Boys hope of a District Championship dashed

Weiser boys’ basketball faced Fruitland for the District Championship on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. All season, the Wolverines have looked good. The same cannot be said on this particular night. Actually, neither team looked comfortable. There is a great deal of passion for the game when these two teams tangle and tangle is an appropriate term for what occurred this past evening. Both teams had a large number of turnovers and emotions were running high. Weiser would lead for three quarters of the game but Fruitland maintained their poise and found a way to take the lead and keep it winning the game 42-37. The fact that not one foul was called in the first quarter was an indicator of how the referees, the best in the 5A division to boot, felt the teams should just play through the bumping and physical contact. Both teams complied with this request.

  Starters for this game were Drew McKie, Elias Daniel, Issac Zanelli, Tyler Hemphill and Justin Roberts. Zanelli would twist his ankle early in the game and virtually be ineffective for the rest of the game. This hurt. However, on a good note, Brock Bumgarner came in off the bench and ended up as high point man. McKie had a lot of rejections in the first half. Roberts stole the ball, lost the handle under the Weiser basket. Fruitland appeared to pick up the loose ball until Daniel stole the ball and put it through the hoop. McKie had his third rejection. Zanelli stole the ball. Bumgarner putback the “O” rebound. Bumgarner picked up the loose ball under the Wolverine basket and hit the reversed shot, 6-6. McKie to Bumgarner for two with under a minute to play in the first quarter. Hemphill had the steal and Bumgarner the finishing lay-up. Bumgarner tipped a Fruitland pass to keep Weiser in the lead 10-6 at the end of the first.

  Fruitland scored off a fastbreak and then hit the next shot to tie the game. Roberts to Bumgarner for two more. Bumgarner to Hemphill with the drive. Hemphill pulled up for the three point shot, 15-12. Daniel putback an “O” rebound. Hemphill passed to Roberts on the right wing. Roberts zipped the ball towards the basket as McKie leaped and caught the ball placing it into the cylinder. OOOOOHHHHHHH! Daniel on the defensive end leaped up and pulled the rebound out of a Fruitland players hands from behind. WOW! Weiser led at the half 19-12. 

  McKie was fouled making his first free throw. McKie drove the middle, dished to Hemphill on the outside right baseline for three, 23-14. Roberts drained two free throws. Fruitland began to make up ground while Weiser struggled to find the basket. Derek Reyes fought for the offensive rebound and put it through the hoop for two. At the end of the third quarter, Weiser 27, Fruitland 23.

  In the top of the fourth quarter, Roberts sank two more free throws. Fruitland drew to within a point at 6:38. McKie hit a long two, 31-28. At 5:26, Fruitland took the lead for good. Roberts hit a 12 footer, 34-33 Fruitland. Fruitland also went for the full court defense stifling Weiser’s ball movement. McKie made one more free throw. Weiser took a shot, the ball missed, Daniel had the rebound but the ball was literally ripped out of his hands and no foul was called. The game had less than a minute to go. Weiser had to foul to have any kind of chance at a comeback. Fruitland made enough free throws to ice the game despite Hemphill to Daniel for a three in the waning seconds of the game. Weiser would lose to Fruitland 42-37. Fruitland has won the last 10 straight District Titles. It is time for a new leader!

  Scoring: Bumgarner 10, Daniel 7, Hemphill, Roberts and McKie 6 each and Reyes 2.

