Idaho State vs. Sacramento State pregame

Sacramento State at Idaho State

Saturday, 7:05 p.m.

Reed Gym

Radio — 930 CBS Sports Radio or Rock 102.5
Web — isubengals.com (live stats)
Free live video stream — watchbigsky.com
Records — Idaho State is 10-16 overall and 7-10 in the Big Sky. Sacramento State is 13-13 overall and 9-8 in the conference.
Series — Idaho State leads 26-16.
Last outing — Idaho State lost to Northern Arizona 66-65 at home. Sacramento State dropped a 79-67 decision at Weber State.
Up next — Idaho State travels to Eastern Washington Thursday.

Probable starters
Sacramento State:
F Zach Mills, 6-5, Jr., 7.2 ppg
F Alex Tiffin, 6-9, Jr., 4.3 ppg
G Dylan Garrity, 6-2, Jr., 12.3 ppg
G Cody Demps, 6-4, So., 7.7 ppg
G Mikh McKinney, 6-1, Jr., 16.6 ppg

Idaho State:G/F Chris Hansen, 6-4, Jr., 16.6 ppg
F Jeffrey Solarin, 6-4, Jr., 10.1 ppg
C Ayibakuro Preh, 6-9, Sr., 3.3 ppg
G Andre Hatchett, 6-4, Sr., 14.2 ppg
G Tomas Sanchez, 6-3, Sr., 15.0 ppg   

Game notes: Idaho State, Sacramento State

The Journal's game preview: Season on the brink: ISU men host Sacramento State

Check out this Jeffrey Solarin TV spot done by Matt Gittins at KPVI News 6.

Idaho State-Northern Arizona postgame

Northern Arizona 66, Idaho State 65

The game story.

Photo gallery.

Let's get to the important question. Is Idaho State's season done?

No.

But after losing to Northern Arizona 66-65, the Bengals have to — just have to — win their remaining three games, including two on the road next week.

Second important question: Was Tomas Sanchez fouled in the closing seconds as he was making a move to the basket? Check out the video evidence here.

My answer: I don't know.

It's the type of call (or no-call) where one side is going to walk away from the game furious with the decision. From a Bengal perspective, it's a tough outcome because the repercussions are painful and could mean Idaho State is going to miss the postseason tournament.

Star of the game: Quinton Upshur.  All eight of Upshur's field goals were 3s. The junior guard was 8 for 11 from 3 and 0 for 4 anywhere else. He killed the Bengals.

Star of the game No. 2: Max Jacobsen. The senior forward is the first post I've seen this year (in person) to have great success inside the paint against Idaho State. With ISU's zone, it's never easy to score down low. The Bengals want to force teams to shoot contested jumpers. So the fact Jacobsen worked his way deep into the middle of ISU's defense to score 20 points was huge for NAU. The Lumberjacks had four players score in the game. Upshur had his 28, Jacobsen added 20, both Jordyn Martin and Kris Yanku had eight and Gaellan Bewernick chipped in two.

If either Jacobsen or Upshur hadn't had near-career nights, the 'Jacks lose by 10.

Idaho State vs. Northern Arizona pregame

Northern Arizona at Idaho State

Today, 7:05 p.m.

Reed Gym

Radio — 930 CBS Sports Radio or Rock 102.5
Web — isubengals.com (live stats)
Free live video stream — watchbigsky.com
Records — Idaho State is 10-15 and 7-9 in the Big Sky. Northern Arizona is 11-16 overall and 8-8 in the conference.
Series — Idaho State leads 50-43.
Last outing — Idaho State lost at Montana 62-61. At home, Northern Arizona fell to North Dakota 75-63.
Up next — Idaho State hosts Sacramento State Saturday.

Probable starters
Northern Arizona:F Gaellan Bewernick, 6-6, Jr., 7.5 ppg
F Jordyn Martin, 6-7, So., 2.4 ppg
F/C Ako Kaluna, 6-7, Fr., 4.3 ppg
G Kris Yanku, 6-4, Fr., 9.7 ppg
G Aaseem Dixon, 6-0, Jr., 11.6 ppg

Idaho State:G/F Chris Hansen, 6-4, Jr., 16.8 ppg
F Jeffrey Solarin, 6-4, Jr., 10.0 ppg
C Avibakuro Preh, 6-9, Sr., 3.3 ppg
G Andre Hatchett, 6-4, Sr., 14.3 ppg
G Tomas Sanchez, 6-3, Sr., 14.9 ppg   

Game notes: Idaho State, Northern Arizona

Big Sky tourney in sight, it's desperation time for ISU men.

Defining Ayibakuro Preh — Senior's impact goes beyond the numbers.

Here's a Q/A about this weekend's games and what kind of mindset the Bengals have headed into two crucial contests.

Feel free to submit any thoughts/comments/questions to kfranko@journalnet.com. ...

What a missed opportunity in those two close losses in Montana last week. Now we're sort of in a do-or-die situation with these two home games against NAU and Sac St.
—— Yes. Missed opportunities is right. But it's been a season full of them. The Bengals had chances to beat North Dakota on the road (a game they lost in part because of a bad call, but it was more than that), Montana at home and Northern Arizona on the road.

Granted, by the same logic, Idaho State could have lost close games to Weber State and Northern Colorado.

How do you think this team will respond with our backs against the wall?

—— They'll play well today (against NAU) and Saturday (against Sac State). They're a hungry, desperate team with good senior leadership. But expect both the Lumberjacks and Hornets to come in to Pocatello playing with a sense of urgency, too.

Have you gotten a feel for the vibe of the players/coaches at all?

—— One of the stories in Thursday's Journal was about how the Bengals had a players-only meeting last Saturday after the loss to Montana. Chris Hansen  hinted at the idea that it really hit them for the first time that they could actually miss the postseason.

But the vibe isn't one of panic. They're a confident group and they feel good about having a couple games at home this week.

Any idea what they've been working on most in practice (offense, defense, tempo, etc.)?

—— I haven't had time to sit down and watch practice, and coach Bill Evans is pretty cagey (rightly so) about what Idaho State wants to do in specific matchups.

But expect ISU to try and play fast at home against the 'Jacks, and I think they'll go to Hatchett and Hansen in the post a lot, too. As the season has progressed, Evans has relied on their size advantage down low (and both are talented at both attacking and creating for teammates). Some of their post presence will be mitigated with the way NAU rotates through defenses, though.

I feel like, after such close losses to the Montana's and to NAU the first time we played them, they're either going to have a lot of confidence or the frustration is building up.

—— I'd lean toward confidence. They'll come out with great energy.

Big Sky Rankings — ten is the magical number

Journal File Photo

     The rankings took last week off. The committee (of one) hopes our loyal readers survived without them. Like every team in the Big Sky, we return hoping to finish the season out strong.
    Let’s stop wasting time because there’s a lot to go over. Without further ado.

1. Weber State 15-9, 12-4
Last ranking: No. 1
Postseason prognosis: They’re going. The question is whether they’ll host.
    Last week the Wildcats played three games away from home, losing to Idaho State (78-75, OT) and Montana (68-57) but Weber State picked up a huge win at Montana State (86-68).
    With two weeks left in the regular season, the Wildcats boast a two-game lead over second-place Northern Colorado. Both UNC and WSU host a couple games before finishing on the road.
    Barring a Wildcat collapse, Ogden, Utah, is your 2014 host of the Big Sky men’s basketball championship.

2. Sacramento State 13-12, 9-7
Last ranking: No. 4
Postseason prognosis: Favorable
     The hottest team in the Big Sky held off North Dakota 71-65 and pounded Northern Colorado 79-58.
    Sacramento State has won seven of its last eight and is on the verge of qualifying for its first Big Sky postseason tournament since 2006. The committee (of one) recognizes that of those seven wins, six have been at home in sunny northern California.
    Less than a month ago, the Hornets were 2-6 and these rankings had them all the way down at No. 10. What has sparked the change? We can only imagine head coach Brian Katz read his team this passage from our rankings column Jan. 22.
    “The Hornets lost to Portland State 68-64 in overtime and beat Eastern Washington 75-64.
    Taking out the Eagles saved Sacramento State’s season. Falling to 1-5 in the league might have been too big of a hole to clamber out of.
    But considering 670 fans were at Sacramento’s game last Saturday, most Hornet fans have already given up.”
    Hey, we’re always happy to help.
    (We keep waiting for Southern Utah’s Nick Robinson to read off a couple sections to his young guys.)

3. Montana 14-11, 9-7
Last ranking: No. 2
Postseason prognosis: What would a Big Sky tournament be without Montana?
    In what might have been their best game of the season the Grizzlies whipped Weber State 68-57 and then snuck past Idaho State 62-61.
    Montana head coach Wayne Tinkle is not going to be the Big Sky coach of the year. That honor is likely going to Randy Rahe at Weber State or B.J. Hill at Northern Colorado. And we’re fine with that. But think about what Tinkle has done.
    Montana has talent, sure, but the Grizzlies are in a tie for third place with practically no inside game. They can’t rebound or protect the rim. Yet UM — with Southern Utah and Montana State visiting Missoula, Mont., this week — is nearly guaranteed a playoff spot. And no one wants to deal with Tinkle, senior Kareem Jamar and sharpshooting Montana in the postseason.

4. Northern Colorado 16-9, 10-6
Last ranking: No. 8
Postseason prognosis: Excellent
    Northern Colorado scorched Northern Arizona with 11 3-pointers as the Bears cruised past NAU 74-59. But just as good as UNC was in Flagstaff, Ariz., it was equally as bad at Sacramento State, shooting 31 percent and losing by 21 (79-58).
    The Bears continue to impress at home with an 8-0 Big Sky record, but they disappoint once again with a 2-6 record on the road. If UNC could just translate its success in Greeley, Colo., to games elsewhere, they’d be right in position with Weber State to claim the postseason’s No. 1 seed.
    (By the way, Bengal fans, you are all Bear fans this week. UNC hosts both Eastern Washington and Portland State. ISU’s postseason chances take a bump if Northern Colorado wins each.)

