ISU women vs. Northern Arizona — the extra thoughts

For a feature story on Abyee Maracigan and a few comments on Idaho State's game versus Northern Arizona, click here.

There's a few things I didn't put in the story that I think are noteworthy.

Abyee had this to say about how important this weekend's game are ...

"It’s a big weekend for us," she said. "It’s senior weekend so everybody’s families will be in. So we want to perform well in our last two games here.”

But with the parents in town, is that a distraction? (not that anyone would ever suggest that anyone's parents shouldn't visit their kid in his or her last home game of their career)

“You have to keep your emotions in check, and I think all of us are realizing that coming into this week," Maracigan said. "We talked about it all season. We’re seniors and then boom this week comes, and it’s kind of one of those things that they’re not two games where can kinda just be sad. It’s kind of like, it’s our last two games at Reed and we really want to go out winning. ... That’s the focus we’re going to go with. The parents are in town, might as well have them come into town and we win both games.”

Here's  a few things ISU head coach Seton Sobolewski had to say about Northern Arizona and how he thinks his team is playing right now.


“We’re winning as of late, other than the Montana game the other day, we’ve been playing really well," he said. "We’ve been getting better. I feel like we’re even starting to shoot the ball a little bit better. It’s not perfect, we’re not as consistent as we should be, but our defense is continuing to get better as the year goes on."

Why do you think the the defense has improved?

“Knowing our conference opponents, that helps," Sobolewski said. "Being a little smarter, just being in more of a groove and a routine in terms of our preperation. Film at this time for this amount of time, going to practice and we practice the things we saw on film. And it’s becoming more seamless, the process of our preperation. I think there’s some urgency there, too, to play well towards the end of the year.”

Parents of the seniors are coming in? Good, obviously, but something that can cause a distraction?


“I’m not worried about that because hopefully they understand this is their last couple of home games, most likely of their career, and they don’t want to waste that or ruin that," Sobolewski said. "Having the family in town is more of an opportunity for those people to enjoy the last couple of games together. ...

“I think they could be a little over excited, but nerves fizzle out in the first five minutes of a game anyway.”

What challenges does Northern Arizona present?

“I think they are a little streaky," he said. "They’ve kind of had people coming and going all year. Meaning (that) someone’s hurt and not playing, someone who hasn’t been playing and then someone who hasn’t been playing well is now playing well.

“For example, Amanda Frost, she doesn’t play any games this season until they play at Southern Utah and she scores 27, ... and she’s hitting threes from Idaho Central. ...

“So that changed the dynamic of their team. People adjusted to her. They weren’t winning as much and then Erikka Banks is all of a sudden playing more. She’s a six-foot (post) who’s extremely athletic and hard working, and she gives them a boost. They’ve kind of been up and down for those reasons."


(As a point of reference. Banks didn't even play in NAU's first 10 games, and then her minutes were sporadic until the last four. Last weekend, against North Dakota she played 33 minutes and finished with 18 points and nine rebounds. Then against Sacramento State, Banks put up 25 points, 14 rebounds and seven steals before fouling out after playing 28 minutes. She hasn't started yet.)


“They’ve got fantastic talent and athleticism," Sobolewski said. "They don’t have great depth, but they are very athletic and talented. I would say Amy Patton, from a pure talent, is the most talented guard in the conference.”

How did you hold Amy Patton in check last game? (In 39 minutes Patton was 4-for-11 from the field and ended the night with eight points.)

“It’s a team effort, and we just try to work hard at it," Sobolewski said. ... "And she luckily had a little bit of an off night. That helped us but she’s still, what, top 30 in the conference in scoring at 18 a game. She’s incredibly talented, incredibly. I think Tyler Stephens-Jenkins, Erikka Banks, Raven Anderson, they’re all really talented, too."

Big Sky rankings — The ending is near

After so much losing, we’re finally here. Weber State has lost 44 straight games. If the Wildcats lose to Sacramento State Thursday their 45th loss will set the new standard (of really poor basketball).

Oddly enough, Sac. State is the team that WSU is tied with for most consecutive defeats. Should Hornets head coach Jamie Craighead bring up that fact during the pregame? Why not? What’s wrong with a little extra motivation?

Without further ado.

1. Montana 19-6, 13-3
Last week: No. 2
After dropping a spot to No. 2, Montana moves back to the top after having last weekend off.

Why are the Lady Griz No. 1 in these polls (ignoring the fact that with the best record in the Big Sky Montana is clearly positioned to win the regular season outright)?

It’s because at 65.3 points a game, only two teams score more points than the Lady Griz, and the two teams that do score more points also give up way more than everyone other than UM. 

Montana’s defense is second only to Idaho State’s in terms of points allowed per game (54.7 for UM and 54.0 for ISU).

The Lady Griz are No. 1 in these polls because, along with an efficient offense and a brutal defense, Montana protects the ball, averaging a league-low 12.4 turnovers a game (eighth in the country).

Montana is No. 1 because it grinds opponents down with precision and execution.

Right now, Montana is a game clear of Northern Colorado. But the Lady Griz have Southern Utah at home Thursday and three games on the road (Montana State, Northern Arizona and Sacramento State) to end the season. So, advantage UNC.

Speaking of the Bears ...

2. Northern Colorado 16-10, 13-4
Last week No. 1
Northern Colorado knocked off North Dakota 44-41 in frigid Grand Forks and then fell to Southern Utah 73-57 at home.

The Bears were up 17-8 on the Thunderbirds about nine minutes into the game. Southern Utah responded with seven 3-pointers, 30 made free throws and a 65-40 run over the last 31 minutes.

It was Northern Colorado’s first loss in Greeley and crippling to its hopes of hosting the postseason tournament. The Bears shots 29 percent from the field and a paltry 5-of-30 from the perimeter.

D’shara Strange and Lauren Oosdyke — UNC’s two leading scorers — were a combined 14-for-37. Strange scored 24 points but she needed 23 shots to do it.

Was this upset just a game where Northern Colorado couldn’t hit a shot while SUU couldn’t miss? Or is it something larger, a sign of future issues for the Bears?

3. Idaho State 15-10, 10-6
Last week: No. 3
In Reed Gym, Idaho State walloped Weber State 68-37.

Am I a homer? I’m not an Idaho State alum but I’m nervous that my vicinity to ISU’s campus has clouded my thought process.

Why don’t I have the Eastern Washington Eagles at No. 3? EWU has a better conference record and beat ISU in Pocatello the one time they clashed this season (by the way, who isn’t looking forward to that rematch March 7?).

Eastern has wins over Montana, Northern Colorado and Sacramento State, and there isn’t a better shooting team in the Big Sky. These are the things I worry about.

But I’ll tell you what, I’m going with the Bengals at No. 3 because of one thing — defense. ISU plays a lot of it and I’m not sold EWU is elite on that end (actually, looking at the numbers, I know Eastern isn’t great).

And if we’re thinking ahead to a conference tournament where players might have to sludge through three games in three days, side with the ones that win games relying more on defense than shooting.

So there, I’m not a homer.

4. Eastern Washington 15-10, 11-5
Last week: No. 4
In its only game of the weekend, Eastern Washington hammered Portland State 83-51.

I hit on Eastern up above, so I want to take a few lines here and discuss EWU’s miserable home-court attendance.

In eleven homes games, the Eagles have drawn 4,722 fans. That’s about 429 people per contest. Only Northern Arizona and Sacramento State have done worse, and it’s less than half what the Bengal women draw.

I can already hear the excuses rolling in like, ‘Well, Kyle, it’s women’s basketball and no one cares.’ Or, ‘Man, there’s so much to do in Spokane that it’s hard to make the time to drive to Cheney for a game.’

Seriously, are we really accepting those excuses? Seriously? The Gonzaga women, a whopping 25 minutes away, average 5,664.

I know there are other circumstances at work here, but overall, and this is undeniable, there’s just an apathetic attitude that is unbelievably disappointing. People don’t care. They’d rather sit at home on their couch and watch bad reality television.

5. Sacramento State 15-10, 10-6
Last week: No. 5
Sacramento State beat Northern Arizona in Flagstaff 78-68.

Can I tell you how excited I am to watch the Hornets when they visit Pocatello this Saturday (and not just because there’s a player with the same last name as me)? Sac. State simply wants to outscore its opponents. Defense, ball possession, executing plays ... pssh ... Sacramento State would rather shoot, create steals and play as fast as possible, in total contrast to Idaho State.

Oh, and we’ll have a chance to watch Kylie Kuhns in person. She’s a mere 17 rebounds away from breaking ISU’s Natalie Doma’s all-time rebounding record of 1,174.

Of course, it’s also a game with major implications on the Big Sky postseason’s tournament, too.
   
6. Southern Utah 13-13, 7-9
Last week: No. 7
Southern Utah made the long trip from Cedar City to Greeley and whipped Northern Colorado 73-57.

Every week, I try to make fun of SUU and its mascot, the Thunderbird (since it’s absolutely ridiculous to call yourself a Thunderbird). How can I do that after you beat a team that not only hadn’t lost at home all year but was riding a nine-game winning streak.

And of the teams vying for the last postseason spot, SUU is now in the pole position with four games left. So props to you Southern Utah and all the mystical, supernatural birds of power and strength everywhere.
   
 7. Northern Arizona 7-18, 6-10
Last week: No. 6
At home, Northern Arizona lost to Sacramento State 78-68.

The final margin was 10 but it wasn’t that close. Sac. State led by 16 at the break and by as much as 24 in the second half.

