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5A (Written by Aaron McCree)
Post Falls 60, Mountain View 48
From the beginning, Post Falls jumped out and played aggressive on both the offensive and defensive sides of the floor, but resilient Mountain View had won two straight championships for a reason, never making things easy in this one. With 6:21 left in the fourth quarter, the Mavericks took their first advantage of the game after a huge three from Taeli Carrillo. After a timeout, Post Falls came out firing on all cylinders and held the Mavs to just 6 points in the final six minutes of the game. They didn’t do too shabby on the offensive side of the ball either, as the Trojans poured in 19 points in that same amount of time, and would eventually knock off the powerhouse Mavericks, 60-48. Melody Kempton led the charge for Post Falls, and you would be hard-pressed to find a more dominant player in all of Idaho, as she had 29 points to go along with her 10 rebounds. The Trojans will advance to face the Eagle Mustangs tomorrow at 6:15 p.m., and the defending state champion Mavericks will be relegated to the consolation side of the bracket, where they will face the Highland Rams.
Eagle 68, Highland 44
The Eagle Mustangs lived up to their number one ranking in the state of Idaho, defeating the Highland Rams by a score of 68-44. The Rams jumped out ahead of the aforementioned Mustangs by as many as 9 in the first quarter, but thanks to 4 straight turnovers that led to four consecutive transition buckets, Eagle was able to get back into the game fairly quickly, and with the many talented players that they boast, there was little doubt that the Mustangs would come away with win number 24 of the season. Highland gave a valiant effort, but in the end, it was the defensive pressure and the Mustangs’ ability to execute on offense that proved to be too much. Eagle advances to face the juggernaut Post Falls Trojans in the semifinal matchup tomorrow at 6:15 p.m. The Rams will play the two-time defending state champion Mountain View Mavericks on the consolation side of the bracket at 1:15 p.m.
Madison 52, Kuna 41
This game is exactly what coaches have you shoot free throws in practice for, because there were plenty of free throws for everyone in this one. The Bobcats outscored the Kavemen from Kuna 27-10 in the free throw department, and that ended up being all of the advantage they needed to come away with a huge victory on the opening day of the Real Dairy Shootout. Madison jumped out in the second half on a 15-0 run and never looked back. Madison will play tomorrow night against the state runner-up from a year ago in the Centennial Patriots, in the 8 p.m. game. Kuna will play in a loser-out matchup against Lake City tomorrow at 3 p.m.
Centennial 61, Lake City 38
The Patriots from Centennial High looked like a lot like a team that could compete for a state championship, as they knocked down 70 percent of their three-point attempts on the evening, thanks in large part to a lights-out shooting night from Lauren Brocke, who came out and shot 5-6 from downtown, leading the Patriots with 17 points. Alicia Curry was the unsung hero for Centennial, as she shot nearly 50 percent from the field, finishing with 12 points and 5 rebounds. Her defense and her ability to distribute to open shooters was a huge reason that Centennial was able to pull away so quickly. Lake City was led by Kiara Simpson, who had 13, but she was the only Timberwolves player in double figures. The Patriots look to get back to the state championship game, but before they can get back yet again, they must face off against the District 5-6 top seed in the Madison Bobcats. Lake City dropped to the consolation side of the bracket with the loss, and they will face the Kuna Kavemen tomorrow.
4A (Written by Sven Alskog)
Preston 44, Sandpoint 39
Despite a 26 point performance from Trinity Golder, Sandpoint fell to Preston in a game that was tight throughout. The Indians used a balanced scoring attack behind 11 from Harley Carlisle, 9 from Sydnee Selley and 7 from Morgan Hall to victory. Carlisle also grabbed 9 rebounds in the win, contributing all over the floor for the Indians. Combined with Golder's 26 points, the 7 from Grace Kirscher equated to 33 of the 39 Bulldog points. With the win, Preston advances to play Middleton at 6:15 p.m. in the 4A semifinals on Friday. Sandpoint takes on Minico in the consolation bracket.
