The American Fork boys basketball team had a predictably toe-to-toe battle with Alta in the 5A semifinals Friday afternoon.

After remaining close throughout, the score was tied at 26 entering the final quarter. The Hawks pulled ahead by a few points, but a pair of Ryan Andrus foul shots pushed the Cavemen to within 31-32 with about a minute to go.

However, Alta scored six unanswered points to close out the game and secure the 38-31 win to advance to the championship contest.

Both teams defended fiercely, but also shot just 28.9 percent from the field. It was a deliberately-paced game, and the lack of dominating on the glass and converting down low hurt American Fork the most.

“We figured playing them, the score would be in the 30s or 40s with Alta,” said American Fork coach Doug Meacham. “What it came down to was rebounding and we didn’t shoot the ball well. That’s a bad combination.”

However, the coach was not disappointed at what his squad achieved this season.

“If anyone had told me at the first of the year that this group of guys would get to the semifinals, I would have had my doubts,” he said. “I’m just real happy for them. They’ve come a long way.”

The bright spot for the Cavemen was forward Tyler Rawson, who shot 4-of-9 from the field and finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds for a hard-earned double-double. Ryan Andrus added 14 points and seven boards.

Trevor Hill led the Hawks with 11 points.

American Fork finished the season at 17-9 and will return many of their better players next season.

“We’ve had our highs and lows this year, that’s for sure,” Meacham said. “In the preseason we grew a lot. I think I used more different lineups this season than any other years, and the guys handled that with maturity.”

He said the team referred to themselves as “brothers” in the huddle and were a group of outstanding young men.

“If I had 16 daughters, I would be happy for one of them to marry each one of these boys,” the coach added. “That’s how much I think of them.”

Beky Beaton can be reached at bbeaton@heraldextra.com. Follow her on Twitter at @BeatonWrite.

Alta 38, American Fork 31

American Fork (31)

Bailey 3, Line 2, Andrus 14, Rawson 12. Totals 11 8-9 31.

Alta (38)

Heslop 3, Albrecht 5, Hill 11, Rollins 8, Beard 2, Heyland 4, Debenham 3, Glissmeyer 2. Totals 13 9-12 38.

Alta 12 9 5 5 31

American Fork 11 10 5 12 38

3 point goals: American Fork 1 (Bailey); Alta 3 (Heslop, Albrecht, Debenham).