4A DISTRICT 1 GIRLS BASKETBALL: Timberlake turns it up in second half, advances to state 4A play-in game

SPIRIT LAKE — When the postseason comes around, Timberlake often turns it up a notch on the girls basketball court. 

On Monday, the Tigers really cranked it up in the second half. 

The top-seeded Tigers limited the second-seeded Bonners Ferry to three field goals, and did not allow a point in the second half of a 57-16 to advance to a state 4A play-in game on Saturday at Prairie High. 

“It was super important,” Timberlake junior Malia Miller said. “We had to come out with high energy and played for each other.” 

Timberlake led 20-13 after the first quarter, then limited Bonners Ferry to three points in the final three quarters. 

“I thought we played really sloppy in the first half,” Timberlake coach Matt Miller said. “We talked about sharpening things up both offensively and defensively. I wasn’t aware that it happened, but thought we were sloppy on both ends in the first half. I was happy with the adjustment the girls made in the second half.” 

Timberlake (18-3) will face the third-place team from District 3 (Boise area), with that winner advancing to state starting on Feb. 20 at Middleton High. Bonners Ferry finishes 12-9.

It is the third straight district title for Timberlake, which advanced to the play-in after sweeping the regular season matchups with Bonners Ferry. Had Timberlake lost Monday in Game 1, the tournament would have continued with a best-of-3 game series.

Since Timberlake won both meetings in league play, the Tigers were able to capture the district  title by winning the first game Monday night.

“I think it was really big,” Matt Miller said. “Confidence-wise, going into the postseason and being able to practice and prepare for some different teams instead of the same team we’ve played the last couple of weeks. I think it was really, really important. I was proud of them for getting it done tonight.” 

Nelson had eight of her game-high 13 points in the first half for Timberlake. 

“It was super important to me to leave this gym on a high note,” Nelson said. “Knowing our team was able to get the win, even though the shots weren’t falling tonight. Our chemistry is so good and being able to communicate, even when our talking on the court isn’t as good. We’ve been doing this a long time, and it really feels like a family unit.” 

Senior Sydney Hinthorn scored six points for Bonners Ferry.

Bonners Ferry    13    3    0    0    —    16 

Timberlake    20    14    16    7    —    57 

BONNERS FERRY — Petesch 0, Bateman 4, Mierke 3, Willis 1, Hinthorn 6, Johnson 0, Hiatt 2. 

TIMBERLAKE — Soumas 5, Nelson 13, MacArthur 12, Simpson 8, Needs 5, Miller 9, Jones 5, Milligan 0, Reynoldson 0, Cooper 0, Yetter 0. 

    JASON ELLIOTT/Press Timberlake senior guard Marissa Needs drives to the basket as Bonners Ferry sophomore Eva Willis defends during the third quarter of Monday's 4A District 1 tournament game at Timberlake High.