Written by: Jack Davis

Photo credit: Steve Conner

NAMPA — The top-seeded Deary Mustangs ended the sixth-seeded Nezperce Nighthawks' Cinderella run with a 55-42 victory in the 1A State Championship Game on Saturday, claiming their first girls' basketball championship in school history.

The Mustangs cashed in 11 points off turnovers in a game that went back and forth the entire way.

The contest featured four lead changes and major runs from both sides, with momentum constantly shifting. Deary claimed the first state title in school history and completed a 3-0 sweep over its District 2 rival, Nezperce.

Deary jumped out to an early lead, taking a 13-6 advantage after the first quarter. Nezperce responded in the second, forcing multiple turnovers in a row and tying the game at 22 heading into halftime. The Mustangs regained control in the third quarter and carried a 39-33 lead into the final period.

Nezperce refused to go away, clawing back to take a 42-41 lead midway through the fourth quarter. However, Deary flipped the switch late, closing the game on a decisive 14-0 run to secure the historic 55-42 state championship victory.

“It’s hard to articulate. We haven’t been here (in the state championship game) as a Deary team since 1982, so it’s been a while for the community,” Deary head coach Kendra Keen said after the win. “It’s been a really cool thing to see how we all come together and support the girls.”

Allie Vincent led the way for the Mustangs and was named the IdahoSports.com Player of the Game. She finished with 19 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Kaylee Wood (13 points) and Payton Reynolds (13 points, six rebounds) were also crucial in the victory.

“It’s crazy — there are so many emotions right after the game,” Vincent said. “We love our team so much, and I’m going crazy after winning a state championship.”

The Nighthawks fell short but put together a strong tournament run as the No. 6 seed. Helen Wilcox led Nezperce with 14 points in the loss.

“It’s just crazy that we were here,” Wilcox said postgame. “It’s like the first time we’ve been here ever as a school, so I think this just makes us look forward to next year.”


NEZPERCE (17-8) - Helen Wilcox 14, Jada Jensen 12, Kairys Grant 6, Avery Lux 5, Paityn Ralstin 4, Morgan Kirkland 1, Abigail Duuck 0, Elizabeth Duuck 0, Melia Johnson 0, Izzy Horton 0

DEARY (23-2) - Allie Vincent 19, Kaylee Wood 13, Payton Reynolds 13, Madelyn Proctor 7, Karmen Griffin 3, Emily Bovard 0, Vada Jensen 0