The Highland Rams are a team full of clutch players.

    Stefan Gonzalez and Connor Harding are the first names to consider when Highland needs a key basket in a close game.

    Add Braydon West to the list.

    The sophomore guard nailed a trio of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help the Rams overcome a physical Bear River squad, 57-50, Saturday night at Highland High School.

    “Braydon came in and did the things he’s been scared to do in other games,” said Highland head coach Chris Frost. “He popped a 3 and played great for us.”

    Bear River led 23-20 at halftime thanks to four baskets that came after offensive rebounds. The Bruins’ Parker Lewis, a 6-foot-3 physical forward, did most of the damage.

    “They had 12 or 13 offensive rebounds in the first half and ended with about 16,” Frost said. “We talked about that at the break. Those O-boards are key. That’s kind of been our bugaboo at times. We just need to make sure we’re blocking out and being physical.”

    Parker finished with a game-high 23 points.

    The Rams turned the tables in the second half and eventually pulled away because of solid rebounding. They led 37-34 after the third quarter and iced the game with free throws.

    Starting center Nate Page was not in attendance for Highland as he was on a recruiting trip with the Idaho State football team. His presence was missed against the physical Bear River frontcourt.

    Eventually the Rams loosened up the Bruins’ defense.

    “We just tried to execute a little bit, and they started to over-extend,” Frost said. “Their physical ability extended outside the paint, and that helped us. We hit some 3s that helped out. I thought we rebounded well in there. Connor and Maverick Woodward got some key rebounds.”

    Gonzalez led Highland with 16 points. Harding had 15 and West had 13.

    The Rams picked up their third victory of the week, all of them well-earned. They beat Twin Falls and Skyline as well.

    “We had emotional and physical games all week,” Frost said. “Our kids did a good job of not throwing in the towel and doing the things we could have done if we went south. Instead we pushed ourselves to the top and got three wins.”

    Highland (4-1) visits South Summit High School Thursday in the Bear River Tournament. The Rams then take on Sky View Friday and Bear River Saturday.

Highland 57, Bear River 50

Bear River    8    15    11    16 — 50

Highland    10    10    17    20 — 57

Bear River — Jardee Nessen 3 0-0 9, Walker Riley 1 0-0 2, McCade Mitton 1 0-2 2, Landon Cornwall 2 0-2 6, Parker Lewis 8 5-12 23, Stetson Summers 2 2-2 6.

Highland — Kyler Manu 2 0-0 4, Connor Harding 6 3-4 15, Thad Hansen 2 3-7 7, Ben Stephens 1 0-0 2, Stefan Gonzalez 5 3-4 16, Braydon West 3 4-4 13.