Trojans make state; Vikings out
Scott Stockwell scored 22 points and had nine steals, as Post Falls secured a state tournament berth with a 67-54 victory over Nampa in a 4A state play-in game Saturday at Craigmont.
Nick Cuchessi replaced three-year starter K.C. Billetz, who sat out with a knee injury, in the lineup for the Trojans (16-8) and sparked the team with two 3-pointers early in the first half. The spark didn’t last long, though, as Nampa (13-11) held Post Falls to eight points in the second quarter and took a 39-32 halftime lead.
PFs switched to a zone defense after the break, and Nampa shot just 6 of 24 from the field in the second half. The Trojans took control by outscoring Nampa 18-5 in the third period.
The Trojans dominated the boards, outrebounding the Bulldogs 39-24. Kyle Turpin notched a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds.
The Trojans play Century at 12:15 PST in a first-round game Thursday at Albertson College in Caldwell.
5A boys play-in game
Capital 58, Coeur d’Alene 54
Coeur d’Alene junior Matt Palmer scored 18 points and senior Jake Wolfe added 14, but it wasn’t enough to send the Vikings to the State 5A tournament. CdA’s season ended with the loss to Capital at Craigmont.
The Vikings had a chance to tie the game in the final minute, but Capital’s Nick Davis blocked a shot attempt by Kevin Menting.
Capital (18-7) had momentum early, outscoring Coeur d’Alene (9-15) 18-12 in the first quarter. The Eagles were led by Kyle Efaw with 16 points.
The Vikings were just 6 of 13 from the free-throw line, while Capital made was 10 of its 13 attempts.