Unlikely heros as Weiser wrestlers win District title 2012

  The Weiser wrestling team is strong and competent. Saturday, February 18, Weiser dominated all teams at the District tournament in Payette. Weiser took twenty-one wrestlers and after the dust had cleared, 19 of them are headed to the state tournament this next weekend in Pocatello. Weiser would handily win the team title. The story of the meet was the big man, Thomas Sharp at heavyweight. Read on to find out about this unlikely hero.
  106: Chris Beltran had only two matches on his way to the top of the podium. He would pin Andrew Randall of Homedale in 1:29. The championship round, no pin was going to happen. Beltran relied on takedowns and back points to win 17-8. Tristan Hinkley would lose his first match 8-6 to the second place finisher. Tristan dominated that same Randall wrestler in the consolation finals winning 11-1 to claim third place.
  113: Christian Oyervides lost his first match against the eventual winner by fall at 1:33. He then finished off Mannery of Fruitland by fall at 4:33. Christian would lose the consolation final 8-0 for fourth place.
  120: Lionel Perez is on a mission. He is not undefeated on the season but is undefeated in the SRV and that claim held at this tournament. Lionel would pin his first opponent in 1:49. His final's match was against Chase Neill of Payette. This really wasn't a contest as Perez racked up back points to win by technical fall 16-0 in the second period. Lionel would be crowned District Champion. Casey White won his first round match over the three seed. He would lose to Neill of Payette 13-8. White would pin Renz of Homedale in 33 seconds and then finish of Meyers of Fruitland at 2:56 for third place.
  126: Tyler Alder would defeat Jeppe of Fruitland by fall. Alder would lose in the third period to the first place finisher by fall at 5:27. Alex Gomez would lose by fall at 2:56 in the first round. Alex would pin Jeppe of Fruitland at 1:28 to stay alive. Gomez and Alder met in the consolation finals with Gomez taking the win 6-2 for third. Alder would finish fourth.
  132: Brady DeYoung won his first match handily by fall at 1:09. Brady would face King of Fruitland for all the marbles. Leading 7-1 after the first period, Brady made a mistake in the second period, nearly being pinned. He would still lead 9-7 with one period to go. Brady would win 13-7 for first place. Ubaldo Arana lost his first round match but won his second match by fall at 4:38. He would lose in the consolation finals 7-4 to earn fourth place.
  138: Noah Hall would lose his first round match as did Eric Sanchez. Hall would defeat Cody Bumgarner of Fruitland 10-8. Sanchez would defeat Dawson of Parma 7-5. Hall and Sanchez battled, and I do mean battled, for third place. The match went into triple overtime with Sanchez securing the win 8-5 for third place. Noah would take fourth.
  145: Cody Gable's first year of wrestling ended here. He is a senior and gave it everything he had but came up a bit short in a bid for a state berth. Gable would lose to Childress of Parma. In a tough, tough match against Stone of Fruitland, a match that went into overtime, Gable would be pinned at 6:45.
  152: Mitch Svedin should have been district champion. He would win his first match by pin at 4:29 putting him in the finals against Hemmert of Parma. Hemmert had the take down in the first period to lead 2-0. Not much happened in the second period so the score remained the same. Svedin picked the down position in the third period, escaped and had the takedown. Hemmert was able to reverse that and held on just long enough to win the title 4-3. Dustin Kistenmacher would lose his first match and then pin Ferguson of Parma in 1:37. Dustin would be pinned at 1:43 in the consolation finals and had to settle for fourth place.
  160: Matt Petero did not want to win the championship title in the manner that he did. Petero would pin his first opponent in 4:45. He would face Daulton Blackwell of Fruitland in the finals. Daulton has been battling a viral infection and unfortunately, after wrestling into the third period, had to bow out in a forfeit. Not the way he wanted to end his senior year for sure. Tyler Goodenough lost his first match to Blackwell. He would win his second match by fall at 1:51. He would win again by decision 9-4. His consolation finals was a win as well in 1:47 for third place.
  170: Matt Loughran has been called the comeback kid, the heart attack kid, and various other names. He is thrilling to watch to say the least. His first match was complete and total domination at 15-0. That put him in the finals against the number one seed from Homedale. Loughran would lead 6-5 at the end of the first. He would continue to add points in the second period to lead 10-5. The finishing touch came at 5:40 with the fall and first place.
  182: Anthony Baker was paired against the number one seed in the first round which did not turn out well for Anthony. His hopes of making it to the state tournament ended this past Saturday after two more losses.
  195: Nick Stephenson is a monstor. Pure and simple, a strong, strong young man. His first match went his way with a decision 9-3. Nick was up against first seeded Brad McCain  of Homedale. Homedale made some boo-hooing noise but it was all for naught. Nick would have a takedown in the first period but give up a penalty point. He would lead 2-1. In the second period, a few more penalty points were awarded but this time, Stephenson was the receipient. The fall came at 3:27 as Nick muscled McCain to the mat, flush on his back. First place in District belonged to Nick.
  220: JD Johnson would battle his nemisis from Payette, Rusty Penson, once again. Johnson won his first round match. Then is was the ever ongoing battle which Penson would win 5-4. Johnson went on to pin his next opponent in 49 seconds. He would lose to Hyer of Homedale in the consolation finals 9-3 for fourth place.
  285: I am biased when it comes to Weiser's heavyweight man, Thomas Sharp. Sharp is my nephew. He weighs 220 pounds. Everytime he steps on the mat as heavy weight, he is at a disadvantage weight wise. However, he is in incredible physical shape having played center for our awesome football team. He has stamina to spare. His theory is that if he can outlast his opponents, he will win. Most big men can't make it into the second period, much less the third period and this proved right more times than not on this Saturday. Thomas first match was against Sheppard of Fruitland. Sharp would earn the pin in the second period at 3:22. That pitted Thomas against Calderon of Homedale. This time, the pin happened at the end of the first period at 1:55.
  The finals had Thomas facing Anthony Freeman of Fruitland, the number two seeded wrestler in the state. It looked rather violent in the first period with a lot of slapping and manhandling going on, sort of like a boxing match. Neither man scored and it appeared that Freeman was already winded as he took an injury timeout for blood. Freeman picked the down position in the second period. Freeman would reverse Sharp but could not turn him for back points. It is very difficult to lift 285 pounds off your back when you only weigh 220. However, Sharp did escape and managed a takedown at the end of the period to lead 3-2.
  In the third period, Sharp started in the down position. He escaped and was dinged for a stall point. That still left Thomas ahead 4-3. Feeling it, Sharp went for the takedown, toppling the big man and finished the match with the win 6-3. Sharp still had enough energy to leap into the air with the win just as his coach, Drew Dickerson leaped with the win.
  That's how a tradition is carried on, with unlikely heros and heartwarming stories. Fantastic tournament and good luck at state!

