1A D2 STATE PLAY-IN: Clark Fork dominant in win over North Gem, clinches state berth

Clark Fork 60, North Gem 37

CASCADE – Chase Sanroman scored 15 points, all in the second half, while twin brother Cole Sanroman dished out 11 assists as the Wampus Cats prevailed over North Gem in a 1A D2 state play-in game held at Cascade High Saturday afternoon.

After a tight first quarter, the Wampus Cats took a nine-point lead in the second, 30-21. All within the last minute of the second quarter, Clark Fork put together a 7-0 run, getting a key basket from Owen Howard and then two baskets from Cole Sanroman — a fastbreak layup assisted by Evrett Montgomery and then a deep 3-pointer to beat the buzzer, also assisted by Montgomery.

The Wampus Cats managed to score the first five points of the second half, but the Cowboys kept it close. After three quarters, Clark Fork led by 10. In the fourth however, the Wampus Cats took complete control of the game, outsourcing North Gem 18-5 to cruise to a 23-point victory.

“These kids man, I hugged every single one of them,” head coach Heath Beason said. “We controlled the boards, moved the ball quickly, and our backside help was phenomenal. They worked hard to earn this one. I can’t say enough about this team.”

Montgomery led all scorers on the day with 18 points, 12 of which came from behind the arc. Beason said Montogomery was the team's most valuable player Saturday and is definitely deserving of the ‘game ball’.

“Evrett shut down their biggest scoring threat (Evan O’Brien), limiting him to four points while guarding him. I had to give that game ball to Evrett today.”

In addition to Montgomery’s performance, both Chase Sanroman and Owen Howard pulled down nine rebounds; Owen also added three blocks. Chase and Cole Sanroman led the team in steals with three each. Ethan Howard also reached double-figures for the Wampus Cats, recording 12 points and eight rebounds.

“Cole and Chase ran our offense and defense and shut down their point guard (Gage Setser),” Beason said. “Seth (Caven), Arrow (Christofferson), and Owen also played a big role in this game for us down low. Owen also really helped in shutting down their main scorers.”

Clark Fork assisted on 19 out of their 23 made baskets and out-rebounded North Gem 40-22.

Beason said he believes this team made a statement today and that they are prepared for the state tournament.

“We’ve been here in the past, but right now, this is our moment and we need to capture it,” Beason said. “No matter who we face, we need to just focus on one game at a time.”

Clark Fork will head to the 1A D2 state tournament set to be held Feb. 29 through Mar. 2 at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. The Wampus Cats’ seed and opponent will be announced at a later date. 

North Gem 9 12 11 5 – 37

Clark Fork 11 19 12 18 – 60

PTS: CF – Montgomery 18, Ch. Sanroman 15, E. Howard 12, Co. Sanroman 8, O. Howard 4, S. Caven 3, Christofferson 0, Cruz 0. NG – Setser 11, O’Brien 11, Hayden 7, Jenkins 3, Langrus 3, Hatch 2, Perry 0.

REB: CF – O. Howard 9, Ch. Sanroman 9, E. Howard 8, Montgomery 6, Co. Sanroman 5, Christofferson 2, S. Caven 1. NG – O’Brien 7, Hayden 4, Setser 4, Jenkins 3, Perry 3, Hatch 1.

AST: CF – Co. Sanroman 11, E. Howard 3, Montgomery 3, Ch. Sanroman 2. NG – Setser 5, Perry 1, Langrus 1, Hayden 1, O’Brien 1.

STL: CF – Co. Sanroman 3, Ch. Sanroman 3, Montgomery 2. NG – O’Brien 2, Jenkins 1.

BLK: CF – O. Howard 3, Christofferson 1, S. Caven 1.