The Big Sky’s leading scorer, Amy Patton, played 19 minutes and finished with seven points. Interestingly enough, Patton subbed out with 13:11 left and did not return. At the time, NAU was down 19.

I don’t know if she was hurt — I can’t find anything that said she was — and I don’t know if it was a coaching decision (I’m thinking it was). Either way, with Patton out NAU whittled the lead down to nine.

8. North Dakota 11-16, 6-12
Last week: No. 9
In Grand Forks, North Dakota picked up a split, falling to Northern Colorado 44-41 and rocking Portland State 71-50.

Mascot-less North Dakota’s chances of reaching the postseason tournament are slim — like Hollywood actress kind of skinny.

And now with the season almost over two backup guards — that started a combined 26 games this season — announced they’re both transferring. So, I guess, everything isn’t going too well in North Dakota land.

On the bright side the temperature in Grand Forks is projected to nearly reach 30 degrees today.

9. Montana State 15-10, 9-7
Last week: No. 10
Montana State took a week off to recover from its six-game losing steak (what, you think I’m going to count that four-point victory over Weber State as a win?).

OK, admittedly a bad joke. MSU did end its three-week nightmare Feb. 16 after finally getting off the schneid and beating Weber (thank goodness, too, because “The Watch to History” is almost complete).

Does anyone know what to expect in the Bobcats’ next game this Saturday when they host Montana (MSU beat UM 58-49 Jan. 19)?
   
10. Portland State 11-15, 5-12
Last week: No. 8
Minus two starters, Portland State has gone into an absolute tailspin. PSU lost to Eastern Washington 83-51 in Cheney and 71-50 to North Dakota in Grand Forks.

The Vikings have Northern Colorado on the road Saturday before hosting Weber and ISU to end the season. Portland State is a talented team. Knee injuries to Kate Lanz and Angela Misa are unfortunate.

11. Weber State 0-25, 0-16
Last week: No. 11
After a spirited 12 minutes, Weber State was tied with Idaho State at 15-15. Thankfully, for all of us out there, ISU flipped the switch and blew out WSU 68-37.

If Sacramento State can hold up its end of the deal Thursday in Ogden, we’ll have a new record.

Big Sky Rankings — What in the world

As in what in the world is going on in Bozeman with the Montana State Bobcats?

MSU ended its six-game skid against Weber State Saturday, barely holding off the 0-24 Wildcats 69-65 (the same team MSU beat by 30 points Jan. 24 in Ogden).

It’s been an absolute tailspin of a month for the ’Cats, who were 8-1 and in first place of the conference at one point. Now they’re in sixth place and, if the losing continues, in danger of falling out of the postseason altogether. 

Who would’ve guessed, right? Yet another reason why basketball — particularly the college version — is amazing.

Without further ado.   

1. Northern Colorado 15-9, 12-3
Last week: No. 2
 Whatever problems Northern Colorado had on the road are gone because the Bears destroyed Northern Arizona 71-43 in Flagstaff and then outscored Sacramento State 81-73 in The Nest.

Northern Colorado, winner of its last eight, lost three of its first four conference games on the road. But since UNC and D’shara Strange gutted out a one-point victory in Reed Gym Jan. 31, the Bears have seemingly solved whatever woes were following them away from Greeley.

2. Montana 19-6, 13-3
Last week: No. 1
In Dahlberg Arena, Montana throttled Weber State 90-43 and handily beat Idaho State 61-49.

The Lady Griz drop a notch in the rankings because Northern Colorado’s eight-game winning streak — which includes a win over UM — is hard to ignore. And while I’m sure Griz nation is devastated by dropping a spot, there is a silver lining.

In the battle for the postseason’s No. 1 spot — and the right to host the Big Sky tournament — the edge goes to Montana.

UM hosts Southern Utah before traveling to the hot mess known as Montana State, and then Montana finishes its regular season at Northern Arizona and Sacramento State.

Northern Colorado still has to travel to North Dakota and Southern Utah with three home games (SUU, EWU and PSU) sandwiched between.

The real question for everyone else who is going to make the tournament, would they rather go to Greeley or Missoula?

3. Idaho State 14-10, 9-6
Last week: No. 3
On the Treasure State road trip, Idaho State beat up Montana State 65-46 and was then blitzed by Montana 61-49.

Against MSU, the Bengals rained in nine 3-pointers and shot a sizzling 52 percent on the way to a 12-point first-half lead.

But in Missoula, ISU hit 23 percent from the field and fell behind by 21 at one point.    The Lady Griz’s Kenzie De Boer hit 9-of-16 field goal attempts, including 3-of-3 from the 3-point line, and scored 24 points in 26 minutes.

With five games left, Idaho State is one game behind Eastern, but the Bengals have home dates with Weber State, Northern Arizona and Sacramento State the next two weeks. EWU, meanwhile, hosts Portland State and travels to Northern Colorado and frigid Grand Forks.
   
4. Eastern Washington 14-10, 10-5
Last week: No. 4
In its lone game of the week, Eastern Washington beat Southern Utah 78-70 in Cedar City.

The Eagles are a full game ahead of ISU and Eastern beat the Bengals by six points in their one head-to-head meeting this season. So why in the world is ISU ranked a spot above?

First, EWU is 2-2 in its last four games (ISU is 3-1). Second, Eastern is dead center in the Big Sky for scoring defense (the Bengals are third, allowing nearly nine points less a game). EWU outscores its opponents by .2 points a game (Idaho State has the Big Sky’s second-highest scoring margin of 5.7).

OK, blah, blah, blah with the numbers; here’s the point. Idaho State is better defensively and on the boards. When it comes to the postseason, those are some of the facets that determine success and push a team one way or the other.
   
5. Sacramento State 14-10, 9-6
Last week: No. 5
Sacramento State ran away from North Dakota 80-62 and fell to Northern Colorado 81-73.

The Hornets are a combined 1-5 against UNC, Montana, Eastern and ISU and 8-1 against everyone else. What should we make of Sacramento State, a team that will struggle to hit 50 points against the Bengals but eclipse the century mark two days later when playing lowly Weber State?

Just that Sac. State is good, not great and ranked appropriately here at No. 5.
       
6. Northern Arizona 7-17, 6-9
Last week: No. 8
In Flagstaff, Northern Arizona fell to Northern Colorado 71-43 and then beat North Dakota 64-60 in overtime.

The conference is separated into three distinct layers right now. At the top is UNC and UM. Eastern, Idaho State and Sacramento State — and for the moment I’ll begrudgingly throw Montana State in this layer, too — are all battling for positioning behind the two frontrunners.

Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, Portland State and North Dakota are all part of the final layer, with each having at least a shot at the Big Sky tournament’s last spot.

The past couple of weeks, the rankings have had PSU at the top of this third layer, but the Lumberjacks move here now after the Vikings drops two straight, SUU loses five of its last seven and UND falls off a cliff — if falling off a cliff is like losing three straight. 
   
7. Southern Utah 12-13, 6-9
Last week: No. 9
Southern Utah beat Portland State 83-60 and lost to Eastern Washington 78-70, both games in Cedar City.

The Thunderbirds and Lumberjacks both have a one-game lead on Portland State for the last spot in the tournament. Sadly, for T-Birds everywhere, three of their last five are on the road and they play Montana once and Northern Colorado twice.

Normally, I take a few moments here to make fun of Southern Utah’s mascot, the Thunderbird. I do it mainly because I have no idea what a Thunderbird is and I do not — absolutely do not — understand why anyone would choose a mascot for their school that doesn’t exist. Really, at this point, I’d rather have North Dakota’s mascot-less situation.

8. Portland State 11-13, 5-10
Last week: No. 7
Portland State had one game last week. The Vikings lost that contest by 23 points in Cedar City to Southern Utah.

I feel like I’ve been perpetually overrating the Vikings. With players like Courtne VanBrocklin (15.4 points a game), Angel Misa (averaging a double-double) and Allison Greene (10.4 points a night), PSU, from my vantage point, has the players to compete at a higher level.

But it just hasn’t happened this year (PSU was picked fifth by the coaches in the preseason) or last (the consensus No. 1).
   
9. North Dakota 10-15, 5-11
Last week: No. 10
On a long road trip, North Dakota lost to Sacramento State 80-62 and Northern Arizona 64-60 in overtime.

UND is a game and half back of SUU and NAU for the Big Sky’s last spot. Three home dates should provide the North Dakota faithful some hope, but coming into town is Northern Colorado and Eastern Washington (along with PSU).

Most likely, UND has to beat either UNC or EWU to stay in the race.

On the bright side for folks in Grand Forks, since MSU is terrible right now, you’re out of the cellar for the week.
   
10. Montana State 15-10, 9-7
Last week: No. 6
In Bozeman, Montana State lost to Idaho State 65-46 and then the Bobcats squeaked out a four-point victory against woeful Weber State.

MSU snapped a losing streak that had lasted three weeks. In fact, Montana State’s last two wins were against the Wildcats, games separated by 22 days.

MSU has the next two weeks off until it hosts Montana. Whether the Bobcats can recoup, regenerate and regain whatever was lost from the team that was in cruise control and in first place of the Big Sky is anyone’s guess.
   
11. Weber State 0-24, 0-15
Last week: No. 11
Does it say more about Montana State or Weber State that after the Wildcats lost to Montana by 47 points, they nearly beat the Bobcats two days later?

