Shelley loses State Title to Sandpoint but learns valuable life lessons
NAMPA: The Lady Russets struggled to find their explosive offense, eventually finding themselves down 4 points as time expired in regulation.
Sandpoint came out strong, leading the Russets by seven at the end of the 1st quarter. But the Russets’ explosive offense came alive in the 2nd quarter, with Shelley outscoring the Bulldogs 24 to 12. And the Russets finished the half on top 36 to 32.
Both teams shot pretty well during the first half, with Shelley 12 of 20 or 44 percent and Sandpoint 12 of 29 or 41.5 percent. Shelley turned the ball over seven times, where Sandpoint converted it into 5 points. And Sandpoint turned the ball over six times, with Shelley getting 9 points.
Shelley came out in the second half and increased their lead by seven points, but then Sandpoint went on a 14-point run while the Russets searched for their offense, which they found in Brinley Cannon’s two-point shot just before the end of the 3rd quarter. However, at the end of the third quarter, it was 50 to 45 Sandpoint.
Sandpoint started the 4th quarter with a 3-pointer by Bulldog Carley Banks. Then, they went into ball-control mode, passing the ball around, burning time off the clock until they found that perfect shot. Bulldog Kelsey Cessna found that shot in the paint for two points, extending their lead to 10.
Brinley Cannon answered with a two-point layup, but balanced scoring by Sandpoint had them in the lead.
Sandpoint bled the clock for two series but missed two 3-point shots. Russet Mia Williams didn’t miss her 3-pointer, which cut Sandpoint’s lead to 5.
However, Sandpoint consistently scored when they needed it. Eventually, they beat the Russets 69 to 65, winning the State Championship for the first time in their school history.
Before the game, the Idaho High School Athletics Association awarded the Lady Russets, their coaches, the cheerleaders, and the fans with the Best Sportsmanship Award for their conduct toward the opposing team and the officials at the game.
Congratulations to all those whose conduct and demeanor allowed Shelley to be bestowed with this honor.
At the end of the game, Coach Jessica Carlson publically addressed everyone at the event, thanking the fans, the cheer team, the band, the school administration, and the athlete’s parents for their support. She also thanked her assistant coaching staff and family members.
But then Coach Carlson turned to her team players and said, “You have made this an incredible season. You have made this such a joy. We have had so much fun both on and off the court. I widerly wove you guys [laughing], and I am so proud of you guys.â€
Congratulations to Lady Russet, who finished second at State (No small feat) and at an incredible winning season going 18-2 and 22-4.