5. North Dakota 12-14, 9-7
Last ranking: No. 3
Postseason prognosis: Excellent
    The mascot-less traveled to Sacramento State (a 71-65 loss) and Northern Arizona (a 75-63 victory).  
    With three dates at home left, North Dakota has the most games at home remaining in the league, and they’re lone road matchup is with Southern Utah.
    It all means that not only is North Dakota is position to reach the Big Sky tournament but UND has a great shot at the No. 2 seed.

6. Portland State 13-12, 8-8
Last ranking: No. 5
Postseason prognosis: Despite two recent wins, still not good.
    Portland State snapped a four-game slide with a 86-79 victory at Southern Utah and a 87-76 win at Eastern Washington.
    Let’s be real here. Most of us — OK, maybe it was just the committee (of one) — had written off Portland State’s postseason aspirations after they lost back-to-back home games a couple weeks back, losses that dropped the Vikings into 10th place of the league standings. We never imagined PSU would fight through a four-game road trip and come out the other side alive.
    Once again, we’re shown to know absolutely nothing. But winning at SUU and EWU is one thing, picking up a couple more Ws at North Dakota (Thursday) and Northern Colorado (Saturday) would be the surprise of the year.

7. Eastern Washington 13-14, 8-8
Last ranking: No. 6
Postseason prognosis: Uh, who the heck knows?
    Eastern Washington traveled to Southern Utah and downed the T-birds 85-74 and then lost at home Monday night to Portland State 87-76.
    The loss to PSU is just inexcusable for the Eagles. The Vikings poured in 11 3-pointers and perimeter shooting abandoned Eastern Washington (EWU shot 4 for 15 from 3).
    It’s a defeat that could spell disaster for the Eagles moving forward. Like Portland State, they travel to UND and UNC before hosting Idaho State and Weber State.

8. Montana State 13-14, 8-8
Last ranking: No. 10
Postseason prognosis: The committee (of one) dares not to guess.
    In snowy Bozeman, Mont., Montana State beat Idaho State 66-60 and lost to Weber State 86-68.
    The Bobcats are a complete mystery to the committee (of one). At times they’ll look like a title contender (see: wins at North Dakota, Portland State and vs. Northern Colorado). But then there are games when Montana State struggles to score and looks like more like a bunch of talented individuals running around on a court like they have no clue how to play together.
    Montana State has one remaining game at home Thursday versus Southern Utah. Then the ’Cats are on the road at Montana, Northern Arizona and Sacramento State, all in the same week. We’re inclined to believe MSU is in serious danger to miss the postseason, but who knows with this team.

9. Idaho State 10-15, 7-9
Last ranking: No. 9
Postseason prognosis: Highly questionable
    The Bengals outlasted Weber State 78-75 in overtime in Pocatello and then lost at Montana State (66-60) and Montana (62-61).
    Other than Southern Utah, Idaho State has the worst record away from home in the conference at 1-7, and that, over just about anything else, is why the Bengals are in 10th place.
    They lost by four to North Dakota, seven at Northern Colorado, six to Weber State, Sacramento State and Montana State, two to Northern Arizona and by one to Montana.
    No team has played in more close games than ISU. In contests decided by nine points or less, Idaho State is 4-13. So in the final two weeks of the regular season, the committee (of one) knows the Bengals are going to play in four close games — that almost seems like a given. The real question is whether they can find a way to win three of those, because 10 feels like the magical number to make the tourney.

10. Northern Arizona 11-16, 8-8
Last ranking: No. 7
Postseason prognosis: Shaky
    Northern Arizona lost two crucial home games to Northern Colorado, 74-59, and North Dakota, 75-63.
    Head coach Jack Murphy made an interesting choice against UNC and UND. The second-year Lumberjack head man shook up his starting lineup, starting freshmen Kris Yanku and Ako Kaluna in place of junior Quinton Upshur and senior Max Jacobsen. When Upshur and Jacobsen entered off the bench a few minutes into the game against Northern Colorado, NAU trailed 15-2.
    Murphy wanted an injection of energy and instead stumbled into a double-digit hole the Lumberjacks never fought out of. Just how extreme was the choice to bring Upshur and Jacobsen off the bench? They had started every game this year and they are the ’Jacks’ two leading scorers.
    It’s easy to look back now and question the decision, of course. At this point, though, the committee is more interested to see if Murphy will continue to start his two freshmen or revert back to the lineup that had NAU at 8-6 in the conference standings.

11. Southern Utah 1-24, 0-16
Last ranking: No. 11
Postseason prognosis: This patient flatlined about two months back.
     Southern Utah ended a four-game home stand with a 86-79 loss to Portland State and a 85-74 defeat to Eastern Washington.
    The Thunderbirds head to Montana State and Montana this week and it continues to feel like they’re going to ruin somebody’s season in a year when the standings from second to 10th are so condensed.

Expect the unexpected at the girls state tournaments

    Coeur d’Alene, Skyview, Filer, Firth, Hagerman and Dietrich, the favorites, as far as I’m concerned, to win state championships in the six respective classifications at the girls state tournaments beginning today in the Treasure Valley.
    The best thing about sports, though,  the term “favorites” doesn’t mean a thing when the ball goes up in that opening tip. We’ve got 48 teams from every corner of the state and no one has a clue what to expect.
    That’s awesome. But it doesn’t mean we can’t take a look at some of the opening-round matchups and at least do a little forecasting.

Highland (18-3) vs. No. 1 Rocky Mountain (22-1)
    Reason for optimism: The Rams are really good. Maren Herrud is one of the most overlooked stars in Idaho. Herrud is the best pure scorer on a roster with a dynamic point guard, senior Makenzie Van Sickle, who can stroke it from the perimeter.
    Timmie Bowie, Reece Bauer, Herrud, Van Sickle, Emily Hancock, they're all dangerous offensively. Senior Katie Denney, who never looks for her own shot, had 13 points in the district title game against Hillcrest. This is a hungry, underrated group.
    Reason for pessimism: They're playing the No. 1 team in the state that was undefeated until Boise pulled the upset, 52-42, in the district tournament. Rocky Mountain responded from its lone loss by pounding Eagle 58-21 a few days later.
    The Rams aren't deep and for them to be an elite offense, they have to hit 3s. That's a dangerous thing to rely on.

No. 4 Century (17-5) vs. No. 5 Middleton (16-7)
    Reason for optimism: Century doesn't have a starter who’s a senior, but it's a group with experience in the state setting. In a tournament with its own ebbs and flows, having players like Sarah Holt and Henny Hearn, two starters in last year's state runner-up team, is a big boon.
    Another reason for optimism is that Century is a defensive team first. They value playing well on that side of the floor. It's how the D-backs define themselves. A style like that translates to the state tournament where it's going to be a half-court game that rewards teams who can execute their offensive sets and stop others from not executing theirs.
    Reason for pessimism: Before this season, Middleton had won the last five District 3 championships. The Vikings are a program accustomed to winning. It's a really tough first-round opponent for Century.
    Middleton's seven losses are to Rocky Mountain and Centennial, both good 5A teams, and they've lost to No. 1 Skyview three times and to Nampa and Bishop Kelly once apiece.

Pocatello (13-10) vs. Sandpoint (13-7)   
    Reason for optimism: Pocatello’s zone is non-traditional with its aggressive nature. In a tournament setting — when there's little time to prepare after the opening round — teams are going to struggle to handle it. And I mean really, really struggle.
    Reason for pessimism: Poky is good in the post, but a player like Century’s Hearn (Hearn = size + skill) is a really tough matchup for the Indians. There's more Henny Hearn's at state. Sandpoint isn’t one of those teams that has a Hearn, but Pocatello is bound to run into a couple in the next few days.
    The Indians can flat out struggle to score at times. I don't know why. They have capable shooters and post players they can go to if perimeter shots aren't falling. But sometimes it doesn't matter. They go stone cold.

Snake River (13-9) vs. Timberlake (16-8)
    Reason for optimism: The Panthers are at their best when the defense is getting stops and turnovers and they're getting into the open court, scoring quickly in transition and in the moments before an opposing defense sets up.
    Rich Dunn is a really, really good coach. He has three seniors back from last year's title team and they'll all play well in the state tournament setting. Brylie Bair is a load down low. She might have been the best player in the state title game a year ago when the Panthers knocked off Filer.
    Reason for pessimism: The Panthers just don't have an elite point guard this year, and that's hurt their production in the half-court setting. Dunn is relying on some freshmen and sophomores — albeit very good ones — to play big minutes. I have no idea what to expect from them.
    And like Pocatello, Snake can fall into a funk offensively. In the Panthers’ 13 wins, they averaged 48 points a game. In the nine losses, the scoring average drops to 35.

No. 5 Soda Springs (17-6) vs. No. 1 Ririe (20-4)
    Reason for optimism: Soda Springs began the season 1-4. After a loss to Sky View, Utah, Dec. 13, the Cardinals ripped off 14 of their next 15. Granted, a lot of those wins came against the likes of Aberdeen and West Side — two teams that struggled this season — but the run also included victories over Snake River (twice), Marsh Valley and 4A Preston.
    Soda isn't very big, but in head coach Wade Schvaneveldt's system the Cardinals crank up the defensive pressure. Any team that doesn't have great guard play is going to struggle with turnovers, and that's when Soda thrives.
    Extra note: Soda has been to the state tournament 12 straight years. Schvaneveldt has been the head man in Soda for 12 years. Not a coincidence.
    Reason for pessimism: The Cardinals have a tough, tough draw with Ririe, a team that rolled through its regular season in the toughest conference in the state until the district tournament.
    Point guard Dakota Siepert is hobbled again with a knee injury — Siepert missed most of last season with a torn ACL — though I do expect her to play.
    Soda hasn't played since Feb. 10. The Cardinals will have had 10 days off by tipoff with Ririe. In one sense that's a good thing because they were a little beat up, but that’s a long time to sit around and wait for the biggest games of the season.