WSU outscored MSU 21-7 in the last seven and half minutes, but the ‘Cats held on late after Weber missed a couple game-tying opportunities.

What’s really important, however, is that “The March to History” continues one more week. We’re very nearly there, too. Weber State has lost 43 games in a row. A loss to Idaho State Thursday and Sacramento State Feb. 28 and the Big Sky’s all-time win-less streak belongs to the Wildcats.

State basketball: First day thoughts

I'll post an update every night after the state tournament. Generally, I'm going to comment on things I watched.

Twin’s upset

Where else to start than with Twin Falls upset of Middleton? Century head coach Chris Shuler told me Tuesday that Middleton had to lose someday, and he’d love for his D-backs to at least have a shot.

But Shuler even admitted that Century would have to play nearly perfect to pull off the upset, calling the Vikings “unreal.” Well, it’s unreal that Twin pulled off the upset. The Bruins, 17-8 overall and ranked fifth in the media poll, are, obviously a good team. But … well … it’s hard to say too much considering I didn't watch the game. But for perspective, Twin’s upset has to compare favorably to at 13 seed taking out a four, right? Or how about a No. 9 seed taking out a one?

At the same time, it’s only fair to note that Middleton’s Maya Ah You went out of the game with an injury early. Ah You had 20 when the Vikings beat the Bruins earlier this season.

Post Falls’ observations

I made sure to arrive at the Idaho Center early before the Highland game to watch Post Falls.                                                                                                                                                      
The Trojans, very simply, were impressive. In a 50-28 demolition of Mountain View, seven players scored, including three in double figures. On the way to a 19-point first-half lead, Post Falls shot 46 percent from the field, and more impressively, held the Mavericks to 17 percent shooting for the game.

I’m no scout but here a few things about Post Falls that stood out.

First, the Trojans are good. Duh, I know. But seeing a team with one’s own eyes makes all the difference. Why exactly is Post Falls good?

The Trojans have five starters that can all shoot, handle the ball at least to some extent and they’re athletic. And the talent goes beyond the starters, because the Trojans have depth, too.

With size in the front court, shooting and athleticism everywhere, Post Falls doesn't have a lot – or any – flaws to find.

Oh, and most importantly, they play together. On offense, the ball doesn't stick. Players catch, read the defense and make a decision (i.e. should I swing the ball on the perimeter, pass it down low to the post, use the ball screen, etc.) and they do it fast.

The point I’m getting at here is that the Post Falls’ coaching staff has clearly taken a pool of talented girls and molded them into an efficient, deadly unit.

Is there, however, a flaw? Truthfully in a 22-point blowout it’s hard to find many faults. But it did look like a few of Post Falls’ guards struggled dealing with heavy man-to-man pressure.  If Makenzie Van Sickle, the Gonzalez twins and the rest of the Highland Rams’ crew can really get out and apply heavy full-court tenacious defense then perhaps Post Falls will make mistakes.

But expending that kind of energy for a full 32 minutes wears down even the best of athletes. Ultimately, if Highland wants to beat Post Falls, the Rams have to make shots, rebound (rebound, rebound, rebound), avoid foul trouble and play their best game of the season. Is any of that a bad thing, though? Winning a state title isn’t supposed to be easy.

Southeastern Idaho’s success

Maybe I should have started with this thought first. With Rockland, Grace, Soda Springs, Snake River, Century, Pocatello and Highland all picking up wins, teams from Southeastern Idaho went 8-1. Marsh Valley was the one team to go down (a three-point loss to Filer).

It was a great effort from all the teams. Here’s a list of today’s games.

Rockland vs. Kendrick 3 p.m.

at Nampa High School

Grace vs. Lapwai 8 p.m.

at Columbia High School

Soda Springs vs. Grangeville 6:15 p.m.

at Bishop Kelly

Marsh Valley vs. Homedale 3 p.m.

at Skyview High School

Snake River vs. Parma 6:15 p.m.

at Skyview High School

Century vs. Twin Falls 6:15 p.m. 

at Mountain View High School

Pocatello vs. Bishop Kelley 8 p.m.

at Mountain View High School

Highland vs. Post Falls 6:15 p.m.

at the Idaho Center

How many can move on to play for a state championship?

Idaho high school state girls basketball capsules

Compiled by media statewide

Class 5A

Capital Eagles
Record: 16-7
Coach: Blas Telleria, seventh season
How they got here: District III champion, defeating Mountain View 71-63 (2OT) in championship game.
Players to watch: G Liz Landreth, sr. (16 ppg, 5 reb, 3 ast); F Delaney Sauer, jr. (9 ppg, 5 reb, 3 ast); F Khadija Neumeyer, jr. (7 ppg, 5 reb, 3 stl); C Kayla Stephens, sr. (7 ppg, 6 reb, 3 blk)
Notes: Capital won its first district title since 1978 with the help of 37 points from Landreth, who has committed to Utah State. ... Stephens is likely the tallest player in the tournament at 6-foot-4. ... The Eagles have not won a state championship since 1977 and did not qualify for state last season, but won the consolation game in 2011.

Coeur d’Alene Vikings
Record: 19-5
Coach: Dale Poffenroth, ninth season
How they got here: Defeated Boise 51-40 in state play-in game.
Players to watch: F Sydney Williams, jr.; G Caelyn Orlandi, sr.; F Kendalyn Brainard, sr.; G Madison Sumner, jr.
Notes: Appearing in ninth straight state tournament ... played in the state title game six straight seasons, winning in 2008, ’09 and ’10, before finishing third last year ... beat Highland 42-38 in December in Coeur d’Alene ... since losing in overtime at Lewiston Dec. 11, the only team to beat Vikings has been Post Falls (twice).

Highland Rams
Record: 19-2
Coach: Tony Green, third season
How they got here: District V-VI champions, defeating Madison 55-44 for title.
Players to watch: G/F Dakota Gonzalez, sr.; G/F Dylan Gonzalez, sr.
Notes: ...The Rams won their fifth straight district title. ... Their only two losses came on the road to 5A northern Idaho opponents Coeur d’Alene (42-38) and Post Falls (57-44). ... The Gonzalez twins have both signed to play at Kansas next season.

Madison Bobcats
Record: 17-7
Coach: Traci Peterson, sixth season
How they got here: District V-VI runner-up, losing 55-44 to Highland in championship game.
Players to watch: G/F Jane Hansen, sr (15.9 ppg); F Bridgette Blair, sr. (9.8 ppg); G Paige Crittenden, sr. (7.0 ppg).
Notes: Madison is making its second straight trip to the state tournament. Last year, it won the 4A consolation trophy. … Senior guard/forward Jane Hansen is the reigning Post Register and 5A/4A High Country Conference player of the year. … Four of its seven losses came to Highland. … Enters the tournament 2-5 in its last seven games.

Mountain View Mavericks
Record: 18-5
Coach: Connie Skogrand, 10th season
How they got here: District III runner-up, losing to Capital 71-63 (2OT) in championship game.
Players to watch: PG Destiny Slocum, fr. (15.3 ppg, 3.7 ast, 3 stl); F Josie Lawrence, sr. (10.2 ppg, 8.3 reb); G McKensey Herron, sr. (8.4 ppg, 3.9 reb); P Kayley Hastings, sr. (10.7 ppg, 5.1 reb)
Notes: Mountain View advanced to its first district title game in program history last week. ... Slocum, although a freshman, has shown the ability to come through in high-pressure situations. ... The Mavericks have qualified for state three out of the past four seasons, but have yet to win a game in six total appearances.

Meridian Warriors
Record: 18-5
Coach: Amos Lee, second season
How they got here: District III fourth-place team, defeating Centennial 49-40.
Players to watch: G Holly Blades, sr. (14 ppg, 8 reb, 4 stl, 2 blk, 2 ast); F Ebony Norman, so. (8 ppg, 6 reb); G Mykaela Richards, sr. (12 ppg, 4 reb, 3 ast); G Chelsea Hawley, sr. (6 ppg, 4 ast); G Carli Rice, so. (4 ppg, 4 stl).
Notes: Meridian has qualified for the state tournament the past four seasons, with their best finish in that span being a victory in last year’s consolation game. ... Blades has started the past four seasons and has committed to play for the College of Southern Idaho. ... Meridian enjoys a fast-paced, high-scoring style of play and can be deadly from 3-point range.

Post Falls Trojans
 Record: 21-1
Coach: Marc Allert, second season
How they got here: District I-II champion, defeating Coeur d’Alene 55-45 in championship game.
Players to watch: F Hallie Gennett, sr. (15 ppg, 6.7 reb); F Danielle Failor, sr. (10 ppg, 8 reb); G Brooke Litalien, sr. (11 ppg, 2 ast, 1 stl).
Notes: First appearance at state since 2008 ... The Trojans last won a state title in 2003, when they won their second straight 4A championship ... Beat Highland 57-44 in December in Post Falls ... Failor has signed to play at West Point ... Gennett, who has signed with Sacramento State, transferred this season from University High in Spokane, where she was an all-Greater Spokane League player ... Trojans started 15-0 before losing at Coeur d’Alene for only loss of season.

Rocky Mountain Grizzlies
Record: 20-3
Coach: Emery Roy, first season
How they got here: District III third-place team, defeating Boise 53-44.
Players to watch: F Taylor Nate, sr. (9 ppg); PG Madi Kelly, jr.; F Maya Rodgers, soph. (7 rpg); F Megan Hochstein, jr.; F Rachel Lorentson, jr.
Notes: Roy — the winningest coach in state history with nine titles — is coaching a team other than Centennial for the first time since 1987. ... The Grizzlies won the 5A SIC regular-season title, but were upset in the district semifinals by Capital. ... Nate also is a standout catcher in softball, as she has committed to Cal State Northridge.

