NAMPA, Idaho — The No. 1-seeded Rockland Bulldogs held off the No. 3-seeded Garden Valley Wolverines 70-67 in the 1A Boys Basketball State Championship on Saturday.

Rockland cashed in 25 points at the free-throw line on its way to the high-scoring victory and the second state title in school history.

Both teams controlled stretches of the game early, setting up a thrilling fourth quarter finish.

Garden Valley controlled the first quarter, jumping out to a 7-0 run and taking a 20-15 lead by the end of the period. Both teams slowed the pace in the second quarter as the Wolverines maintained their advantage, carrying a 30-25 lead into halftime. Rockland came out strong in the third quarter, using a 14-3 run to grab a 52-48 lead heading into the final eight minutes.

Both teams left everything on the court in the fourth quarter. Garden Valley appeared to be out of reach with about a minute remaining but fought back to cut the deficit to one and had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer. However, a deep three-pointer from Will Coburn missed the mark, allowing Rockland to secure the 70-67 victory.

Rockland head coach Shae Neal reflected on the championship win and how his team overcame an early 11-point deficit.

“The mindset at that point was like, ‘Oh crap,’” Neal said. “But we knew going in they were going to make runs and hit threes. Our defense held strong for the most part, but giving up 20 points in the first quarter was tough. We knew we could weather the storm and come back.”

Brayzen Gibbs was named the IdahoSports.com Player of the Game after leading the Bulldogs with 23 points and three rebounds while going 17-of-20 from the free-throw line. Xavier Parrish added 18 points, and Woodrow Lowder contributed 16 points for Rockland.

“I just did my thing and drove inside,” Gibbs said. “When I got to the free-throw line, it just kind of felt natural.”

For Garden Valley, Cody Perrin and Maxon Yearsley each scored 19 points in the defeat.

“I’m really proud of how the season went,” Perrin said. “It sucks losing in the championship, but keeping the energy high was a big part of it for us.”