No. 3 Firth (18-5) vs. No. 4 New Plymouth (18-4)
    Reason for optimism: Firth had a stretch where it went 2-3 right after Christmas break. The Cougars were playing good teams like Teton (a 3A state qualifier), West Jefferson on the road and Ririe.
    But after an eight-point loss at home to Ririe, Firth has won its last seven, holding opponents to 38.7 points a game. A team from the Nuclear Conference has won the 2A state title six of the past eight seasons.
    Reason for pessimism: None. Firth has seven seniors, four juniors and a lanky team that clamps down defensively. The Cougars are playing better than anybody at the 2A level. They're the clear favorite going into the tournament. Will the favorite win? No idea.

No. 4 Grace (16-7) vs. Notus (13-10)
    Reason for optimism: Grace reached its district title game and then came excruciatingly close to upsetting Hagerman, losing 52-49.
    Twenty fours hours later, the Grizzlies were upset by Challis 42-39 in the second-place game, a team they had beaten 58-36 and 57-33 earlier in the season.
    Luckily for Grace, there was one more opportunity — a play-in game with Idaho City where the Grizz cruised to a 22-point win.
    That Idaho City team played Notus this year and Notus won by three. I have no doubt that the Pirates are a fine team but it looks like Grace lucked out with the scheduling gods.
    Reason for pessimism: I haven't seen Grace in person but in talking with their coach Kevin Smith after losses, it sounds like his team is hit or miss defensively. Really, though, the Grizzlies are in a great spot. A win and they might even have another shot at district-foe Hagerman in the semifinals.

No. 2 Rockland (20-2) vs. No. 4 Kendrick (18-6)
    Reason for optimism: Savanah Farr might be the best player in the 1A DII tournament, and the Bulldogs have girls up and down the roster who all picked up experience on last year's team that lost to Mackay in the third-place game.
    Reason for pessimism: Kendrick is no easy first-round foe. I watched the Tigers defeat Rockland 45-33 in the semifinals last season. Honestly, I don't know a thing about the 2014 version of Kendrick but I have to imagine they still possess great guard play.
    The real question is whether Kendrick has anyone who can match up with Farr inside. Mackay and North Gem — just about the only teams other than 2A Aberdeen to give the Bulldogs a game in their 17-game winning streak — found ways to slow her down.

Idaho State at Montana State pregame

Idaho State at Montana State

Thursday, 7:05 p.m.

Worthington Arena, Bozeman, Mont.

Radio — 930 CBS Sports Radio or Rock 102.5
Web — isubengals.com (live stats)
Free live video stream — watchbigsky.com
Records — Idaho State is 10-13 and 7-7 in the Big Sky. Montana State is 12-13 overall and 7-7 in the conference.
Series — Montana State leads 104-83.
Last outing — Idaho State beat Weber State 78-75 in overtime at home. Montana State lost to Northern Colorado 83-73 on the road.
Up next — Idaho State travels to Montana Saturday.

Probable starters
Montana State:
F Flavien Davis, 6-5, Sr., 12.4 ppg
F Danny Robison, 6-8, So., 2.4 ppg
C Paul Egwuonwu, 6-9, Sr., 9.4 ppg
G Marcus Colbert, 5-11, Sr., 9.8 ppg
G Antonio Biglow, 6-0, Sr., 7.8 ppg

Idaho State:
G/F Chris Hansen, 6-4, Jr. 17.3 ppg
F Jeffrey Solarin, 6-4, Jr. 9.6 ppg
C Avibakuro Preh, 6-9, Sr. 3.4 ppg
G Andre Hatchett, 6-4, Sr. 14.2 ppg
G Tomas Sanchez, 6-3, Sr. 15.0 ppg

Game notes: Montana State, Idaho State

Check out this video (of a video) of Chris Hansen's game winner last Monday against Weber State.

Here's the Journal's game preview for Idaho State at Montana State.

State girls capsules

Class 5A

Boise Braves
Record: 16-7
State seed: District III runner-up
Coach: Kim Brydges, ninth season
Players to watch: G Megan Lee, jr.; F Issy Hadden, so.; G Hanna Orton, so.; F Natasha Dacic, sr.
Notes: The Braves had arguably the biggest win of the district tournament when they upended previously unbeaten Rocky Mountain in the semifinals. ... Boise starts two sophomores, two juniors and a senior, and their chemistry has steadily improved throughout the season. ... 6-0 freshman Mandy Simpson provides an energetic spark off the bench.

Capital Eagles
Record: 14-9
State seed: District III fourth place
Coach: Blas Telleria Jr., eighth season
Players to watch: G Khadija Neumeyer, sr.; F Delaney Sauer, sr.
Notes: Fifth-seeded Capital lost by two points to Boise in the district opener, and then fought its way into the state tournament by knocking off second-seeded Centennial in an elimination game. ... Four starters and eight lettermen overall are back from last year’s team, which advanced to the state semifinals.

Coeur d’Alene Vikings
Record: 20-2
State seed: District I-II champion
Coach: Dale Poffenroth, 10th season
Players to watch: F Sydney Williams, sr.; F Brittany Tackett, sr.; G Madison Sumner, sr.
Notes: Only losses this season have came to Lewiston (49-46 in overtime) and to Hoover of North Canton, Ohio, in the Diamond State Classic on Dec. 27 in Wilmington, Del. ... Coeur d’Alene has played in the state title game in seven of the last eight years, winning in 2008, ’09 and ’10 and has brought home a trophy from state in all nine appearances under Poffenroth.

Highland Rams
Record: 18-3
State seed: District V-VI champion
Coach: Tony Green, fourth season
Players to watch: G Makenzie Van Sickle, sr.; G/F Maren Herrud, jr.
Notes: After taking third a year ago, Highland returns to the state tournament for the seventh straight time. ... In Green’s tenure, the Rams have won the last four district titles.

Hillcrest Knights
Record: 20-4
State seed: District V-VI runner-up
Coach: Cody Jackson, second season
Players to watch: G Jasmine Jones, sr.; F Lindsay Cook, so.; G Makell Skidmore, jr.
Notes: The Knights make their first state tournament appearance since 2008, when they were in the 4A classification. … Hillcrest has not won a state trophy since taking second in 4A in 2007. … Hillcrest has won 13 of its last 15 games and was the only eastern Idaho 5A school to defeat Highland this year. … Three of the Knights’ four losses came to district champion Highland and the other to Pocatello.

Lewiston Bengals
Record: 20-3
State seed: District I-II runner-up
Coach: Pat Teichmer, 10th season
Players to watch: F Emilee Schlader; F Brett Hastings; F Halle White; G Lynzee Wilson.
Notes: The Bengals are looking to win their third state title in the past four years. They missed state last year, but return with a squad capable of making another run at the title. There’s a chance they could face league rival Coeur d’Alene in the title game. Last year’s final came down to a pair of 5A Inland Empire League teams, with the Vikings losing to Post Falls.

Mountain View Mavericks
Record: 17-5
State seed: District III champion
Coach: Connie Skogrand, 11th season
Players to watch: PG Destiny Slocum, so.; G Kayla Anderson, fr.; F Renee Routhier, jr.
Notes: The Mavericks can put up points in a hurry with sharp outside shooting. ... Junior guard Alyssa Case played for Filer last season, helping the Wildcats finish second in the 3A state tournament. ... Mountain View starts just one senior (forward Josie Hardy), and gets strong minutes from freshman guard Abby Kreiser off the bench.

Rocky Mountain Grizzlies
Record: 22-1
State seed: District III third place
Coach: Emery Roy, second season
Players to watch: PG Madi Kelly, sr.; G Noelle Aragon, sr.; G Carson Pickett, sr.; F Megan Hochstein, sr.
Notes: The Grizzlies dominated 5A SIC opponents during the regular season, winning by an average of 28 points per game. ... A loss to Boise in the district semifinals cost Rocky a shot at a perfect season. ... The Grizzlies have scored 60 or more points 16 times this season, including a high of 77 points.

Class 4A

Burley Bobcats
Record: 15-9
State seed: District IV runner-up
Coach: Roger Caresia, fourth season
Players to watch: F Chelsee Baker, sr.; G Kortney Hutchison, so.
Notes: The Bobcats make state for the second year in a row. Caresia was an assistant coach on Burley's 2007 state championship team, and was also the head coach of Valley's boys' 2A state title winner in 2001. ... Seven of Burley's nine losses were to state-qualifying teams, including four to District IV champ Twin Falls.

Century Diamondbacks
Record: 17-5
State seed: District V-VI champion
Coach: Chris Shuler, fifth season
Players to watch: F Henny Hearn, jr.; G Sarah Holt, jr.
Notes: Century starts four juniors and one sophomore and does not have a senior in its regular rotation. ... Since the the Fifth and Sixth districts combined in 2013, the D-backs have won both district titles. ... Hearn, a 6-foot-2 post, has drawn college interest from the likes of Loyola Marymount and Lehigh.

Middleton Vikings
Record: 16-7
State seed: District III second place
Coach: Andy Jones, 12th season
Players to watch: F D’Rae Tullock, sr.; F Allison Cossins, sr.
Notes: Qualified for its eighth straight state tournament. Played in five straight state championships, winning four, between 2008-12 before winning the consolation title last year. ... Had its streak of five straight district championships snapped by Skyview last week. ... Tullock, a two-time, first-team All-Idaho selection, has drawn the interest of several Division-I programs and is averaging 15.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while shooting 47 percent from the floor.

Nampa Bulldogs
Record: 15-9
State seed: District III third place
Coach: Cam Long, 10th season
Players to watch: F Danielle Jardine, jr.; F Raquel Jardine, jr.
Notes: Returns four starters from last year’s state tournament team, including first-team All-Idaho post Danielle Jardine (16 ppg, 12 rebounds). … Jardine pairs with her twin sister, Raquel Jardine (6.6 ppg, 6.1 rebounds), to give the Bulldogs a tough pair in the post. ... Only two seniors on the roster. ... 13-4 in its last 17 games with all four losses coming to No. 1 Skyview. ... Searching for its first state title in school history.