Class 4A

Bishop Kelly Knights
Record 17-6
Coach: Derek McCormick, sixth season
How they got here: District III runner-up, losing to Middleton 49-44 in championship game.
Players to watch: G Gabi Harrington, fr. (7.8 ppg, 2.3 stl); P Mikaela Murgoitio, jr. (7.6 ppg, 5.9 reb); G Kindall Murie, sr. (7.2 ppg, 3.4 ast).
Notes: Bishop Kelly is making its fourth straight trip to the 4A state tournament. In two of the previous three seasons, the Knights lost in the first round. … Harrington is not only the team's leading scorer but has also attempted the most shots on the team. The freshman has fired at the net 170 times … While no player averages in double-digit points, six of their players have scored at least 100 points this season.

Burley Bobcats
Record: 19-4
Coach: Roger Caresia, third season
How they got here: District IV champion, defeating Twin Falls 40-39 (OT) in championship game.
Players to watch: G Aubrie Vale, sr. (11.3 ppg, 2.6 reb., 2.9 ast., 3.6 stl.); F Brooke Bowers, sr. (7.4 ppg, 7.1 reb.); F Chelsee Baker, jr. (13 ppg, 5.7 reb.).
Notes: Burley is making its first state tournament appearance since 2007, when it won the title. … The Bobcats have a trio of three-year starters in Vale, Bowers and Baker. … Caresia was an assistant coach with the 2007 state championship team, and he won another state title in 2001 as head coach of the Valley boys.

Century Diamondbacks
 Record: 15-7
Coach: Chris Shuler, fourth season
How they got here: District V-VI champions, defeated Pocatello 53-50 in overtime for title.
Players to watch: F Katherine Roberts, sr.; G Sarah Holt, soph.
Notes: ... The Diamondbacks are making their second straight state tournament appareance as district champions. ... They went 11-1 in district play, the only loss coming at Pocatello Jan. 24.

Middleton Vikings (three-time defending champion)
Record: 23-0
Coach: Andy Jones, 11th season
How they got here: District III champion, defeating Bishop Kelly 49-44 in championship game.
Players to watch: F D'Rae Tullock , jr. (14.9 ppg, 8.5 reb, 2.0 stl, 1.9 blk); G Maya Ah You, sr. (14.4 ppg, 3.6 ast, 3.9 reb); G Celeste Pantoja, sr. (7.9 ppg, 4.8 ast, 3.7 reb).
Notes: Middleton is looking to become first team in Idaho to win four straight state titles since Meridian (1980-83). … Vikings are currently on a 72-game winning streak, which according to MaxPreps.com is the longest active streak in the nation. … Tullock, who has started since her freshman season, has caught the attention of Division I programs. She currently calls Ole Miss her top choice.

Moscow Bears
Record: 8-11
Coach: Robin Barnes
How they got here: District I-II champions, defeating Sandpoint 37-31 in championship game.
Players to watch: W Kylie Gorton, sr.; P Chloe Quinnett, jr.; G Kim Sprenger, jr.
Notes: This is the Bears' fourth consecutive trip to the state tournament. ... Moscow is the only team in the 4A bracket with a losing record, but seven of those setbacks came against 5A schools. The Bears are 5-1 against 4A opponents.

Nampa Bulldogs
Record: 17-7
Coach: Cameron Long
How they got here: District III third-place team, defeating Skyview 52-48 (2OT) in third-place game.
Players to watch: F Danielle Jardine, so. (14 ppg, 11.0 reb, 2.2 stl); G Deja Holland, jr. (7.0 ppg, 2.2 ast, 2 stl); G Claudia Rosas, sr. (4.7 ppg, 2.0 ast, 2.1 stl)
Notes: Nampa is in the state tournament for the first time since 2009. … Nampa has as many sophomores on its roster (four) as seniors.

Pocatello Indians
Record: 15-8
Coach: Laraine Cook, second season
How they got here: District V-VI runner-up, defeated Bonneville 58-46 in second place game.
Players to watch: G Carly Parker, soph.; C Allie Parker, sr.
Notes: ... The Indians are making their first trip to the state tournament since 2008. ... They lost twice to Burley this season, their first round opponent. ... Pocatello is without two starters, both suffering torn ACLs in the previous two weeks.

Twin Falls Bruins
Record: 16-8
Coach: Nancy Jones, sixth season
How they got here: District IV runner-up, losing to Burley 40-39 (OT) in championship game.
Players to watch: G Kaitlyn Merritt, jr.; G Regan Harr, so.; F Mikayla Harris, sr.; F Haley Hutchinson, sr.
Notes: This is Twin Falls’ fifth state tournament appearance in seven seasons. The Bruins were regular-season champions last year but were upset twice in districts. … A pair of skilled players on the perimeter and interior gives the team balance, but it’s Merritt and Harris that the Bruins lean on to carry the load. … Jones (women’s basketball) is a member of the Idaho State University Sports Hall of Fame.

Class 3A

Bonners Ferry Badgers
Record: 16-6
Coach: Travis Hinthorn, ninth season
How they got here: District I champion, defeating Priest River 45-42 in championship game.
Players to watch: Savannah Woods, so. (9.2 ppg, 7 reb); Kendra Merritt, so. (5.4 ppg, 4.5 reb); Abby Skeen, so. (5.3 ppg, 2.1 stls).
Notes: Bonners is making its first trip to state since 2009. ... The Badgers were somewhat of a surprise district champion, with just one senior on the roster. Their top three scorers are sophomores. Their roster also includes three freshmen and four juniors.

Filer Wildcats
Record: 19-4
Coach: Kody Ketterling, third season
How they got here: District IV champion, defeating Kimberly 59-45 in championship game.
Players to watch: G Sierra Koyle, sr. (8.6 ppg, 2.3 ast, 3.3 reb, 3.6 stl); G/F Katie Hughes, jr. (9.9 ppg, 5.5 reb, 76% FT); C Sarah Sharp, jr. (4.9 ppg, 8 reb, 1.5 blk); G Alyssa Case, so. (7 ppg, 2.3 ast, 4.5 reb, 3.5 stl); F Jenna Jarolimek, jr. (7 ppg, 4.1 reb).
Notes: Filer doesn’t have a single player with dominant stats, rather boasts seven core players that do a little bit of everything, and a couple role players on top of that. … This is the Wildcats’ third straight state tournament appearance. They won the consolation game last season. … Filer went 7-3 against 4A competition this season. Its only 3A loss (9-1) was to Marsh Valley by three points in early November. The Wildcats won the rematch in January by 12. … The 6-foot-3 Sharp has committed to Idaho for volleyball.

Homedale Trojans
Record: 12-11
Coach: Joe Betancourt, first season
How they got here: District III runner-up, defeating Weiser 40-38 in second-place game.
Players to watch: C Kaylee Rupp, jr. (9 ppg, 9 reb); G Tory Lane, fr. (11 ppg, 4 reb); PG Morgan Nash, soph. (8 ppg); G Elise Shenk, soph. (7 ppg).
Notes: Homedale qualified for the state tournament for the first time since moving up to the 3A classification. ... The Trojans’ last state berth was as a 2A ... Homedale won a state championship in 1980, and Shenk’s mom played for that team.

Marsh Valley Eagles (defending champion)
Record 18-6
Coach: Kyle McQuivey
How they got here: Defeated Teton 45-40 in play-in game.
Players to watch: G Kami Hansen, sr.; G Jessica Dunn, sr.; Amanda Marshall, sr.
Notes: ... The defending state champion Eagles are returning to the tournament after going undefeated last season. ... All five starters are seniors.

Parma Panthers
Record: 20-2
Coach: Michael Calkins, first season
How they got here: District III champion, defeating Homedale 55-33 for the title.
Players to watch: PG Rachel Eguia, sr. (6.3 ppg, 3.3 reb, 4 ast); G Kassity Polensky, sr. (11.6 ppg, 2.4 reb); F Landri Timmons, sr. (10 ppg, 10 reb); F Makayla Stockett, jr. (8.6 ppg, 9.2 reb)
Notes: This is Parma’s first trip to state as a 3A school. ... The Panthers last qualified for state in 2010 as a 2A school, but have never won a state title. ... This same group of players went 4-17 last season and had just two wins the season before that. ... The Panthers thrive on a fast-paced style of play.

Priest River Spartans
 Record: 16-8
Coach: Gary Stewart, seventh season
How they got here: Defeated Kimberly 43-40 in state play-in game.
Players to watch: G/F Jill Weimer, jr., (10 ppg, 9 reb, 3 stls); PG Steffie Pavey, sr. (8.5 ppg, 5 ast, 5 stls); F Melissa Trost, sr. (6 ppg, 7 reb); P Kelsi Fink, sr. (7 ppg, 8 reb).
Notes: Spartans are appearing in fourth straight state tournament ... have won a trophy in two of last three visits — including state title in 2010. Trost and Pavey played on that state title team.

Snake River Panthers
 Record: 20-2
Coach: Rich Dunn
How they got here: District V champions, defeated Marsh Valley 52-43 for title.
Players to watch: G Madison Pilster, sr.; G Kylie Coby, sr.
Notes: ... The Panthers are making their third straight state tournament appearance. ... Their only two losses came to Soda Springs (36-33) and Marsh Valley (41-35). ... They went 7-1 versus conference opponents.

