Griffitts leads CdA past optimistic PF

With matchups for regionals already set, Coeur d’Alene’s Inland Empire League girls basketball matchup with visiting Post Falls Thursday had the distinct feel of the postseason.

There was, however, still plenty to play for.

The Vikings (17-2 overall, 11-0 IEL) got 23 points from sophomore Kama Griffitts and staved off an early second-half Trojans rally to cruise to a 50-42 victory, clinching the league title outright.

CdA coach Dale Poffenroth admitted there was a little more tension than he would have liked early in the fourth quarter, but was pleased with his team’s overall performance.

“We had to adjust our defense in the fourth quarter,” Poffenroth said. “But the kids played pretty solid and didn’t give up – they played hard.

“These (Post Falls) kids are good – they shoot the ball well.”

Unheralded Post Falls (15-4, 8-3), which lost by two to Coeur d’Alene earlier in the season, was hoping to prove its credentials as a legitimate postseason threat.

The Trojans trailed 29-13 at the break, but cut the deficit to five with an 11-0 run, including a pair of 3-pointers by Kandice McArthur, to begin the third quarter.

A pair of baskets in the paint by junior Deanna Dotts put the Vikings back up by nine, 38-27, at the end of three, but Post Falls – freshman sensation Katelyn Loper in particular – refused to go away.

Loper, 0 for 5 from the field through three quarters-plus, suddenly caught fire from beyond the arc drilling three 3-pointers in 3 minutes and twice pulling the Trojans within three at 38-35 and 41-38.

The turning point came with 4:50 left in the game when, with a chance to cut the lead to one, McArthur missed a pair of free throws. The Trojans then seemingly fell asleep on defense at the other end, allowing senior guard Lindsey Stark a wide-open look at a 3-pointer, which found nothing but net.

The Vikings never looked back.

Post Falls coach Chris Johnson, whose team hosts Lake City tonight, was left to mull what might have been.

“I’m real proud of the girls,” Johnson said. “Even in the first half, for the most part, we played good defense except for a couple of spurts – that was a real good defensive effort.

“The kids really believe that they can beat Coeur d’Alene,” Johnson said. “But they realize that we can’t have letdowns and we have to put a whole game together – not just a third quarter or a fourth quarter, but the whole 32 minutes.”

Girls’ basketball

Brittany Devorak scored 15, including three 3-pointers, to lead Lewiston (9-9, 5-6) to a 55-32 win over visiting Sandpoint in Inland Empire League action. Alissa Tenuto scored nine to pace the Bulldogs (2-19, 0-12).

“Tabitha Clark’s jumper in the final two minutes lifted Priest River to a 52-51 win over visiting Kellogg in an Intermountain League game. Lacy Hopkins paced the Spartans (13-5, 4-2) with 18 points while Clark chipped in 10. Stephanie Cantrall and Amanda Seeling each scored 15 for the Wildcats (16-2, 4-2).

“Wallace converted six free throws in the final minutes to seal a 69-60 win over visiting St. Maries in a non-league match up. Lisa Carver finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Miners (9-9), who got 18 points from Krista Williams and 15 points and eight assists from Cara Hayman. Samantha Siron scored 23 and Darbie Shelden added 22 to lead the Lumberjacks (4-14).

Boys basketball

Shane Moser poured in 25 points, including three 3-pointers to lead Lewiston to a 76-51 rout over visiting Sandpoint an IEL game.

Andrew Packwood chipped in 16 points, and Shad Strerath added 12 for the Bengals (11-4, 5-3). Ryan Armbruster scored 18, and Drake Hanson finished with 13 to lead the Bulldogs (7-11, 2-7).

“Bonners Ferry hit 6 of 7 free throws down the stretch to hold off visiting Kellogg in a 55-51 Intermountain League win. Jesus Mendez led four players in double figures with 12 points for the Badgers (12-4, 3-1). Ty Ketchum and Joshua McDonald each scored 11 for the Wildcats (9-5, 3-1).

Wrestling

Kellogg earned wins over St. Maries and Kellogg in a double dual Intermountain League match at Kellogg. Preston O’Neill pinned Rick O’Donnell in the final minute (130 pounds), and Jacob Norris earned a 6-0 decision over Trevor Morris (152) to lead the Wildcats to a 37-26 win over the Lumberjacks. Kellogg got pins from O’Neill (130) and Will Yergler (135) en route to a 48-20 win over the Badgers.