Pocatello Indians
Record: 13-10
State seed: District V-VI runner-up
Coach: Brock Gunter, first season
Players to watch: G Carly Parker, jr.; G Paige Durrant, sr.; F Brooke Pierce, sr.
Notes: The Indians fought through a tumultuous offseason that saw Gunter take over just weeks before the season started after Laraine Cook was fired under controversial circumstances. ... After not qualifying since 2008, Pocatello has made it to state for the second straight year.

Sandpoint Bulldogs
Record: 13-7
State seed: District I-II champion
Coach: Bill Bender, second season
Players to watch: G Hailey Olin, sr.; G Madison Schoening, so.
Notes: The Bulldogs won their first regional title since 1982, and are back at state for the first time since 2004.

Skyview Hawks
Record: 22-1
State seed: District III champion
Coach: Cindy Pasta, 18th season
Players to watch: F Leah Bonnner, sr.,; PG Bailey Pasta, sr.
Notes: Unanimously ranked No. 1 in final state media poll. ... Enters on a 22-game winning streak by an average of 22.1 points per game. Its only loss came to Rocky Mountain in the opening game of the season. ... Bonner, a 6-foot forward averaging 18.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 2.7 assists per game, has signed with NCAA Division II Alaska-Anchorage. ... Pasta, the oldest daughter of coach Cindy Pasta, has signed with NAIA Carroll College and is averaging 14.1 points, 4.4 assists and 2.9 steals per game while shooting 82.4 percent from the free-throw line. ... Searching for its first state title in school history. ... Cindy Pasta is the only head coach in school history.

Twin Falls Bruins
Record: 21-2
State seed: District IV champion
Coach: Nancy Jones, seventh season
Players to watch: G Kaitlyn Merritt, sr.; G Regan Harr, jr.
Notes: The Bruins enter state on a 19-game win streak, including a win over 5A tournament qualifier Highland. ... The team is making its fifth state tournament appearance in Jones' tenure. ... The only two losses came against 5A opposition.

Class 3A

Filer Wildcats
Record: 20-3
State seed: District IV champion
Coach: Kody Ketterling, fourth season
Players to watch: G/F Katie Hughes, sr.; F Sarah Sharp, sr.; F Jenna Jarolimek, sr.; G Haley Ackerman, jr.
Notes: The Wildcats lost four key players from last year's state runner-up team but still find themselves back among the contenders. ... Filer enters the tournament on a 15-game win streak, the longest under Ketterling. ... Hughes is state-meet-caliber in shot put and discus, and Sharp has signed to play volleyball at the University of Idaho. ... Under Ketterling, Filer has won the district championship every season. ... The Wildcats' championship appearance last season was the first in program history.

Fruitland Grizzlies
Record: 13-9
State seed: District III runner-up
Coach: Beth Holt, 10th season
Players to watch: F Brooke Teunissen, jr.; F MaKenna Little, jr.; G Hailey Collins, jr.
Notes: Although the Grizzlies did not make the state tournament last season, most of the team has experience playing at the state level in other sports. ... Most recently, Holt has started four juniors and one senior. ... Fruitland was inconsistent early in the season, but has been playing at its best the past month.

Homedale Trojans
Record: 17-5
State seed: District III champion
Coach: Joe Betancourt, second season
Players to watch: C Kaylee Rupp, sr.; G Tory Lane, so.; PG Morgan Nash, jr.
Notes: The Trojans are headed to state for the second year in a row, but hadn’t been before that since 2003. ... Six lettermen, including all five starters, return from last year’s team. ... Half of Homedale’s roster helped the school win a state championship in softball last spring. ... Homedale won its first district title since 1998-99.

Priest River Spartans
Record: 15-7
State seed: District I champion
Coach: Gary Stewart, eighth season
Players to watch: F Jill Weimer, sr.; F Katlyn Summers, jr.; PG Karly Douglas, sr.
Notes: Priest River went 0-2 at state last year ... Spartans are at state for the sixth time in seven years, including a state title in 2010.

Snake River Panthers (defending champions)
Record: 13-9
State seed: District V champion
Coach: Rich Dunn, third season
Players to watch: G Makena Shelley, sr.; G Scout Baldwin, sr.; C Brylie Bair, sr.
Notes: The Panthers enter state after winning their second straight district title. ... Snake River went 7-1 against district competition and 6-8 against all other teams.

Sugar-Salem Diggers
Record: 22-1
State seed: District VI champion
Coach: Crystal Carpenter, second season
Players to watch: F Sierra Spratling, sr.; G Abby Allen, so.; G Ta’Lee Rose, jr.
Notes: The Diggers return to state for the second straight season under coach Carpenter and for the seventh time in the last eight seasons. … Sugar-Salem returns all but one athlete from last year’s team that advanced to the third place game. … The Diggers’ lone loss came to Idaho’s No. 3-ranked 2A team, Firth. ... Sugar-Salem has held opponents to 47 points or fewer.

Teton Redskins
Record: 11-12
State seed: District VI runner-up (play-in winner)
Coach: Shon Kunz, first season
Players to watch: G Heather Smith, sr.; G Brooke Rammell, sr.; F Jenna Abbott, fr.
Notes: Teton has had a milestone year under first year coach Kunz, beginning the year 3-0 for the first time since 2007. … This is the Redskins’ first trip to state since 2009, which was also the last time the Redskins had more than six wins in a season. … Teton also defeated defending 3A state champion Snake River twice and had wins over 2A powers Firth, West Jefferson and North Fremont.

Timberlake Tigers
Record: 16-5
State seed: District I runner-up
Coach: Matt Miller, ninth season
Players to watch: F Jessica Norlander, sr.; PG Allison Kirby, fr.; G Keelie Lawler, fr.
Notes: Timberlake advanced to state for third time in four years ... Tigers have won nine of last 10 games to qualify, including a 58-32 win against Kimberly in state play-in game in McCall.

Class 2A

Cole Valley Christian Chargers
Record: 13-10
State seed: District III runner-up
Coach: Bret Moehlmann, third season
Players to watch: G Madi Holly, jr.; G/F Sierra Rice, sr.
Notes: Qualified for its first state tournament as a 2A program. ... Last reached state in 2000 at the 1A level. … Searching for its first state title. ... Junior guard Madi Holly (11.0 ppg, 2.7 steals) and senior guard/forward Sierra Rice (11.1 ppg, 2.3 steals) give the Chargers two legit scoring options. ... Have held opponents to 29.3 field-goal shooting.

Firth Cougars
Record: 18-5
State seed: District VI champion
Coach: Sharla Cook, 11th season
Players to watch: F Kayla Jensen, sr., F Bailey Nelson, jr.
Notes: Firth returns to state for the first time since 2010 and has not won a state trophy since taking third in 2008. … Firth is the only team in Idaho to have beaten the No. 1 3A team, Sugar-Salem, and No. 1 2A team, Ririe. … The Cougars went undefeated through the district tournament, beating Ririe in the second round and title game. … Firth returns all but one athlete from last year’s 15-8 team.

Grangeville Bulldogs
Record: 18-4
State seed: District I-II champion
Coach: Larson Anderson, 19th season
Players to watch: G Chantel Key, sr.; G Madison Brown, so.; G Hailey Sullivan, so.; F Kaleala Bass, jr.
Notes: The Bulldogs are in the state tournament for the 11th time in the past 12 years, and they’re hoping to improve on last year’s 1-2 showing. ... The long-armed Key specializes in causing turnovers; she is averaging just under nine steals per game. ... Grangeville hasn’t lost to a 2A school this season. Its only setbacks were against 1A-I powers Prairie and Lapwai, and twice to unbeaten Colton, which has won five consecutive Washington state titles.

Melba Mustangs
Record: 15-9
State seed: District III third-place (play-in winner)
Coach: Darrin  Shindle, fifth season
Players to watch: G Sierra Manzer, jr.; G Janey Reeves, sr.; F Kara Leavit, sr.
Notes: Fourth straight trip to state tournament and winner of the past two consolation titles. It returns four starters from last year’s consolation champion. ... Fields three posts 5-foot-11 or taller. … Searching for its first state title. ... Reeves leads the team with 10.3 ppg, but Leavit (6.6 ppg, 9.5 rebounds) and Manzer (6.3 ppg, 2.2 assists) are also threats.

New Plymouth Pilgrims
Record: 18-4
State seed: District III champion
Coach: Denise Oliver, 13th season
Players to watch: PG Kylee Garrick, sr.; G/F Brittany Verigan, jr.
Notes: Defensive pressure all over the court remains New Plymouth’s trademark as the Pilgrims hold opponents to 33.7 points per game. Four-year starter Kylee Garrick (19 ppg, 6 steals, 4 assists) leads that charge. ...Brittany Verigan (9 ppg, 7 rebounds) and Hailey Ray (7 ppg) give the Pilgrims scoring balance. ...Back to state for the second year in a row after their second straight district title. ...Won their only state title in 2001.

Ririe Bulldogs
Record: 20-4
State seed: District VI runner-up
Coach: Damien Smith, sixth season
Players to watch: F Amy Johnson, sr.; F Madeline Connaughton, sr.; G Sicilee Williams, jr.
Notes: Ririe returns all but three members of last year’s 18-8 team which won the 2A third place trophy, the program’s first trophy since 1983…The Bulldogs finished the regular season 18-2 and became the first Nuclear Conference team to finish conference action 8-0 since the 2007 Butte County team…Ririe’s losses are to state ranked teams Firth and Sugar-Salem…The Bulldogs had won 13 straight before losing to Firth in the district tournament semifinals.

Soda Springs Cardinals
Record: 17-6
State seed: District V champion
Coach: Wade Schvaneveldt, 12th season
Players to watch: G Anndee Neuman sr.; C Markee Kimball jr.; G Kelsey Yamauchi, sr.
Notes: The Cardinals qualified for state for the 12th year in a row and enter as district champs for the third consecutive season. ... Since Dec. 5, Soda Springs has a record of 16-2.

