The State Champs
The State Tournaments came to a close this weekend with some thrilling games. Teams left blood, sweat and tears on the floor as they attempted to chase a coveted trophy and go home with glory as: State Champs. Let’s look…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe State Tournaments came to a close this weekend with some thrilling games. Teams left blood, sweat and tears on the floor as they attempted to chase a coveted trophy and go home with glory as: State Champs. Let’s look at how some of the games unfolded.
Marsh Valley wins first State Title since 1988
The Eagles beat McCall-Donnelly 58-51 for the state title Saturday, the school’s first boys basketball championship since 1988 in 3A Championship.
Cody Hansen Cody Hansen 6'2" | SG Marsh Valley | 2021 State ID (14 points) and Bracken Howell Bracken Howell 6'1" | SG Marsh Valley | 2021 State ID (12) led Marsh Valley, which shot 41.3% from the floor and 15-for-17 from the free-throw line.
Marsh Valley put a damper in McCall Donnelly’s chances by being lights out from the floor. They went 6-of-8 from the floor and converted 8-of-9 free throws to maintain a lead throughout the fourth quarter. Neither team had much of a lead during a tight back-and-forth battle.
McCall-Donnelly’s DJ Green, who routinely muscled his way into the lane for a game-high 21 points, brought the Vandals within 44-43 in the fourth but that was the closest the squad got. It was still an outstanding year for McCall-Donnelly who did not even play a game until Jan 15 because of local COVID policies. The title stage was a program-first for McCall-Donnelly and the Vandals hadn’t been to the state tournament since 2011.
Middleton Holds Off Preston
Preston’s Druw Jones’ 3-pointer at the buzzer ripped through the net, the red light on the backboard flashed, the buzzer sounded, and it was Middleton’s players sprinting away to celebrate their state title, the school’s first in boys basketball since 1965.
Middleton held off Preston in a 47-45 victory in the 4A title game. Preston was going for a fifth title in six years, but the dynasty came to a close Saturday.
The two teams produced a classic if sloppy title game, the atmosphere and stakes of the moment ratcheting up the intensity on the court. You were able to cut the tension with the knife. The game never got out of hand with a majority of it being a two-possession game at most.
For Middleton, it signified a long journey to get back to this moment and have an opportunity to be champs. Meanwhile, Preston will be wondering what if.
Other State Title Scores
Garden Valley 88, Dietrich 73 (IA DII Championship)
Lapwai 82, Riverstone 60 (IA DI Championship)
St. Maries 51, Ambrose School 50 (2A Championship)
Meridian 68, Lake City 54 (5A Championship)