Frosh/soph team best in the SRV

  Weiser's frosh/soph boys basketball team has lived the dream. This is Bowe von Brethorst's first year as the frosh/soph coach. His team finished the season 22-0 and won the SRV Championship. Two years ago, Neil Stutzman's last year as the frosh/soph coach, his team lived the dream finishing the season 22-0 and claiming the SRV Championship as well. Perhaps, there is a State Championship trophy waiting for these boys to come get it. Wouldn't that be an even better dream?
  Weiser played Parma in Parma on Friday, February 17 for that title. Starters for Weiser were Michael Huerta, Austan Hemphill, Thomas Crawford, Bradley Dove and Hayden Herrick.  Hemphill to Crawford for the bucket. Dove to Crawford for two. Herrick with the block on defense. Hemphill   nailed a three off the inbound pass, 7-2. Hemphill to Herrick at the free throw line for two. Hemphill to Herrick for the last shot of the first quarter. Weiser led 11-6.
  Herrick was fouled and drained both shots. Hemphill to Herrick for two more, 15-8. Crawford to Hemphill at the top of the key for the three. Crawford to Hemphill on the left baseline for yet another three. Weiser would take a 21-10 lead in at halftime.
  In the top of the third quarter, on the fastbreak, Crawford to Hemphill. Hemphill back to Crawford who ducked under the defender, made the shot, drew the foul and sank the free throw, 24-12. Crawford to Huerta at the top fo the key for the three. Herrick with the block from behind. Crawford with a steal and coast to coast finish. Crawford sank two free throws. Herrick with the drive and the ever so softly lay in of the ball. Chris Obuch banked home the two point shot at the buzzer. Weiser 35, Parma 16.
  In the top of the fourth quarter, Crawford stole the ball, passed to Hemphill for the reverse shot. How sweet it is. Crawford on the fastbreak to Dove for  two. Herrick put in a shot. Crawford on the give and go finished with the bucket. Herrick to Anthony Cavazos on the back door play for the basket. Weiser would win the game 45-25 and claim the championship title.
  Scoring: Crawford 13, Herrick 12, Hemphill 11, Huerta 3, Obuch, Dove and Cavozos 2 each.
  Congratulations on a well played season young men.