Valley Vikings
Record: 19-5
State seed: District IV champion
Coach: Liz Thomas, fourth season
Players to watch: G Marlee Mussmann, sr.; G Lizzy Henry, sr.
Notes: Valley repeated as District IV champs and returns to state for the second year in a row. … Last year, Valley was two-and-out in the state tournament with losses to Grangeville and Marsing. … The Vikings’ last state tournament win was in 2009, the year they finished runner-up.

Class 1A-I

Challis Vikings
Record: 13-10
State seed: District IV-V-VI runner-up
Coach: Jim Chamberlain, fourth season
Players to watch: G Kaylee Olson, jr.; G Brielle Sheppeard, jr.
Notes: The Vikings make their sixth postseason appearance in seven seasons. … Challis graduated four from last year’s 17-9 team which played in the state consolation game, but went 7-5 in conference action to wrap up the fourth seed for districts. … The Vikings have won four of their last five, including an upset of No. 4 Grace in the district tournament second place game for an automatic berth to state. ... Challis’s last trophy was in 2011 (third place).

Genesee Bulldogs
Record: 18-5
State seed: District II third place (play-in winner)
Coach: Brandon McIntosh, first season
Players to watch: F Sam Moser; G Kaleigh Ranisate.
Notes: The Bulldogs are led by Moser, a feisty forward who refuses to lose. Whenever Genesee is in a drought, look for Moser to take over the game. Ranisate, a sophomore, is the team's leader in scoring at 17 points per game. Entering this year, the Bulldogs had won 22 games the past three years.

Grace Grizzlies
Record: 16-7
State seed: District IV-V-VI third place (play-in winner)
Coach: Kevin Smith, sixth season
Players to watch: F Mackenzie Windley, sr.; G Kate Skinner, sr.
Notes: The Grizzlies are back in the state tournament after fighting through a tough district bracket, eventually defeating Idaho City in a play-in game. ... Grace lost three district games during the regular season, two of them to undefeated Hagerman.

Hagerman Pirates
Record: 23-0
State seed: District IV-V-VI champion
Coach: Dana Bates, first season
Players to watch: G Larissa Knight, sr.; F Aly Sauer, sr.
Notes: Hagerman is the only team to make the girls state tournament with a perfect record. ... Knight is the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,238 points. She broke a 75-year-old scoring record set when girls basketball was played 3-on-3. ... Sauer is a double-double machine, using her 6-foot-4 frame to alter and block shots. She can also step out and hit a 3-pointer, causing matchup problems defensively. ... Point guard Hayley White is an effective distributor and would stand out on most teams, but could be one of the most underrated players in the tournament.

Lapwai Wildcats
Record: 19-3
State seed: District II champion
Coach: Shawn Spencer, 17th season
Players to watch: G Iris Domebo; F Taylor Whitney
Notes: Domebo may be only a freshman, but she may just be the best player in the state at the 1A level. She can take over games for the Wildcats. Lapwai has tons of depth and  its posts are underrated. Cyra Cunningham and Taylor Whitney may be as good as any pair of forwards in the state tournament.

Notus Pirates
Record: 13-10State seed: District III champion
Coach: Brad Huter, fifth season
Players to watch: PG Alana Riley, so.; F Gabby Okamura, so.; G Jacylinn Parra, so.
Notes: Enters the state tournament on a 10-game winning streak. ... The Pirates’ top four leading scorers are all sophomores. ... Point guard Alana Riley leads the sophomore group with 14.8 points and 4 steals per game. Gabby Okamura (4.8 ppg) tops the team in rebounds at 7 per game. And Jacylinn Para (4.5 ppg) averages 2.4 assists per game.

Prairie Pirates
Record: 18-4State seed: District II runner-up
Coach: Lori Mader, fourth season
Players to watch: F Kyndahl Ulmer; F Kayla Schumacher; G Nicole Wemhoff.
Notes: Prairie has made state four years in a row now. The Pirates’ best player, Ulmer, won a title with Kamiah last year, and the Pirates have the depth to compete for a title this year. Their offense runs through their posts.

Rimrock Raiders
Record: 19-3State seed: District III runner-up
Coach: Bobby Jean Colyer, first season
Players to watch: G Kyla Jewett, sr.; G/F Sami Bachman, sr.; G Desi Meyers, sr.
Notes: Qualified for the state tournament for the second year in a row. ... Went two-and-out at last year’s tournament, and its last state tournament win came in 2006 when the Raiders finished fourth in the 16-team 1A tournament. ... Had a 10-game winning streak snapped in a 44-42 loss to Notus in the District III championship game. ... Two of its three losses came to Notus.

Class 1A-II

Council Lumberjacks
Record: 18-5
State seed: District III runner-up
Coach: Rodd Baxter, second season
Players to watch: PG Sierra Schmeckpeper, so.; F Zoe Wessels, so.
Notes: Council hasn’t been to state since 2007, when the tournament featured 16 teams. ... Baxter credits a strong offseason for helping the Lumberjacks improve from last year’s record of 7-12. ... Council’s starting lineup is comprised of three sophomores and two seniors.

Dietrich Blue Devils (defending champion)
Record: 17-5State seed: District IV champion
Coach: Acey Shaw, ninth season
Players to watch: G Jacey Shaw, jr.; G/F Alex Berthelson, sr.; G Nicki Larson, so.
Notes: The three-time defending champions are chasing history, trying to become only the second Idaho girls program to win four straight titles. ... Four of Dietrich’s five losses came in succession in the middle of the season. ... The Blue Devils’ only loss in the last 10 games is to undefeated 1A-I Hagerman. ... Dietrich has just one senior on this year's team, Berthelson.

Kendrick Tigers
Record: 18-6State seed: District II runner-up (play-in winner)
Coach: Ron Ireland, second season
Players to watch: G Abby Smith; G Rebecca Rickert; F Carli Taylor.
Notes: Although the Tigers have several talented players, they will only go as far as standout Abby Smith will carry them. Perhaps one of the best players in the classification, Smith can cut to the rim, shoot from distance and isn’t afraid to play defense. She averaged nearly a double-double per game this season and captains a Kendrick team that brought back nearly all of its key players from its runner-up finish at state last season.

Lighthouse Christian Lions
Record: 11-9State seed:
Coach: Tia Killoy, first season
Players to watch: F Jackie van Vliet, jr.; F Brooklyn Vander Stelt, sr.; G Parris Gomez, jr.
Notes: Lighthouse Christian can score in bunches, but the Lions are not very deep. That could provoke a few questions of the team should they reach a trophy game. ... Much of the Lions’ scoring is predicated on Gomez's shooting and using interior size to scoop up rebounds and putbacks. ... This is the first state tournament appearance in program history, but a number of players participated in the school's back-to-back volleyball titles.

Mackay Miners
Record: 17-6State seed: District V-VI runner-up (play-in winner)
Coach: Leigh Patterson, first season
Players to watch: G Cheyan James, jr.; F Alex Nelson, sr.; G Chelbee Rosenkrance, jr.
Notes: Mackay makes its seventh state tournament appearance in eight seasons. … Last year’s state third place trophy was the program’s first trophy since 1977. … The Miners’ lone conference losses this season — their first in three years — were to district champion Rockland. … Mackay returns four from last year’s 16-7 team.

Nezperce Indians
Record: 17-3State seed: District II champion
Coach: Dave Snodgrass, fourth season
Players to watch: G Kelsie Seitz; G Kamas Carpenter; G Aleesha Arnzen.
Notes: The Indians, who return to state for the first time since 1992, have three elite scorers in Seitz, Carpenter and Arnzen and a suffocating defense that smothered nearly every opponent in the Whitepine League this season. Nezperce is led by coach Dave Snodgrass, who has been a fixture in Idaho small school girls basketball for several decades.

Rockland Bulldogs
Record: 20-2State seed: District V-VI champion
Coach: Vern Nelson, 17th season
Players to watch: F Savanah Farr, sr.; G Stefani McClanahan, so.
Notes: The Bulldogs enter state on a 17-game winning streak, outscoring opponents by more than 18 points per contest. ... In late January, senior forward Savanah Farr became the first Rockland girl to score over 1,000 points in school history.

Tri-Valley Titans
Record: 17-2State seed: District III champion
Coach: KyLee Morris, fourth season
Players to watch: F Victoria Branch, sr.; PG Skye Southwick, sr.; F Hillary Hollon, sr.
Notes: Tri-Valley has won four district titles in a row during Morris’ tenure, and the Titans have lost in the state consolation game two years running. ... The Titans are a co-op of Cambridge and Midvale high schools, which are separated by about 8 miles.

Idaho State - Weber State postgame

Idaho State 78, Weber State 75, overtime

The Journal’s game recap.

The Standard-Examiner’s game recap.

Best game I’ve seen this season. Well played from both sides, great effort and each squad had their guy show up in a major way. ...

Star of the game: Chris Hansen. Two games against Weber State and Hansen is averaging 27 points while hitting 53 percent of his shot attempts from the floor (17-32) and 64 percent from 3 (9-14). Hansen’s scoring average is up to 17.3 points per game.

Hansen wasn’t the sole reason ISU beat Weber. The Wildcats are far too good to be beaten by one guy. Ayibakuro Preh was terrific down low defensively, Tomas Sanchez — without ever stepping off the floor — didn’t have a turnover with six assists and guys like Justin Smith, Evann Hall and Ajak Magot all provided valuable minutes off the bench. But Hansen was the single biggest reason ISU outlasted WSU in the extra five minutes. He came up large in the biggest moments. I’m telling you, that 3-pointer over Kyle Tresnak that turned as the game winner is the toughest shot you’re ever going to see go down.

Tresnak played Hansen perfectly. Once Hansen released the attempt, Tresnak turned, watched the shot go down and then just and shook his head in disbelief as he ran to the other end.

Star of the game No. 2: Davion Berry. Barring a complete collapse by Weber State in the final six games, Berry is going to be the league’s player of the year. He deserves it. He’s the senior leader on the best team.