Sugar-Salem Diggers
Record: 12-13
Coach: Crystal Carpenter, first season
How they got here: District VI champion, defeating Teton 38-31 in championship game.
Players to watch: C Sierra Spratling, jr. (10.9 ppg, 7.7 reb); G Aubrey Huntsman, sr. (4. 9 ppg, 1.6 ast, 2.1 stl).
Notes: Returns to the state tournament for the sixth time in the past seven years. It had won three state titles before missing the tournament last season for the first time since ’05-06. … Huntsman is the lone senior on the team. … Lost in the first round of the district tournament, then won four straight to claim the district title.

Class 2A

Grangeville Bulldogs
Record: 13-7
Coach: Larson Anderson, 18th season
How they got here: District I-II champions, beat Coeur d'Alene Charter 35-29 in championship game.
Players to watch: Chantel Key, jr.; Kaleala Bass, soph.; Addie Lutz, soph.; Hailey Sullivan, fr.; Madison Brown, fr.
Notes: Grangeville is back in the state tournament after seeing its string of nine consecutive appearances snapped last year. The last time the Bulldogs were at state, they won the eighth championship in program history, but their roster has been almost totally remade since then. The players listed above — two freshmen, two sophomores and a junior — are typically Grangeville's starters.

Marsing Huskies
Record: 13-9
Coach: Tim Little, fourth season
How they got here: District III runner-up, losing to New Plymouth 38-33 in championship game.
Players to watch: Ashley Hull, sr. (17.9 ppg, 2.2 stl); Lacey Usabel, sr. (6.1 ppg 3.4 ast); Destiny Reynolds, so. (5.8 ppg, 5.1 reb).
Notes: This is only the third time in school history that the Marsing girls have made it to the state tournament (2004, 10). … Marsing went two-and-out in its 2010 state tournament appearance. … Marsing's leading rebounder is freshman Shelby Dines (6.3 rpg).

Melba Mustangs
Record: 11-14
Coach: Darrin Shindle, fourth season
How they got here: Defeated Coeur d'Alene Charter 43-36 in state play-in game.
Players to watch: Dani Romans, sr. (9.8 ppg, 4.2 reb, 2.9 stl); Sierra Manzer, so. (8.7 ppg, 4.3 ast, 3.7 reb, 2.8 stl); Kara Leavitt, jr. (6.5 ppg, 9.2 reb, 1.5 blk).
Notes: Melba is heading to the state tournament for the third straight season. … Melba started off the season 1-6. … Manzer was named Idaho’s Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year this fall.

New Plymouth Pilgrims
Record: 17-6
Coach: Denise Oliver, 14th season
How they got here: District III champion, defeating Marsing 38-33 in championship game.
Players to Watch: G Kylee Garrick, jr. (18 ppg); P/G Brittany Verigan, jr. (8 ppg, 8 reb)
Notes: New Plymouth, a regular participant in the state tournament in the last decade, is back in the state tournament for the first time since 2010. … The Pilgrims are district champions for the first time since 2008.

North Fremont Huskies
 Record: 16-10
Coach: Ben Lenz, 13th season
How they got here: Defeated Malad 44-23 in state play-in game
Players to watch: C Dakota Marshall, jr. (10.1 ppg, 6 reb, 2.2 stl), G Alyssa Hawkes, jr. (10.1 ppg, 2.5 stl).
Notes: North Fremont makes its third state tournament appearance in five seasons (and in program history). … The Huskies went 1-3 in January regular season games, entered the 2A District 6 tournament as the fourth seed and played four games in five days to reach the district title game. … North Fremont has never won a girls state basketball trophy. … The Huskies graduated one from last season’s team that advanced to the 2A third place game.

Ririe Bulldogs
Record: 16-7
Coach: Damien Smith, fifth season
How they got here: District VII champions, defeating North Fremont 38-31in championship game.
Players to watch: F Tasha Huff, sr. (15.4 ppg, 10.7 reb, 2.8 stls, 1.7 blks), F Amy Johnson, jr. (8,0 ppg, 7.1 reb, 2.1 blks),
Notes: This is Ririe’s first district title and state tournament berth since 2002. … The Bulldogs are the only team to beat top-ranked 1A-I Butte County this season. … Huff and Johnson are the only returning starters from last year’s team that finished 16-7, Ririe’s best record in 10 years. … The Bulldogs were regular season champions and took the top seed into the 2A District 6 tournament.

Soda Springs Cardinals
 Record: 21-2
Coach: Wade Schvaneveldt, 11th season
How they got here: District V champions, defeated Malad 40-32 for title.
Players to watch: G Amber Skinner, sr. (8.3 ppg, 6.25 reb, 2.85 stl); F Cierra Simmons, sr. (8 ppg, 4.65 reb, 2.45 stl)
Notes: ... The Cardinals return to state for the 11th consecutive year. ... They beat two 3A teams that qualified for state (Marsh Valley, Snake River).

Valley Vikings
 Record: 14-9
Coach: Liz Thomas, third season
How they got here: District IV champions, beating Declo 34-28 in championship game.
Players to watch: G Lizzy Henry, jr. (9.2 ppg, 6 reb., 4.1 stl., 1.3 ast.); F Kami Elorrieta, jr. (6.8 ppg, 4.7 reb.).
Notes: Valley makes its first state appearance since 2009, as it ended Declo’s streak of three consecutive District IV titles. … The Vikings rallied together after losing team leader Marlee Mussmann to a season-ending knee injury Jan. 5, and are 8-2 since.

1A-I

Butte County Pirates
Record: 21-1
Coach: Jesse Lettington, fifth season
How they got here: District V-VI-VII champions, defeating Challis 57-30 in championship game.
Players to watch: F Korbin Traughber, sr., (16.1 ppg, 12.5 reb, 6.5 stl, 1.9 blk); G Cheyan Coburn, sr. (10.0 ppg, 3.4 ast).
Notes: The Pirates make their second consecutive postseason appearance under coach Lettington. … Butte County graduated two from last season’s 2A state championship team. … The Pirates are 13-0 versus 1A Division I schools in their first year in the classification and 6-1 versus their former 2A Nuclear Conference opponents, with the lone loss coming to Ririe. … Butte County enters the state tournament averaging 51.1 points per game.

Challis Vikings
Record: 16-7
Coach: Jim Chamberlain, third season
How they got here: District IV-V-VI runner-up, defeating Grace 61-59 in second-place game.
Players to watch: F Madisen Garlie, sr. (12.3 ppg, 9.1 reb, 3.4 blk); F Morgan Miller (11.6 ppg, 6.3 reb)
Notes: Challis makes its fifth postseason appearance in six seasons, returning after a one-year hiatus. … 6-foot-1 post Garlie scored an unofficial program-best 35 points in Challis’s 66-34 conference finale win on Jan. 19 over Hansen. … The Vikings went 6-1 in conference with the lone loss coming to Butte County and have gone 9-3 in 2013.

Grace Grizzlies
 Record: 16-8
Coach: Kevin Smith
How they got here: Beat Greenleaf and Friends 47-23 in play-in game.
Players to watch: G Kate Skinner; G Stephanie Lloyd
Notes: ... The Grizzlies return to state for the second year in a row. ... They are 7-6 against teams in the 1A DI level.

Kamiah Kubs
Record (18-3)
Coach: Tina Ulmer
How they got here: District II champion, defeating Lapwai 56-42 in championship game.
Players to watch: Shelby Cloninger, sr.; Bailey Nygaard; Kyndahl Ulmer; Emily Lane.
Notes: The Kubs finished second in state at the 2A level the past two years.

Lapwai Wildcats
Record: 19-4
Coach: Shawn Spencer
How they got here: District II runner-up, losing to Kamiah 56-42 in championship game.
Players to watch: Natahnee Spencer, sr.
Notes: Lapwai can score points in bunches, and force turnovers.

Liberty Charter Patriots
Record: 18-5
Coach: Mark Wachsmuth
How they got here: District III runner-up, losing to Rimrock 49-46 in championship game.
Players to watch: Tiana Thompson, so. (10.9 ppg, 44.0 FG %, 5.7 reb, 3.6 stl); Alivia Wachsmuth, sr. (11.9 ppg., 4.8 stl, 3.7 ast); Bailey Magdaleno, jr. (8.8 ppg, 6.8 reb).
Notes: It's the fourth consecutive state tournament for Patriots. In each of the previous three years, they lost in the opening round to Lapwai … The Patriots posted a 10-0 record in the 1A Western Idaho Conference for the second straight year.

Prairie Pirates (defending champion)
Record: 19-6
Coach: Lori Mader

How they got here: Defeated Wallace 66-25 in state play-in game.
Players to watch: Tanna Schlader; Brooke Schumacher.
Notes: none provided.

Rimrock Raiders
 Record: 15-3
Coach: Mike Chandler, eighth season
How they got here: District III champion, defeating Liberty Charter 49-46 in championship game.
Players to watch: Kyla Jewett, Jr. (15.3 ppg, 5.0 stl, 3.5 ast); Bailey Bachman, Sr. (10.2 ppg, 9.8 reb).
Notes: The Raiders are making their first state appearance since 2009, which happens to be the year of their last district-III championship … Jewett scored 22 points in the district-III championship.

