Sugar ends Shelley's reign

Sugar ends Shelley's reign

Published: Thursday, February 26, 2009 11:29 PM MST
Idaho Falls -- The Sugar-Salem Diggers set the tone right from the tip off, beginning the game with a strong offensive surge that secured a lead they would hold the entire game in a 73-57 win to wrest the district title away from the Shelley Russets.

The Russets had won the district championship five years straight, until now.

This was the third time in a week that the two teams had meet, Shelley won last Friday's game and Sugar's victory tonight was their second in as many nights against the Russets.

"We played balanced ball all game," said Diggers' Coach Jay Miller; "We played really well as a team, and did a great job or working the ball inside and out."

The game was actually closer than the score suggests. After taking a 42 to 29 lead into half time the Russets cut the lead to single digits part way through the third quarter. Sugar responded with another offensive run led by guard Kevin Walker and Forward Caleb Brown -- who led the Diggers with 15 points.

Shelley didn't give up and continued to put a lot of pressure on the Sugar offense with a stubborn full court defense they used for nearly the entire game. The Sugar offense took their time especially in the fourth quarter and did a good job of sharing the ball and being patient. Walker orchestrated the Digger offense through a number of key possessions leading all players with 8 assists.

Sugar was also able to get to the free throw line with regularity in the fourth quarter. Although their free throw shooting wasn't stellar at 66%, they were able to build on their lead and stayed focused on the defensive end forcing a number poor possessions and turnovers by the Russets. The game concluded with a 73-57 Diggers victory and district championship.

"The Russets are a quality team," said Miller emphatically during his post game acceptance of the district championship trophy. Shelley gave the Diggers great competition to build off of heading into the state tournament.

Miller Added, "It feels great to win the district, it has been awhile. We've worked really hard all season, and I'm proud of how our boys played."

Upon the final buzzer Sugar fans and students rushed onto the court to embrace their victorious players. The players as well as the coaching staff then took turns ceremoniously cutting down the net as a memento of their so far very successful season.

The Diggers head into the state tournament next week riding great momentum and in a position to stir thing up against their competitors.

Idahosports.com will have live online coverage for all state games.

Shelley 14 15 12 16 57

SS 22 20 14 17 73

Shelley -- Kabe Call 0, Lakoda Stommel 2, Gabe Nii 0, Tanner Higham 15, McCabe Bono 4, Jason Christensen 4, Mason Higham 18, Tommy Higham 14, Cody Andersen 0, Chase Hanson 0.

Totals 20-56 12-21 57.

Sugar-Salem -- Brett Miyasaki 2, Kyle Andrews 12, Tyler Beddes 0, Tyler Rhoton 2, Brennan Bean 12, Kevin Walker 8, Jordon Ostermiller 6, Thomas Johansen 2, Bryden Morris 6, Cameron Hastings 6, Fletcher Rydalch 2, Caleb Brown 15.

Totals 23-43 21-33 73.

3-pointers--Shelley 5 (To. Higham 4, T. Higham 1), SS 4 (Walker 2); Fouls--Shelley 27 (Fouled out: Lakoda Stommel), SS 18 (Fouled out: None); Rebounds--Shelley 37 (M. Higham 11), SS 32 (2 tied with 5); Assists--Shelley 7 (T. Higham 5), SS 13 (Walker 8); Technicals: None.

KEVIN GULBRANSEN -- sports@uvsj.com