Jeremy Senglin (18 points) had a great first half against the Bengals, but it was clear that Berry was going to take over for WSU in the second half. His 3-point shot (0-6 for the game) wasn’t going down, so Berry attacked the basket and showed off his ability to finish at the rim with floaters over ISU’s bigs. In a hostile atmosphere and against a team that made 53 percent of its field goals, he was nearly good enough to pull off the road win.

Weber State at Idaho State pregame

Weber State at Idaho State

Monday, 7:05 p.m.

Holt Arena

Radio — 930 CBS Sports Radio or Rock 102.5
Web — isubengals.com (live stats)
Free live video stream — watchbigsky.com
Records — Idaho State is 9-13 and 6-7 in the Big Sky. Weber State is 14-7 overall and 11-2 in the conference.
Series —Weber State leads 76-48.
Last outing — Idaho State knocked off Southern Utah 75-65 on the road. On the road, Weber State beat Southern Utah 75-55.
Up next — Idaho State travels to Montana State Thursday.

Probable starters
Weber State
F/G Davion Berry, 6-4, Sr., 19.1 ppg
F Joel Bolomboy, 6-9, So., 9.0 ppg
C Kyle Tresnak, 6-10, Sr., 11.0 ppg
G Jordan Richardson, 6-1, Sr.,7.1 ppg
G Jeremy Senglin, 6-2, Fr., 11.0 ppg

Idaho State:
G/F Chris Hansen, 6-4, Jr. 16.9 ppg
F Jeffrey Solarin, 6-4, Jr. 9.6 ppg
C Avibakuro Preh, 6-9, Sr. 3.2 ppg
G Andre Hatchett, 6-4, Sr. 14.6 ppg
G Tomas Sanchez, 6-3, Sr. 15.2 ppg

Game notes: Idaho State, Weber State

Check out the Standard-Examiner's story on Weber State's defense by Roy Burton.

Here's the latest Big Sky standings. The optimistic point of view for Bengal fans:  Idaho State trails third-place North Dakota and Northern Arizona by 1.5 games.

The not-so-optimistic point of view for Bengal fans: Idaho State is in ninth place and after today’s matchup with Weber State, the Bengals travel to Montana State and Montana, possibly the toughest road trip of the season.

(To digress for a moment. The Montana and Montana State road trip has been largely viewed as the toughest in the Big Sky for a few reasons. 1) Montana is historically really good and Montana State is always at least competitive. So we’re talking about two good teams. 2) Montana and Montana State both have some of the better fan bases in the league. 3) It’s not easy to fly into Bozeman or Missoula Mont., in the winter, and after playing one of them, teams have to bus to the other. We’re talking a three-hour ride, probably longer in a slow-moving bus.

So for those traditional reasons, the MSU-UM week is tough for opposing teams. But has that road trip been overtaken by the duo of North Dakota-Northern Colorado? North Dakota is really, really difficult to get to and going from Greeley, Colo., to Grand Forks, N.D., (or vice versa) is no joke. And they’re both consistently good programs. Random thought.)

Hatchett’s challenge

Idaho State senior guard Andre Hatchett knows Weber State senior center Kyle Tresnak from their days in high school. Both are from Arizona and they played with one another on an all-star team following their final years in high school.

“I’ve been looking forward to this game for awhile,” Hatchett said after ISU’s 10-point victory at Southern Utah. “(Weber State) shut me down pretty bad. I’ve had this game marked on my calendar.”

In the first meeting Jan. 20 — a 65-59 Wildcat victory — Weber State held Hatchett to six points on 3-of-9 shooting, about 8.5 points below his season average.

But Hatchett was quick to point out that while his old friend got the win and Hatchett had a rough night, Tresnak — at least scoring wise — was even worse, scoring 4 points. Tresnak did add 11 rebounds and three blocks.

Hatchett is finding some extra motivation for the Wildcats because he’s facing an old friend. But make no mistake, everyone at Idaho State understands what a win against Weber State could mean.

ISU would jump into a tie for fifth place with five other teams and could carry momentum into Thursday’s game at Montana State.

“Rise to the occasion,” Hatchett said. “We’re right there with everybody.”

A loss doesn’t end Idaho State’s season. There’s still two more home games versus Northern Arizona (Feb. 27) and Sacramento State (March 1), but a win could catapult Idaho State in position to claim one of the Big Sky’s seven slots in the postseason tournament.

Idaho State at Southern Utah postgame

Idaho State 75, Southern Utah 65

Find the game recap here.

At this point of the season, Idaho State could not have been in a more must-win-or-the-season-for-all-practical-purposes is over. The Bengals had to stretch Southern Utah's losing streak to 22 games considering how stiff the schedule is the next few weeks.

Star of the game: Chris Hansen. The game article uses a lot of ink on how seniors Andre Hatchett and Tomas Sanchez came alive in the second half, helping Idaho State recover from a one-point halftime deficit.

Where Hatchett and Sanchez had to raise their games, Hansen started well from the opening tip. Hansen scored in double figures both halves on the way to 22 points.

Fifteen of those 22 came from five 3-pointers and Hansen had three 2-pointers. Those 2s are the biggest reason Hansen is one of the Big Sky's leading scorers (entering the game with SUU, Hansen was fifth in the league at 16.7 ppg).

Hansen's greatest skill is as a long-distance shooter but he's taken steps to develop a better all-around offensive game.

“I worked a lot on my ball handling over the summer and doing that kind of stuff allows me to do that," Hansen said after the SUU game. "I’m still not very good at it but I think I’m getting better. And I think I’m going to continue to work on it, because I have to have that.

“I need to have them respect not just my 3-point shot but my entire game.”

Idaho State head coach Bill Evans added: “He’s gotten better. He’s worked hard and he’s deserved to play well. Some guys don’t deserve to play well. He deserves it. He works hard to get better.”

On another note: Evans led Southern Utah's men's basketball program 1992 through 2007, accumulating 209 victories. Evans is the winningest coach in SUU men's basketball history.

Evans, however, says beating Southern Utah back in Cedar City, Utah, is nothing special.

“I have no animosity toward Southern Utah," Evans said. "I don’t want to win anymore here than I want to win at Montana. I’ve got a lot of fond memories here. These people treated me great. I want to kick their butt every game.”

To reiterate the point, though, Evans wants to kick everybody's butt. 

Idaho State at Southern Utah pregame

Idaho State at Southern Utah

Saturday, 5 p.m.

The Centrum, Cedar City, Utah

Radio — 930 CBS Sports Radio or Rock 102.5
Web — isubengals.com (live stats)
Free live video stream — watchbigsky.com
Records — Idaho State is 8-13 and 5-7 in the Big Sky. Southern Utah is 1-21 overall and 0-13 in the conference.
Series —Southern Utah leads 13-8.
Last outing — Idaho State lost at home 80-75 to North Dakota. At home, Southern Utah fell to Weber State 75-55.
Up next — Idaho State hosts Weber State Monday.

Probable starters
Southern Utah:
F Casey Oliverson, 6-8, So., 5.8 ppg
F A.J. Hess, 6-6, So., 8.9 ppg
C Cal Hanks, 6-11, Jr., 3.6 ppg
G Trey Kennedy, 6-3, Fr., 9.6 ppg
G John Marshall, 6-1, Fr., 4.1 ppg   

Idaho State:
G/F Chris Hansen, 6-4, Jr. 16.7 ppg
F Jeffrey Solarin, 6-4, Jr. 9.7 ppg
C Avibakuro Preh, 6-9, Sr. 3.2 ppg
G Andre Hatchett, 6-4, Sr. 14.5 ppg
G Tomas Sanchez, 6-3, Sr. 15.2 ppg

Game notes: Idaho State, Southern Utah

Here's the Journal's game story: "Bengal men seek first conference road win of the season" ... and it had better start on the defensive end.

I can't find a preview of the game from Southern Utah's perspective. But check out this game recap from The Spectrum and Daily News on the T-birds' loss to Weber State. The end of the article writes "The Thunderbirds will have one of their best chances to find their way into the win column Saturday against Idaho State who is 5-7 against Big Sky teams and sits just above them in the conference standings." 

Quotes of interest:

ISU head coach Bill Evans on Southern Utah ...

“I think they’re one of the top three defensive teams in the league. I think they guard the 3-point line well. They’re really hard to score the ball at the basket against because they’re so big. They’ve got some really big kids. They’re playing with really good integrity. Coach is doing a great job of. ... When teams go on a little spin like that, sometimes it’s hard to keep them focused and motivated. He’s done a great job of that, a tremendous job. And that’s a credit to him and his kids.

“They’ve won one game. They’ve lost 20 in a row. They’re going to beat somebody, I just hope it’s not us. I’m scared to death.”

Tomas Sanchez on Idaho State and how it has to get better guarding the perimeter ...

“We’re trying to improve but also it just starts with dribble penetration to kick outs for 3s. That hurts us, so we’re just trying to keep the ball out of the paint. ... If we keep the ball out of the paint that helps us against the 3, too, because then they’re not kicking to open shooters. We just have to make sure we know personnel."
 

Big Sky Rankings — The top and bottom solidified

    We’re a month away from the start of the Big Sky postseason tournament and apart from Weber State and Southern Utah, the committee (of one) has no idea who’s going to be there.
    Sure, we have our suspicions. Like despite the fact that Northern Colorado is in a tailspin after a four-game road trip, we favor the Bears’ chance to make the postseason. And both Montana and North Dakota look like each is finding itself after unexpected slow starts.
    But, shoot, it’s the wild, wild west out there otherwise. Without further ado.   

1. Weber State 13-7, 10-2
Last week: No. 1
    Last week, Weber State subdued North Dakota 84-72 and overwhelmed Northern Colorado 79-65.
    Sophomore forward Joel Bolomboy was terrific. A bundle of talent and possibility, Bolomboy averaged 16 points and 11.5 rebounds against UNC and UND, two of the Big Sky’s top contenders.
    Along with senior center Kyle Tresnak, Weber State has the most talented frontcourt in the Big Sky. They rebound and provide rim protection, allowing Weber’s guards to get out on the perimeter and apply heavy ball pressure. And surprise, surprise, the Wildcats have overtaken Northern Colorado as the conference’s top scoring defense.
    The question now becomes: Can anyone beat Weber State in Ogden, Utah, during the postseason tournament where the ’Cats have won 26 straight Big Sky regular season games?

