Weimer leads Spartans to win in state opener

MERIDIAN — Jake Weimer scored 20 of his game-high 27 points in the first half as Priest River defeated Homedale 62-51 to open the 3A state tournament at Meridian High School. 

The senior would almost single handily be responsible for the Spartans’ 15 point first half lead, scoring all 12 of Priest River’s second quarter points. Weimer shot eight of 14 from the field while recording 16 rebounds and four blocks for the double-double.

“We knew we had an advantage on the inside and that Jake is better than anyone in the paint, so our focus was getting him the ball,” Spartan coach Ryan Bodecker said.

Priest River made their first half run after shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and limiting the Trojans to just 28 percent. Homedale would answer through their three-point shooting, hitting five first half shots from beyond the arc. Walter Almarez was the Trojan gunner with five three-pointers and a team-high 19 points.

Max Salesky hit two big second half threes, including a 30 foot heave at the third quarter buzzer, and scored 10 points. Junior Eroc Holbrook was in foul trouble for most the game, but kept the Spartan offense moving with five assists from the point.

The win sets the Spartans up with a chance to exact revenge against last year’s state champions,  Shelley (15-8), which beat Priest River 56-41 in the semi-final game.

On facing Shelley in a rematch of last season Bodecker said “you always want to avenge a loss.”

Tonight’s match-up tips off at 7 p. PST. A live webcast of the game can be seen at www.IdahoSports.com and the game can also be heard via the KUBS radio broadcast at 91.5 FM.

Priest River 21   121316—62

Homedale   13   13916—51

PRIEST RIVER — Simpkins 0, Barrett 5, Douglas 1, Bach 0, Salesky 10, Collins 0, Holbrook 9, Weimer 27, Willig 4, Yount 6, Payment 0.

HOMEDALE — Almarez 19, Tolmie 0, Ryska 6, Harrell 4, Gonzalez 4, Landa 0, Esparza 8, Corta 6, Kennedy 3, Mereness 0, Stacy 0, Gibson 1.

n Other north school results:

Post Falls 55, Vallivue 53

Moscow 47, Rigby 42

Borah 52, Lake City 46