Middleton 51, Minico 44
The Vikings extended their winning streak to 14 games with the win over the perennially tough Minico Spartans. A big key for Middleton in this one was getting to the free throw line, something they did a total of 32 times. The Vikings also dominated the boards, outrebounding Minico 53-27. Meriah Deugan was the leading scorer for Middleton with 9 points. Saydi Anderson led the Spartans with 11 on the game. Middleton advances to face Preston on Friday for a berth in the state championship. Minico has Sandpoint in the consolation bracket.
Bishop Kelly 56, Century 49
Theresa Reeping put on a show for the Lady Knights in the win, tallying 24 points on 8-15 shooting from the field, reaching a double-double combined with her 11 rebounds. Gabby Keefe and Lydia Nieto had 12 a-piece for Bishop Kelly as well. Despite a double-double from Chinma Njoku (10 points, 14 rebounds), the Diamondbacks would see their chances at a second consecutive state title come to a culmination. Katie Hiller had 13 for Century in the loss. Bishop Kelly now plays Twin Falls at 8 p.m. on Friday in the semifinals, while Century goes head-to-head with Skyview in the consolation bracket.
Twin Falls 43, Skyview 27
It was a story of two halves in the nightcap of the 4A Girls Real Dairy Shootout on Thursday, with the Bruins outscoring Skyview 29-7 in the second half to roll to a 43-27 victory. Morgan Harr (18 points) and Maddie Aardema (10 points) were stellar for Twin Falls on the offensive end, while Whitney Solosabal did the dirty work down-low, hauling in 11 rebounds. Behind the efforts of Solosabal, the Bruins outrebounded the Hawks 36-24. Skyview had 12 points from Natalie Robison in the loss. Twin Falls sees Bishop Kelly in the semifinals on Friday at 8 p.m. at Mountain View. Skyview enters the consolation bracket against Century.
3A (Written by Sven Alskog)
Sugar-Salem 85, Priest River 41
A 26 point performance from Amanda Rudd propelled the Diggers to a big victory over Priest River in the 3A tournament opener. As a team, Sugar-Salem shot 58 percent from the field, while also forcing the Spartans into 27 turnovers. The Diggers never trailed in this one, leading 45-19 at the half. Madi Fillmore chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds for the victors, while Melissa Krampert led Priest River with 8 points. In the semifinals, Sugar-Salem takes on Kimberly at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, while the Spartans battle Weiser in the consolation bracket.
Kimberly 44, Weiser 40
After trailing by 13 early in the first half, Weiser inched closer throughout, however 17 points and 8 rebounds from Emily Wadsworth and 11 points and 8 rebounds from Ashlie Watts for the Lady Dawgs would prove to be too much. Shelbie Allen posted 12 points in the loss for the Wolverines. Kimberly advances to the semifinals on Friday against Sugar-Salem at 6:15 p.m., while Weiser has Priest River in the consolation bracket.
Timberlake 67, Teton 16
The Tigers showed exactly why they are ranked number one in the state media poll, dominating a quality Teton team from start to finish. Keelie Lawler was unstoppable for Timberlake, totaling 22 points, 6 steals, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Lawler's all-around performance was not the only standout one for Head Coach Matt Miller, with Shelby Starr chipping in 15 points. The Redskins struggled mightily from the field on Thursday, finishing 4/32 on the evening. Timberlake looks to continue its title defense on Friday, squaring off with Parma at 8 p.m. from Middleton. Teton enters the consolation bracket against eastern Idaho foe Marsh Valley.
Parma 52, Marsh Valley 46
A dominant start ignited Parma to a defeat of 2016 3A runner-up Marsh Valley. The Panthers got things going with a 13-2 lead after one and never looked back, making full use of 25 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals from Madison Jackson. In her effort, Jackson shot 7-14 from the field and 10-18 from the charity stripe. Parma also outrebounded the Eagles 38-28 in the game. Marsh Valley struggled to find consistency shooting from the floor, finishing at a 31 percent clip. The Panthers advance to the semifinals on Friday at 8 p.m. against defending state champion Timberlake, while Marsh Valley squares off with Teton.