Lady Wolverines finish sixth in state

  Weiser played Salmon on Friday, February 17. Starters were Kellyn Fuller, McKenzie Johnson, Marquita Palmer, Nella Redman and Sadie Shirts. This was Fuller's career game as she hit was 50% from three point land. Redman to Fuller for the first of five, count them, five three point shots in this game. Weiser was again plagued with turnovers. That seemed to be the theme for this tournament for our gals. Johnson to Redman for two, 5-5 at 4:53 in the first quarter. Salmon went on a run. Johnson hit the last bucket from the free throw line. Salmon led 12-7 at the end of the first.
  In the top of the second quarter, Redman hit a baseline jumper. Shirts made a free throw. Palmer had a steal and then a block. Shirts inbound to Fuller for the three, 15-13 Salmon. Johnson to Fuller for yet another three. Palmer pulled down the defensive rebound, outlet passed to Johnson on the wing. Johnson went coast to coast for two and the lead 18-17. Shirts had a block. She was also fouled making one. Palmer with the "O" rebound putback. Palmer again with the "O" rebound putback. Weiser would lead at the half 23-21. Johnson had five assists and Palmer and Redman had five rebounds apiece at this point.
  Palmer with the "O" rebound putback in the beginning of the third quarter. Palmer had a block. Johnson to Redman on the left wing for her three point shot, 28-25. Redman to Palmer for two. Shirts made one free throw, 31-27. Johnson to Fuller for her fourth three point shot. Less than a minute later, Redman to Fuller for the fifth three pointer, 37-33. Salmon took advantage of several turnovers in the waning minute of the third to take the lead 39-37 with a quarter to play.
  Shirts to Johnson for the three and the lead momentarily. Salmon had three buckets off Weiser turnovers and it was not looking good for the Lady Wolverines. Fuller with the cross court pass to Redman for the three, 43-43 at 3:40 left in the game. Johnson took the ball three fourths of the court for the shot. Fuller putback her own "O" rebound, 47-45 at 1:24. Weiser began their keep away game at this point forcing Salmon to foul us.  Palmer and Fuller each made a free throw. Salmon took three shots in the last few seconds but none fell in with Johnson pulling down the last rebound. Weiser would win 49-45.
  Scoring: Fuller 18, Redman 10, Johnson and Palmer 9 each and Shirts 3. Rebounds: Palmer 13, Redman 12. Assists: Johnson 9. Weiser was 8 for 19 from three point range.
Filer
  Filer scored early and fast in this game off steals. Shirts was fouled draining both shots. Johnson made a free throw. Redman sank a three point shot, 7-6 Filer. Alex Mink hit an inside shot. Filer led at the end of the first quarter, 11-8.
  Shirts had a nice move inside for two. Redman with the "O" rebound putback, 15-12 Filer. Shirts to Johnson for a three. Shirts to Johnson for her second three, 20-18 Filer. At the half, Filer 22, Weiser 18.
  Johnson was still red hot making her third three in the top of the third quarter. Palmer with the "O" rebound putback, 23-22. Rachael Lee hit her first three point shot. This was an incredible shot as it was a jumper that banked in. If you have ever watched Lee shoot, she has perfect form with the shot coming from above her head, the proper form to be exact. Redman with the "O" rebound putback, 28-24. Lee with the "O" rebound putback. Filer would score with 15 seconds left in the quarter to tie the game 30-30 going into the fourth quarter.
  Filer scored first in the fourth quarter. Shirts inbound to Palmer for the jumper. Palmer for two more, 34-34. Shirts with the tip to Palmer for the "O" rebound putback, 36-36. Redman threw a full court pass to Johnson for the lay-up, 38-36. Weiser began to foul and Filer made their free throws. Filer also began their keep away game. Weiser's last shot was two free throws by Johnson. Weiser would lose the game 48-40.
  Scoring: Johnson 11, Redman 10, Palmer 8, Lee 5, Shirts 4 and Mink 2.
Thank you Ladies for a ride worth watching all season!

Girls lost first round at State to Snake River 32-25

Weiser ran into a defense they just could not figure out in first round action against Snake River. It was the first game of the State tournament on Thursday, February 16 for our gals. Neither team shot well and the score stayed low. Unfortunately, Snake River scored more times to win 32-25.
  Starters for this game were Marquita Palmer, McKenzie Johnson, Nella Redman, Kellyn Fuller and Sadie Shirts. Weiser turned the ball over to many times in this game including three times before we even scored. Snake River built a 7-0 lead before Johnson drove the key and made the basket. Redman was fouled making one shot. Palmer had a rejection on defense. Weiser hit one of 12 shots in this quarter and trailed 11-3 going into the second quarter.
  Redman would sink an early free throw in this quarter. Palmer made two. Redman put in a shot at the 3:22 mark, 13-8 SR. Shirts with the offensive rebound putback for two. Johnson scored off a Palmer screen, 15-12 SR. Palmer drained two free throws to close out the first half. Snake River held the lead 17-14.
  In the third quarter, Redman pulled down the defensive rebound and went coast to coast for the shot to draw to within a point. Palmer was fouled making both shots and giving Weiser the momentary lead 18-17. Snake River hit back to back three point shots to squash Weiser's hopes. Palmer would put in one more free throw. With one quarter to go, Snake River 25, Weiser 19.
  Palmer putback an "O" rebound. Johnson stole the ball and Weiser tried three times to get the ball to fall through the hoop but no dice. Weiser was forced to foul and Snake River had all the time in the world to use up the clock. Johnson to Palmer for two, 29-23 SR. Palmer putback an "O" rebound. Weiser just came up short dropping their first game at state 32-25.
  Scoring: Palmer 13, Redman 6, Johnson 4 and Shirts 2.