2. Montana 12-9, 7-5
Last week: No. 4
    Montana outlasted Portland State 82-76 in overtime and then outscored Eastern Washington 82-77.
    The Grizzlies have won four straight after starting league play 3-5. And for all the talk of how teams in the Big Sky can’t win games on the road, at 3-3, Montana has the most wins away from home court in the conference. The Griz still have issues (rebounding and frontcourt depth) but their stellar guard play is finding a way to navigate those shortcomings.

3. North Dakota 10-12, 7-5
Last week: No. 3
    North Dakota lost at Weber State 84-72 before knocking off Idaho State 80-75.
    UND’s win against Idaho State last Saturday was weird for two overarching reasons. The Bengals dominated the glass, collecting 47 rebounds (26 of those offensive) to North Dakota’s 19 boards. Yet, the mascot-less found a way to win.
    Second, North Dakota’s Troy Huff — perhaps the league’s most prolific scorer — had 18 points by half and finished with 22. To a degree, Huff was passive in the final 20 minutes, which we found perplexing, especially after he started the game nailing his first four 3-point attempts.
    The committee (of one) would have expected Huff’s aggressiveness to kick up a notch. Instead, he (largely) didn’t look for his shot. But here’s the thing, maybe that’s good. After the game, head coach Brian Jones lauded the way his team played together.
    “We’re starting to share the ball and make the extra pass,” Jones said.
    That alone might be the biggest reason why North Dakota has won five of its last seven.

4. Sacramento State 10-11, 6-6
Last week: No. 7
    At home, the Hornets stung — I couldn’t resist — Northern Arizona 87-70 and Southern Utah 68-56.
    The committee (of one) wants to take a moment to explain our ranking process. We rank teams based on how they’re playing today. Win four straight (like Sacramento State), we’ll take notice and that team will rise in the rankings. Lose four straight (hello, Northern Colorado) and, well, down you go.
    Sac State is an interesting team. Sixth-year head coach Brian Katz openly said the Hornets had to take advantage of the four-game home stretch they just finished up Monday night against the Thunderbirds. They were 2-6 and only ahead of Southern Utah in the conference standings.
    If Idaho State had completed a second-half comeback Jan. 30 or Dylan Garrity hadn’t buried a 75-footer at the buzzer in overtime against Weber State, Sac State wouldn’t have dug out of the cellar into sixth place.
    In the four games at home, the Hornets season field-goal percentage jumped from 45.2 to 49 percent, they made nearly six more free throws per game and their 3-point field-goal percentage leaped from 36.4 to over 45 percent (a mark that would lead the country).
    They’re numbers that are hardly sustainable and Sacramento State is headed back to the road for two crucial matchups versus Eastern Washington and Portland State.

5. Portland State 11-10, 6-6
Last week: No. 2
    Portland State lost in overtime to Montana 82-76 and fell to Montana State 69-64.
    The Vikings came within a fraction of second of beating Montana in regulation after a putback off an offensive rebound by senior forward Kyle Richardson came just after the final buzzer.
    That win could have vaulted the Vikings into the Big Sky’s upper-echelon (while pushing Montana off of it), and it could be the type of moment that defines PSU’s season. Portland State has two games at home this week before embarking on a four-game road trip.

6. Eastern Washington 10-13, 5-7
Last week: No. 9
    In its first road win of the season, Eastern blew out Montana State 79-50 and then lost to Montana 82-77.
    Against MSU, Eastern Washington poured in 11 3-pointers and four players scored in double figures as the Eagles shot 53 percent from the floor while holding the Bobcats to 39 percent shooting.
    But where EWU could rely on the 3-pointer to beat MSU, it wasn’t there against the Grizzlies. Sophomore guard Tyler Harvey was 1-of-8 from 3 and the team shot 23 percent from the perimeter. Montana outscored Eastern 30-15 from 3 in the five-point victory.
    On the bright side, EWU has five of its last eight at home in Cheney, Wash., to finish conference play, putting the Eagles in a great spot to make a push for the postseason.

7. Northern Arizona 10-13, 7-5
Last week: No. 6
    Northern Arizona lost to Sacramento State 87-70 on the road and held off Southern Utah 64-57 in beautiful Flagstaff, Ariz.
    The Lumberjacks beat the Thunderbirds in Cedar City, Utah, 70-36 Jan. 13, but it was a seven-point game last Saturday nearly a month later in the NAU victory.
    Southern Utah has improved from that first meeting but the committee (of one) feels like NAU has already hit its peak this season.

8. Northern Colorado 13-8, 7-5
Last week: No. 5
    UNC dropped a 73-70 decision to Idaho State and a 79-65 final at Weber State.
    In two short weeks, Northern Colorado has fallen from a tie for first place with Weber State to a tie for second with three other teams. Losers of three of their last four, the committee (of one) can only assume the Bears can’t wait to play at home again where they’re undefeated in 11 games.

9. Idaho State 8-13, 5-7
Last week: No. 8
    The Bengals managed to tread water and stay alive for the postseason after Tomas Sanchez hit a 3 with 14 seconds left to push ISU past Northern Colorado 73-70. ISU followed up that victory, though, with an 80-75 defeat to North Dakota.
    Five of ISU’s last eight games are on the road to end the season, so the Bengals have to find a way to pick up a couple. They’re 0-5 away from Pocatello this year, but the Bengals aren’t reaching the postseason without at least two victories in someone else’s gym.
    With senior leadership (Sanchez, Andre Hatchett), elite shooting (Chris Hansen) and the ability to rebound (Jeffrey Solarin, Ayibakuro Preh), the Bengals have the ingredients to win away from their home court. They’d better start doing it.
   
10. Montana State 11-12, 6-6
Last week: No. 10
    The Bobcats were blasted by Eastern Washington 79-50, but they rebounded with a 69-64 victory over Portland State.
    Montana State is in a great position to reach the postseason tournament at 6-6 and a game behind second place. But a couple factors are working against the Bobcats. Five of their final eight games are away from snowy Bozeman, Mont., and they’re 2-5 in their last seven with wins against Southern Utah and PSU.

11. Southern Utah 1-20, 0-12
Last week: No. 11
    The T-birds lost 64-57 at Northern Arizona and 68-56 at Sacramento State, extending SUU’s winless streak to 20 games.
    With their next four at home and the conference standings from second to 10th separated by a mere two games, the Thunderbirds are in a great position to ruin somebody’s season.

North Dakota-Idaho State postgame

North Dakota 80, Idaho State 75

Check out the Journal's game recap here.


Star for the game: Jeffrey Solarin. In a losing effort, Solarin was great. He overpowered, outworked and muscled his way into the paint to collect 12 offensive rebounds.

North Dakota — not the biggest or most physical of squads — was obliterated by Solarin and his energy (the key ingredient to a great rebounder). What was most startling was the difference between the brawn of a team like Northern Colorado and swiftness of North Dakota. UNC (and Weber, too) has a rotation stuffed with guys who are big and muscled and the Bears do everything they can to attack inside. By comparison, North Dakota counts on its speed and quickness. See them back to back and the differnce really stood out.

Ultimately, Solarin's career night wasn't enough in the loss but with the way North Dakota shot the ball (27-45), ISU would have lost by 20 without his effort on the glass.

Star of the game No. 2: Northern Colorado's Cole Stefan. Stefan isn't North Dakota's best player but I thought the 6-foot-3 junior was huge for UND down the stretch when the mascot-less closed out the game.

Stefan finished with 11 points and four assists. He was a calming influence who seemed to always make the right decision for how to attack the Bengal zone. Against ISU it's not the first pass, but the second that opens up a shooter or creates a driving lane. North Dakota's ball movement — and Stefan, to my eye, was a big part of that — was the key to the mascot-less winning a game on the road where they were outrebounded 47-19.

Reason for concern: Like Solarin, this is pretty obvious. The reason for concern is that Idaho State is now 5-7 in the Big Sky Conference, a mark tied with Eastern Washington for ninth place.

The Bengals trail four squads by two games for second place, and then there's three more teams between second and ninth. You know what, rather than explaining, check it out for yourself here.

The takeaway from the standings: With a road game at Southern Utah, followed by a home date with Weber State and then a road trip to Montana and Montana State after that, the Bengals are looking at a possible 6-10 league record by the time Feb. 27 and March 1 roll around (that's when ISU hosts Northern Arizona and Sac State).

Even if the Bengals win those two games, they're looking at an 8-10 record with two road games (at PSU and EWU) to finish the conference season. I'm getting at the fact that Idaho State needs to beat Southern Utah (yeah, duh) Saturday, Weber State Feb. 17 and then find a way to steal a game on the road in Montana.

That puts Idaho State at 8-8 before Sac and NAU arrive in Pocatello. Win those two and 10 games might be enough to make the postseason tournament. With eight games left, who knows at this point, but last season eight wins was enough for the seven seed. It feels like more is going to be needed in 2014.

North Dakota at Idaho State pregame

North Dakota at Idaho State
Today, 7:05 p.m., Holt Arena

Radio — 930 CBS Sports Radio or Rock 102.5
Web — isubengals.com (live stats)
Free live video stream — watchbigsky.com
Records — Idaho State is 8-12 and 5-6 in the Big Sky. North Dakota is 9-12 overall and 6-5 in the conference.
Series — North Dakota leads 4-1
Last outing — Idaho State beat Northern Colorado 73-70. On the road, North Dakota fell 84-72 to Weber State.
Up next — Idaho State travels to Southern Utah Feb. 15.