2A (Written by Aaron McCree)
St. Maries 71, Cole Valley Christian 68
In one of the best games of the first day of the Real Dairy Shootout, the St. Maries Lumberjacks came away with an overtime win in the first session against the Cole Valley Christian Chargers, 71-68. In a game that was back and forth for a majority of it, there was one constant, and that was the post presence. Holly Golenor led the charge for Cole Valley, finishing with 21 points and 14 rebounds. But it wasn’t enough, however, as Kelsey Auer finished with a game high 30 points for the Lumberjacks. Thanks to clutch free throws down the stretch, St. Maries was able to advance to the state semifinals, where they will face the number one team in the 2A state media poll, Ririe, tomorrow at 6:15 p.m. Cole Valley plays again tomorrow as well, at 1:15 p.m., against Marsing.
Ririe 67, Marsing 46
The Ririe Bulldogs showed everyone in Idaho that they mean business this year, and they took out the frustration of not quite getting it done over the past three years on Marsing. Haddi Williams surpassed the 1,000 point mark for her illustrious career, as she added 16 points for the Bulldogs, but the player of the game was Kaylee Brown, who had 12 points to go along with 9 big rebounds. Brown, a senior, is a bit undersized, but is a relentless attacker when it comes to going after the rebounds. Ririe looks to get back to the Idaho Center for the third time in four years, but first they must dance with the St. Maries Lumberjacks. As for Marsing, they will face the Cole Valley Christian Chargers on the consolation side of the bracket.
Soda Springs 41, Declo 31
Soda Springs jumped out on the Hornets from Declo and never looked back. Although Declo made a valiant comeback, the first half deficit was just too much to overcome. Teams on the winners’ side of the bracket have to be fearful of the Cardinals’ offensive attack, as nearly every player on the roster found the scorer’s sheet. A balanced scoring effort, coupled with an aggressive defensive look made it nearly impossible to beat a Soda Springs team just a year removed from a state championship. The Cardinals will face off in the semifinals against conference foe Malad. The Hornets will face the Melba Mustangs.
Malad 49, Melba 40
The size advantage that the Dragons from Malad held ended up being all of the difference in a game against a strong shooting team in the Melba Mustangs. Hanah Petersen was the IdahoSports.com Player of the Game with 17 points and 19 rebounds. The senior post led her Dragons one step closer to a chance to play for a blue trophy, but they will need to get past their conference rival in the Soda Springs Cardinals. As for Melba, they were led by Kori Penzer who finished with 22 points, although she struggled from three-point land, shooting just 2-13 in the game from distance. Melba will play Declo in the consolation side tomorrow at 8 p.m.
1AD1 (Written by Aaron McCree)
Oakley 45, Idaho City 16
From beginning to end, it was all Oakley, as the state tournament kicked off from Columbia. The Hornets came out aggressive early on and never took their foot of the gas, as they defeated the Wildcats from Idaho City, 45-16. A stifling defense, coupled with great transition offense and a solid performance from the free throw line was the recipe for success for Oakley. The Hornets were led in the scoring column by the dynamic pair of junior forwards, Brittany Hardy and Rachael Mitton, who each had 11, getting help from several bench players as well, which propelled them to the 29-point opening round win. Oakley advances to the state semifinals, where they will face the Lapwai Wildcats. Idaho City’s trip to the tournament isn’t over yet either, as they will face the Troy Trojans in the Consolation side of the bracket tomorrow evening at 6:15 p.m.
Lapwai 66, Troy 25
The Wildcats defeated conference foe Troy in the opening round affair. Things started slow for Lapwai, but after a hot shooting third quarter and great production from one of the deepest benches in all of Idaho, the eventual outcome became evident. Led in scoring by Ione Chimburus and Koyama Young, who each had 16 on the afternoon. The stifling press that Lapwai is famous for became more and more of a problem as the game went along as well, as the Wildcats forced 42 turnovers, leading to easy buckets and lots of opportunities at the line. Lapwai will play in the semifinal game tomorrow against the Oakley Hornets, and Troy will square up with Idaho City in the 1:15 p.m. game.
