Basketball Recap: Payson Falls to Ridgeline in First Game of Season

Payson had to start their season on the road on Tuesday, and it wasn't the start they were hoping for. They lost to the Ridgeline Riverhawks on the road by a 50-34 margin. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Lions of the 54-30 defeat they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in February of 2024.

Emmy Hales

Steals

11/18/25 @ Ridgeline	4
02/20/25 vs Sky View	4
02/14/25 vs Pine View	3
02/07/25 vs Uintah	4
02/04/25 @ Mountain View	3
01/31/25 vs Timpanogos	7

Despite the loss, Payson still got an impressive performance from Emmy Hales, who posted 18 points along with six boards and four steals. Hales is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed three or more in each of the last six games she's played dating back to last season.

Ridgeline was led to victory by Abby Munford and Sam Brown. Munford dropped a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Brown went 6-for-14 to rack up 15 points in addition to five boards and three steals. Another player making a difference was Emy Castleton, who scored seven points and five rebounds.

Payson has already played their next contest, a 61-45 loss against Fremont on the 20th. As for Ridgeline, they also didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next matchup, a 54-15 win against Northridge on the 20th.