Class 1A-II 

Carey Panthers
Record: 15-6
Coach: Merrilee Sears, second season
How they got here: District IV champions, defeating Dietrich 41-40 in championship game.
Players to watch: G Jaide Parke, sr.; F Morgan Parke, sr.
Notes: ... Carey is making its fourth appearance in five seasons. ... The Panthers have earned trophies in their past three appearances. ... Carey snapped Dietrich's 50-game win streak in the district championship game. ... The Panthers are 3-3 against teams in the 1A-II field.

Deary Mustangs
Coach : Kendra Keen
Record: 12-6
How they got here: District II champion, defeating Kendrick 35-19 in championship game.
Players to watch: F Coral Knerr.
Notes: Deary hasn't been to state in 31 years, and had never before won the district tournament. The Mustangs finished second at state in their only previous appearance.

Dietrich Blue Devils (two-time defending champion)
 Record: 23-1
Coach: Acey Shaw, eighth season
How they got here: District IV runner-up, defeating Richfield 55-29 in second-place game.
Players to watch: G Charley Bingham, sr.; F Cheyenne Hubert, sr.; G Jacey Shaw, so.
Notes: Dietrich had its 50-game win streak, second-longest in Idaho and (according to MaxPreps.com) third longest in the country at the time, snapped in the district championship game. … Bingham is a three-point dead-eye, while Hubert occupies the paint and Shaw does a little bit of everything. … Dietrich’s two most recent titles both came in overtime, over Richfield (3 OT) in 2011 and Summit Academy (1 OT) last year.

Kendrick Tigers
Record: 12-6
Coach: Ron Ireland

How they got here: Defeated Cascade 54-52 in state play-in game.
Players to watch: Abby Smith (16.1 ppg); Carli Taylor (11 ppg); Katlyn Stamper, sr. (6 ppg).
Notes: The Tigers average more than 50 points per game with their fast-break offense.

Kootenai Warriors
 Record: 4-18
Coach: Mike LaFountaine, sixth season
How they got here: District I champion, defeating Clark Fork 34-23 in championship game.
Players to watch: G Katey Mae McInturff, so.; F Ellison Schultz, sr.
Notes: The Warriors certainly saved their best for last. After going 2-18 in the regular season — which included a stretch of 13 straight losses — the Warriors won two straight games in the 1A Division II District I tournament to advance to their first state tournament since 2008. That year marked the last of eight straight trips to state, and came in the final year of the one-division, 16-team 1A state tourney.


Mackay Miners
Record: 14-6
Coach: Tanya Barker, third season
How they got here: District V-VI champions, defeating Rockland 55-22 in championship game.
Players to watch: F Bailey Woodbury, sr. (15.6 ppg, 6.9 reb, 4.6 stl, 4.1 blk).
Notes: Mackay makes its sixth state tournament appearance in last seven seasons. … The Miners went 12-0 in conference for the second straight year to repeat as district champions. … Mackay has never won a girls basketball state trophy. … The Miners enter state averaging 52.5 points per game.


Rockland Bulldogs
Record: 14-9
Coach: Vern Nelson
How they got here: Beat Richfield 42-25 in play-in game.
Players to watch: C Savanah Farr, jr. (14.7 ppg, 11.4 reb, 4.8 stl); F Jessie Bott, sr. (7.2 ppg, 10.7 reb)
Notes: ... The Bulldogs return to state for the first time since 2012. ... They are 6-4 against teams in the 1A D-II field.


Tri-Valley Titans
 Record: 16-3
Coach: KyLee Morris, third season
How they got here: District III champion, defeating Cascade 51-43 in overtime for the title.
Players to watch: F Victoria Branch, jr. (16 ppg, 8 reb); PG Skye Southwick, jr. (11 ppg, 5 ast).
Notes: Tri-Valley has won three straight district titles and qualified for state the past six seasons. ... Their best state finish in that span is two appearances in the consolation game (2012, 2010). ... The Titans are a co-op of Midvale and Cambridge. ... Cambridge won back-to-back titles in 1988 and 1989. ... The Titans have nine players on their roster, but only one senior (Billie Cada).

Big Sky Rankings: waste no time

Let’s not waste time with an introductory paragraph or two and get right to it. These rankings are like Tony Green’s Highland Rams, we attack from the start.

1. Montana 17-6, 11-3
Last week: No. 1
The Lady Griz traveled to Greeley and lost to Northern Colorado 54-41, a team Montana had beaten at home by 14 in Missoula Jan. 12. Then UM traveled to Grand Forks and blew out North Dakota 61-42.

Was that game in Greeley a preview of the Big Sky championship? And did the result display just how important homecourt advantage is?

The Bears have now won six in a row and UNC’s win over Montana snapped a five-game winning streak for the Lady Griz.

UM and Northern Colorado are tied in the loss column, but I’m leaning towards keeping the Lady Griz at No. 1 — at least for now — for two reasons.

First, Montana has its next three games at home, and UNC goes back out on the road for three contests. Second, the Bears are 3-3 away from Greeley in the Big Sky while the Lady Griz are 5-2. For now, advantage Montana.

2. Northern Colorado 13-9, 10-3
Last week: No. 2
Northern Colorado kept its unblemished home record intact with 13-point and 11-point victories over Montana and Montana State.

Against the Lady Griz and ‘Cats, the Bears were spectacular defensively holding UM and MSU to 23 and 13.7 points a game below season scoring averages, respectively. UNC in holding opponents to a league-low 54.2 points a night.

Lauren Oosdyke — the Big Sky player of the week — averaged 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in the two wins and D’shara Strange averaged 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds.

Wait, am I convincing myself that the Bears should be No. 1? I mean they’re the ones with the six-game winning streak. Who’s running this? Can we get a recount?

3. Idaho State 13-9, 8-5
Last week: No. 4
In its only game of the week, ISU beat Southern Utah 60-50.

Let’s say before the Bengals’ win against the Thunderbirds, we told ISU head coach Seton Sobolewski that Kaela Oakes, Ashleigh Vella and Lindsey Reed would shoot a combined 7-for-29 from the field and score 25 points between the three of them (together, the trio averages about 34 a game). But ISU would still win by 10 points.

What kind of scenario would Sobolewski — or any of us — have conjectured? Raise your hand if you would have surmised that Cydney Horton would blow away her career high on the way to 28 points on 14 field goal attempts?

Horton has shown the capability to score in the past (the junior has seven double figure games this season), but those 28 points against the T-Birds were huge, obviously.

And let’s not overlook the fact that ISU held SUU to 50 points, well below the Thunderbirds’ average of 70. Horton was huge on offense, but the Bengals’ defense won the day.

4. Eastern Washington 13-10, 9-5
Last week: No. 3
In Cheney, Eastern Washington defeated Sacramento State 63-49 before losing to Northern Arizona 62-58.

The Eagles would have been No. 3 on this list if they hadn’t squandered a 12-point, second-half lead against the Lumberjacks. In a way, the NAU loss typifies EWU’s season. Great at times (two five-game winning streaks, beating Montana and Northern Colorado, holding Sacramento State to a season-low 49 points two days before the Jacks’ loss) but still with the ability to play poorly (three-game losing streak, season sweep at the hands of NAU and a 25-point loss at Montana).

A win over the Lumberjacks would have kept Eastern a game behind Northern Colorado and Montana, but now the Eagles sit tied with ISU and Sacramento State. A dangerous position considering three of the next of games for EWU are away from Cheney.

5. Sacramento State 13-9, 8-5
Last week: No. 6
Sacramento State lost to Eastern Washington 63-49 on the road and then beat Portland State 88-82 in Portland.

Can anyone explain how Sacramento State can score 49 points on a Thursday and then put up 88 on a Saturday? Something similar has happened before. ISU held Sac. State to 49 points two days before the Hornets eclipsed the century mark against Weber State.

Of course, part of it is pace and the willingness of Sacramento State’s opponent to play fast. Eastern slowed down the game and held the Hornets to 33 percent shooting. Portland State allowed Sacramento to play in the open court, score 52 points by half and Fantasia Hilliard was fantastic in 36 minutes against the Vikings scoring 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting.
   
6. Montana State 14-9, 8-6
Last week: No. 5
Montana State’s free fall in the rankings continues after losing to North Dakota 62-55 and Northern Colorado 62-51.

The Bobcats were once 8-1 in the conference and on a seven-game winning streak before Idaho State beat the ‘Cats in Reed Gym back on Jan. 26. When Montana State welcomes ISU Thursday, its last win will have been three weeks ago.

When MSU was winning seven in a row, its defense allowed 55 points a game, while the offense was nearly reaching 68 points a night. In the losing, the defense is giving up 66 points and the offense has dropped off by more than 10 points a game.

One almost has to assume, however, that the ‘Cats still have the capability to reach the level of play that had them in first place. Motivation shouldn’t be a problem when the Bengals arrive.

As far as dropping MSU even further down the rankings ... well, take a look at what’s below ...

7. Portland State 11-12 5-9
Last week: No. 7
The Vikings beat Northern Arizona 66-61 before losing to Sacramento State 88-82, both contests in Portland.

PSU has six Big Sky games left, four are on the road and three are against teams ahead of it in the standings. At 5-9 — tied with North Dakota and a half game behind Southern Utah and Northern Arizona — the loss to Sacramento State at home had to have been particularly painful, especially when a freshman nailed six 3-pointers on the way to a career-high 25 points.

The freshman, Emily Easom, even after the scoring outburst, is still averaging less than five points a game.
   
