MARK NELKE/Press
St. Maries senior Xavier Sloper (32) looks to go up for a shot as Cooper Brown (4) and Thomas Henderson (3) of Ririe defend in Friday's state 3A boys basketball semifinal at Meridian High.
March 7, 2026
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March 7, 2026 1:25 a.m.
STATE 3A BOYS SEMIFINALS: St. Maries puts on a defensive show
Lumberjacks hold Ririe to six first-half points, advance to first title game since 2022
“I challenged the boys a little bit,” St. Maries coach Bryan Chase said after the Lumberjacks defeated Ririe 42-37 to earn the Lumberjacks’ first berth in the state title game since 2022. “They say these guys have the best defense in the state; let’s show them who really has the best defense out here. I know when we put our minds to it, we’re a pretty good defensive team too.”