Longtime Layton girls’ basketball coach Van Price was counting on a strong defensive effort from his team to put them in a position to knock off undefeated Northridge Wednesday.

His team delivered as the two rivals opened region play. Clutch defensive plays in the game’s latter stages carried Layton to a 47-46 victory Wednesday night, handing Northridge its first loss in 10 games this season.

“They’re good 3-point shooters and they drive to the basket, “Price said of the Knights (9-1), “and we had to contain that.

“We’re a very good man-to-man [defensive] team. We hang our hat on defense.”

After a pair of missed free throws from Layton, Knights forward Lydia Mashburn’s half-court heave sailed short and left of the basket as time expired, sending the Lancer bench into a frenzy.

With both sides ramping up the pressure on defense, showcasing a variety of press and dogged half-court match-ups, baskets were difficult to come by in the fourth quarter.

Lancers guard Kamryn Black’s basket with 3:30 remaining in the game gave Layton (7-2, 1-0 in Region 1) a 41-38 lead as no team led by more than three points in the second half.

Northridge forward Ellie Fisher’s basket on the Knights’ next possession cut the lead to one. The two teams traded trips to the free throw line before Northridge forward Jessica Peterson put the Knights ahead 44-43 with 1:50 left in the game.

On the Lancers next trip up the court, junior guard Brenda Gallegos drove to the basket to give Layton the lead it would not relinquish.

After a stop on the defensive end, Daisy Barker extended the lead to 47-44 with a pair of free throws after being fouled with 47 seconds left.

Northridge responded with a basket of their own to cut the Lancers’ lead to one, and managed a steal on the inbounds play to regain possession and a chance to tie or take the lead.

As the clock rolled to under 10 seconds, Jennica Hess’ shot caromed off the rim and Layton guard Corrine Case secured the rebound.

“We made some uncharacteristic mistakes,” Mashburn said. “Throwing the ball out of bounds and forced shots.

“In the closing minutes, it’s important to pick up the intensity. A big play on defense like a steal and a bucket can swing the momentum. We had been able to make plays like that in past close games, but tonight we just couldn’t get it.”

The Lancers and Knights meet again Jan. 26 at Northridge.

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