Amanda Knapp
Idaho has a rich history of basketball, with the Idaho Vandals, Idaho State Bengals, and Idaho State Journal all representing the state in various competitions. The Idaho Vandals, for instance, have had notable players such as Mikayla Ferenz, who was part of the Splash Sisters duo and was named Big Sky Conference Player of the Year in 2019. The Idaho State men's basketball team has also been active, recently facing off against Northern Arizona in a closely contested match that ended with a score of 82-79 in favor of Northern Arizona. Idaho also hosts high school basketball tournaments, with the Idaho High School Boys Basketball State Tournament taking place in Boise and the Treasure Valley, determining the state champion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Idaho Vandals victory over Weber State | 81-79 |
| Idaho Vandals player with the highest points | Tyler Mrus (22 points) |
| Idaho State men's basketball team's performance against Northern Arizona | Loss |
| Idaho State men's basketball team's performance against Montana State | Loss (75-60) |
| Idaho State men's basketball team's performance against Idaho and Eastern Washington | Win |
| Idaho State Journal's invitation | Take part in the community conversation |
| Idaho basketball state tournament scoreboard | First-round updates, semifinal matchups |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Idaho Vandals' win over Weber State
The Idaho Vandals had a successful season, winning their final home game against Weber State and earning a first-round bye in the FCS playoffs. The Vandals finished the year with a battle for the Potato State Trophy against Idaho State, but first, they had senior night at home against Weber State. The team was focused on taking one game at a time and avoiding distractions during the seniors' last game at the Kibbie Dome. The Vandals were 4-0 at home that season, winning by an average of 12 points per game. They faced a Weber State team that had lost four games in a row, including an eight-point home loss to Idaho State.
The Vandals had 11 seniors and graduate students on their roster, as well as several redshirt juniors who could graduate that year. The senior class was highlighted by Keyshawn James-Newby and Tommy McCormick, who combined for an impressive 128 tackles, with McCormick also serving as a three-year starter and captain. The team planned to have more festivities than usual for this final home game, but head coach Jason Eck was careful to ensure that they didn't affect the team's energy level once the game started. He recognized that Weber State had less to play for and, therefore, less to lose, so he knew they would be motivated to play spoiler.
The game against Weber State was a close contest, with Idaho pulling out an 81-79 overtime victory. Tyler Mrus was the hero, scoring 22 points, including a game-winning 3-pointer in overtime. This win helped the Vandals rise in the rankings and finish the season strongly. It also contributed to their perfect home record and demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure.
The Idaho Vandals' win over Weber State was a testament to their resilience and determination. By focusing on one game at a time and avoiding distractions, they positioned themselves well for the FCS playoffs. The seniors on the team, led by players like James-Newby and McCormick, contributed significantly to the team's success, and the entire roster stepped up when it mattered most.
Easton Girls Basketball Triumph: Did They Win?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Idaho State men's basketball team's defensive struggles
The Idaho State men's basketball team faced a challenging defensive battle against Northern Arizona, ultimately falling short in their efforts. The team's struggles were evident from the start, with the Lumberjacks shooting an impressive 70% in the first half alone. Head coach Ryan Looney acknowledged their superior performance, attributing it in part to the fatigue of his own team, who had just come off back-to-back road wins and a lengthy bus ride back to Pocatello.
The final score reflected the challenging nature of the game, with the Bengals losing 82-79. Despite the efforts of players like O'Neil, who scored 14 points, and Isaiah Griffin, who contributed 9 points and 4 rebounds, the Bengals were unable to secure the victory. This loss placed them fourth in the Big Sky Conference standings, with a 10-8 record in the conference and a 15-14 record overall.
The Idaho State men's basketball team's defensive struggles were further highlighted by the performance of the Northern Arizona players, who dominated the game with their shooting accuracy. The Bengals' inability to match their opponents' offensive prowess and their fatigue from a demanding schedule contributed to their defeat. The team's focus on defense, or lack thereof, was a critical factor in the outcome of the game.
The Idaho State men's basketball team's defensive woes were not limited to this particular game. Their struggles were evident throughout the season, as reflected in their overall record. The team needed to regroup and refocus their defensive strategies if they wanted to improve their performance and secure more victories in future games. Their performance in the Big Sky Conference tournament, where they faced Montana State, would be a crucial test of their ability to address these defensive challenges.
Arrowhead Boys Basketball: Champions or Contenders?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Idaho high school boys basketball state tournaments
The Idaho High School Boys Basketball State Tournaments for 2025 are well underway, with the brackets and schedules released on March 3. The tournaments, ranging from 6A to 1A, commenced on March 6, with the first round of games taking place in Boise and the Treasure Valley. The games will determine the state champion, with the final championship games scheduled for Saturday at the Ford Idaho Center.
Game results and matchups are as follows:
Game 1:
- No. 3 Madison (21-2) vs. No. 6 Boise (11-14), 12 p.m.
- No. 3 Hillcrest (18-5) vs. No. 6 Columbia (14-12), 12 p.m.
Game 2:
- No. 2 Lake City (19-4) vs. No. 7 Thunder Ridge (13-11), 2 p.m.
- No. 2 Firth (18-5) vs. No. 7 Marsing (12-11), 2 p.m.
- No. 2 Lewiston (20-4) vs. TBD
- No. 2 Valley (22-0) vs. No. 7 Grace (12-13), 2 p.m.
