Rockland ends Carey’s state title hopes

NAMPA, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Carey came up just short.

The No. 2 Carey Panthers lost to No. 3 Rockland 38-32 Friday in the 1A semifinals.

This was the second meeting between the two teams as Carey won 42-36 in December.

While Carey led 16-10 at half, both teams were struggling to shoot the basketball.

Rockland shot a mere 13 percent while Carey was 30 percent from the floor in the first half and would finish just over 25 percent.

In the second half, the Bulldogs came out with aggression on a 6-0 run to cut the deficit and would then hit a buzzer-beater layup to enter the fourth.

Rockland took the lead in the fourth but Carey remained within one score into the final minutes but couldn’t get it done.

The Bulldogs attacked inside and would shoot a whopping 31 free throws, only making 15.

Sophomore Andie Simpson paced the Panthers with 15 points and grabbed three rebounds.

Senior Heidi Rojas scored nine and freshman Ali Simpson had six.

Emily Ruiz had the final two points as only four Panthers scored.

The Panthers will play against Salmon River at noon on Saturday for third place.

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