8. Northern Arizona 6-16, 5-8
Last week: No. 8
Northern Arizona fell at Portland State 66-61 and then pulled a magic trick — one could almost say NAU pulled a Jack (rabbit) out of a hat — and beat Eastern Washington 62-58.

As I wrote above, EWU was in control of the game before Northern Arizona game alive to nab a win and the season sweep of the Eagles last Saturday.

NAU trailed by six with 3:08 left before scoring the next 11 points. More than anything, the win keeps the Lumberjacks in position to claim the postseason’s last spot. And five of the Jacks’ last seven games are in Flagstaff. That’s the good news.

The bad? They play UNC, Sac. State, ISU, UM and MSU.
   
9. Southern Utah 11-12, 5-8
Last week: No. 9
Southern Utah beat Weber State 72-54 and lost to Idaho State 60-50.

In this space I usually take a few moments to make fun of Southern Utah’s mascot, the Thunderbird. But you know what, Cydney Horton did enough damage last Saturday to last a few days.

Thunderbirds everywhere get a week off from ridicule.

10. North Dakota 10-13, 5-9
Last week: No. 10
Mascot-less North Dakota beat Montana State 62-55 and lost to Montana 61-42 in frigid Grand Forks.

(The projected high for Grand Forks today is actually 33 degrees today with a 70 percent chance of snow. Hardly “frigid” but using a description of semi-comfortable Grand Forks with a decent chance of snow doesn’t roll off the tongue like frigid Grand Forks.)

As far as the basketball team, UND could jump one spot ahead of SUU considering its three wins in the last five games. But, personally, I was more impressed with SUU than I was with North Dakota. So UND stays at No. 10 — for the moment.

11. Weber State 0-22, 0-13
Last week: Um, yeah, Weber State is on what I’m calling “The March to History” watch. As long as that continues, WSU will have as firm a grasp on No. 11 in these rankings as Alex Rodriguez does on repeated PED use in baseball.

Can we take a moment, though, and give the Wildcats some credit. This past week was a rough one (WSU lost its only game by 18 points), but it’s clear the Wildcats haven’t capitulated in total spectacular fashion, yet.

WSU gave Montana all it could handle in Ogden Jan. 26, and North Dakota escaped with a five-point victory Jan. 31.

Now, as far as “The March to History” goes, Weber State is a mere four games away from breaking Sacramento State’s 44-game losing streak.

Big Sky Rankings: a muddled middle

Seven teams are going to reach the postseason tournament. It looks like Montana, Northern Colorado,  Eastern Washington, Montana State, Sacramento State and ISU are all safe bets to make it — though the seedings and where it will happen are still up in the air.

If we assume those six teams I just listed are indeed going to make it then there’s one spot left. And we’ve got four teams all within a half game of each other vying for that spot (Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, Portland State and North Dakota).

All of this, of course, is spectacular. We’re just over a month away from the Big Sky tournament and we still have no idea where it’s going to take place or who will take part. All 11 teams — yes, even you Weber State — still have something to play for.
   
Without further ado.

1. Montana 16-5, 10-2
Last week: No. 1
Montana put down Portland State 72-61 and then avenged a two-point loss to Eastern Washington from earlier in the season with a 25-point blowout of the Eagles last Saturday.

The win over Eastern could stand as a bit of statement from the Lady Griz. It was 40-27 by the break, and Montana led by double digits throughout the second half on the way to snapping EWU’s five-game winning streak.

Katie Baker, UM’s senior forward, was 10-for-15 from the field for 22 points in 24 minutes. That followed a 15-point, nine-rebound effort against Portland State the game before.

The Lady Griz are the clear No. 1 team. We’ll know by Thursday night if Montana remains there after it travels to Greeley to face second-place Northern Colorado.

UM won the first matchup in Missoula by 14 points.

2. Northern Colorado 11-9, 8-3
Last week: No. 5
UNC takes a big leap up in the rankings after D’Shara Strange’s game-winner went down against Idaho State with less than 10 seconds to play, and then the Bears beat Weber State 65-47.

Did Strange travel with her turnaround hook shot against the Bengals last Thursday? Was San Francisco’s Michael Crabtree held on the 49ers last play from scrimmage in the Super Bowl? Ultimately neither question matters because the Bears escaped Reed Gym with a win.

And now Northern Colorado has a chance to even the score with Montana Thursday in the game of the weekend.

In the first matchup, the Bears shot 21 percent from the floor and trailed 28-11 at the half. But UNC is undefeated at home (8-0) this year and in conference play average over 65 points a night (compared to 46 on the road).

3. Eastern Washington 12-9, 8-4
Last week: No. 3
Eastern escaped The Treasure State with a split after beating Montana State 68-59 and falling to Montana 76-51.

After the loss, EWU head coach Wendy Schuller tweeted, “Got smacked. Leaving the state of MT with our tails between our legs but ears perked up (because) at least we got the split.”

The Eagles shot 45.5 percent from the field in the first half against Montana, but the Lady Griz hit 63 percent of their shots, including four 3-pointers. Some nights the opponent has it going and UM had it going.

4. Idaho State 12-9, 7-5
Last week: No. 4
Idaho State lost 50-49 to Northern Colorado — I know, I know, sorry to keep bringing that one up Bengal fans — and then the ISU controlled the second half to pull away from North Dakota 60-43.

A four-game homestand against three of the better teams in the Big Sky and the Bengals went 2-2. Not horrible, but it’s a case of “what could have been” for Idaho State.

Starting Saturday in Cedar City, Utah, against Southern Utah, the Bengals are on the road until Feb. 21.

Will Lindsey Reed’s shooting touch return? In conference action, the junior is hitting on 38.5 percent of her attempts compared to 30.6 percent in Reed Gym.

If Reed gets it going then ISU could have a three-pronged offensive attack with Ashleigh Vella and Kaela Oakes. Together, Oakes and Vella averaged 35 points a night in the last four games.
   
5. Montana State 14-7, 8-4
Last week: No. 2
At home, Montana State lost to Eastern Washington 68-59 and Portland State 75-72. Both teams MSU had beaten on the road earlier this season.

Since beating Montana in Missoula Jan. 19, the Bobcats are 1-3, with the lone victory at the hands of miserable Weber State.

The current three-game losing streak follows seven consecutive wins. Can we get the MSU women some deer-antler spray?

In Montana State’s first two losses of its current slide, the ‘Cats hit less than 35 percent of their field-goal attempts. Shooting wasn’t a problem, however, against Portland State. Instead, MSU’s defense allowed the Vikings to shoot nearly 62 percent in the second half on the way to scoring 44 points.
   
6. Sacramento State 12-8, 7-4
Last week: No. 6
 At home in The Nest, Sacramento State went off for 73 points in a six-point win over Northern Arizona and 93 points in an up-and-down victory against Southern Utah.

Along with Katie Baker from Montana, the Hornets’ Fantasia Hilliard was named player of the week after averaging 17.5 points, 8.0 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 6.0 steals a game — about the best impression of Lebron James as you’ll find.

It’s tempting to moves Hilliard and Sacramento state one spot higher than Montana State — especially when considering the Hornets beat MSU 69-65 way back in December — but I’m a sucker for teams that place defense and rebounding as their major points of emphasis.

Only one team — Weber State — gives up more points a game than Sac. State and the Hornets minus-6.5 rebounding margin is 306th in the country.

7. Portland State 10-11, 4-8
Last week: No. 8
Like Eastern, Portland State left Montana with a split after losing to UM 72-61 and knocking off MSU 75-72.

This week the Vikings have Northern Arizona and Sacramento State visiting Portland. It’s a great opportunity for PSU to pick up two home wins and get a leg up on the other contenders for the final postseason spot.
   
8. Northern Arizona 5-15, 4-7
Last week: No. 10
On the road Northern Arizona lost to Sacramento State 73-67 Thursday and then beat Southern Utah 76-74 in overtime in Flagstaff Monday night.

I’m putting NAU one spot ahead of SUU for the moment because the Lumberjacks have beaten the T-Birds both times they’ve played this season.

On a side note, I just learned today that people will refer to the Lumberjacks as the “Jacks.”

I get it, Jacks is short for Lumberjacks. But when I hear Jacks, I think jackrabbit.

A jackrabbit and a Lumberjack don’t seem to have many things in common. If the original integrity of the mascot name is lost, doesn’t that defeat the purpose of shortening Lumberjack?

Am I thinking too much about this?

Is it possible that we could all decide together to shorten Southern Utah’s Thunderbird to “Super” for supernatural bird of power and strength?
   
9. Southern Utah 10-11, 4-7
Last week: No. 7
Southern Utah lost both its games on the road, first to Sacramento State 93-86 Saturday and then a 76-74 defeat in overtime at Northern Arizona.

It sets up a key stretch for the Supers starting Thursday night against Weber State, the first of four games in Cedar City. In fact, SUU has six of its last nine contests at home to finish the Big Sky regular season, big for a team that’s dropped five of its last six.

10. North Dakota 9-12, 4-8
Last week: No. 9
Mascot-less North Dakota escaped Ogden — thank goodness — with a five-point win over Weber State and then lost to Idaho State 60-43.

UND slips one spot to No. 10 in this week’s rankings because watching North Dakota on offense is similar to the New York Jets and Mark Sanchez — it’s ugly. Granted, I’ve only seen them one time in person and UND was going against ISU, one of the best defenses, if not the best, in the conference.