Boys sail past Parma in District 65-46

  The Weiser boys' basketball team began district play this past Wednesday, February 15 as the number one seed. They played Parma in a lopsided game which Weiser won 65-46. Starters for the game were Drew McKie, Issac Zanelli, Elias Daniel, Tyler Hemphill and Justin Roberts.
  Weiser's first bucket came via Hemphill to McKie inside for two. McKie with the cross court pass to Hemphill for the three point shot. McKie had his first rejection on defense. On the fastbreak, McKie to Daniel for two, 7-2. McKie hit back to back shots. Hemphill and Bruce Hamilton each had a steal. Zanelli with the basket. Derek Reyes to McKie for two. At the end of the first quarter, Weiser led 15-8.
  Reyes was fouled early in the second quarter making one free throw. Roberts hit his shot. Zanelli put in another bucket, 20-12. Roberts had the steal. McKie to Daniel for two. Hemphill to McKie for two more. McKie with another shot. Hemphill stole the ball and passed to Brock Bumgarner for the last Weiser basket of the first half. Weiser 28, Parma 20.
  McKie drove the lane for two in the top of the third quarter. McKie to Zanelli for the hoop. Roberts to Daniel for two. Roberts with the steal and the finish, 36-22. McKie to Hemphill for two. McKie drained two free throws. Bumgarner tipped in an offensive rebound. Bumgarner was fouled and made both shots count. At the end of three, Weiser led 44-31.
  In the fourth quarter, Bumgarner found Reyes under the basket for the shot. Reyes stole the ball. McKie made the shot, drew the foul and made the free throw. Reyes for two. McKie and Zanelli each had a rejection. McKie to Zanelli for two more, 53-33. McKie with yet another block. McKie to Hemphill for two. This is team work at it's finest. Daniel to Zanelli for the bucket. McKie hit Reyes on the fastbreak with the pass for the lay-up. 59-43. Ditto the very next play, McKie to Reyes.
  Perhaps the funnest play came at this point in the game. Reyes lofted the ball to Hamilton, Mr. Birthday boy, for the catch in the air and banked home shot. Ethan Thomas would make the last shot from inside the key. Weiser would savor the win 65-46.
  Scoring: McKie 19, Zanelli 10, Reyes 9, Hemphill 7, Daniel and Bumgarner 6 each, Roberts 4, Hamilton and Thomas 2 each.

Weiser claims sole title to number one with defeat of Payette 73-61

  It was senior night Friday, February 10 for the Wolverine basketball team and the last game of the regular season. Those seniors honored were Brock Bumgarner, Bruce Hamilton, Logan Loomis, Drew McKie, Philipp Schmitz and Issac Zanelli. The night began on an awesome note as the frosh/soph team defeated Payette 57-40 to finish the season undefeated at 20-0 under first year coach Bo von Brethorst. Varsity coach Neil Stutzman did the same thing three years ago, his last year as the frosh/soph coach. The JV dropped a close game 46-42. The varsity game was nip and tuck until the fourth quarter when the fouls began to pile up on Payette and the Weiser team settled down to play real basketball. The first half was filled with out of control play and plenty of turnovers by both squads. Weiser handled it better down the stretch winning 73-61. This puts Weiser in the number one spot for District.
  Starters for the varsity were Bumgarner, Tyler Hemphill, Zanelli, Elias Daniel and McKie. Payette stole the tip off and finished with the lay-up. Zanelli to Daniel for two. McKie hit one free throw. Payette built their lead to 11-3. McKie to Zanelli for the lay-up. McKie with the rejection. Ethan Thomas nailed a THREE from the right wing at 3:22, 11-8 Payette. McKie stipped the ball and launched it to Derek Reyes on the fast break for two. Weiser picked up four quick fouls. Zanelli hit the long range banked shot two pointer, 12-11 Weiser. Hemphill had a steal, was fouled and drained both free throws. Thomas banked home his second THREE! Daniel to Zanelli for his THREE. Bruce Hamilton sank a THREE! At the end of the first, Weiser led 23-19.
  Hamilton hit a baseline two in the top of the second quarter. Zanelli had a block on defense. Hamilton to Zanelli on the back door play for two, 27-24. Daniel putback an "O" rebound. McKie drove the key, lost the handle on the ball but stayed focus, regained possession and almost dunked the ball, 31-24. Hemphill scored off the "O" rebound. Thomas sank his third THREE! Zanelli intercepted a pass and with a hop through the key made the shot. Weiser led at the half, 38-33.
  The third quarter began sloppy. Payette scored on the fourth trip up and down the court. Hemphill to Zanelli for the hoop. Hemphill with the nice move for two. Payette pulled to within a point, 40-41. McKie tipped in an "O" rebound. Payette took the lead at 1:56 as Weiser was missing easy inside shots. Zanelli inbound to McKie who caught the ball in the air and shot it true. Payette had the lead at the end of the third, 52-46.
  McKie drove the lane for two as Weiser began it's domination of the fourth quarter. Daniel hit the jumper, 52-50 Payette. McKie with the block on defense. Hamilton inside the key passed outside to Hemphill for two but Weiser trailed by a point 53-52. McKie with the steal outlet passed to Hemphill who returned the favor as McKie made the shot, 54-53 Weiser. Zanelli to McKie at the top of the key for THREE! Zanelli to Daniel for two. Zanelli putback the "O" rebound after Weiser had tried four times to get the shot to drop. Bumgarner with the "O" rebound putback.
  At this point, 2:15, Weiser had a good lead 63-57 and paraded to the free throw line for the rest of the game. Free throws were made by Zanelli with two, Hemphill with four, McKie with three and Bumgarner with one. Weiser would win 73-61.
  Scoring: Zanelli and McKie 17 each, Hemphill 12, Thomas 9, Daniel 8, Hamilton 5, Bumgarner 3 and Reyes 2.

