Lady Wolverines beat Payette to advance in district tourne

Following a tough loss against the Fruitland Grizzlies in the initial round of the Snake River Valley (SRV) District Tournament, the Lady Wolverines were pitted against the Payette Pirates in the consolation bracket of play on Feb. 11.
 The Wolverines jumped out to an early lead in the game despite allowing the Pirates 15 shot opportunities. The Pirate shots were not on the mark throughout the period and the Pirates managed only 2 points from the field and 3 points from the line.  
 Meanwhile, the Wolverines fared only slightly better in their shot successes, shooting 4 for 16 from the field, including a 3-point basket from Ivy Morris.  Andrea Bouvia also added a pair of free throws to give the Wolverines an 11-5 lead after one period.
 Throughout the remainder of the first half, the Wolverines continued to struggle from the field. Maddy Erickson had 4 points during the second quarter and Mattie Shirts and Marissa Moyle had 2 points apiece.  
 Fortunately, the Weiser defense held the Pirates to only 10 shot attempts and 6 resulting points, which kept the Wolverines in the lead 19-11.
 The Wolverines turned on the pressure in the second half and outscored the Panthers 24-4 during the third quarter. Erickson was on fire with 8 points from the field and 3 free throws. Moyle added two 2 point baskets and one basket from behind the arc. Macy Moore added a basket and a pair of free throws and Shirts had a basket in the paint.
 Leading 43-15 to begin the final quarter, the Wolverines continued to work hard, especially from the free throw line.  Shirts added three free throws and Erickson added one.  
 Overall, the Wolverines shot 85 percent from the line for 11 points.  Erickson also had 4 points from the field and Morris added another 3-point basket to her total and Alex Bittinger had a basket.  
 The Wolverines held the Pirates to a mere 7 points from the field during the fourth quarter, but placed the Pirates on the line 10 times for 4 points, but it wasn’t nearly enough and the Wolverines took the game 56-26 and advanced to the runner-up game, where they would face the Fruitland Grizzlies again for a chance to qualify for the 3A Idaho State Basketball Tournament.
 Maddy Erickson had a tremendous night with a double-double 22 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Marissa Moyle with 11 points and 7 rebounds. Mattie Shirts added 9 points and 12 rebounds and Ivy Morris had 6 points and 4 rebounds. Macy Moore contributed 4 points, while Alex Bittinger and Andrea Bouvia had 2 points apiece.