Placer pulls away from Granite Bay, remains unbeaten

Once Placer High School's Emmett Rose heats up, there's little anyone can do to stop him. The senior sharpshooter was in full command Monday night, scoring a game-high 36 points to lead the Hillmen to an 80-71 win over Granite Bay at the Earl Crabbe Gym in Auburn. Rose showcased why he's regarded as one of the top shooters in the state, sinking eight 3-pointers and all six free-throw attempts. He also provided timely stops and reeled in crucial rebounds down the stretch. "He's been doing this since we've had him on varsity," said Placer coach Nate Swesey. "He made a lot of big shots last year and people are gunning for him. He's still finding a way to get open. When he shoots it, I'm actually surprised when it doesn't go in." Swesey said Rose's growth has gone far beyond his trademark perimeter touch and that the rebounding and defense are reflections of the hard work he put in all offseason to have a well-rounded skill set. "As a sophomore, he was basically a 3-point shooter," Swesey said. "He's worked all summer to become a complete player. He's a very intelligent basketball player, offensively, defensively and understands the game really well. I'm glad he's on Placer." Granite Bay stayed within striking distance all night, going on runs to inch closer, but could never pull ahead. Two defining runs in the second half helped decide the outcome. When the Grizzlies pulled within two late in the third, Rose took over in the final minute and spearheaded a 12-3 run to give the Hillmen an 11-point advantage. Granite Bay clawed back again and tied the score at 71, but a 9-0 run to end the game was enough to preserve Placer's unbeaten record thanks to clutch performances by Rose, Kannon Rector, Max Manley and Joe Manley. "Give them all the credit in the world," Swesey said of Granite Bay's comeback attempt. "They're very well-coached. They have great players, they can shoot it, they've got inside play, they get downhill, and when you help, they kick it to shooters. It's tough matchups everywhere." Swesey credited Placer's offense for keeping pace with Granite Bay, noting it was a fast-paced game and neither side could string together stops consistently. "In high school, you don't see a lot of 80-71 games," Swesey said. "It was up and down, a lot of action on both ends." The win capped Placer's fourth game in five days, and the Hillmen (6-0) had little time to rest with a rivalry clash against Del Oro looming Tuesday. Granite Bay (1-2) was to visit Franklin on Tuesday.