But those images of mediocrity are seared in my mind.

One could argue, however, that all of the contenders for the final spot, UND has the best shot with five of its last eight games in frigid Grand Forks.
   
11. Weber State 0-21, 0-12
Last week: No. 11
Weber State had its game of the season in a 56-51 home loss to North Dakota Thursday. Then the Wildcats fell to Northern Colorado by 18.

“The March to History” continues this week for Weber State when it travels to Southern Utah Thursday. The Wildcats have lost 40 games in a row. The record is 44. I think I speak for all of us when I say, “Go T-Birds, keep the winless streak alive.”

Three observations from last week’s ISU games

A gutting Thursday night loss, a missed opportunity and a big-time second half are all things that stand out from last week’s two games.

Idaho State’s one-point defeat crippled its chances to host the Big Sky tournament. A win and the Bengals would have been 8-4, tied with Eastern Washington, Montana State and Northern Colorado for second place, two games behind Montana.

Instead ISU is way back in sixth.

Of course, Idaho State’s players knew all of that, too, which makes the first observation even more poignant.

1. Idaho State dismantled and destroyed North Dakota in the second half

Down five at the half to mascot-less North Dakota, ISU was in trouble.

After the game head coach Seton Sobolewski commented how both Kaela Oakes and Ashleigh Vella were exhausted. It seemed that some of Thursday night’s defeat had carried over into Saturday.

But, no, Vella, Oakes and the rest of the team stymied UND’s heavy-screen offense on the way to a 42-20 clobbering in the last 20 minutes.

2. But let’s not ignore the truth that UND really can’t shoot

North Dakota hit less than 28 percent of its field goal attempts for the game. Part – a large chunk – of the credit goes to Idaho State’s defense. But UND is ninth in scoring offense (58.7 ppg), ninth in field-goal percentage (37 percent), 10th in free-throw shooting (66.1 percent) and dead last in turnover margin (-3.38).

Here’s my point: North Dakota’s offense is mediocre to poor. It’s a big, bruising, plodding group and once ISU stopped the bleeding on the boards (ISU allowed nine offensive rebounds in the first half and one in the second), UND could not – repeat, could not – score.

3. Kara Jenkins’ value

I’ve written this before but I want to reiterate the point.

What Kara Jenkins provides on a nightly basis is far, far beyond the stats. This past week, the junior averaged 32.5 minutes, 6.5 points and three rebounds.

But it’s plays like the one at the 10-minute mark of the first half against the Bears. Off a missed Bengal shot, the ball ricocheted off the rim. Jenkins was under the basket and the ball flew over her head, but she turned and dove full length for the loose rebound as a Northern Colorado player was picking it up.

Jenkins had no business getting her hands on that ball – creating a jump ball, possession arrow to ISU.

Another example is against North Dakota Saturday. The Bengals have the lead, UND is pushing, pressing and attempting to speed up the game, its only shot for a comeback. Off an ISU steal on its end of the court, Jenkins took off down the sideline caught the pass from whoever had stolen the ball (I can’t remember). By the time Jenkins had the pass, though, a UND defender had sprinted back. So Jenkins had a choice, drive to the basket or pull up and take time off the clock and stay in control of the game.

She slowed down, waited for the rest of her team and that possession led to Lindsey Reed’s only field goal of the game (a layup that made it a 48-37 game with just over three minutes left).

So it’s not just Jenkins’ hustle plays and stellar defense that don’t resonate on the stat sheet. It’s her heady play and the way she never tries to do too much.

One more note. Right before the National Anthem Saturday, there was a short ceremony for Kaela Oakes celebrating her 1,000 career point. She was given a special ball commemorating the event.

After the game, Oakes said, “I was completely surprised. I didn’t even know we were doing it. I was standing there, ready for the pledge. Seton was like, ‘Kaela!’ ‘Why’s he calling my name?’

“But it was awesome. The basketball’s so nice. It just adds on to everything that’s happened. I couldn’t be more thankful. The cheer just made me feel good.”

Oakes went on to score 20 points.

Idaho State vs. North Dakota preview

The predicted high for Grand Forks, N.D., today is nine degrees and there’s a 50 percent chance of snow.

So let’s take a moment and appreciate the balmy, by comparison, 35 degrees in Pocatello today.

Of course, it’ll be much warmer in Reed Gym, especially around 2 p.m. when Idaho State and North Dakota tipoff in what’s a crucial Big Sky matchup.

I love bullet points like Manti Te‘o loves (or loved) his fake girlfriend, so let’s use a few to think about North Dakota. ...

• UND is 5-0 when it turns the ball over 15 times or less this year.  

• When North Dakota beat ISU 64-59 earlier this season, it was UND’s first-ever Big Sky win.

• In the first matchup, 6-foot junior Madi Buck paced UND with 18 points and seven rebounds. Nicole Smart, a senior guard and the team’s captain, was the only other player from North Dakota in double figures with 12.

• Idaho State shot 35.5 percent in that game and 5-for-17 from the 3-point line.

• Lindsey Reed — who was 0-for-9 Thursday night against North Dakota — was ISU’s leading scorer against UND, putting up 18 points on 19 shots.

• Reed had a rough night against the Bears Thursday, and it continues a trend. The junior wing was 3-for-13 against Montana and 3-for-10 versus Montana State. For those of you prefer to ignore math (or simple addition), Reed has converted six of her last 32 attempts (19 percent), and she’s scored 17 points — total.

• Still, though, Reed is ISU’s second-leading scorer at 10.9 points a game. Ashleigh Vella is first (12.4) and Kaela Oakes is third (10.3).

• Speaking of Vella, she’s been spectacular as of late.

• Vella has scored in double figures in seven of the Bengals’ last eight games. She had 22 against Montana State and 18 in the loss Thursday. And in that span, Vella is shooting 48 percent from the floor.

A few last notes ...

Player to watch from UND: Madi Buck, averaging 11.1 points and 7.5 boards a game

Injury note: Six-foot-5 center Emily Evers missed UND’s last game at Weber State Thursday. She has a hurt ankle. Unclear if the sophomore center will play against ISU today.

On another injury note, UND’s Katie Houdek (averaging about 15 minutes a game) is not traveling with a team because of an injury.

ISU vs. Northern Colorado postgame thoughts

I dropped a pass once that would have won a game.

On the sideline, I cried.

Believe me, the last thing I wanted was to break down while sitting on the bench in shoulder pads after it was over. But the tears came because I knew that if I hadn’t dropped what was an absolute dime from my quarterback, we would have won.

The correlation between my drop and the loss was a perfectly clear, a direct line. I let my teammates down and it broke my heart.

Did I mention this was a junior varsity game with absolutely no bearing on, well, anything? ...

It’s an experience that still brings strong emotions even though I can look back now and realize that we lost the game for so many other reasons — a missed tackle here, screwed up blocking assignment there.

The logic is still only somewhat comforting, though, and it happened a decade ago.

That memory comes to mind tonight after Kaela Oakes’ missed free throws in a 50-49 loss to Northern Colorado (for the game recap, click here).

Those free throws — no matter how Idaho State finishes its season — will live with her for years and years.

After the game, Northern Colorado head coach Jaime White said, “It’s unfortunate it has to come down to a win like that, but basketball is basketball and she’ll bounce back.”

White, of course, is right. Oakes is an absolutely ferocious competitor and a gamer. She’ll get right and come back strong against North Dakota Saturday, I would expect.

Before moving on to the UND game, however, let’s go over a few observations from the game.

1. Northern Colorado’s depth was impressive (or a killer for Bengal fans)
Both Hannah Thornton  (6-foot-1 senior post) and Stephanie Lee (6-foot-1 sophomore post) came off the bench for the Bears and scored 11 and 13 points, respectively. And the duo combined for 13 rebounds.

For the night, Northern Colorado outscored ISU’s bench 24-5. Not necessarily a big deal (it’s a worthless stat if ISU’s starters go off for 60), but it was huge for the Bears to have that bench production. UNC’s leading scorer, Lauren Oosdyke, was 3-for-8 from the field for eight points and D’Shara Strange scored six of her 14 in the last two minutes.

If Thornton and Lee hadn’t hit shots then Idaho State might have pulled away.
   
2. This was a chippy game
Players from both sides seemed agitated with their opponent. Oosdyke and Lindsay Mallon from Northern Colorado seemed particularly angry at times.

Oakes and Ashleigh Vella got into it a little bit at different points with the Bears.

And it’s awesome. One thing is clear between Northern Colorado and Idaho State — they’re not friends. Neither likes each other and who wouldn’t like to see them tussle one more time — say in the Big Sky Tournament in about a month?

3. Can Idaho State bounce back?
For me, a big theme of last Saturday’s game versus Montana State surrounded the idea that ISU’s loss to Montana was tough to swallow.

But Montana sort of squeezed the life out of Idaho State over 40 minutes, Northern Colorado snatched it away in dramatic fashion.

Coming back from a last-second loss like tonight’s is a true test of the Bengals’ character.

And let’s be honest. Now that ISU is 6-5 in the Big Sky and a full three games behind Montana with nine left to play (and Idaho State still has to play Montana in Missoula, Feb. 16), the ultimate carrot of winning a Big Sky regular season championship is grim — like it’s in the coffin and being lowered into the gravesite kind of dim.

It’s not to say Idaho State doesn’t have nearly all of its goal still in reach (because it does), but combine a heartbreaking loss with a steep drop in the conference standings and it’s ... well, it’s ... tough.