Boys pull off victory in last quarter, 46-44 over Fruitland

  Six tough teams met on Wednesday, February 8 in Fruitland for a little game we call basketball. The frosh/soph team continues to be undefeated downing Fruitland 42-25. The JV game was close with Fruitland having a stong fourth quarter to win 60-54. The varsity game was fast paced and frought with turnovers and missed shots. Weiser never had the lead until 20 seconds left in the third quarter  but that was negated early in the fourth. Superior defense and some incredible plays by one crafty guard, Tyler Hemphill and monster blocks by the big man, Drew McKie helped Weiser hold on to win 46-44.
  Starters for Weiser were McKie, Hemphill, Issac Zanelli, Elias Daniels and Justin Roberts. There were many missed shots early and Fruitland had a knack for picking Weiser's pockets in the first half. Fruitland would score first on the third trip down the court. McKie on the fast break with a pass about 90% of the way down the court to Hemphill for the pullup jumper. Hemphill had a steal. McKie to Roberts for two, 5-4 Fruitland. McKie had a monstor rejection on defense. McKie inside for two. Brock Bumgarner with a good move sank the bucket, 13-8 Fruitland. McKie knocked down the THREE! Thirty seconds later, McKie sank his second THREE from the same spot. At the end of the first, Fruitland led 17-14.
  On a side note, Weiser was in a bit of foul trouble sending Fruitland to the line. Fruitland couldn't buy a free throw in this game. Zanelli to McKie for the long two at 5:28 in the second quarter, 21-16 Fruitland. Bumgarner sank the shot off a tipped pass. Bumgarner made a free throw. McKie with the offensive rebound putback. Fruitland would head into the locker room at halftime with a 26-21 lead over Weiser.
  Fruitland hit back to back shots in the top of the third quarter. McKie fired the pass to Roberts for the easy two. McKie pulled down the defensive rebound and on the fastbreak hit Daniels with the lead pass for the lay-up. McKie hit a bucket. McKie with the "D" rebound outlet pass to Zanelli this time for the lay-up. The clock showed 5:15 with Weiser trailing by a point 30-29. Hemphill to Roberts on the left wing for the shot. Roberts made one free throw. Zanelli over the top for two, 35-34 Fruitland at 2:57. Hemphill stole the ball. Weiser had a shot miss but Hemphill went horizontal with the court to retrieve the rebound, landed on his side and kept on dribbling the ball, gained his feet and made it out of the key. Awesome!  Daniels hit the shot that put Weiser ahead for the first time from the top of the key thanks to that great hustle by Hemphill. With eight long minutes to play, Weiser led 36-35.
  Fruitland scored thrice in the beginning of the fourth to reclaim the lead. Zanelli had the steal and hit the jumper from the top of the key. At 3:40, Roberts drew two defenders in the key so passed outside to Bumgarner for the unguarded shot, 41-40 Fruitland. McKie with the no look pass to Bumgarner for the hoop, 42-41 Weiser.
  This next play was a brilliant play and one I personally have never seen in all the years I have watched or played basketball. The clock stood at 2:33 with the teams tied 42-42. Hemphill had the ball out of bounds under the Weiser basket. The Fruitland defender turned his back to Tyler so Tyler bounced the ball off that player's back, caught the ball inside the key and banked the shot home. Fruitland tied the game at 1:19.
  With 39 seconds to go, Daniels was inside the Weiser key surrounded by defenders. He passed outside to Zanelli for the soft jumper, 46-44 Weiser. Fruitland called time-out. They took three shots that missed and on the last shot, Bumgarner came down with the ball and was fouled but there weren't enough team fouls to put us on the line for free throws. With 4.7 seconds to go, Weiser was fouled and the one and one shot missed. Fruitland had the rebound and called time-out. Weiser called time-out. Fruitland's James Livingston, the man who hits the three's with ease brought the ball down the court zigzagging through Weiser defenders. He drove the key and tried to alley-oop the ball in but McKie was having none of that and blocked the shot cleanly. Weiser had the victory 46-44 and can claim out right first place in District even with one game to go.
  Scoring: McKie 14, Bumgarner 9, Zanelli 8, Roberts 7, Hemphill and Daniels 4 each. By the way, McKie, Bumgarner and Zanelli were just three of the players from the seventh and eighth grade A-team that won SRV in back to back years.

