Stewart, Hopkins lead Spartans in state win

NAMPA — It was a back and forth battle but Priest River (17-6) used defense down the stretch to win 41-32 over Fruitland to start the 3A girls state championship at Skyview high. 

“The win sets us up well for the next two days,” said Spartan coach Gary Stewart. “I feel we match-up better with Kimberly than Sugar Salem and if we can beat them we’ll be guaranteed to come home with a trophy.”

The Spartans surged out to a 13-3 first quarter lead before Fruitland (22-2) went on a 26-16 run to tie the game at 29 going into the fourth quarter. 

Ahead 32-31 with 90 seconds to play, Spartan Holly Hirst jumped the passing lane, picked the ball off and threw an outlet pass ahead to Sami Stokes for a lay-up. Senior Taylor Stewart sealed the win with late free throws, shooting 7 of 8 from the line.

“It was gut-check time late in the game and Holly’s steal turned out to be a pivotal play,” Stewart said.  “I knew we were going to need to play good defense at a critical point and we did that.”

Taylor Stewart led all scorers with 17 points.  Junior Intermountain League MVP Melissa Hopkins recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

The Lady Spartans advance to the semi-finals to play Kimberly (20-2) tonight at 7 p.m.

Priest River  13  8   8  12   —   41

Fruitland    3   10   16   3   —   32

PRIEST RIVER — Troudt 4, T. Stewart 17, Trost 1, Pavey 0, M. Stewart 0, Oscarson 0, Stokes 2, Hopkins 13, Halcro 3, Hirst 1.

FRUITLAND — Rhanehart 9, Jones 7, C. McGinley 5, Martarano 5, Clinton 3, Rule 2, S. McGinley 1.