ORDER GAME PHOTOS

On Saturday inside the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, statewide basketball fans finally learned what those in District 3 have known for a while: that Melba is a pretty darn good team.

Facing an unknown opponent in Soda Springs, the Mustangs took a fairly even competition between the two and pulled away in the fourth quarter with timely free throw shooting.

How even was this state championship battle?  The Cardinals and Mustangs were even in turnovers (23 each), nearly even in rebounds (Soda Springs won 36-35) and in shooting percentages (Melba had the better overall mark, 38% to 32%).

The difference came at the free-throw line, where Melba attempted 37 foul shots, compared to 21 for the Cardinals.  Melba sank 26-of-37 from the line (70%) to seal the win up late.  Soda Springs, meanwhile, left points at the line in a 9-for-21 performance (43%).

Melba led 25-14 at halftime, but Soda Springs caught fire in the third, outscoring the Mustangs 17-8 in the period to cut the cap 33-31.  That set up Melba's fourth quarter finish at the free throw line.

The Mustangs had three players reach double figures in scoring, as Kendall Clark led the way with 18 points and 10 rebounds.  Hallie Arnold added 11 while Brooklyn Dayley finished with ten.

Soda Springs was paced by Taylor Billman's 16 points.
 
SODA SPRINGS (22-5) - Taylor Billman 16, Jinettie Garbett 13, Abby Goodin 9, Zippy Somsen 6, Alexa Moldenhauer 2, Kinley Ozburn 0, Gracie Moldenhauer 0, Cate Walker 0

MELBA (26-0) - Kendall Clark 18, Hallie Arnold 11, Brooklyn Dayley 10, Keylee Wilson 8, Tariah Carter 4, Darby Lowber 4, Meya Young 0, Ellie Johnson 0, Melina Helm 0