2-23-2010

The boys' prep basketball season is winding down. We are in the final week of district action, and every classification will crown a champion in the next few days.

In the 4A Great Basin Conference, the Minico Spartans and Jerome Tigers waged an epic battle for the conference two-seed to state. Minico's home court advantage was no match for Jerome's high-octane offense. Minico kept it close, but Jerome held a six-point advantage at the half, and stretched their lead into double figures late, before holding off the Spartans for a 64-56 win in Rupert. Jerome is guaranteed a spot in the state tournament next week, and will face Twin Falls at Baun Gymnasium at 7 p.m. on Thursday for the GBC title.

In the 1A Division I Snake RIver Conference, the Castleford Wolves and Raft River Trojans waged war for the conference championship in Murtaugh. The Wolves and Trojans finished one half of play tied at 32. Another epic battle would come down to the wire. The Wolves would extend their win streak to 21 with a 69-65 win over the Trojans. Castleford earns the conference title, and the top seed to state. Raft River will have one more play-in with the winner of tomorrow's third-place game for the conference's two-seed to state.

Other scores:
2A Canyon Conference Elimination
Valley 35
Declo 68

1A Div. I Elimination
Challis 45
Hagerman 59