Top Squads Keep Places In Idaho Poll

All four top-ranked teams remained No. 1 in the season’s final Associated Press Idaho boys high school basketball poll.

With district tournaments under way this week, the state’s sportswriters and broadcasters again made Centennial the top team in A-1, Kellogg in A-2, Potlatch in A-3 and Nampa Christian in A-4.

Centennial and Potlatch were unanimous No. 1 picks.

The Patriots and second-ranked Rigby in A-1 finished their regular seasons undefeated last week. Post Falls once again was third, Meridian fourth and Lewiston fifth.

Kellogg remained atop the rankings in an A-2 division that saw three of last week’s top five teams lose. Bishop Kelly jumped three spots to No. 2 after a 61-60 victory over previously third-ranked Payette and an overtime victory over Vallivue.

Bonners Ferry fell a notch to third after a 55-50 loss to A-1 Lake City. Payette was fourth after losing to Bishop Kelly, while Marsh Valley entered the poll at No. 5. Last week’s No. 4, Weiser, fell out of the rankings after dropping a four-point decision to Kuna.

In A-3, Potlatch remained No. 1 after beating Lapwai 71-67 last week. The Wildcats fell two spots to No. 5 after the loss.

Last week’s No. 2 team, West Jefferson, fell one spot after a 78-75 loss to Teton. That made room for the defending state champion Malad to climb to second after a couple of victories, and Aberdeen improved a notch to No. 4.

Among the state’s smallest schools, No. 1 Nampa Christian was unchallenged last week, winning two games by a total of 58 points. Carey remained No. 2 after beating Jerome’s juniors by 27, followed by Notus and Troy locked in a tie for third.

Shoshone knocked last week’s No. 5 team, Dietrich, out of the poll with a 62-47 drubbing. This week, the Indians take over at fifth just in time to meet Dietrich again in the district tournament.