Declo and Kimberly boys basketball heading to state tournaments after play-in wins

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The Declo Hornets and Kimberly Bulldogs boys basketball teams cannot call themselves district champions this season, but both are heading to state nonetheless after some impressive wins on Saturday.

Declo took down West Jefferson 55-43 to claim the final spot in the 3A tournament.

The Hornets suffered their first loss of the season in the district semifinals to Soda Springs and from there needed a loser’s bracket run and a state-play in game win to qualify.

The Hornets run included wins over Aberdeen, No. 2 West Side and then West Jefferson in the play-in game on Saturday.

Declo will join Wendell and Soda Springs as District IV-V teams at state.

Kimberly will be heading to the 4A state tournament after a 77-67 upset win over Weiser on Saturday.

The Dawgs entered the game with an 11-14 overall record compared to the 17-6 record of the Wolverines, but it was Kimberly who put up nearly 80 points in this one as the offensive explosion continued.

In Kimberly’s two wins this week they have scored their two highest game point totals (77, 73) in must-win situations which bodes well for them as they head into the 4A state tournament where every single game will be must-win.

Grace 49, Oakley 37

The Hornets have played as many games as any team across the state during the district tournaments (6) and with one more win needed to secure a state tournament berth they unfortunately ran out of gas in a 12-point loss and will finish the season with a 19-7 overall record.

Garden Valley 62, Camas County 32

Tough day at the office for the Mushers as they lose the state play-in game by 30 after winning the state championship last season.