NAMPA – In front of 5,249 fans at the Ford Idaho Center, the Sugar-Salem Diggers secured the 2025 4A Idaho State Championship with a hard-fought 47-41 victory over Bear Lake on Saturday evening.
The championship matchup between the tournament’s top two seeds lived up to expectations, featuring strong defensive play from both squads and crucial performances from key players. Senior Tasha Larsen led all scorers with 15 points, including four three-pointers on nine attempts, while adding 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Ashlyn Harris showcased her all-around game with 10 points on efficient 4-of-7 shooting, alongside 8 assists and 8 rebounds. Monika Nead’s 9 points and 8 rebounds helped the Diggers maintain control throughout the contest.
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The pivotal third quarter saw Sugar-Salem outscore Bear Lake 16-11, providing the separation needed in what was otherwise a tightly contested Idaho State Championship battle. The Diggers shot 36.4% from the field and dominated the glass with a 36-35 rebounding advantage, including 26 defensive rebounds that limited Bear Lake’s second-chance opportunities.
Bear Lake’s offense was led by Tayizee Neal’s 9 points (3-of-6 FG, 1-of-3 3PT, 3-3 FT) and Halle Wells’ 7 points and team-high 10 rebounds. The Bears showed their resilience throughout, forcing 17 Sugar-Salem turnovers while committing just 8 of their own. Despite connecting on only 5 of their 28 three-point attempts, Bear Lake’s defense kept them within striking distance until the final minutes.
The championship game put an exclamation point on Sugar-Salem’s impressive tournament run, which included a 68-28 opening round victory over Gooding and a 47-21 semifinal win against Timberlake. The Diggers’ championship performance demonstrated the balanced attack and defensive prowess that made them the tournament’s top seed.
Sugar-Salem maintained their composure in the fourth quarter, matching Bear Lake’s 12 points in the final frame to secure their victory and the 4A Idaho State Championship at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa.
Final Score: Sugar-Salem 47, Bear Lake 41
Game Leaders:
Sugar-Salem
- Tasha Larsen: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
- Ashlyn Harris: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists
- Monika Nead: 9 points, 8 rebounds
Bear Lake
- Tayizee Neal: 9 points, 3 rebounds
- Halle Wells: 7 points, 10 rebounds
- Peyton Crockett: 4 points, 5 rebounds
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