Ladies win District Championship over Fruitland 44-34

  Yahoo! The monkey is off their backs, well the grizzlies actually. The Lady Wolverines faced the Lady Grizzlies of Fruitland in the District Championship game on Tuesday, February 7 at TVCC gym. The game was for all the marbles and the right to represent our district as the number one seed at the State tournament this week. At one point in the first quarter, the score was similar to a baseball line score rather than a basketball game. It doesn't matter as Weiser had a run in the third quarter putting the game out of reach to win 44-34.
  Let's throw some statistics at you. Weiser's shooting in the fourth quarter wasn't much with the only field goal being a three point shot. What saved our bacon was our free throws. Weiser hit 11 of 18 tries from the charity stripe and won the game by 10 points.  That's where the game was won. This game also featured an incredible amount of shoving and pushing with Fruitland being warned multiple times for their rough behavior. It cost them in the end with plenty of fouls.
  Starters for the game were Marquita Palmer, the only 4 year starter for Coach Nick Reed, McKenzie Johnson, Nella Redman, Kellyn Fuller and Sadie Shirts. Fruitland controlled the tip but both teams were ice cold. Fuller hit a THREE at 6:08 for the first score of the game. Redman sank a free throw. When Fruitland called a timeout at 2:37, the teams were tied 4-4. Fruitland made two buckets before Fuller found Johnson for the THREE. At the end of the first, Fruitland led 8-7.
  Johnson scored off the inbound pass early in the second quarter. The lead changed a few times with Fruitland going up 12-9. Rachael Lee had a steal and finished with the soft right-handed lay-up. Johnson to Redman for the THREE and the lead 14-12. Johnson stole the ball right out of a Fruitland players hands and sprinted to the other end for the lay-up drawing the foul and sinking both free throws, 16-12. Johnson drove into the key, looked to pass but no one was open so she hit the jumper with two players in her face. At the half, Weiser 18, Fruitland 14.
  Palmer had the inside shot to increase Weiser's lead in the opening minute of the third quarter. Redman to Johnson for the THREE! Palmer sank another shot. Shirts put in a shot, 27-14. Fruitland scored their first basket in the third quarter at 1:10. Palmer sank a free throw and Shirts put two in. Fruitland would hit a three just before the buzzer, however Weiser had built a nice lead 30-19 with a quarter to play.
  Fuller hit nothing but the net and it was nearly silent for her THREE! Smooth! The fouls were coming hard now by Fruitland. Redman was fouled and the player was also given a technical. Redman sank two shots and Johnson made one of the technicals. Johnson was sent to the line many times sinking five more free throws in this quarter. Redman put in three more. Weiser would win the game from the line 44-34.
  Scoring: Johnson 18 (8 of 10 free throws), Redman 9 (6 of 8 free throws). Fuller 6, Palmer 5, Shirts 4 and Lee 2.

