PR basketball returns to action Monday against familiar foe

PRIEST RIVER — The Spartan basketball teams will unwrap their first presents of 2021 when they host North Idaho Christian on Monday night at PRLHS.

When the boys and girls basketball teams face the Royals, over two weeks will have past since both squads last saw the court.

On Dec. 19, the Spartan boys and girls both battled North Idaho Christian in the championship games at the Spartan Christmas Tournament.

The girls got the first crack at knocking off the Royals, but Priest River fell behind early and never recovered, losing 52-31.

The Royals took advantage of their open looks while the Spartans struggled to convert shots in the paint.

Priest River may have spent all its energy the night before in the opening game of the tournament when the team dismantled Clark Fork 57-28.

The Spartans forced 23 turnovers in the matchup and saw sophomore Lilly Freitas and freshman Allyson Barton stepped up to lead the team.

For most of the season, seniors Hannah Palfrey and Makia Fitzmorris have been the go-to players on offense for the Spartans. But against Clark Fork Freitas and Barton showed the squad has plenty of depth.

Freitas stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, seven steals, five rebounds and three assists, and Barton recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Freshman Samantha Pound also tallied 10 points against Clark Fork.

Priest River currently sits at 2-7 and will need to continue to receive depth scoring from their freshmen and sophomores as they enter Intermountain League play next week.

The boys received an early Christmas present, taking down North Idaho Christian 71-53 to grab the Spartan Christmas Tournament title.

Priest River only led by 1 point at the half, but the team exploded for 44 points in the second half to run away with the victory.

The difference for the Spartans in the second half came down to defense. Priest River upped their intensity on the defensive end which led to a more efficient effort on offense. It also helped that junior Jordan Nortz was feeling it from beyond the arc. He knocked down five 3-pointers and scored 27 points.

Junior Trentyn Kreager added 22 points.

Priest River's defense also carried them to a 74-26 running clock victory over Clark Fork in the semifinals of the tournament.

In that game, the Spartans forced 21 turnovers and had 13 steals. The team also saw Newport High transfer Blake Barrett make his season debut. He took off for 20 points and five rebounds.

With the emergence of Barrett, the Spartans now have four gifted guards that can take over a game in an instant. Nortz, Kreager, Barrett and Travis Mathews all have the ability to be the team's leading scorer on any given night, making Priest River a tough squad to defend.

Since suffering its first loss of the season to Kellogg 67-44 in the Silver Valley Tournament championship game on Dec. 5, the Spartans have found their groove and are averaging 67 points per game. Priest River (5-1) will look to continue that momentum when they return to action next week.

The girls will host North Idaho Christian at 5:30 p.m. Monday followed by the boys at 7 p.m.