STATE 5A BOYS: T-Wolves bow out in two

NAMPA — With its backs against the wall twice in the last two weeks, Lake City responded when it mattered most.

A win at archrival Coeur d’Alene, then closing out Booth Hall with another win at Lewiston to advance to the state 5A tournament were big steps for a team that won three games last season.

Freshman Kolton Mitchell had 19 points and five steals for the Timberwolves, who fell to the Rigby Trojans 72-53 in a loser-out game at the Ford Idaho Center, finishing the season 16-10.

Lake City trailed 23-22 late in the second quarter, but Rigby (24-2) shot 26 of 42 from the field, 17 of 23 in the second half to pull away.

“The score was a little misleading,” Lake City coach Jim Winger said. “We had to gamble and take some chances late. But we played great, and had some opportunities. Our kids played hard, and it was a great game for us. Rigby’s a tough club. You never love a loss, but our kids really showed a lot in that game.”

Varick Meredith, another freshman, had nine points and three rebounds for Lake City, which graduates one senior in Brayden Sundstrom.

“I told them to finish on empty and they didn’t leave anything in the tank,” Winger said. “We battled, and it was a rough and fast game. We handled ourselves great and really showed a lot of toughness. It was a big positive for such a young team.”

Lake City was at state for the first time since 2014.

“It’s been a priviledge to be around them,” Winger said. “Some of the things we’ve done in the last couple of weeks have been great. Looking at the first game down here, we missed some shots we’d usually make. But I’m pretty happy with the kids and their progress throughout the season. Considering where we were last year, and where we finished, it’s been an awesome season.”

Britton Berrett scored 18 points for Rigby, which faces Meridian in the consolation championship game today at Columbia High in Nampa.

Lake City 14 9 11 19 — 53

Rigby 18 11 18 25 — 72

LAKE CITY — Meredith 9, Janke 2, Irvin 4, Kiesbuy 7, Spellman 0, Johnson 5, Hanson 7, Mitchell 18, Sundstrom 0. Totals 16-50 14-22 53.

RIGBY — Larsen 0, DaBell 4, Miller 8, Berrett 18, Fredericksen 4, Tyler 0, Thompson 14, Talavera 0, Fox 9, Uffens 15, Tucker 0. Totals 26-42 15-24 72.