No 2A boys basketball state tournament contender could solvedefending champion Firth.

The Cougars repeated as champions on Saturday, flexing theirmuscles early and late to hold off Soda Springs 52-39.

It’s the seventh title in program history for the Cougars,and their sixth in the last nine seasons.

“This program is special. I believe it’s the best in Idaho,”said Firth junior Connor Burkhart, who had 13 points and 10 rebounds for theCougars. “It’s a testament to our coaches, and they get us in the right placesto succeed.”

Braydon Adams had 17 points to pace Firth in the win,capping his senior season with a second straight title.

“It’s great to go out on top and finish it this way,” Adamssaid.

Firth raced away from Soda Springs in the second quarter,using a 16-0 run to go up 19 just before halftime.

The Cardinals shrunk the gap back to single digits on fiveseparate occasions but the margin was too wide to comeback from completely.

Ultimately, it was again Firth which pulled away, winningits third straight tournament game by double-digits.

“When things go bad, bad teams fall apart and good teamscome together,” Burkhart said. “We came together. It was tough, but we cametogether.”

For Soda Springs, Josh Bowman had 12 points and TannerMeyers added 10.

The Cardinals were trying to complete a sweep of thebasketball titles after their girls won the 2A tournament two weeks ago.

Box Score

Webcast Replay

Idaho Sports Playerof the Game: Braydon Adams, Firth.