21-point lead by halftime in that game back on Jan. 17. The Cowgirls carved into the lead and lost their only game of the season by 12 points at Morgan 59-47. It is the only blemish on Gransville's 18-1 record.

"We have to come out strong with lots of ball pressure and not give up any easy baskets. Last time they doubled us in rebounds so we need to box out and not give up any easy second shots," the coach said.

The Cowgirls will also try to keep Morgan's 6-foot tall center Chelsey Garfield in check. She scored 28 points in the first meeting between the two teams.

"I'm expecting them to come out full-throttle against us so we need to be ready," Newton said.

Last Thursday, Grantsville rolled past Ogden 53-31. The Lady Tigers battled hard in the first quarter and outscored Grantsville 11-8.

"Although we were down early we came out in the first half with a lot of energy. We were patient on offense and kept our composure and handled their one-three-one trapping defense," Newton said.

Grantsville outscored Ogden 45-20 in the final three quarters. Once again, Grantsville's bench players provided some spark.

"I've just been really happy with our bench. A game like this gives us a chance for our bench players to play more minutes and they've really looked good," the coach said.

Mallory Oltjenbruns came into the game and scored five points including one three-pointer. Ashley Bartlett and Lynnsey Ware each scored two points.

"Taylor Chaney also came in and played really good defense," Newton added.

Grantsville was almost perfect from the foul line in the game hitting 11 of 13 free throws.

Sammie Jensen led the team in scoring with 18 points including five of five from the foul line. Sophomore Kelsi Wells scored 10 points and pulled in seven rebounds.

"Kelsi is a very consistent player. It seems she always gets about the same number of points and rebounds each game," the coach said.

Kylie Erickson poured in nine points, Marissa Robbins added five and Rachel Topham two.

For the year, Wells and Erickson have averaged 12 points per game and Jensen averages 15.

Win or lose, Grantsville will host a state playoff game on Feb. 15. The 3A girls state basketball tournament will be held Feb. 21-23 at the E Center in West Valley City.

Mark Watson: mwatson@tooeletranscript.com