Rockland over Kendrick 62-56
After bringing back almost all of his players from last year's 2nd place team, head coach Ron Ireland has to be feeling good about the Tiger's chances. Phenom guard, and team captain,Abby Smith can do it all - drive, shoot and she even plays great defense. How far they go in the tournament will largely depend on how well Smith plays. No pressure Abby. Rockland brings their own stand-out player to the gym in the way of senior forward Savanah Farr. This season Farr became the first Rockland girl to score over 1,000 points. Well done.
Dietrich over Council 48-25
Blue Devils Head coach Acey Shaw has done it again. He's done it so often in fact that this year Dietrich will attempt to become only the second Idaho girls basketball team to win four straight state championships. Council is perhaps the turn-around team of the year. Heading in to state, they are sporting an 18-5 record after only going 7-12 last year. The Lady Lumberjacks haven't been to state since 2007, and want to make the most of the opportunity. Plus, they have the player with what just might be the coolest name of the tournament, sophomore PG Sierra Schmeckpeper.
Nezperce over Mackay 56-46
The Mackay Miners took home the 3rd place trophy last year, but at 17-6, they would like to upgrade the color of their trophy this year to blue. The Lady Indians of Nezperce (NOT Nez Pierce BTW) make their first appearance at the girls state tournament since 1992 and do so with a record of 17-3. I was a junior in high school. in 1992 Best year of my life...anyway, with three big-time scorers in Kelsie Seitz, Kamas Carpenter and Aleesha Arnzen the Indians have the potential to put some serious numbers on the scoreboard. Oh, ya. They play great defense too.
Tri-Valley over Lighthouse 62-50
Even though Tri-Valley has won the last four district title, they have lost the state consolation game two years running. This year, at 17-2, the Titans looks to their three seniors, Victoria Branch, Skye Southwick and Hillary Hollon to get them past the hump. This is the first time the Lady Lions of Lighthouse Christian have been to state in basketball, but the girl's program has won back-to-back state volleyball championships, so they athletes with some skills. The Lions aren't very deep, which could hurt them over the course of an intense three-day tournament.
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