- No. 2 Rockland (20-3) vs. TBD
Game 3:
- No. 1 Owyhee (20-4) vs. No. 8 Borah (11-13), 5 p.m.
- No. 1 Declo (23-1) vs. No. 8 Orofino (9-12), 5 p.m.
- No. 1 Kamiah (21-2) vs. No. 8 Victory Charter (14-9), 5 p.m.
Game 4:
- No. 4 Timberline (16-10) vs. No. 5 Meridian (15-9), 7 p.m.
- No. 4 Ambrose (15-8) vs. No. 5 Soda Springs (14-10), 7 p.m.
- No. 4 Lakeside (15-5) vs. No. 5 Riverstone (20-2), 7 p.m.
Game 5:
- Madison vs. Loser of Game 2, 5 p.m.
- New Plymouth (17-8) vs. Loser of Game 2, 12 p.m.
- Hagerman (16-9) vs. Loser of Game 2, 12 p.m.
Game 6:
- Loser of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 4, 7 p.m.
- Loser of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 4, 2 p.m.
- Loser of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 4, 2 p.m.
Game 7:
- Boise vs. Winner of Game 2, 12 p.m.
- McCall-Donnelly (15-9) vs. Winner of Game 2, 5 p.m.
- Wendell (18-6) vs. Winner of Game 2, 5 p.m.
- Kendrick (18-7) vs. Winner of Game 2, 5 p.m.
Game 8:
- Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4, 7 p.m.
- Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4, 2 p.m.
- Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4, 7 p.m.
Michael Lycklama, a seasoned reporter of Idaho high school sports, will be covering the tournaments, providing updates, insights, and stories from the competitions.
Hoosiers Triumph: Indiana Basketball Claims Victory
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Idaho women's basketball player Stacey Barr
Stacey Barr, a guard for the University of Idaho women's basketball team, has had a notable career in basketball and Australian rules football. During her 2014-15 basketball season, Barr earned WBCA All-America Honorable Mention honors, averaging an impressive 21.3 points per game, the highest in her career.
In 2016, Barr was drafted by Fremantle in the AFL Women's draft, marking her transition to Australian rules football. She made her debut in the 2017 season, playing in every match and finishing with seven games under her belt. That same year, she experienced a thirty-two-point loss to the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval.
Barr returned to basketball in 2018, playing for the East Perth Eagles in the SBL before concluding the year with the Frankston Blues in the SEABL. She then took her talents to Luxembourg, playing for Basket Esch. In 2019, she rejoined the SBL, this time with the Warwick Senators, and contributed a team-high 16 points in the grand final against the Rockingham Flames. Despite her efforts, the Warwick Senators fell short, losing the game 85-56.
While Idaho men's basketball has experienced recent struggles, with defensive issues leading to losses, the state's basketball scene is vibrant, with high school tournaments and the University of Idaho women's basketball team showcasing the sport's depth in the region.
Fanduel Basketball GPP: Strategies for Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Idaho's top basketball athletes
Idaho has a rich history of producing talented basketball players, both male and female, who have gone on to achieve success at the collegiate, professional, and international levels. Here is a closer look at some of Idaho's top basketball athletes and their notable achievements:
Stacey Barr is undoubtedly one of Idaho's most outstanding women's basketball players. During her time at Idaho (2011-2015), Barr was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2013 WAC Tournament in Las Vegas, leading the Vandals to the NCAA Tournament.
The men's basketball team at Idaho has also produced some notable athletes, including Ali Forde and Katelyn Peterson, who achieved all-conference mentions and championships in multiple sports. Additionally, the Idaho Vandals have had recent success with players like Tyler Mrus, whose game-winning 3-pointer in overtime secured an 81-79 victory over Weber State, and Isaiah Hawthorne, who scored 25 points against Northern Colorado.
On the professional stage, Idaho has produced several NBA players who have made their mark in the league. Luke Ridnour, a native of Idaho, had a 12-year NBA career where he was known for his court vision, defensive skills, and precise passing. He played for teams like the Seattle Supersonics and Milwaukee Bucks, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players from the state.
Another standout from Idaho is Steve Hayes, a 7-footer with an impressive nine-season NBA career. Hayes was a dominant force in the paint, known for his shot-blocking abilities and nimble footwork. His combination of size and skill made him one of the finest players from the state.
Idaho has also produced other notable NBA players, including Dale Wilkinson, known for his physicality and tenacious rebounding, and Charlie Black, who is recognised as one of the state's best exports.
At the high school level, Idaho continues to showcase its basketball talent. In the 2022-23 season, the state boasted nationally ranked teams and standout players. One notable player is a 6-foot point guard who led his team and was recognised as the unquestioned leader. Additionally, Kesler from the College of Idaho demonstrated his talent with an impressive 3-point shooting percentage and exceptional court vision.
While Idaho's basketball teams and individual athletes have experienced their share of wins and losses, the state consistently produces talented players who make their mark on the sport.
Illinois Basketball's Historic Home Win Streak: How Long?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Idaho does not seem to be winning in basketball. The Idaho State men's basketball team lost to Northern Arizona 82-79 on Monday night.
The Idaho Vandals earned an 81-79 overtime victory over Weber State. However, they also lost to Northern Colorado 92-74.
Idaho high school boys basketball state tournaments are currently underway in Boise and the Treasure Valley. The first-round updates and semifinal matchups can be found on the Idaho Statesman website.
