Clark Fork sixth in 1A Division II

NAMPA - The Clark Fork Wampus Cats could not overcome a slow start in the first half, shooting 11 of 46 from the field in a 39-29 loss to Summit Academy of Cottonwood in the 1A Division II consolation championship (fourth-place) game Saturday at Nampa High.

"We just came out flat in the first half," Clark Fork coach Dexter Vogel said. "We've never played like that all year. We played better as a team in the second half, but just struggled to get the ball into the hoop."

Clark Fork (16-7), which finished sixth in its first trip to state since 2003, trailed 21-7 at halftime and opened the second half on a 7-0 run as the fourth-ranked Patriots went cold themselves, failing to score over a six-minute span in the third quarter.

"I'm proud of the girls and the way we competed," Vogel said. "We just happened to have a bad game."

Vogel also commended his team for its poise in getting into Saturday's game following a first-round loss on Thursday to Richfield.

"I couldn't be prouder of these girls," Vogel said. "They have some fight in them, but we just couldn't get it done. Summit (Academy) did a good job defending us. We'll be back next year."

Clark Fork senior Shaina Gustafson finished her Wampus Cat career with one point. Gustafson, who was injured late in the regular season with a broken shoulder blade from an ATV accident, wasn't sure if she would see the floor this week.

"Yes, there was a point when I thought I wasn't going to play," Gustafson said. "I just kept positive and at least I got to play. My teammates really pushed me to get back. I'm going to miss my teammates. We've got a real solid team. They are like my family, and I'm going to miss them next year."

Brocklynn Thornton had nine points for the Wampus Cats.

Rachel Wemhoff had 12 points for Summit Academy (18-6).

Summit Academy 9 12 4 14 - 39

Clark Fork 2 5 11 11 - 29

SUMMIT ACADEMY - Chmelik 11, Frie 0, T. Stubbers 7, Schumacher 2, Kuthers 0, R. Wemhoff 12, Prigge 7. Totals 15-43 9-26 39.

CLARK FORK - Palmer 7, Gustafson 1, Vogel 2, Kailang 2, Macumber 2, Komanec 6, Thornton 9. Totals 11-46 7-18 29.