The Riverton High School girls basketball team closed out an amazing season with a loss in the  semifinals of the 5A girls state tournament.

“We were picked to finish fourth in our region. I feel fantastic about our season. These kids give it their all. They just play hard, I do not need to ask them to,” head coach Ron Ence said.

The Silverwolves closed out their regular season with an 18-2 record.  They secured their second straight Region 4 championship and 14th straight state tournament appearance.

They opened the state tournament against Bingham with a 53-43 victory, the teams first win over the rival since 2012. Kirsten Spencer scored game-high 15 points. Rebecca McDougal and Tiena Afu each finished with 10 points.

Riverton advanced to the second round against Viewmont. They beat the Vikings 52-46. Afu scored 13 points and grabbed four rebounds. Spencer scored 10 points, six from the free throw line in the final minutes.

“I certainly like coaching this team. We never have a D1 [division one college talent], but we have very good talent,’ Ence said.

The Silverwolves advanced to the tournament semifinals to face Brighton. The Bengals front line proved to be too much for the Silverwolves. They were out rebounded 41-20 in the 43-31 loss. Spencer scored 11 points and Afu had another seven. Riverton only managed to shoot 24% in the game.

“We were a little bit off. We moved the ball inside and out, but the shots just would not fall. Brighton is a very good team,” Ence said.

Brighton advanced to the championship game where they defeated Fremont 49-40 to win the state title.

“We have a good team. I really liked playing for Coach Ence. He teaches us all to hustle all of the time and give it our best,” senior Sarah Ralphs said.