Ladies advance to championship game in district play

  Weiser began district play this past Friday, February 3 at TVCC. Payette had defeated Parma the night before to earn the right to play our number one seeded Lady Wolverines. The game was hotly contested until halfway through the third quarter when Weiser began to settle in and shoot better. Weiser would win the game 59-43.
  Starters for the game were McKenzie Johnson, Kellyn Fuller, Marquita Palmer, Nella Redman and Sadie Shirts. It took Weiser a little while to find the hoop as Payette took the early lead 4-0. Palmer to Fuller at the top of the key for the first of four, yes four, three point shots. Fuller putback an offensive rebound as Weiser moved into the lead 5-4. Redman muscled her way inside for the shot. Palmer for two. Shirts handed the ball to Palmer after she pulled down the "O" rebound. Palmer sank the shot, 11-6. Johnson was fouled draining both free throws. Fuller to Palmer for two. Rachael Lee had a rejection on defense. Weiser led 15-10 at the end of the first quarter.
  In the top of the second quarter, Lee had the ball dribbling to her right looking to pass. She had space inside the key so pulled up for the jumper. What a great shot! Palmer was fouled and snapped the net twice, 19-12 Weiser. Redman sank a free throw. On the fastbreak, Johnson to Lee. The ball circled the rim three times before gravity pulled it through. Weiser's last play of the quarter Fuller was at half court, threw a pass to Palmer who fed it to Johnson for the shot, the foul and the made free throw. Payette would sink a three at the buzzer. At the half, Weiser 25, Payette 22.
  Payette had the ball to start the third quarter and made a shot closing the game to a point, 25-24 Weiser. Palmer was fouled making one shot. Redman was fouled making both cout. Palmer to Fuller for the THREE! Weiser had a bit of breathing room once again up 31-24. Redman had her foot just over the three point line when she let loose the long two. Johnson nailed a THREE! Johnson to Fuller for her third THREE! Palmer with the "O" rebound putback, 41-29. Weiser was in a little foul trouble with Payette taking advantage of that. Fuller would drain her fourth THREE as Weiser had the lead, 44-33 going into the fourth quarter.
  Lee was fouled early in the fourth making both shots count. Lee with the shot the foul and the made free throw, 49-35 Weiser. Johnson with the "O" rebound putback. Lee stole the ball but the lay-up was just too hard and missed. Redman for two. Redman with the drive to the hoop for the bucket. Johnson made her shot. Shirts to Johnson for the last shot of the game. Weiser would win 59-43.
  Scoring: Fuller and Johnson 14 each, Palmer and Redman 11 each and Lee 9.

Boys handle Parma 60-43

  Weiser boys hosted Parma on Thursday, February 2. The frosh/soph team had a back and forth game. Weiser would take the lead with under 30 seconds to go in the third quarter and close out the game with the win 27-23. The JV game neither team dominated as a point separated the two teams at every quarter except the last. Weiser proved to be stronger winning 68-56. The varsity really had no problems handling Parma and won 60-43.
  Starters for Weiser were Elias Daniels, Tyler Hemphill, Justin Roberts, Issac Zanelli and Brock Bumgarner. Parma was hacking early drawing two quick fouls. Hemphill inbound the ball to Roberts for the bucket. Roberts stripped the ball and fed Hemphill for the lay-up. Roberts with the "O" rebound putback. Parma tied the game 6-6 at 3:10 and took the lead 8-6, 30 seconds later. Derek Reyes sank a shot but Parma led at the end of the first, 13-8.
  Reyes was fouled in the top of the second draining the free throws. Bumgarner for two. Drew McKie sank a shot. McKie hit the 14 footer, 19-16 Parma. McKie with the "O" rebound putback. McKie to Roberts for two tying the game 20-20 at 4:10. Daniels was fouled and made both shots. McKie hit the turnaround fade away jumper, 24-20 Weiser. McKie sank two free throws. Hemphill drained two free throws. McKie sank one more free throw. Reyes scored off the drive. Hemphill to Bumgarner for the shot. At the half, Weiser 33, Parma 27.
  McKie to Zanelli for the backdoor shot at the start of the third quarter. Hemphill put in two free throws. Weiser stole the ball, Zanelli finished with the shot. Bumgarner to McKie for two, 41-28. Hemphill to Bumgarner for the hoop. Zanelli to Bumgarner who caught the ball in the air and banked the shot home. At the end of the third quarter, Weiser 45, Parma 32.
  Hemphill picked the ball and hit Bumgarner with the pass for the easy lay-up. Daniels had the shot, the rebound was tipped by Bumgarner back to Daniels for the bucket. McKie made a free throw. Daniels banged his way inside for two. McKie had two more made free throws. Hemphill made the lay-up on the fastbreak. Zanelli with the drive and soft handed touch for two. Weiser stole the ball. Zanelli to Bumgarner for the basket. Weiser wins the game 60-43.
  Scoring: McKie 16, Bumgarner 12, Hemphill 8, Roberts, Reyes, Daniels and Zanelli all with 6 each.