Clark Fork edges Newport

NEWPORT — Cameron Jeffres had the hot hand Friday night, scoring 26 points and dishing out four assists to lead Clark Fork past Newport 59-55 in the opening round of the Newport Classic.

"He had a monster game," said coach Brian Powell. " I told him this week he needed to start pulling the trigger more. It's just a matter of confidence, he finally started shooting."

Jared Broggi controlled the middle, scoring 12 points and pulling down 16 rebounds, and Mike Martin added 10 points and three assists as Clark Fork (2-3) put the game on ice late with some improved free throw shooting, going 7-11 from the stripe in the fourth quarter.

"We played tough defense and shut them down the last couple minutes of the game," said Powell, whose team has steadily held their own against bigger schools all season.

The win sets up a rematch of an early-season loss to Bonners Ferry. The Cats played that game without Jeffres, who has quietly become their best player. Tip off of the Newport Classic Championship game is 7:45 p.m.

Newport — 15 17 11 12 — 55

Clark Fork — 15 14 14 16 — 59

CLARK FORK — Martin 10, Anderson 0, Jeffres 26, McMahon 4, Wilkinson 5, Gustafson 2, Cornwall 0, Broggi 12.

? The Clark Fork girls' game ran late and results were not available at press time.