Hirst leads Spartans to thrilling win at state

NAMPA — In what was dubbed the best game so far of the 3A Idaho State Girls Championships, Spartan guard Holly Hirst caught a full-court pass and was fouled while making a lay-up to put Priest River into a 44-44 tie with 2.2 seconds left against the top-ranked Weiser Wolverines Friday at Skyview High School in Nampa.

Hirst, who had knocked down a 3-pointer on the previous possession, calmly and collectively went to the line and buried the free throw for a three-point play and thrilling 45-44 come from behind win to keep the Spartans state hopes alive.

The Lady Spartans (13-12) were just one of ten from beyond the arc until the designed three-point out-of-bounds play to Hirst put them within a point, 43-42 with nine second to play. 

Weiser would hit one of two free throws after a quick foul and leave Priest River 6.2 seconds to pull-off the late game heroics. 

The defending state champion Spartans lost an early lead after an 11-2 letdown in the second quarter, but would come out of the half with a win-or-go-home type of attitude to win the third and fourth quarters.

Hirst scored 10 points and Liz Halcro recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Spartans, who face Fruitland (12-9) in the consolation championship today at 8:15 a.m.

Marquita Palmer and McKenzie Johnson each scored 13 points for Weiser (19-3).

Weiser          9   11   9   15  —  44

Priest River  13   2   14   16  —  45

WEISER — Duren 4, Hatley 0, Eisenbarth 6, Lee 0, Palmer 13, Johnson 13, Redman 5, Fuller 3.

PRIEST RIVER — Weimer 6, Trost 2, Pavey 4, Stewart 5, Oscarson 4, Bradbury 0, Doolittle 0, Halcro 14, Hirst 10.