Welcome to the Gem State Rundown, where each Monday we’ll recap the top sports headline from each area of the state.  Think of this as a bite-sized glance at the biggest stories happening statewide.

DISTRICT 1

Post Falls Wrestling Wins 13th Overall North Idaho Rumble

In the 16-year history of the North Idaho Rumble Wrestling Tournament, the Post Falls Trojans have walked home with a first place finish 13 times.

That dominance continued this year, as the Trojans squeezed out a four-point margin of victor over host school Coeur d’Alene.  Post Falls finished with 270.5 points, while the Vikings totaled 266.5.

The Coeur d’Alene Press reported that three Trojans finished first in their individual weights: Tristan Mendall (106 pounds), Matthew Hamilton (132 pounds) and Colton Austin (157 pounds).

DISTRICT 2

Genesee’s Chloe Grieser Crosses 1,500 Career Points

Genesee’s girls basketball team sprinted past Highland (Craigmont) in a 1A Whitepine League game this week, 54-45.

Along the way, Bulldogs senior Chloe Grieser crossed past 1,500 career points scored.

The Lewiston Tribune noted that Grieser hit five three-pointers in the first quarter alone, and finished with 36 points, 11 rebounds and five steals.

DISTRICT 3

Columbia Boys Erase Double-Digit Deficit, Roar Back To Defeat Middleton

Trailing by 12 points as the third quarter began, the Columbia boys’ basketball team surged forward in the second half of play, earning a narrow 52-49 win on the road at Middleton on Friday night.

The Idaho Press recap said that Columbia outscored the Vikings 14-3 during the opening minutes of the second half to climb back into the game.

Jack Keller led the Wildcats with 19 points.

DISTRICT 4

Gooding, Wendell Boys Basketball Teams Come Together For 8-Year Old Battling Cancer

8-year-old McRae Dimond has been battling a brain tumor since the summer, and on Saturday night, the boys’ basketball teams from Gooding and Wendell showed solidarity and support by donning pink t-shirts during their rivalry game.

KMVT recounted the emotional scene, which also included members of Wendell’s basketball team shaving their heads in support of Dimond.

DISTRICT 5

Malad Girls Prepare For Postseason With Senior Night Victory

After finishing as the Class 3A runner-up a season ago, Malad’s girls basketball team has displayed a laser-sharp focus this season, en route to a 19-2 overall record.

East Idaho News reported that the Dragons tuned up for postseason play with a dominant Senior Night win over Soda Springs, 52-32.

Mikell Keetch scored 17 points for Malad, while Brynnlee Jones added 15.

Courtnee Gronning scored seven for the Cardinals.

DISTRICT 6

Preston Outlasts Blackfoot On The Road, 69-64

In a late season boys basketball non-conference showdown that could be a preview for next month’s 5A State Tournament, Preston survived a back-and-forth affair with Blackfoot, 69-64.  You can watch a replay of our IdahoSports.com broadcast of this game here. 

Sophomore Wayd Bailey paced the Indians with 20 points, while seniors Kasen Bryce and Rhett Schumann each added 15.

The Post Register noted that Blackfoot’s senior duo of Austin Arave and Kasen Sorenson combined for 45 points in the loss.