Horseshoe Bend 53, Valley 50
Senior guard Kate Renfro had 21 points and sophomore teammate Syringa Riley added 15 in this one for Horseshoe Bend. It seemed as though the Mustangs were destined to advance to the semifinals, but senior forward Kynsee Mussmann had something to say about that, as her Valley Vikings trailed 44-41, with 3.5 seconds left in the ball game. Mussmann caught the ball in stride, took two dribbles and let fly a shot that she will surely never forget. The three from the right hand of Mussmann found the bottom of the net. However, after Mussmann fouled out in the extra period, the Mustangs were able to cling to a lead for the remainder of overtime, coming away with a 53-50 win. Horseshoe Bend will face the Prairie Pirates in the semifinals and the Vikings will play against Liberty Charter on the consolation side tomorrow at 8 p.m.
Prairie 66, Liberty Charter 26
In the last game of day 1 of the Real Dairy Shootout, the Prairie Pirates asserted their dominance and ran over the Liberty Charter Patriots, 66-26. The Pirates were led in scoring by India Peery, who finished with 16 points. She was helped by Angela Wemhoff with 13 points and senior guard Kylie Tidwell with 9. Liberty Charter really struggled to move the basketball, and the shots that have fallen all year long for the Patriots just weren’t falling tonight. The Pirates were suffocating on the defensive end of the basketball, as they forced turnover after turnover and provided themselves with all sorts of opportunities to score in transition. The Prairie Pirates will face the Horseshoe Bend Mustangs tomorrow in the 3 p.m. game and the Liberty Charter Patriots will face the Valley Vikings in the night cap at 8 p.m.
1AD2 (Written by Aaron McCree)
Butte County 57, Lakeside 30
The Pirates flexed their muscles early and often, as they continued their perfect season with a 57-30 defeat of the Lakeside Knights. The press that has kept Butte County undefeated was in full effect tonight, forcing the Knights to turn the ball over 29 times. Kinsey Isham, a senior forward for the Pirates, led the offense in scoring with 13 points to go along with her 5 rebounds. Butte County played well on both sides, and although Lakeside shot fairly well from the field, it wasn’t enough in the end. Butte County plays Nezperce in the 1:15 p.m. game tomorrow and Lakeside will play at 6:15 p.m. against the Carey Panthers.
Nezperce 47, Carey 36
The story of the second session matchup was free throw shooting, and that’s what led the Indians to the victory this afternoon. Although from a percentage standpoint, (56 percent), it wasn’t stellar, it was the 21 made free throws that really made the difference. Nezperce was led in scoring by the Stapleton sisters, Hannah and Maddie, who had 15 and 10 points, respectively. The Indians will face off against undefeated Butte County at 1:15 p.m. Friday. Carey draws the Knights from Lakeside High School.
Salmon River 53, Castleford 52
At Nampa High School, the site of the 1AD2 state tournament, the Salmon River Savages stormed back after being down by as many as 13 against Castleford, pulling out a 53-52 victory to advance to the state semifinals. Maddy Tucker and Chevelle Shepherd did it all for the Savages, as the dynamic duo ended up scoring all but three of the team’s points in the second half. Shepherd was the IdahoSports.com Player of the Game, and very deservedly so, as she finished with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Salmon River will advance to face the Genesis Prep Jaguars, who are making their first appearance at the state tournament. Castleford will play tomorrow at 8 p.m. against the Rockland Bulldogs.
Genesis Prep 59, Rockland 38
Bella Murekatete is a dominating force. In without a doubt, the most impressive individual stat line of day one of the Real Dairy Shootout, Murekatete finished with 33 points and 29 rebounds, to go along with her 8 assists. The 6’4" post led the Jaguars from the beginning in the first girls basketball tournament win in school history. Genesis Prep is making their first state tournament appearance ever and is now just one game away from playing for a state championship. They will need to get past a tough Salmon River team in the 3 p.m. game Friday. The Bulldogs will look to make up for their loss in a matchup with a talented Castleford group.
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