Probable starters
North Dakota:
G/F Troy Huff, 6-5, Sr., 19.7 ppg
C Ryan Salmonson, 6-9, Jr., 2.7 ppg
G Josh Schuler, 6-3, Sr., 5.6 ppg
G Aaron Anderson, 5-10, Sr., 10.6 ppg
G Quinton Hooker, 6-0, Fr., 4.7 ppg

Idaho State:
G/F Chris Hansen, 6-4, Jr. 16.9 ppg
F Jeffrey Solarin, 6-4, Jr. 8.9 ppg
C Avibakuro Preh, 6-9, Sr. 3.0 ppg
G Andre Hatchett, 6-4, Sr. 15.0 ppg
G Tomas Sanchez, 6-3, Sr. 15.2 ppg

Game notes: Idaho State, North Dakota

Here's the Journal's game preview for ISU vs. North Dakota. The Idaho State Bengals are drawing inspiration from the Super Bowl champs — or at least the Seahawks’ use of a simple question to spur confidence. Why not us?

Here's a couple sections of that preview ...

Hatchett, ISU’s backup point guard
    Off the bench, sophomore Evann Hall is more of a true shooting guard than a point guard.
    Hall has excelled in that role. He’s the Bengals fifth-leading scorer at 6.4 points a game. It has meant, though, that ISU lacks a backup for Sanchez, the starting point guard.
    Sanchez has logged at least 36 minutes in 16 of the Bengals’ 20 games. Opposing coaches have taken notice. Sanchez is constantly hounded in the full court by laser-quick guards’ pestering, darting hands, forcing the senior to weave his way back and forth down the floor just to set up Idaho State’s offense.
    “Constant pressure all night, it will take its toll,” Hatchett said. “He has the best stamina on the team, but it can get tiring making him turn and use so much energy.”
    In response, Idaho State has begun to use Hatchett to relieve the ball pressure.
    “It gives Sanchez a rest,” Evans said. “Usually, the guys guarding Andre are a little bit bigger. I think it’s probably easier for him to get the ball up the floor sometimes. He’s versatile. That’s one of the things he’s good at.”

Anyone’s race
    The Big Sky Conference standings were tight entering last Thursday’s slate of games, and after Idaho State, Montana, Sacramento State and Eastern Washington all won, it’s become an even more condensed mess from second to 10th place.
    At 7-4 in the league, Northern Colorado is in second place behind Weber State. But the Bears are a mere one game ahead of four teams at 6-5 and two games in front of another group of four at 5-6.
    Southern Utah is firmly ensconced in last place with an 0-10 conference record and Weber State is comfortably at the top. But it’s a wide-open race beyond those two with nine games left. 

Idaho State 73, Northern Colorado 70 postgame

Idaho State 73, Northern Colorado 70

Find the Journal's game recap here.


Star of the game: Tomas Sanchez. Yeah, the obvious answer but when you hit a game-winning shot, it's the easy pick. Sanchez wasn't perfect Thursday night against the Bears (the senior point guard had six turnovers) but he scored 23 points on 8-of-19 shooting. Man did the Bengals need the points, too. Andre Hatchett was great (more on him below) but ISU needed Sanchez because Chris Hansen — 12 points, 4 for 14 from the field, 0 for 6 from 3 — didn't have the shooting touch against UNC. Hansen was good defensively picking up a game-high five steals. Normally, though, for the Bengals to win they have to have Hansen producing.

But not Thursday. Sanchez was just good enough to help ISU grab a big home win (and when I write good, I mean great. Northern Colorado is really tough to beat).

Co-star of the game: Andre Hatchett. Hatchett has developed into the guy who does a little of everything for head coach Bill Evans and the Bengals. He scores (19 points vs UNC), rebounds (six Thursday) and dishes assists.

And since ISU doesn't have a backup point guard, Hatchett has taken on some of that role, too (more on that evolution in Saturday's issue of the Journal). 

Northern Colorado at Idaho State pregame

Northern Colorado at Idaho State

Thursday, 7:05 p.m.

Holt Arena

Radio — 930 CBS Sports Radio or Rock 102.5
Web — isubengals.com (live stats)
Free live video stream — watchbigsky.com
Records — Idaho State is 7-12 and 4-6 in the Big Sky. Northern Colorado is 13-6 overall and 7-3 in the conference.
Series — Idaho State leads 33-19
Last outing — Idaho State lost at Northern Arizona 67-65. On the road, Northern Colorado dropped a 94-90 decision in overtime to Eastern Washington.
Up next — Idaho State hosts North Dakota Saturday.

Probable starters
Northern Colorado:
F Derrick Barden, 6-5, Sr., 13.7 ppg
C Connor Osborne, 6-9, Sr., 3.8 ppg
G Jordan Wilson, 5-7, Fr., 6.7 ppg
G Tate Unruh, 6-4, Sr., 11.8 ppg
G Tim Huskisson, 6-5, Jr., 12.2 ppg

Idaho State:
G/F Chris Hansen, 6-4, Jr. 17.1 ppg
F Jeffrey Solarin, 6-4, Jr. 9.2 ppg
C Avibakuro Preh, 6-9, Sr. 2.9 ppg
G Andre Hatchett, 6-4, Sr. 14.8 ppg
G Tomas Sanchez, 6-3, Sr. 14.7 ppg

Game notes: Idaho State, Northern Colorado

Here's the Journal's game preview.

Check out this story on ISU's Ben Wilson, a junior guard ruled ineligible by the NCAA for most of the season. Last week, the decision was reversed. 

Interesting quotes from ISU basketball this week

- Head coach Bill Evans on Ben Wilson and what he will provide to ISU basketball starting next season.

“He brings a high skill level for a big kid. Very, very skilled as a dribbler, passer. I think he brings a toughness. I think he’s a good defender. I think he’s a good teammate.”

“He is a positive guy. He’s vocal."

- Evan addressing the fact that losing is tough, really tough 

"When you put as much effort into doing things as we do, and we’re not successful, it hurts. It doesn’t make you feel good. 

“This is the only profession in the world that a guy feels like this, I would think.”

- Evans answering whether he was more disappointed with the first half last week against Sacramento State (the Hornets blew out the Bengals the first 20 minutes) or the second half against Northern Arizona (the Lumberjacks used a 13-0 run to get back into the game).

“Oh, the first half. … We didn’t play with the focus and maybe the determination that we have played with in almost every game this year. … It did disappoint me.”

- Here's senior point guard Tomas Sanchez addressing the same question.

“They’re both equally frustrating. They’re different. First half against Sac, it felt like we couldn’t get a stop. We couldn’t. They were hitting everything. We gave them too many open looks and then to come back and be right in there at the end, it showed some toughness by us but we should have never been in that position.

“And then against Northern Arizona, same thing. I feel like we played 30, 32, 35 minutes of really good basketball. We had a stretch where we couldn’t score. They went on that run and came back into the game. Then, of course, they ended up making that last bucket. So, I mean, they both hurt just as bad. I can’t say one hurts more than the other.

“The fact is, we lost both games and we can’t have that.”

Final Idaho high school girls basketball media poll

First-place votes in parentheses
Records are through Feb. 4, 2014
5A    W-L    Pts.    Pvs.
1. Rocky Mountain (6) 20-0    42    1
2. Coeur d'Alene (3) 18-2    39    2
3. Lewiston 18-2    23    3
T-4 Centennial 17-3    13    4
T-4 Hillcrest 18-2    13    5
Others receiving votes: Mountain View 2, Highland 1.

4A W-L Pts.    Pvs.
1. Skyview (9)    19-1    45    1
2. Twin Falls 18-2    36    2
3. Bishop Kelly 15-5    20    4
4. Century 15-5    19    3
5. Middleton 14-6    13    5
Others receiving votes: Sandpoint 2.

3A W-L    Pts.    Pvs.
1. Sugar-Salem (7) 20-1    43    1
2. Filer (2) 18-3    38    2
3. Homedale 15-5    23    3
4. Priest River 12-7    13    4
5. Kellogg 12-6    9    T-5
Others receiving votes: Fruitland 3, Snake River 3, American Falls 2, Timberlake 1.

2A W-L    Pts.    Pvs.
1. Ririe (9)    19-2    45    1
2. Grangeville 15-4    29    2
3. Firth 15-5    27    3
4. New Plymouth 16-4    16    4
5. Soda Springs 15-6    8    -
Others receiving votes: North Fremont 6, Valley 4.

1A Division I W-L Pts.    Pvs.
1. Lapwai (5) 17-3    40    1
2. Hagerman (4) 21-0    38    2
3. Prairie 17-3    29    3
T-4 Grace 14-5    10    5
T-4 Genesee 15-4    10    4
Others receiving votes: Rimrock 8.

1A Division II W-L Pts.    Pvs.
1. Richfield (5) 16-2    38    1
2. Rockland (4) 18-2    37    2
3. Dietrich 14-5    25    3
4. Kendrick 15-5    17    4
5. Tri-Valley 16-2    13    5
Others receiving votes: Nezperce 5.

Voters
Mark Nelke, Coeur d'Alene Press
Greg Lee, Spokesman-Review
Matt Baney, Lewiston Tribune
Paul Kingsbury, IdahoSports.com
Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman
John Wustrow, Idaho Press-Tribune
David Bashore, Times-News
Marlowe Hereford, Post Register
Kyle Franko, Idaho State Journal

Kyle's poll

5A

1 Coeur d'Alene

2 Rocky Mountain

3 Lewiston

4 Centennial 

5 Highland (16-3)

4A

1 Skyview 

2 Twin Falls

3 Bishop Kelly

4 Century (15-5)

5 Middleton

3A

1 Sugar-Salem

2 Filer

3 Homedale

4 Priest River

5 Snake River (11-9)

2A

1 Ririe 

2 Firth (15-5)

3 Soda Springs (15-6) 

4 North Fremont

5 Grangeville

1A D1

1 Lapwai

2 Prairie

3 Hagerman

4 Grace (14-5)

5 Rimrock

1A D2

1 Rockland (18-2) 

2 Richfield

3 Kendrick  

4 Nezperce

5 Dietrich