ORDER GAME PHOTOS

Written by: Zach White

In Saturday’s girls basketball 2A State Championship, the (#2) Bear Lake Bears defeated the (#4) North Fremont Huskies 41-35. 

This matchup featured stellar defense from both sides, as each team kept each other under their season average in points scored (North Fremont averaged 52 points per game and Bear Lake averaged 49 points per game). 

The Huskies struggled all game to make their field goals, scoring double digit points in only the first quarter; North Fremont totaled eight points scored in quarters two and three, and nine points in the final quarter. 

While the Bear Lake offense struggled in the first half, they came alive in the second half, totaling 25 points, shooting 53.3% from the field, and hitting 8-of-10 free throws. The Bears defense held up, as well.  Bear Lake only allowed an average of 34 points all season and limited the Husky offense to 35 points in this matchup. 

Only two players on the court scored double digit points, North Fremont’s Peyton Lenz and Bear Lake’s Saydee Shaul, who was the IdahoSports.com Player of the Game presented by the Idaho Office of Highway Safety. Shaul was the most efficient scorer on the court, scoring 15 points and leading all players. 

“I just go by ‘no regrets’. If I drive in, I’m gonna shoot if I’m open and if I’m not, then I’m just gonna pass it,” said Shaul when talking about her consistent play in this state tournament. “I have to have the mentality to want more and do more for my teammates to get them hyped.”

Being hyped was the name of this game, as the Bear Lake fans were in full support for the long ride. The team and fan dynamic ultimately led the Bear Lake Bears to the 2A state title. 

NORTH FREMONT (20-7) - Peyton Lenz 11, Josie Richardson 7, Emrie Lenz 6, Grace Heiner 5, Allie Marsden 3, Taylor Sessions 2, Alyssa Hill 1

BEAR LAKE (23-3) - Saydee Shaul 15, Tayzley Neal 6, Halle Wells 6, Peyten Crockett 6, Lilly Crockett 4, Emyri Walker 3, Desiree Alleman 1, Giuli Saxton 0