Badgers to play in state finals today

Bonners Ferry 64

Marsh Valley 57

MERIDIAN — Junior Asher Williams, the reigning state 3A Player of the Year, notched his second straight 30-point night, leading the second-seeded Badgers past the sixth-seeded Eagles in a semifinal game, advancing to the title game for the second straight year.

The Badgers led the entire contest, with a one time tie early in the second quarter. 

In the fourth quarter, Bonners stretched the lead to 10, but senior Cody Dunn snagged a steal and dropped a three-pointer to bring the Eagles within one with 2:27 left. 

The Badgers pulled away again with two buckets from junior Thomas Bateman, making it 60-57.

On an inbound play, senior Trey Bateman threw a half court pass to his cousin Thomas, who was then fouled when he went for an open lay-in. An intentional foul was called, and Thomas made one-of-two free throws with 33 seconds left. 

After two jump balls, Brody Rice reclaimed possession for the Badgers. 

The Eagles fouled, sending Williams twice to the line, where he went three-of-four and rounded out the win, 64-57. 

Bonners Ferry (21-3) will face fifth-seeded Teton (20-7) in the championship game today at 2:50 p.m. (PST) at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. Teton upset top-seeded and defending champion Snake River (24-4) 66-59 in the other semifinal.

Thomas Bateman had 15 points and six rebounds for Bonners Ferry. Williams was named Player of the Game for the second state game. 

Marsh Valley    9    16    16    16    —    57

Bonners Ferry    14    21    14    15    —    64

MARSH VALLEY — Hansen 6, Dunn 7, Hadley 2, T. Whitworth 6, P. Belnap 15, K. Belnap 0, J. Whitworth 7, Bullock 14. Totals 19-44 11-14 57.

BONNERS FERRY — Blackmore 6, Rice 1, Smith 0, Hinthorn 2, Williams 31, Th. Bateman 15, Tr. Bateman 9, Abubakari 0. Totals 24-48 12-17 64.